Please Help!!! Imac confusion

[theoruby]

Hi,

I have recently been converted to Mac after using windows for over 15 years!

I have been debating whether i should buy the base model 27 iMac or wait for the upgrade later this year?

I've read alot about sandy bridge and the potential updates for 2011 and would love to know what other people think? the 2010 model had a considerable hardware upgrad not sure if the next one will be mostly superficial? I'm not fussed about blue-ray or SSD but the option for better graphics and an anti-glare screen are tempting. Does anyone know roughly what the refresh will involve?

Just found the 27 iMac for £1300 without any edu discount !! also i heard that when the new hardware is released the first few batches often have problems and end up having shorter life spans, is this true or just a scare story.

Thanks

p.s. any tips for a frist time mac user would be great

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Hi,

I have recently been converted to Mac after using windows for over 15 years!

I have been debating whether i should buy the base model 27 iMac or wait for the upgrade later this year?

As always with these threads: What do you want to do with the iMac?

I've read alot about sandy bridge and the potential updates for 2011 and would love to know what other people think?
the 2010 model had a considerable hardware upgrad not sure if the next one will be mostly superficial?
I'm not fussed about blue-ray or SSD but the option for better graphics and an anti-glare screen are tempting. Does anyone know roughly what the refresh will involve?

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/943495/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1018570/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1048198/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1069252/
and more via MRoogle: "imac 2011"

Just found the 27 iMac for £1300 without any edu discount

Also take a look at the refurbished section of the Apple Online Store to find better deals.

Apple Certified Refurbished Products
MacRumors Guides: Apple Refurbished Store

If you want more information, here are just a few of many threads on this topic, found by searching the forum with MRoogle:


Refurbished MBP or New?
Getting an iMac - New or Refurbished?
Refurbished vs new
HELP: Refurbished 17" or New High End 15"?!
Are Refurbished Macs as high quality their new counterparts?
Do refurbished fail more often than new MBP's?
New MPB or refurbished model?

also i heard that when the new hardware is released the first few batches often have problems and end up having shorter life spans, is this true or just a scare story.

More of a scary story, as only people with problems complain. They usually don't report when they are not having problems, especially when another plane lands successfully again.
But we'll never know before, they might be issues or there might be not. Apple probably has the kinks worked out by now.

p.s. any tips for a frist time mac user would be great

Helpful Information for Any Mac User by GGJstudios

 

[josh1231]

Most of their products have had problems lately, new and old. That being said, statistically it's rather unlikely you will be affected so I don't know how much I would worry about it. You are correct, as with any product, new technology has a higher defect rate, thus the reason Imac's run old CPU's and old graphics cards. It's a trade-off some people like myself are willing to make.

I for one would not get the base model, because for $300 more then upgraded model has a significant number of improvements like better graphics and a core processor, that make the $300 a no brainer, but only in my opinion.

My complete speculation on refresh is at least a several months away. If they hold to pattern, generally the macbook pro refreshes at least a month or two before the Imac. If the new Ipad is indeed getting close to a refresh, the macbook pro will be pushed back if they hold to the same schedule as last year, making it not unlikely that the Imac may not get refreshed until May or June.

Of course that being said, it could get refreshed tomorrow, you just never know. As far as what it will include, who knows, but you would at least hope for usb 3.0 and maybe a 5850 gpu (very wishful thinking).

Lack of BluRay support is kind of a bummer because they would look so great on their incredible screens, but what I really hate about my Imac is lack of USB 3.0 or eSata. With no drive expansion options other than slow fire wire 800, it makes individuals like myself who have several TB worth of video and pictures wishing for faster drives.

Good luck with your decision.