New iMac vs Previous iMac

[powtail]

Previous (top of line) iMac $1699
http://www.macmall.com/p/Apple-iMac/product~dpno~8183585~pdp.gcbafci

New (mid-line) iMac $1649
http://www.macmall.com/p/Apple-iMac/product~dpno~8535499~pdp.gfgcadg

This will be my first mac, need some help here. I have no need for thunderbolt, so that is really not a concern.

Which one is the best choice? Specs look so similar, it is tempting to go for the older model.
I guess it comes down to what is better, right? ATI 5750 1GB vs ATI 6770 512MB and the new i5 2.7ghz vs older i5 2.8ghz

Also, Facetime is possible with either model correct? seems like just software update.

 

[omyard]

I'm also curious about the difference in graphics card performance between the two you posted. Hopefully someone can chime in...

 

[Hastings101]

The processor is better, but you really won't notice that speed increase unless you use very processor intensive applications.

The video card in the old iMac is actually a 5850m (I think), so it will perform better than the 6770m (which is almost equivalent to the last generation mid-line imac's 5730m).

 

[powtail]

I think I will pull the trigger for the old one.
Something just feels wrong but the price seems right.

 

[Hastings101]

I think I will pull the trigger for the old one.
Something just feels wrong but the price seems right.

That's what I would do. It might feel weird buying "old" stuff but technically it's just as good as the new stuff

 

[sammyman]

Go for the new one. Sandy bridge, thunderbolt.

 

[pt0016]

6770M is better than the last gen's 27" 5850M, and is infinitely better than the 5730 (last gen 21.5") graphics card.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html

 

[migsdalusong]

get the newer one. it is said that the even the new entry level 21.5" is faster than the previous gen top of the line.
http://gigaom.com/apple/should-you-upgrade-to-the-new-imac/

 

[Michael383]

I'd go for the newer one.