Should I upgrade to a new iMac?

[stixcom92]

I've been working with a macbook for the last few years. It's been good to me, after a RAM & hard drive upgrade, but the superdrive is starting to show some problems, my wireless and battery aren't what they used to be, and for the pro tools/logic work that I use this for 90% of the time, it's pretty slow.

So I've been waiting for a few months for the new iMacs to come out before I would even contemplate upgrading. Now that they're out, they do everything I need them to, but I don't know if I should upgrade yet because:

• USB 3.0?
• Light Peak?
• Blu Ray?

The thing is, though, as early as it is, I'm leaving for college in a year, and I want a computer that will last me a long time while I can still afford it. I don't need a portable, as I have a netbook and a macbook, and I could really use a desktop. Opinions? Thanks.

 

[thegoldenmackid]

Wait if you can. However, you have to think which of those three features you would use in editing. Near none, would be my imagination. You would have to buy a computer/hard drive that would have one of those connections versus the current industry standard of Firewire. All of those things would likely hit the Mac Pro before they will see their way onto the iMac.

 

[Disarm]

All of us do not know what you need is but you, so if you feel you need it, then by all means purchase one. Even if a better one comes out when you get in school, you can always get a stafford loan to pay for another one. The loan will be subsidized most likely, depending whether or not your a dependent, OR if you have the money to buy another one, and then sell yours. Some colleges who have apple stores, or an apple reseller can sometimes get you better deals than most other places. Like i said, it really depends on what your needs are right now.

 

[Ravich]

That worries me too, since I currently use a MBP for running logic, and USB 3.0 might be rather useful for sample libraries.

 

[TheBearman]

This is always a hard question to answer for yourself, even harder to guide someone else. Here's my feeling... There is always going to be some feature, option, whatever that will have you saying "I'll wait for the next version". You could do this forever and never upgrade. Just stick a stake in the ground and identify a feature you must have. You'll also need to count on the fact that whatever you buy will be replaced with something more powerful, with better features within 6 months.

This latest offering meets my needs and is only missing what I would have considered bonus options.

Of the 3 items you list I'm sure 2 will appear in the next year or two. Blue-Ray, not so sure. Apple may jump on that bandwagon at some point but I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[steve knight]

usb 3 who knows it will be awhile till it is really going and it seems apple is slow on the bandwagon. firewire works well and will still be faster.
the blueray thing who knows again waiting on apple is a very frustrating thing. waiting for a better computer to come along is foolish since they will always get better.