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Should I wait until 2011 to get a new mac?

C

cootersgarage6

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Original poster
Nov 6, 2010
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I have a REALLY old intel mac from 06, and it is still fast, but it doesn't have the new glossy screen and other things that I want, and it doesn't even have RAID because it's "not supported on this mac" or something, and it's about to be 5 years old, that's over due for an upgrade.

Yes, I am a high school student, so it IS hard to get a new mac, but I am never going back to a different computer, macs are better for all my projects and Ical help so much, and the look of the OSX is GREAT

Heres my problem.. When to upgrade to my new Imac? I know that every January is a mac refresh, idk about the Imac tho, but should I wait? Or is there anything they could really do to upgrade it? and what about waiting until Lion comes out, is that likely to bring new macs? or cosmetic differences?
 
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The last refresh was 7/2010 -- so I highly doubt there'll be another update until mid next year. Definitely not in Jan.
 
kfury77 said:
This is always a good reference. https://buyersguide.macrumors.com//#iMac

I'm waiting for the next revision before purchasing, I'd expect an update about Feb/March 2011. Possibly just a faster processor. I'd like to see USB3 though.
Click to expand...

GPU, CPU upgrade for sure
OS - New Lion on board
More RAM, HD as the option
USB3.0, HDMI who knows?

I doubt it will be very significant upgrade but considering timing its worth to wait
 
If you're a student and already have an iMac, I would buy a laptop instead. Portability is always needed at your age. I did the mistake and bought an iMac and now I had to buy a MacBook Air because I wanted portability :p Sooner than later you'll need a laptop in school and there is also other occasions where a laptop is great
 
I came on the forums today to ask this question.
My situation is that I was offered a new PC for Christmas, so, as always, I was looking at a Mac. I decided to decline and ask for one at my birthday (April). I'm now wondering if this is the best idea.
I fear Apple are waiting until Lion will be released, and it'll have a touchscreen or something other major that's in Lion. Should they release in March, I don't see them re-releasing in Mid-2011 when Lion is meant to be out.
Right now, I'm wondering if it won't be out until Summer, and that the wait is going to be a long one.
Any more opinions on this?
Thanks,
Joseph Duffy
 
I am waiting for an 8 core iMac before I upgrade again. Couple years from now.
 
Wait as long as possible. I am sure what you already got now is capable enough to get you through to the refresh. You wouldn't wanna buy when there is a big risk for lots of new tech maybe even lightpeak
 
Or save some money...

It's hard to lose when waiting. If you find that the new models that come out aren't such a big jump over the last model, you then have the option of buying the model at a potentially huge discount. I got my wife a 15" MBP decked out with the highest options, new for just $1300, because it was the previous model - the current model was selling for well over $2,000.

BTW, I have a high end 17" MBP from 2007, so slightly newer than yours, but there's still nothing about the new models that would make me want to upgrade. Then again - I hit a critical cliff - I have a Core2Duo and a CUDA capable 8600GTM graphics card. If you're stuck with a Core Solo or a pre-CUDA capable graphics card it makes a big difference.

- Jeff
 
I don't think they will be updating the iMacs now, but I would go for a laptop anyways.
 
Waiting for the next refresh is always an interesting game.

My Apple Care just ran out on my 24" iMac so I am 'in the market', in a way.

No problems with the current unit, I just like the knowledge that I have warranty coverage so a new unit is in the works.

Am thinking about one of the new 27" units.

With my luck, 15 days after I buy my next unit the news ones will come out! :lol:
 
Anyone know the chances of apple changing the design of the imac in the next update? I am also in the market for an iMac. I know the design of the current is already nice enough. But u guys should the feeling where u buy something, then the following month, a new design comes out and u r left angry with yourself :eek:
 
See the MR Buyers Guide

Click here to view the MacRumors Buyers Guide, or click the tab at the top of the forum page labeled Buyer's Guide. That will give you probably the best guestimate of when Apple may release their upgrade to any given product.

My guess is that Apple probably won't update the iMac for another 3-4 months, so we're looking at a Feb/March, maybe April timeline.

