New iMac setup for University student

[robz0r]

Hi,

I am starting my degree at uni next year in graphic design. I currently own a 13" mbp but need a work horse for at home that will last me at least 3 years for my degree.

My budget is roughly AU$3500 and basically have two options as I see it:

1: 27" iMac i7 w/ 8gb ram upgrade and possible HDD upgrade (this would leave me an odd AU$500 under budget)

2: 27" iMac i5 w/ 4gb ram + 27" acd (they don't sell the 24" anymore?)

Is there any other good options that would suit my needs? I want it to be quite powerful for graphic processing but I also want as much screen real estate as possible.


Thanks.

 

[Hellhammer]

Well, you can always add an external monitor later on but the CPU will be what it is. I would get the i7 and then save for the 27" or get a 3rd party monitor.

 

[robz0r]

This is true, however going into university my income will be very scarce until I finish.

Only 3rd party monitor at 27" and 2560x1440 was the dell U2711 and seems to be nearly as costly, or I may be misinformed.

 

[Santabean2000]

This is true, however going into university my income will be very scarce until I finish.

Only 3rd party monitor at 27" and 2560x1440 was the dell U2711 and seems to be nearly as costly, or I may be misinformed.

Why do you need so much screen space? If you're on a budget then a second smaller display is the way to go.

The 27" is massive. I doubt you'd need two! (Although that would look pretty...)

 

[robz0r]

Why do you need so much screen space? If you're on a budget then a second smaller display is the way to go.

The 27" is massive. I doubt you'd need two! (Although that would look pretty...)

I want it to look pretty

 

[SpitUK]

Get the i7 27" with 16Gb, SSD, 2Tb and just get used to using Spaces. Sorted.

My mac eats anything I throw at it!

 

[robz0r]

Get the i7 27" with 16Gb, SSD, 2Tb and just get used to using Spaces. Sorted.

My mac eats anything I throw at it!

Sell me yours for AU$3500 if you like?

 

[SpitUK]

I paid less than that for mine. Although I did the mods myself of course. Depends how handy you are. Only took me an hour.