iMac: Discounted Rev B or new Rev C??

[spampretzl]

I'm currently a pc user intending to switch to Mac in the next week or so. I intend to use the iMac mostly for internet, office type stuff, basic GarageBand, watching movies, etc. While I would like the remote that the rev C's have, I have no use for the iSight, which makes it hard to justify the $200 or so difference between a clearance rev B and a new rev C. Are the other upgrades (video card, ddr2, etc.) enough to justify the price difference? Will there be any way of getting the remote and software to work with the rev B since it is still an iMac?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Nuc]

..

My motto is get the latest and greatest when your purchasing something, especially a computer, then you won't kick yourself later. Get the new one!

Nuc

 

[chucknorris]

I'm currently a pc user intending to switch to Mac in the next week or so. I intend to use the iMac mostly for internet, office type stuff, basic GarageBand, watching movies, etc. While I would like the remote that the rev C's have, I have no use for the iSight, which makes it hard to justify the $200 or so difference between a clearance rev B and a new rev C. Are the other upgrades (video card, ddr2, etc.) enough to justify the price difference? Will there be any way of getting the remote and software to work with the rev B since it is still an iMac?

Thanks for your advice.

Based on your predicted usage, the rev B is more than enough computer for your needs.

Some questions I would ask, and you can ask yourself are.

How soon are you willing/able to upgrade again?
Do you tend to need the newest and greatest technology?

The rev Cs are an amazing value (dare I say the most bang for the buck Apple has EVER offered in a Mac product?), but the refurb Bs are jaw-droppingly cheap right now.

I personally am planning on buying an iMac next summer, depending on what's going on with the Intel transition, and will most likely buy a new 17" rev C.

Anyway, best of luck with your iMac-ing!

 

[chucknorris]

My motto is get the latest and greatest when your purchasing something, especially a computer, then you won't kick yourself later. Get the new one!

Nuc

Illogical as it is, Nuc does have a point. Once again though, if you're content with slightly passe technology, then go for the B all the way.

 

[sigamy]

As of now, Apple has said that Front Row and the remote are only for the new iMac. Will they start shipping a remote and IR sensor and include Front Row in iLife '06? Maybe. Seems to make sense.

As for which machine...I just checked Apple's Special deals page and those are some amazing deals for refurbished iMacs! The first gen 1.6Ghz 17" is just $749! Even with it's low-end video card that is a great price. The rev B. 20" 2.0Ghz is now just $1299! That is $400 cheaper than the new iMac.

I've read split opinions on the value of the new video card. I don't think the new card, RAM and 100mhz jump are going to make a huge difference in performance. Load a Rev B with RAM and it will scream.

Maybe wait until the Rev C ships and check some benchmarks. For me, a bigger plus on the new model is the slimmer size and Front Row. I currently have (and love) a G4 iMac and the G5 is just a bit too bulky for me. Thinner is more gooder!

If you want Front Row today you have to get the Rev C. Again, maybe wait a while and see what happens in Jan at MacWorld. Maybe Front Row will be in iLife by then.

Or save some cash and go with the Rev B. You can always find other software to do similar things as Front Row--check out CenterStage, Matinee http://matinee.dizandat.com/, and other media center apps. Heck with the savings you can even buy an ElGato and really turn the iMac into a media center.

 

[minimac]

I just purchased a refurb 17". I actually ordered it before the new models were announced and I was just able to get the price adjusted to match the discounts. I 'd say the refurbs are a great deal, but I'm now experiencing the noisy fan issue and am concerned about that. Of course I have no idea if the newer model addresses that or if I will be able to get the fan replaced easily by Apple. I'd say buy what you need, I considered returning mine and getting the new model but the cost was too much for getting a few neat features.

Good luck with your decision, let us know which way you go.

 

[SuperChuck]

I just decided to go for the new Rev C iMac for these reasons:

1) Better video card. Nothing is worse than wanting to play a game in a couple of years and discovering that your video card is incompatible. I'm not a gamer, but I hate discovering that my Mac is no longer compatible with the newest version of one of the few games I enjoy (COUGH-COUGH-Sims2-COUGH)

2) Better RAM and more RAM expansion - RAM is your friend, no matter what you do with your Mac. Better RAM, more RAM & faster RAM are all good things.

3) Front Row and PhotoBooth will be fun toys to have around, and will be sure to impress my Windows-addled friends.

4) The built-in iSight is very convenient. I have an iSight, but pulling it out and plugging it in is not something I do often. I know I will use the iSight more now.

5) The form factor is slimmer and sexier

6) All-in-all, the new Mac will be an acceptable computer for a bit longer than the older model.

