Stock 24" - opinions?

[dhc]

So I've read the many threads about '20" or 24"?', and I've studied the '7300 or 7600 GT?' threads, and the general theme is 'dude, buy a 24" and max the graphics'. This is good to know but not that surprising; I'd expect an excellent computing experience if I was going to buy the top spec, but I'm equally curious about the performance of the stock 24" iMac - I'm finding it harder to get anecdotal evidence for the performance of this model.
There's a refurb stock 24" iMac on the UK store for a pretty good price, and I'm seriously tempted. I figure I could add more Ram and storage as time goes on, but know little about the capabilities of the graphics card. I don't play games and most of the time will be using FCE and Aperture - anyone with this hardware and similar requirements care to comment on performance?

Cheers

David

 

[Applespider]

I can't help with your question on the graphics card but so far as the refurb goes.

I've never seen any 24" other than the base model in the refurb store which makes me wonder whether they're just sticking all of them in there at one price and letting some people have a pleasant surprise if they get an ex-BTO.

 

[dhc]

I can't help with your question on the graphics card but so far as the refurb goes.

I've never seen any 24" other than the base model in the refurb store which makes me wonder whether they're just sticking all of them in there at one price and letting some people have a pleasant surprise if they get an ex-BTO.

I once got a pleasant surprise with a iBook HD upgrade from the refurb store, would be nice to think something like this might happen again..!

 

[kixsand]

My 24" has the bigger video card and it is great. But, everything I've read seems to indicate that the stock card is more than adequate for the usage requirements that you mention.

If money is at issue go with the refurb.

You might want to go to a store and play around with a 24" unit ...they usually have base units on display there.

Good luck.

darren

 

[FleurDuMal]

Perhaps you wouldn't see many immediate benefits by going for the better gfx option, but it may make it more future proof.

 

[MacBass]

If you have the funds, I'd say go for the upgrade, it'll increase the value of your machine if you should ever decide to sell it.

 

[wizwaz3]

So I've read the many threads about '20" or 24"?', and I've studied the '7300 or 7600 GT?' threads, and the general theme is 'dude, buy a 24" and max the graphics'. This is good to know but not that surprising; I'd expect an excellent computing experience if I was going to buy the top spec, but I'm equally curious about the performance of the stock 24" iMac - I'm finding it harder to get anecdotal evidence for the performance of this model.
There's a refurb stock 24" iMac on the UK store for a pretty good price, and I'm seriously tempted. I figure I could add more Ram and storage as time goes on, but know little about the capabilities of the graphics card. I don't play games and most of the time will be using FCE and Aperture - anyone with this hardware and similar requirements care to comment on performance?

Cheers

David

I bought the refurb from the US store. It's the stock model and it runs very well. I use Final Cut Studio on it almost daily. It can handle whatever you need. Go with it. You won't regret it.

 

[dhc]

Thanks for all your input.

I went and had a play with a stock 24" at the Regents street store last week, and absolutely loved it. Although I was significantly wowed, it did make me think that in order to maintain that degree of impressive performance for the longest possible time, I should probably go for the upgraded card, despite the fact that at the moment the 128 card would probably more than suffice. The machine was outstanding, but who knows what capabilities I'll need over the coming years... I (read - my wife) want to make this a mac last as long as possible.

I've got a redundancy settlement coming my way on Friday (and a new Job to start on monday!), so I'm going to treat myself for surviving the last few stressful and lousy months at work.

Thanks again.

David

 

[kixsand]

I've got a redundancy settlement coming my way on Friday (and a new Job to start on monday!), so I'm going to treat myself for surviving the last few stressful and lousy months at work.

That's a great treat for yourself. Go for it.

I found your comments about your wife wanting the computer to last interesting -- I had the exact opposite experience with my wife...I was on the verge of buying a Mac Pro giving her the rationale that it would outlast an iMac by many years. She turned around and said to me:

"Wouldn't you rather buy a brand new computer in three years?"

I had to agree that the prospect of doing it all over again in just a couple of years was more exciting to me than buying a system that I could milk five or six years out of with upgrades.

darren

 

[nagromme]

You won't be sorry. The lower GPU is fine for non-gaming use (or casual gaming) but I'm VERY happy with my maxed-out 24.

 

[MacBass]

I'm starting to consider a 24" iMac (perhaps this may butt the Mini prospect out of the running), and the refurb price is looking pretty nice to me. I would like to game a little, but really, right now anything would be better than the ATI Rage 16 MB card I have in my PMG4. Would the base model be fine for casual gaming? Would I be able to install a different graphics card down the road or have Apple do it without voiding Apple Care?

 

[RRK]

I am starting to get worried about the availability of the 24" iMac when it gets updated. I have been waiting since January and it seems like there is a load of interest in it.

 

[roland.g]

I was sold on the 24" iMac for the longest time, just waiting for the next revision. But I really like the Apple Displays. If they get updated with LCDs and possibly built in iSights, I may have to go Mac Pro + 23" ACD. I also like the Mac Pro for expandability and love the displays. I will only use iLife and FCE, so the Mac Pro, the cost, and the RAM price is too much for my wants and needs, but short of a midrange tower, the extra price of the Mac Pro may be worth it to go with the nice display over the white iMac, as well as the ultra responsive nature of the Mac Pro. It is much faster for rendering, and launching applications, especially those with libraries like iPhoto, iTunes and Aperture.