The Last One

[gamerz]

Hey guys... This is most likely my last post about weather to buy a new aluminum, or an old imac. One of the most important deciding points is what I would be using it for, which is WoW, e-mail, music, web browsing, and photo editing... Nothing too taxing. Now... I have had a discussion with many people, and have come to the conclusion that I don't need an imac, or new computer in general. It would just be nice to have. Here are my options:

1. Buy a refurbished 2.16, 20 inch, along with a new ipod nano, and maybe a printer. Cost = around $1700-$1800 after taxes

2. Buy a new 2.4 ghz aluminum imac, get a free nano, and free printer. The cost would be = around $1700 after rebates, and taxes...


So, based on my needs, which system would be the best to get and why?

I need answers fast... I'm ordering tonight.

 

[rfrankl]

If those prices are accurate, then go newer.

 

[HLdan]

Either config will fill your needs but since you are asking our opinion I would go for the new aluminum iMac for 3 reasons;

If you go with "new" at least you know what you are getting. It won't have any service history or possible scratches and you get the newly updated keyboard.

The new model does have a better GPU than the white iMac and it's DX10 compatible in case you ever want to play games in Vista.

Supported ram in the new iMacs is 4GB and the white ones only support 3GB so power hungry apps will begin paging out to the HDD when memory runs out.

 

[djc6]

Have you had the opportunity to go to CompUSA, Micro Center, Apple Store, etc.. to see the new 20" iMac in person?

 

[rainydays]

On what level will you be doing photo editing? The screen of the old 20" iMac is much better so you will be much happier editing photos on it.
The only thing that speaks for the new one in my opinion is the better GPU.
But I think WoW will play fine on any of them. It depends on if you want to play other games in the future.

But for your current needs. I vote for the white one.

 

[gamerz]

I am just starting into photography and liking it, so my photo editing will progress. And yes, I have seen the new 20 inch's in person. They are very nice, and I can't notice the reflection at all. The only thing holding me back from the new 20 inch is these "problems", and it's a little more expensive.

 

[ParishM]

why would anyone want to buy a refurb unless it is like half price ? buy a new one and enjoy !!!

 

[hayduke]

why would anyone want to buy a refurb unless it is like half price ? buy a new one and enjoy !!!

Some people prefer refurbs. They suggest that they are more unlikely to fail a second time and a new machine is to fail for a first time. They have been through quality control twice. Granted, something failed at some point, but it has been checked out, is essentially as good as new, and carries the same warranty, but at a reduced price.

Not sure that the OPs prices etc add up though...I guess because he has to buy the Nano with the refurd, rather than get it as a rebate. If the prices and specs are correct then I would go new (regardless of the refurb argument made above).

 

[HLdan]

The only thing holding me back from the new 20 inch is these "problems", and it's a little more expensive.

What problems are you referring to? Based on you placing quotations around the word problems it looks like you are just reading what people say on this forum. Buy into the negativity and you end up buying nothing!

 

[djc6]

And yes, I have seen the new 20 inch's in person. They are very nice, and I can't notice the reflection at all. The only thing holding me back from the new 20 inch is these "problems", and it's a little more expensive.

If you've seen the 20" in person and like the display, I say go for the new one. The only problem I had with the 20" I briefly owned (for a day) was the viewing angle/color shift issue - but that isn't so much a problem as something inherent to the design. Thats the only "problem" I'm aware of with the new 20" - if you saw the display and don't mind it, might as well go for the newer system.