To me, all of the above is worth $200-$400.

 

[reberto]

I just decided to go for the new Rev C iMac for these reasons:

1) Better video card. Nothing is worse than wanting to play a game in a couple of years and discovering that your video card is incompatible. I'm not a gamer, but I hate discovering that my Mac is no longer compatible with the newest version of one of the few games I enjoy (COUGH-COUGH-Sims2-COUGH)

2) Better RAM and more RAM expansion - RAM is your friend, no matter what you do with your Mac. Better RAM, more RAM & faster RAM are all good things.

3) Front Row and PhotoBooth will be fun toys to have around, and will be sure to impress my Windows-addled friends.

4) The built-in iSight is very convenient. I have an iSight, but pulling it out and plugging it in is not something I do often. I know I will use the iSight more now.

5) The form factor is slimmer and sexier

6) All-in-all, the new Mac will be an acceptable computer for a bit longer than the older model.

To me, all of the above is worth $200-$400.

Damn, took the words right out of my mouth!

 

[ebow]

I just decided to go for the new Rev C iMac for these reasons:

1) Better video card. Nothing is worse than wanting to play a game in a couple of years and discovering that your video card is incompatible. I'm not a gamer, but I hate discovering that my Mac is no longer compatible with the newest version of one of the few games I enjoy (COUGH-COUGH-Sims2-COUGH)

2) Better RAM and more RAM expansion - RAM is your friend, no matter what you do with your Mac. Better RAM, more RAM & faster RAM are all good things.

3) Front Row and PhotoBooth will be fun toys to have around, and will be sure to impress my Windows-addled friends.

4) The built-in iSight is very convenient. I have an iSight, but pulling it out and plugging it in is not something I do often. I know I will use the iSight more now.

5) The form factor is slimmer and sexier

6) All-in-all, the new Mac will be an acceptable computer for a bit longer than the older model.

To me, all of the above is worth $200-$400.

Just to play devil's advocate...

1) From what I understand (second-hand) the new video cards are only marginally better.

2) Better RAM, sure. But "more expansion" is debatable. Sure, you could max it out at 2.5 GB, but it will set you back a pretty penny, and with only one RAM slot, any < 2 GB upgrade you put in now will have to be completely replaced to install something new.

3) It's likely that Front Row and PhotoBooth will be generally available not too far off in the future (perhaps part of iLife 06?).

4) Just leave the iSight set up.

5) Yeah, but I look at the sleek front of my 17" iMac.

6) A bit.

Of course, all of this comes from someone with a 2-month-old rev. B iMac who's trying to not feel too jealous of the new models (actually, the only thing that really gets me is the lower base price for a mostly equivalent machine--old $1499 model ~= new $1299 model).

 

[Danksi]

Damn, took the words right out of my mouth!

I was just interested in the inclusive Superdrive, which was basically a CDN$250 jump before. The other stuff's icing on the cake.

5) The form factor is slimmer and sexier

hmm. I'd get out more mate.

 

[Abstract]

I'd get the refurb. There's no reason to get the new one in your case.

 

[hamster]

I think it's a matter of personal preference on the new form factor - to my eye (and maybe it's just trying to feel good about my Rev. B) the 'slimmer' profile at the edges is a good thing, but the bulge on the back looks ugly - I prefer the more linear shape of the B -- and the iSight, while a nice feature that I would likely use, looks like an afterthought...

I'm guessing the performance differences are negligible today. Will the C outlast the B on technical features, maybe - but not in the time frame I'm likely to keep a machine.

 

[runninmac]

I envy your computer... If only I had the willpower to save up

 

[SuperChuck]

Just to play devil's advocate...

1) From what I understand (second-hand) the new video cards are only marginally better.

2) Better RAM, sure. But "more expansion" is debatable. Sure, you could max it out at 2.5 GB, but it will set you back a pretty penny, and with only one RAM slot, any < 2 GB upgrade you put in now will have to be completely replaced to install something new.

3) It's likely that Front Row and PhotoBooth will be generally available not too far off in the future (perhaps part of iLife 06?).

4) Just leave the iSight set up.

5) Yeah, but I look at the sleek front of my 17" iMac.

6) A bit.

Of course, all of this comes from someone with a 2-month-old rev. B iMac who's trying to not feel too jealous of the new models (actually, the only thing that really gets me is the lower base price for a mostly equivalent machine--old $1499 model ~= new $1299 model).

1) Agreed, but better is still better.

2) I just maxed out the RAM for $330. That's only $130 more than Apple charges for their 1 GB stick. Most people won't do this, but it's nice that
you can. The fact that it is better, faster RAM means a lot, too.

