New iMac - Apple Store vs Alt Dealer and Video Editng Specs

[LevLeviev]

I'm planning to buy an iMac within the next week or so. I have a couple questions:

1. I was planning at buying at the Apple Store because I have an education discount. But first, I don't see a i7 listed on their website - that can't be right? Or am I missing something? Also can I get custom options like extra RAM at the store?
2. What might be the benefits of going to an alternate dealer like Small Dog in this case?
3. Regarding RAM, I'm a filmmaker doing a good amount of work in Final Cut Pro and After Effects - nothing too crazy, but I do sometimes have to a 3-screen HD composite. What's the minimum RAM I should buy? Are there other options I should be aware of?

Thank you,
Lev

 

[Hellhammer]

I was planning at buying at the Apple Store because I have an education discount. But first, I don't see a i7 listed on their website - that can't be right? Or am I missing something? Also can I get custom options like extra RAM at the store?

Select the i5 iMac, that gives you an option for i7 CPU for additional 200$. If you're going to buy it from an Apple Store (NOT Online-Store), then you should call them and ask do they have i7 iMac since it's a BTO.

Yes, you can add more RAM in online store but it's expensive, thus I would buy it from aftermarket to save $.

What might be the benefits of going to an alternate dealer like Small Dog in this case?

They may not charge sales tax. I would buy from Apple, it's easier, especially as Small Dog's price is the same.

Regarding RAM, I'm a filmmaker doing a good amount of work in Final Cut Pro and After Effects - nothing too crazy, but I do sometimes have to a 3-screen HD composite. What's the minimum RAM I should buy? Are there other options I should be aware of?

I would buy 2x4GB from aftermarket to make it 12GB. It's only ~160$, buy from OWC for instance

 

[LevLeviev]

Great advice - thanks!