Look for Expert's Help 21.5" iMac - I Read Buyers Guide

[krimedog]

Hi,

I appreciate anyone taking the time to answer these questions.

I'll be using this iMac for audio production with external audio hardware I already own (Firewire 400 based). I'm looking at a 21.5" iMac and hoping to spend under $1300. I'm running a 2.0 Ghz Core 2 Duo PC and it's slow and buggy even with a fresh OS. I am eligible for the Education Discount.

1. Is the Core i3 much faster than the Core 2 Duo?
2. Which refurb model is the best bang for the buck?
3. Do the refurb models go on sale on Black Friday? Is Black Friday worth waiting for? Is refurb a better deal than education discount?
4. Should I get a wired keyboard to avoid battery changes?
5. Is the 3.06Ghz sufficient or should I jump for the 1TB drive model with 3.2Ghz or simply upgrade the hard drive only myself? (Pretty tech savy)
6. Any other recommendations for a new iMac?

Thank you!

 

[DannyBres]

BTW, id rather new than refurb.

Is the Core i3 much faster than the Core 2 Duo?

Yup

Which refurb model is the best bang for the buck?

Dunno

Do the refurb models go on sale on Black Friday? Is Black Friday worth waiting for? Is refurb a better deal than education discount?

No
No
No


Should I get a wired keyboard to avoid battery changes?

No

Is the 3.06Ghz sufficient or should I jump for the 1TB drive model with 3.2Ghz or simply upgrade the hard drive only myself? (Pretty tech savy)

What will you be using garageband or logic or other?

Any other recommendations for a new iMac?

Nope! Although 27” is amazing!

 

[miles01110]

Is the Core i3 much faster than the Core 2 Duo?

Not much. Although it's hard to compare an i3/OS X to a C2D/Windows.

Do the refurb models go on sale on Black Friday? Is Black Friday worth waiting for? Is refurb a better deal than education discount?

Refurb prices don't change.

Should I get a wired keyboard to avoid battery changes?

Depends on if you want to bother with battery changes or not. Personal preference.

 

[Hellhammer]

1. It's fast enough to be worth the extra

2. 27" i7 for 1649$ IIRC

5. Upgrading the HD ain't that simple and may void your warranty. Just get externals or jump for a model with bigger HD

 

[krimedog]

YOU ARE AWESOME. THANKS FOR THE QUICK REPLIES.

DannyBres - I use Ableton Live rewired to Reason.