Several Questions Regarding the Imac

[blairh]

Hello everyone.

I'm on the fence about purchasing a new Imac. I'm interested in a 24" model, potentially with the 2.4 Ghz processor.

I'm a lifelong Windows user, and like many Windows users, I have some reservations from making the switch over to an Imac. Led by the fact that I'd need to purchase Microsoft Office for Mac ($150) and a screenwriting software ($100) that already runs smoothly on my current XP based Dell tower (it would be an additional computer to authorize the software on, because they limit the number of times you can add it to individual computers. bastards).

However, after using the 24" Imac at an Apple store, I'm intrigued by the idea of getting one, led by my desires to begin shooting short films/editing them with my Imac.

I have questions. A whole bunch. But your answers would be greatly, greatly, greatly appreciated. Here goes......

1. I have an ancient HP Inkjet 932c printer. I believe it's 6 years old. Will I be able to use this printer with my Imac?

2. How well will Final Cut Pro run on my desired Imac if I upgrade it to 4 GB of RAM? Is it better to upgrade the memory vs. purchasing the 2.8 Ghz Imac?

3. Is purchasing 4 GB of RAM from Crucial the best way to get the most out of my new computer/using Final Cut? (Certainly much cheaper than doing it via Apple).

4. Perhaps I'm making myself paranoid by reading through all the forum sections regarding the Imac, but I'm reading a lot of posts regarding internet speed issues using a router. I have a Linksys WRT54GS router. I was planning on using it via an ethernet cable to the Imac. Can anyone confirm or deny that this would be an easy transition?

5. This is a BIGGIE for me: the glare found on these new screens. My Imac would be located in a room that contains several windows from different sides (shades pulled up during the day). I don't want to have to draw my shades during the day in order to avoid the glare. Do you reckon this will be a major issue in this room?

6. What is Apple's return policy? If I hold off upgrading the RAM manually, but decide the Imac is not for me (glare issues, internet connection, other reason), can I easily return it? Is there a set amount of time I have to do so?

7. Someone complained on this forum about this version of the Imac I'm describing as having a "super slow dvd unit". I'm looking to do a lot of video editing and DVD burning. Does the Imac have a relatively slow DVD player/burner/component?

I know I have a lot of questions, but this is a huge investment for me financially, and I also want to make sure my next home computer purchase is something that can last me a long time (8 - 10 years).

Your answers are GREATLY appreciated in advance. Thanks!

 

[Blue Velvet]

I also want to make sure my next home computer purchase is something that can last me a long time (8 - 10 years).

With all due respect, I believe that's unreasonable, given the rapid evolution of computers and in the sense of that one computer being your main work machine... but longevity is best gained by buying a professional machine, like a MacPro which can be upgraded over time, and reselling after 4-6 years.

Current Macs that are 10 years old are things like this, which wouldn't be use for much these days.

 

[Bobioden]

#1 Yes you can use your HP 932C. I am still using that same printer, and it installed without any problems on my 24'' iMac running Tiger, and now Leopard. Best printer I ever had.

 

[ucfgrad93]

1. I have an ancient HP Inkjet 932c printer. I believe it's 6 years old. Will I be able to use this printer with my Imac?

I found Mac OS X drivers on the HP website for your printer, so I'm assuming it will work.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=219&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=61236&lang=en#

6. What is Apple's return policy? If I hold off upgrading the RAM manually, but decide the Imac is not for me (glare issues, internet connection, other reason), can I easily return it? Is there a set amount of time I have to do so?

You might want to check this page.

 

[Lovesong]

.

1. I have an ancient HP Inkjet 932c printer. I believe it's 6 years old. Will I be able to use this printer with my Imac?

yes, it will.

.
2. How well will Final Cut Pro run on my desired Imac if I upgrade it to 4 GB of RAM? Is it better to upgrade the memory vs. purchasing the 2.8 Ghz Imac?

Really, unless you're cranking a lot of HD stuff, 2 gigs should be plenty. You can always upgrade later. Spend the money on the high end GPU and more HD space.

.
3. Is purchasing 4 GB of RAM from Crucial the best way to get the most out of my new computer/using Final Cut? (Certainly much cheaper than doing it via Apple).

.
Probably. Check out macsales and ramjet also.

4. Perhaps I'm making myself paranoid by reading through all the forum sections regarding the Imac, but I'm reading a lot of posts regarding internet speed issues using a router. I have a Linksys WRT54GS router. I was planning on using it via an ethernet cable to the Imac. Can anyone confirm or deny that this would be an easy transition?

Our last 2 iMacs (Merom- white, SR- Al) were plug and play.

5. This is a BIGGIE for me: the glare found on these new screens. My Imac would be located in a room that contains several windows from different sides (shades pulled up during the day). I don't want to have to draw my shades during the day in order to avoid the glare. Do you reckon this will be a major issue in this room?

Some people get headaches from glare, some don't. I have no issues with my glossy MBP.

6. What is Apple's return policy? If I hold off upgrading the RAM manually, but decide the Imac is not for me (glare issues, internet connection, other reason), can I easily return it? Is there a set amount of time I have to do so?

14 days, usually.

.
7. Someone complained on this forum about this version of the Imac I'm describing as having a "super slow dvd unit". I'm looking to do a lot of video editing and DVD burning. Does the Imac have a relatively slow DVD player/burner/component?

Not that I'm aware of. There was some talk about the GPU being crap, but that's been mostly resolved.

I know I have a lot of questions, but this is a huge investment for me financially, and I also want to make sure my next home computer purchase is something that can last me a long time (8 - 10 years).

Your answers are GREATLY appreciated in advance. Thanks!

I agree with Blue Velvet- if you want a mac (or any computer) to last you 10 years, good luck. We still run a 867 G4 powermac in our lab (circa 1999), but like she said, it's was a pro machine. iMacs are not upgradeable (well, not easily).

