Thinking of getting the 24" imac but I have a few concerns

[MusicallySilent]

I have been looking for a new pc for a while now. I have 2 friends 1 online and 1 school that have "converted" me to highly contemplating getting a mac.

I was looking at the imac 24" because it is pretty powerful (most powerful of imacs)

I was thinking:
24"
2.16ghz
250gb (firewire hdd later)
2gb ram (after market... any suggestions?)
Wireless mouse and keyboard
7600gt 256mb card
Maybe usb or firewire external TV tuner (one of the multi input external towers)

So these are my concerns and questions:
First my main concern is once the imac dies if it burns up or something breaks in the future am I stuck with a useless 24" screen since i know that paying to fix it will be expensive (i know there are options if i get another mac to use imacs and other built in screen macs as a secondary screen. (How long is average life for the imacs since i know apple builds to a higher grade [my teacher still has a old imac g3 crt but it isnt used a ton])

Second my other concern is games in windows - What is the fps and at what settings do some of these run -- BF2, Oblivion, Source games (CS DoD Etc.)

Are there any upgrades in the next imac that you guys know about
I know it will get sleeker and probably have Santa Rosa i think it is called, i also read it will be released at macworld

Is there any possibility (sorry if you can't answer this):
The graphics might get an upgrade
They might implement new tv tuners

If any of my info is wrong can you please correct me...

Thanks for everything any response is greatly appreciated

MS (No they arent the initials of MicroSoft)

 

[Cormier6083]

First of all, the only mac I've used (once) was an iMac G3. It was used in a school and was used vigorously... still worked 9-10 years later. People still use G3's with tiger.

2nd, the iMac is great with games. Better than some PC's

Yes, the iMac will get an update (most likely) at WWDC. Visit Apple dot cum slash developer for more information and dates.

Now don't take my word for all of this.... I've never used anything above 8.6

 

[Mantronix]

Before you buy wait until June for the WWDC to see if any upgrades or changes are made to the iMac line up. I'm planning on buying an iMac but I'm waiting until Leopard is released. Rumors has it Apple suppose to be giving the iMacs a new chipset (Santa Rosa) or a new design. It's not sure but we'll find out this June for sure.

 

[MusicallySilent]

My other thoughts were get a pc for about 1200 with good gaming and get a old g4 mac just to play around with and use for basic stuff and enter the mac realm with and hook that up to the same as the pc monitor or two seperate monitors then i get the best of both worlds pc performance mac stability

 

[Cormier6083]

My other thoughts were get a pc for about 1200 with good gaming and get a old g4 mac just to play around with and use for basic stuff and enter the mac realm with and hook that up to the same as the pc monitor or two seperate monitors then i get the best of both worlds pc performance mac stability

I wish it would be as easy as that for me.... but I really hate windows.

Though watch out with those iMac G4's on eBay. Get all the doucmentation, install disks etc. Also, watch out because they'll try to steal you blind on eBay.

 

[NickD]

So these are my concerns and questions:
First my main concern is once the imac dies if it burns up or something breaks in the future am I stuck with a useless 24" screen since i know that paying to fix it will be expensive (i know there are options if i get another mac to use imacs and other built in screen macs as a secondary screen. (How long is average life for the imacs since i know apple builds to a higher grade [my teacher still has a old imac g3 crt but it isnt used a ton])

Second my other concern is games in windows - What is the fps and at what settings do some of these run -- BF2, Oblivion, Source games (CS DoD Etc.)

Are there any upgrades in the next imac that you guys know about
I know it will get sleeker and probably have Santa Rosa i think it is called, i also read it will be released at macworld

Is there any possibility (sorry if you can't answer this):
The graphics might get an upgrade
They might implement new tv tuners

To answer your first question, I don't think you'll have to worry about it dying on you. My guess is you should get at least 4 or more years out of it. Also, AppleCare solves your problem right there if you are still worried.

Second question: Using Boot Camp, I can run Windows Games at very high settings; higher than most other Windows gamers I know. Perfect quality.

Finally, I really have to say wait right now unless you absolutely need it. WWDC is less than 3 weeks away, and new iMacs might be coming with it.

Hope this helps!

 

[MusicallySilent]

Yea I was probably gonna wait until WWDC

My concerns with life was after apple care how long will it last

And for the mac to compliment the pc I was probably gonna either go
powermac g4
powerbook g4
imac g5
power mac g5
imac core duo (or a current one right after updates if i can get a good discount)
mac book core duo (or 2 and get a "old one" before updates)

I really hope they add something during WWDC that gives the imac screen more functionality