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fatchsr

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 4, 2010
5
0
I'm new to Mac, I've been a MS Windows guy for a long time, I'd like some advice on what to look for in a a new Mac, specifically, I'm looking at the iMacs trying to decide which one to go with, I don't do a lot of video or photo editing, just surfing the web, lite photo/video editing, and online conferencing. Need advice on which one to buy, or not to buy?
 
Any iMac is fine for you, it comes to whether you want 21.5" or 27" screen and what you can afford.
 
I'm new to Mac, I've been a MS Windows guy for a long time, I'd like some advice on what to look for in a a new Mac, specifically, I'm looking at the iMacs trying to decide which one to go with, I don't do a lot of video or photo editing, just surfing the web, lite photo/video editing, and online conferencing. Need advice on which one to buy, or not to buy?

Any iMac whether it is a new 21.5 or 27" would work fine for your needs. If you have an Apple Store in your area I would strongly recommend dropping by and talking to a sales person. They're trained primarily with customer service in mind and tend to know more than the average computer sales person. Don't be afraid to ask them tough questions you might have. There are millions of people that have made the switch in the last few years so Apple has a lot of experience making their transition smooth.

When you have some time, also go through Apples web site. There are two areas in particular I think you would benefit from. Switch 101 and Mac 101, S101 is for people just like yourself that are considering or have made the move from PC to Mac and M101 goes over the differences in a way that is extremely easy to understand for PC users. The links are:

http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/

http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/

I think you will also find the Apple FAQ on Mac's useful too, that link is:

http://www.apple.com/getamac/faq/


Regards,

Roger
 
go to an apple store

i had my mind made up i was getting a 21.5 then once i went to the store i decided on the 27". both are goreous machines. i guess it really boils down to money. you can pick up a 27" refurb on apple.com for 1449 which to me is a steal. the 21.5 is 1199. at that price point you should if able spend the extra 250 and smile for along time to come!
 
Go For It!

I just switched to Mac about a month ago - Purchased a 27' iMac Quad Core i5 - it is just a machine, but I honestly fell in love with every thing about it.

I have it so bad I bought an iPod Touch for email and web when out and about at wi-fi hotspots, and iTunes EVERYWHERE.

I wish I had made the jump sooner. You are going to love it.

The 27" screen is worth the extra dollars - and the clarity is REALLY something else. I stopped viewing DVDs on my TV because the iMac is SO much better.

Enjoy your purchase. I am thrilled with mine!:)
 
Thanks for the replies and the links - Now decision time 27" C2D or QuadCore?

any reason to go with the c2d vs quad corei5/i7 - not sure i need the quadcore besides just to be able to say i have one or maybe for future use, are there any applications that would take advantage of the quadcore?
 
any reason to go with the c2d vs quad corei5/i7 - not sure i need the quadcore besides just to be able to say i have one or maybe for future use, are there any applications that would take advantage of the quadcore?

If you're interested in trying to future-proof your purchases, buy above what you actually need, IMO.

If you're OK with using dual core technology (the iMac C2D isn't anything to sneeze at, but that's just me), go that route.

Only you are the best judge of what you need now vs. what you'll need in the future.
 
any reason to go with the c2d vs quad corei5/i7 - not sure i need the quadcore besides just to be able to say i have one or maybe for future use, are there any applications that would take advantage of the quadcore?

I would get i5, mainly because it's only 300$ more and it's twice as fast. There are plenty of apps that can take advantage of all four cores and there are more coming all the time. You don't need it now but you may need it in the future but at least you'll get a lot better resale value if nothing else
 
If you're interested in trying to future-proof your purchases, buy above what you actually need, IMO.

If you're OK with using dual core technology (the iMac C2D isn't anything to sneeze at, but that's just me), go that route.

Only you are the best judge of what you need now vs. what you'll need in the future.

thanks for the insite, so basically if I've got the money to get the better machine it's better to future proof for longevity. I'll keep that in mind when i go to the Apple store this weekend.

trying to save money I don't want to pay the Apple store to move my files, is this fairly easy to do?
 
Transferring your files is a fairly straight forward procedure. Under the Switch 101 link posted above there are directions on how to do it.
 
Transferring your files is a fairly straight forward procedure. Under the Switch 101 link posted above there are directions on how to do it.

thanks Cboss, i reviewed the links above and they do seem straight forward,
 
I'm new to Mac, I've been a MS Windows guy for a long time, I'd like some advice on what to look for in a a new Mac, specifically, I'm looking at the iMacs trying to decide which one to go with, I don't do a lot of video or photo editing, just surfing the web, lite photo/video editing, and online conferencing. Need advice on which one to buy, or not to buy?

The iMac is great value for what you get, 21.5" Screen, 2.1 Speakers, webcam, mic, a fast computer, a lot of storage, a nice amount of ram for 1199$ If i were you I'd get the $1,499.00 one with 1TB and a better graphics card, and if you can get any 27" that screen is love!
 
The iMac is great value for what you get, 21.5" Screen, 2.1 Speakers, webcam, mic, a fast computer, a lot of storage, a nice amount of ram for 1199$ If i were you I'd get the $1,499.00 one with 1TB and a better graphics card, and if you can get any 27" that screen is love!

Well tomorrow is the big day, I'm going to buy my 27" iMac, I guess you could say i'm going for the love.

Anyone have any ideas on the Time Capsule, is this device just a nice to have or is it really a great backup and wireless solution?
 
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