Is the new 2,66 iMac so horrible for someone that doesn't play games?

[eidimon]

After a lot of consideration, i am very close to buying the new 2,66 Ghz iMac, as i feel it's the closest to what i can afford.
Although i wouldn't mind getting the 2,93 model, it would probably cost me a bit more than i would like.
I live in Greece, so no refurbs, and buying a cheap older model 2,8 or 3,06 from the uk is not that much of an option, as they either don't ship in Greece, either charge enough on delivery to make the older 2,8 non-customizable model more expensive than a new 2,66 Ghz iMac bought at home.
What i would like to know is if you consider buying the 2,66 ghz model that bad choice, for someone who doesn't play games, and mostly performs mainstream tasks, with the most demanding things being auidio/video conversion, hd playback, and running programs like matlab (the latter not that often though)
Your opinion would be very much appreciated...

 

[iDAG]

It sounds like the 2.66GHz model is enough iMac for you to do want you want.

 

[eidimon]

To tell you the truth, ever since the new models came out, i practically have done nothing, but sit all day trying to solve the equation as to what i should buy.
I've spent an enormous amount of time, and i think i've grown too tired to search for what would be best for me to buy anymore.
I think i'll probably just buy the 2,66 model and stop thinking about it that much.
The whole graphics card thing is probably just psychological anyway, as i don't think it will affect my everyday work.
It's just knowing that your computer does not have a decent graphics card.
However i am starting to realize that i don't really need one.
The 24" screen, the 4Gb RAM and the larger hard disk are probably far more important...

 

[patricem]

To tell you the truth, ever since the new models came out, i practically have done nothing, but sit all day trying to solve the equation as to what i should buy.
I've spent an enormous amount of time, and i think i've grown too tired to search for what would be best for me to buy anymore.
I think i'll probably just buy the 2,66 model and stop thinking about it that much.
The whole graphics card thing is probably just psychological anyway, as i don't think it will affect my everyday work.
It's just knowing that your computer does not have a decent graphics card.
However i am starting to realize that i don't really need one.
The 24" screen, the 4Gb RAM and the larger hard disk are probably far more important...

You'll love it...and your wallet will be happy...and hey- it is a NEW Imac!!!! Internet reviewers like CNET give it high marks. ANY new Mac is a great mac

 

[eidimon]

I have finally decided that tomorrow i'm going for the 2,66 model, and never think about it again..
The 2,93 does have dedicated graphics (better than the 9400, in general not anything exceptional from what i have seen so far) but costs about 300 euros more (a bit less than $400),and i don't think it's worth spending that much more (considering what it's used for)
Thanks to everyone that has given their opinion..

 

[patricem]

I have finally decided that tomorrow i'm going for the 2,66 model, and never think about it again..
The 2,93 does have dedicated graphics (better than the 9400, in general not anything exceptional from what i have seen so far) but costs about 300 euros more (a bit less than $400),and i don't think it's worth spending that much more (considering what it's used for)
Thanks to everyone that has given their opinion..

Did you pull the trigger? Let us know all about it, ok?

 

[skythefly13]

It's what I have, and it has been PLENTY enough. You will not be disappointed.

 

[shinchan72]

It's what I have, and it has been PLENTY enough. You will not be disappointed.

Agreed, OP you will enjoy it and it sounds perfect for you also. I've had one since the day they came out and for 1499 (business discount for me so it took away the tax) it's a great machine.

No need to upgrade RAM , great 24" screen and plenty of drive space and elegant looking plus the main plus , OS X.

And don't let the 9400m whiners who have never owned one make it seem like its "bad". I can run videos to games with reasonable specs without any problem.

 

[eidimon]

Well, i tried getting one today, along with an airport extreme, and an tv, from the local educational store.

However, they had some problems with their site (whenever i tried to complete the order i got a page that an exception occurred).

Will give it a shot again some time later today, or tomorrow...