3) Yeah, but they will be passé by then!

4) I didn't leave it set up because I was on a powerbook that often traveled. I realize that leaving it set-up would be an option with a desktop, but I'm still excited that it is built-in - plus the specs on the built in model are actually (somehow) better.

5) Okay - I admit that I am jealous of that. The little camera will take some getting used to. Why-oh-why didn't Ives make a simple, sliding white door to cover the isight when not in use?

6) Yes - a bit, but I'll take it.

 

[Moonlight]

I just had to make the same choice. I went with the rev B. I never need the isight, and front row is nice, but not worth $200.

 

[kwajaln]

I had a friend over yesterday (someone familiar with Macs) and he was blown away with both the performance and appearance of my Rev B iMac G5. I personally feel that it is the most beautiful computer ever, and I definitely prefer it over the Rev C's with their bulging behinds and iSights in the front. To me the built-in iSight is an eyesore and takes away from the super clean look of the Rev B.

 

[QCassidy352]

I personally feel that it is the most beautiful computer ever,

I'm gonna have to vote no on that... the imac G4 is much more beautiful than any of the G5s!

I would go with the rev. C, personally, but I'm kinda a sucker for having all the latest cute-but-unnecessary features. What can ya do.

 

[Jovian9]

I just purchased a refurb 17". I actually ordered it before the new models were announced and I was just able to get the price adjusted to match the discounts.

How did you get a price adjustment on a refurbished Mac and how long did it take to get the adjustment once you called? I just ordered a 12" refurb PowerBook last week and am worried they will be introducing new PB's and will lower the price on them......which could lower the price on my 12" refurb....so I was thinking about cancelling until then, but I need this ASAP so....

 

[Jovian9]

I'm gonna have to vote no on that... the imac G4 is much more beautiful than any of the G5s!

No doubt about that

 

[bodeh6]

I believe that the LCD in the 20" iMac Rev C is now better then the 20" ACD

. iMac ACD
Brightness 280 cd/m 250 cd/m
Contrast 800:1 400:1

 

[Naimfan]

If it were me, I'd go with the Rev. B. The performance advantage of the Rev. C is miniscule, and if that matters then you should be looking at a Powermac anyway. Given your stated uses, I think a discounted Rev. B would be a much better value then a new Rev. C.

I would be willing to bet that a Rev. B 2GHz with maxed out RAM would outperform overall a stock Rev. C....

Like many Rev. B owners here, I was initially disappointed that the iMac was updated. But after reviewing the changes, the Rev. B is better for me anyway--the built-in modem is significant for me since DSL isn't available to me and I absolutely refuse to pay the exorbitant rates requested by the local cable company. Also, I have zero use for iSight--I'd have bought one if I needed it--and the 5% increase in processor speed is irrelevant. I also prefer the form factor of the Rev. B--it just looks cleaner and more "finished."

Best,

Bob

 

[wdlove]

If I were in the market I would go with the iMac Rev. C also. Two weeks ago you would have paid full price and wish that you had waited when this announcement was made. Think that you will be very happy with the new one.

 

[minimac]

How did you get a price adjustment on a refurbished Mac and how long did it take to get the adjustment once you called? I just ordered a 12" refurb PowerBook last week and am worried they will be introducing new PB's and will lower the price on them......which could lower the price on my 12" refurb....so I was thinking about cancelling until then, but I need this ASAP so....

I called the number from my invoice email 1-800-676-2775. They looked up the new price from the refurb store and said no problem. Was credited to my card a few days later. The email says it must be within 10 calendar days.

Edit...
However I have since decided to return my Rev. B iMac because of the fan noise problem that I was experiencing. I'll check out the Rev. C once they are in the stores and people start posting with their observations.

 

[Dave00]

2) Better RAM and more RAM expansion - RAM is your friend, no matter what you do with your Mac. Better RAM, more RAM & faster RAM are all good things.

Well, that's actually a little debatable. True, Rev C tops out at 2.5GB RAM, but only if you can afford a 2GB stick... as opposed to a Rev A/B where you can get 2x1GB, much cheaper. It's hard to beat the price on a Rev A/B right now. It'd be interesting to see if they've managed to silence the fans with the redesign (doubtful).

Dave

 

[Dave00]

2) I just maxed out the RAM for $330. That's only $130 more than Apple charges for their 1 GB stick. Most people won't do this, but it's nice that
you can. The fact that it is better, faster RAM means a lot, too.

Obviously, with 3rd party RAM. Apple's is $1200. If it works, let us know where you got it.

Dave