Teetering Windows user looking at new imac

[radiojef]

Hi all, first post. Im currently a windows user, though I was raised on macs. My current bucket of a pc is dying and ive got a nice stash to get a new computer. I am tired as hell of windows and have absolutely no interest in Vista. However, im teetering on the fence between a 20" imac and a pretty basass HP core 2 quad with a 22" flat panel. Here are the pros and cons of going mac as I see it:

Pros:
no more windows!
leopard!
ability to use both leopard and windows if need be
all the standard mac reasons

Cons:
Not the fasted computer I could get
smaller display
not hardware upgradable


There are a lot more reasons that could go under either pros and cons, im sure...but I cant think of any more.

I need help guys and girls! Throw me some wisdom.


Thanks!

 

[flopticalcube]

If you can wait, then the new iMacs coming soon should be a match to the HP. If you can't wait but you can still stomach using Windows, then the HP is probably better than the current iMacs which are admittedly outdated. If you can't wait and can't stomach Windows, you have no choice but the current iMac.

 

[psycoswimmer]

The 22" and 20" probably have the same resolution. The 20" iMac will probably looked sharper.

Go with the Mac.

 

[radiojef]

thanks guys. I think i'll wait.

 

[BlackMax]

Wait for the new iMacs to be released. They will more than likely include a bump up in CPU speeds. Unless your doing heavy 3D gaming, the speed of a top of the line 20" iMac should please you.

I work with Wintel machines all day long at the office and can't wait to come home to use my virus-ware free, bloated registry free, spy-ware free, aggravation free Mac. I also find OS X and the Aqua interface has a better layout, design and functionality than Windows XP or Vista. My favorite feature on my MacBook is two finger scrolling.

If you are new to OS X, it may take you a couple weeks to get used to it and make the transition from Windows XP or Vista, but once you do you'll be glad you did.

 

[theBB]

However, im teetering on the fence between a 20" imac and a pretty basass HP core 2 quad with a 22" flat panel. Here are the pros and cons of going mac as I see it:

Cons:
Not the fasted computer I could get
smaller display
not hardware upgradable

The faster quad will probably have more fan noise than iMac, which also comes with a very quiet hard-disk. I value peace and quiet a bit more. You probably will not notice the speed difference unless you are encoding video or running hardcore mathematical algorithms. It also gets you a much smaller computer and the form factor is also worth something although it is hard to price.

Do you really upgrade your computer? I see it as more pain than it is worth. I don't want to spend two weekends trying to search, buy, install, uninstall, return, buy another, install again.

About waiting: I don't think Santa Rosa platform will increase your speed much. Apple might include a slightly better video card, but unless you are into 3D gaming, it probably will not make a difference in the next few years. The next revision might also see some more RAM in the base model. Inm the end though, it might be better to start editing your vacation videos (or whichever computer related hobby you prefer) now than waiting for a couple months.

Granted Macs offer a better financial deal right after a release, as Macs usually come out even cheaper than a Dell with similar features, but while Dell (or HP) prices may come down over time, Apple does not discount prices until the next release.

 

[dpaanlka]

As far as upgrading goes... your RAM and hard drive are upgradeable. As the models get older, third parties such as Sonnet and Newer Technology usually also make optical drive upgrade kits, wireless upgrade kits (although N just came out so that probably won't be necessary) and if it is applicable, processor upgrade kits.