 

[CBAviator]

5. This is a BIGGIE for me: the glare found on these new screens. My Imac would be located in a room that contains several windows from different sides (shades pulled up during the day). I don't want to have to draw my shades during the day in order to avoid the glare. Do you reckon this will be a major issue in this room?

This is just something you will only know once you have it in the room. It is very similar to looking at a traditional CRT television in a room with lots of windows...there will likely be glare.

I have the 24" and the glare doesn't bother me at all really. BUT, I don't have it near a bunch of windows.

 

[nickf]

This is just something you will only know once you have it in the room. It is very similar to looking at a traditional CRT television in a room with lots of windows...there will likely be glare.

I have the 24" and the glare doesn't bother me at all really. BUT, I don't have it near a bunch of windows.

I use my iMac in a room with a high, gabled ceiling with dorma windows in it, situated behind the computer. These face south, and don't have blinds on them.
So for a couple of hours each day I'm sitting in direct sunlight, and the screen reflects like a mirror. It's quite distracting. But when I'm not in direct sunlight, (or using the Mac in the evening) I see no reflections at all.

 

[blairh]

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to respond.

I just wanted to follow up some of the comments:

First off, I can't use M.Office or my screenwriting software if I purchase a new Imac. I have an upgrade version of XP. You need an original copy of the OS to load it onto an Imac. Second, as I initially stated, I can't use my screenwriting software on a current mac, even if it ran xp, because the software only allows me to upload it onto 2 computers max using a verification code, and I have already used it twice.

As for the comments regarding how a new mac would most likely not last me 8 - 10 years: I realize Imac's are not truly upgradeable computers, however, seeing that I've been able to squeeze 7 years out of my current Dell tower, I'm confident I could do the same with a new Imac. It all just comes down to what you essentially need/want to add to your computer over the years. If I can purchase an Imac with a 2.8 processor, add 4 GB of RAM manually, then I don't see why the computer wouldn't last me for a very long time.

The potential for some serious glare on the screen given my windows filled room is a major concern for me. The one caveat being that I could purchase the Imac, and if I feel the glare is too much, return it. But that also raises the issue of...........

If I opt for the 2.8 Ghz processor, then it already has 2 GB of RAM, and it's $500 more than the entry level 24". I'd be more inclined to purchase the entry level 24" and just upgrade the RAM manually to 4GB, sacrificing in terms of a 2.4 Ghz processor vs. 2.8 Ghz.

Any additional words of advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm still on the fence.

 

[twig]

If you want the 2.8 but not the extra gig of RAM, you can always order the 2.4 upgraded to 2.8. This will get you the faster processor but save paying for the extra 1 GB stick of RAM that you don't want anyway. The only other difference is the 2.4 starts with a 320 GB hard drive vs. 500 in the 2.8, but again, the 2.4 can be upgraded and it will still be cheaper than the 2.8.

I have no problem with glare on my 24" aluminum iMac, but then the only window in the room faces north. I connect through a linksys router - setup was a breeze and no speed issues.

 

[wexford]

you could consider a 24" WHITE iMac. no glare. i bought a 20" white iMac from amazon.com a couple weeks ago, and i'm really happy with my purchase.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Don't build-to-order the iMac if you plan to return it.

You already have a monitor, and you can possibly connect it to the iMac for use during the day if the glare is bothersome. Unless of course your monitor is 7 years old, in which case it's already glossy.

 

[zedsdead]

Every concern you have is not an issue, except for the 8-10 year thing as people stated and the glare.

I have a 2.8 24", and if there is direct sunlight at the screen, there will be glare. The room can be lit all over as long as it is not directly pointed at the screen. I currently have mine Perpendicular to the Window and no matter how sunny it is I have no glare.

As for Final Cut, opt for the 2.8. 2 gigs of Ram is enough for HD, and you could always add more later...you want the computer to last as long as possible, so opt for the processor for now, ram later since that is an easy upgrade...this is exactly what I did. I have 2 for now, next year plan to get 4. However, I really wish I just bought 1 gig and upgraded to four right away using OWC ram.

For the record, I promise you will never return to Windows...the iMac will likely be the best computer you ever bought.

 

[Fletchzky]

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to respond.

I just wanted to follow up some of the comments:

First off, I can't use M.Office or my screenwriting software if I purchase a new Imac. I have an upgrade version of XP. You need an original copy of the OS to load it onto an Imac. Second, as I initially stated, I can't use my screenwriting software on a current mac, even if it ran xp, because the software only allows me to upload it onto 2 computers max using a verification code, and I have already used it twice.

Which screenwriting software are you referring to? I use Final Draft 7 and I am planning on buying VMWare's Fusion when I get my iMac specifically so I can still use my retail WinXP copy of Final Draft. There's also Parallels, if you don't want to use Fusion (although I hear Fusion is better).

 

[blairh]

First off, thank you guys for all the incredible feedback and advice.

I am indeed referring to final draft 7. Fletchksky, I just researched Fusion. It's $80. If you have a bunch of windows programs you want to use on your Imac, then it would be worth it. But I don't. So I'd rather just pay an additional $20 and get an additional copy of Final Draft onto my new Imac (It's $100 to add it on to a new computer if you already own FD and maxed out the two applications).

I've decided if I switch to a Mac, I'm getting the 2.4 Ghz version, and then I'll add more RAM manually. My friend who uses Final Cut a lot says the difference between 2.4 and 2.8 Ghz isn't enough to justify paying an additional $250 via Apple.

Also to note is that if I buy the entry level Imac 24", and it turns out the glare is too much in my computer room, then I can return it.

Any additional feedback or thoughts is very welcomed on my side. Thanks again.