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should I buy old 2.8 iMac or the new 2.66? I've researched and still cant decide

A

aerodorcho

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 12, 2008
2
0
I'm definitly in the market for a iMac now that my tax return has come. I was dead set on buying the 20" 2.66 New iMac until I did some research today and discovered that the older 2.8 may be a little better, plus I'd get a 24" screen.

I plan on using the computer for recording music (garage band, logic, maybe pro tools down the line) Also some minor video editing, and a lot of web surfing/itunes listening. As far as gaming goes I just plan on getting the sims 3, so gaming is minor.

so which should I get? They;re both about the same price right now with rebates and such.

BTW: I searched a lot of old threads, but couldnt find any to help wiht MY needs for the iMac.
 
For the needs and uses you mentioned. Either one will be sufficient. It's up to you to make the decision. We can't make it for you. If you want us to tell you which one is better, then I will say the 2.8 (with 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM) model is alot better spec wise.

I did the research and found that the 2.8 model specs are even better than the new 2.93 and 3.06 models.
 
Don't get bogged down in the minutiae of tech specs. Given a play on both you really wouldn't be able to tell which is which. I went with the new 2.66 simply for the ability to add more memory down the line. That will see the biggest improvement for my usage.
 
I ordered the old 2.8 since in my view it beats the new 2.66.
Comes with better keyboard, dedicated graphics card and firewire 400 in addition to 800 and given the price 1229 at J and R I believe this was the best buy.
It should arrive today.
 
2.8 hands down

nph said:
I ordered the old 2.8 since in my view it beats the new 2.66.
Comes with better keyboard, dedicated graphics card and firewire 400 in addition to 800 and given the price 1229 at J and R I believe this was the best buy.
It should arrive today.
Click to expand...

As long as you don't mind the larger screen, the 2008 2.8 is easily the better value for the following reasons:

(1) It has an IPS screen rather than a TN like the 20". This means colors will be more accurate and not fade nearly as much with viewing angle.

(2) It has a faster processor (2.8 vs 2.66).

(3) It has a much faster video processor (HD 2600 vs 9400M). This will come in handy for occasional game play and for applications that take advantage of GPU assistance.

The only disadvantage I can think of is it only can accommodate 4 (possibly 6) GB of RAM rather than 8 like the 2009. It's hard to imagine this being a real benefit over the next 3-5 years.
 
I bought the old 2.8Gz ATI 2600 Pro for $1199 at the refurb store and haven't looked back. Had the computer for a few weeks now and am very happy. You will be, too.
 
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