please help with me decide... which iMac?

[finesse]

Hey all, I'd first like to say this is an awesome community and I'm glad to be a part of it.

I am a college student with a limited budget getting ready to make a purchase, but I'm having trouble deciding which iMac to get. I am currently using a 12" Powerbook G4 as a desktop replacement with my 23" cinema display. I feel that I have pushed my PB to all its potential and now I need a serious upgrade. I plan to use it strictly for making it music using pro tools, as well as editing video using final cut pro and iMovie. Here are my questions.

I wanted to get the 20" base model but someone wrote that final cut doesn't run well with the it, is that fact? Anyone with macs with intel processors please share your experiences (i have only used G4s and G5s).

I still would like to keep my cinema display and use it as an extended display, and finally use my PB as a laptop, but would it look awkward to use have them side by side if i decide to purchase a 20", or should I save a bit more money for a 24"?

Any insight would help me out, and I appreciate everyones input for my future setup. thanks !

 

[flopticalcube]

Sounds like the 20" 2.4GHz would be the model for you. I think the video card in the low end could easily handle FCP (my MacBook can do FCE) but if you want to run dual monitors, the 2.4GHz model has a better card with more VRAM.

 

[quadgirl]

It's not going to be perfect running an extended desktop with your 23" Cinema Display and an iMac. Why? Different heights, different size, different colour, and one glossy one matt. The previous iMac would be a better match, but again, not perfect. Another thing to consider, when placed side by side, it would have to be iMac on the right (as you look at it) and the cinema on the left so that the slot loading drive isn't covered. You would have your power and brightness controls covered though on your Cinema Display.

Do you REALLY need to run extended desktop? If not, why not a new Core 2 Duo Mac Mini? I can get by with simple Final Cut editting on my Macbook (7200rpm drive, 2 gb ram) when on the road. Imovie HD is fine. The Intel graphics aren't all that bad. It's also silent so good for audio work. Just get a fast drive and 2gb ram.