And no, with or without Lion, Apple will not be releasing a touchscreen iMac. And if they do, you won't want it. And if you do want it, don't get it. But if you do get it, don't say I didn't warn you. After about 5 minutes of holding your arm up to touch the screen, you will want to flush it down the toilet (the computer, not your arm). Don't believe me?

Extend your arm out in front of you and touch your screen. Pretend you are clicking on icons and moving/resizing windows for 2-3 minutes. Pretend-throw something in the trash bin. Now pretend-empty the trash bin with your fingers using multi-finger gestures like two-finger right click. Now give it the single finger salute when it doesn't work. Now go out in your workshop and build a sling to hold your arm up, since this is more exercise it has gotten since you used it to stuff the donut into your face this morning. :)
 
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JBunkers said:
Click here to view the MacRumors Buyers Guide, or click the tab at the top of the forum page labeled Buyer's Guide. That will give you probably the best guestimate of when Apple may release their upgrade to any given product.

My guess is that Apple probably won't update the iMac for another 3-4 months, so we're looking at a Feb/March, maybe April timeline.

And no, with or without Lion, Apple will not be releasing a touchscreen iMac. And if they do, you won't want it. And if you do want it, don't get it. But if you do get it, don't say I didn't warn you. After about 5 minutes of holding your arm up to touch the screen, you will want to flush it down the toilet (the computer, not your arm). Don't believe me?

Extend your arm out in front of you and touch your screen. Pretend you are clicking on icons and moving/resizing windows for 2-3 minutes. Pretend-throw something in the trash bin. Now pretend-empty the trash bin with your fingers using multi-finger gestures like two-finger right click. Now give it the single finger salute when it doesn't work. Now go out in your workshop and build a sling to hold your arm up, since this is more exercise it has gotten since you used it to stuff the donut into your face this morning. :)
Click to expand...

If the next iMac update would be turning the iMac into a touch screen, then I wouldnt mind. What I have concern is tt Apple would change the whole design into something even nicer than the current design. Tt is the part where I am most worried about.
 
JBunkers said:
Click here to view the MacRumors Buyers Guide, or click the tab at the top of the forum page labeled Buyer's Guide. That will give you probably the best guestimate of when Apple may release their upgrade to any given product.

My guess is that Apple probably won't update the iMac for another 3-4 months, so we're looking at a Feb/March, maybe April timeline.

And no, with or without Lion, Apple will not be releasing a touchscreen iMac. And if they do, you won't want it. And if you do want it, don't get it. But if you do get it, don't say I didn't warn you. After about 5 minutes of holding your arm up to touch the screen, you will want to flush it down the toilet (the computer, not your arm). Don't believe me?

Extend your arm out in front of you and touch your screen. Pretend you are clicking on icons and moving/resizing windows for 2-3 minutes. Pretend-throw something in the trash bin. Now pretend-empty the trash bin with your fingers using multi-finger gestures like two-finger right click. Now give it the single finger salute when it doesn't work. Now go out in your workshop and build a sling to hold your arm up, since this is more exercise it has gotten since you used it to stuff the donut into your face this morning. :)
Click to expand...

LOL,,, nicely said. Now, don't forget about the PB&J [insert any other food, etc. item here] on your fingers too,,, that are now all over the once-upon-a-time clear monitor. :rolleyes:
 
OK, I have read the following...
Refresh for iMac may be in Jan. 2011...
Changes...
USB 3.0...
Faster Firewire...
Intel "Sandy Bridge" i3 (Intel is launching the Sandy Bridge at CES show on 1/5/11)
Interesting...
Bob
 
Apple just updated the imacs the end of july, I doubt they would be updated in January. Spring 2011 at the earliest is my guess.
 
The rumor said first half of 2011. It will most likely be late winter early spring like the March 2009 update before the overhaul that happened in fall 2009. You can wait till this next update, but, then you'll ask yourself, "Maybe I should wait until Fall/Winter 2011?" so on and so forth. I say go for it!

I've come to realize my iMac is outdated in 6 months or so each time I buy one (on my 4th now). My fiance still uses the first gen 2ghz 2007 aluminum. Running like a champ, except its HD died 2 months after applecare expired :rolleyes:

I say buy now and enjoy :D
 
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