Pulling the trigger on a 20" iMAC. What are the "MUST" haves?

[Details IM]

Hey everyone. I am stepping up from a 4yr. old powerbook G4 to this. I am going w/ the 2.16hz option and what was wondering what are the must haves or must upgrades when ordering?

I am mostly getting it for everyday internet usage and for keeping track of invoices, monthly expenses etc of a business I have just started up. I am not a gamer nor will I do any video editing etc. Am I good w/ getting a "stock" machine and just upgrade later if necessary? I was thinking of doing the 2gb RAM now for $175, but that isnt "necessary" I guess. Coming from 128mb RAM, 1GB willl be insane

So is there anything that I really should do now instead of later? TYIA

*EDIT*

Also, do these machines get hot like my powerbook does? How is the cooling system?

 

[wordmunger]

I just upgraded from 1GB to 2GB and the difference was huge -- really the key is Rosetta applications. If you're using an older version of photoshop or MS Office, the memory will help a lot. If you're mainly using the built in apps, 1GB will be fine.

Sure you can't wait just a few more months? Then you'll get the new version of Leopard, iLife, and possibly iWork installed for free.

OTOH, you've waited an awfully long time. You can always upgrade the software later, and there are usually problems when an OS is brand new.

 

[iSavant]

I just upgraded my newish 20" iMac with 2 1GB sticks (G.Skill) from newegg. Total cost shipped to me... $124.95

The RAM is working fine but I wasn't feeling limited with just 1 GB stock.

I'm primarily an Aperture user in addition to all the normal stuff.

3 new iMacs in the house and all the win boxes have been kicked out... happy household full of switchers.

I think RAM is still going down... get the stock box and upgrade your RAM when you feel the urge.

 

[EricNau]

Personally, I would upgrade the video card now, because it's only $75, and I don't believe there is any way to upgrade it later.

On the other hand, the RAM is very easy to upgrade later.

...and no, your iMac won't get very hot.

 

[wordmunger]

My 17-inch iMac doesn't get hot. I suppose if you were in a small non-air-conditioned room it might get a little warm, but I doubt it. The fans are extremely quiet -- my external HD is MUCH louder.

 

[iSavant]

C2D iMacs in my house are very quiet, cool... fans have only been heard when I ran Diagnostics.

 

[Erendiox]

Congrats. My family just dropped the ball on a new 17inch iMac. It's great.

As far as must haves, RAM. Make sure you have at least 1 gig. The machine comes with that much, so you should be in the gravy. I wouldn't recommend dropping $175 on the 2 gig option. Not worth it. If there's one thing about buying from the online store, they kinda rip you off for ram. If you feel the need for more RAM, (and by all means, OSX welcomes more ram) you're going to want to get it from a place like Crucial. They have a great reputation for being fast, easy, and reliable as far as getting good ram for the right computer. There are a few other places, buy Crucial is my personal favorite. I've gotten all my ram from them.

As far as other stuff, you say you won't be doing graphics stuff, so there's no need to up the video ram. Wireless keyboard and mouse is always cool, but that's up to you. There's also batteries to contend with, which is why I like wired. For the most part, the machine comes fully loaded. Not much else you need.

Cheers

 

[wordmunger]

Since Apple doesn't allow the 1 X 1GB option, you have to replace both sticks to get 2GB. That's about $125 from Crucial, so it's only a $50 savings, and isn't covered by AppleCare. Yes, Crucial has their own warrantee, but some people would prefer to have everything covered the same way. That said, memory is very easy to upgrade, and 50 bucks is 50 bucks. You could also get just one stick from Crucial for $62, and save over $100 for 1.5 GB. That might be the best option of all, though ideally both sticks would be the same size.