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One Last Comparison

N

NiroNavro

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 15, 2008
151
0
First let me apologize, I realize that there are a lot of comparisons done on these boards and that it gets annoying. Sorry. This will be the last one from me.

I'm making an iMac purchase and these are the following things you should know:

I'd like to save as much money as possible.

I want a 24" screen.

I don't do much other than word processing, internet, photos, video editing/movies/tv, music, chatting, the occasional game...really basic stuff.

I want the specifications of my computer to last through the next 4+ years of software and OS's and be compatible.

Below I have two similar models with different processors and different L2 Caches and System Buses. I plan on upgrading the RAM so just ignore that.

So...which should I get?



Refurbished iMac 24-inch 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
24-inch glossy widescreen display
4MB Shared L2 Cache
800MHz System bus
1GB memory
320GB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB memory
Built-in iSight Camera for $1,349.00

OR

Refurbished iMac 24-inch 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
24-inch glossy widescreen display
6MB Shared L2 Cache
1066MHz System bus
2GB memory
320GB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB memory
Built-in iSight Camera for $1,549.00


Will the extra $200 help me be more prepared for the future?
 
Either machine will get you through the next 4 years. My macbook is 2 years old and I expect it to make it for the next 4 years. :)
 
If I were you, Id say the 200 bux, plop down about a 100 for 4gbs of 3rd party ram, and call it a day. Theres not much difference between those to computers that your going to notice.
 
You are just picking between this generation iMac and the previous generation. Both will last you a long time for basic operations. Get the cheaper one and throw in another 1gb stick of memory just to be safe for like 30 bucks.
 
I think the $200 is worth the investment getting a faster processor speed boost from the 2.4 to 2.8. Plus it has an extra GB of ram (which also can still have more added to it to max it out in the future as well) where the processor cannot.

For me, I would put the money towards the faster processor and it will last you that much longer. Just my 2¢.
 
If you're doing serious video editing, buy the newer one. If it's more of a hobby than anything, save the money and buy yourself something nice (like another gig of ram or a nice mouse).
 
Hmm...:confused:...I can't decide. I really want to get the top of the line refurbished iMac with the 3.06 GHz processor and 500GB HD but I can't justify the $2000+ so I'm now torn between the two mentioned above. Can someone decide for me? This is too hard.:eek:
 
The extra gig of RAM ,makes it all worth it. Seeing as you'll definatly have to install more RAM sooner or later on the 2.4ghz one. So in all reality you're getting a much better processor for only $100....i'd spend the extra $200 if i was you.
 
the 2.8 WITH a 8800GS BTO upgrade. The extra 256 megs will be very helpful with video editing, and with the occasional game. Also you''l have more power for Open GL to use, when Snow Leopard comes out. The 8800GS is a much more capable card then the 2600 Pro.

Even if you don't get the 8800GS upgrade, the 2.8 hands down. The Processor speed increase is noticeable, and the faster system bus and L2 cache will have a noticeable speed increase, and will also future proof your machine.

Don
 
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