FYI - I had been looking for a 24 imac with 3.06, 1tb, 130gt card and just ordered it for $1349. I decided to go for this vs. a 21.5 given larger 24 screen and better graphics card. However, there we no imacs available for almost 1 week - now they are back in case anyone is interested! Thanks to everyone for your help. I am so excited to get my first mac!
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Ton if new refurbished imacs added to the apple store
- Thread starter elmillerm3
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I just picked one up myself. I am getting rid of two PC's and using this as my desktop computer. I am going to load Windows 7 on it and clear off my desk. My wife needs Windows for work. These iMacs are popping up in the afternoon and they seem to go very quick.
I wonder how many computers that would be? Each computer weighs ~25 pounds; so around 80 computers for a "US ton" worth of iMacs?
I'd rather get:
21.5-inch: 3.06GHz, for 1,499, and get a discount or something, they are of the same resolution anyway, so you're not loosing any screen estate -
1920 x 1080 resolution
since getting the old iMac will limit you to 2 slots of ram,
with the new one, (having 4 slots, you can get 8gigs of ram cheap
)
and with 4670, you'll probably get the same performance if not better than GT 130.
and hey, now that VESA made the mini display port part of display port's standard, then you'll probably see devices using the cable in the future, and having a gorgeous 27 inch LCD as an external display is always a plus
However, If the 24 inch size is a sweet spot for you then go for it
21.5-inch: 3.06GHz, for 1,499, and get a discount or something, they are of the same resolution anyway, so you're not loosing any screen estate -
1920 x 1080 resolution
since getting the old iMac will limit you to 2 slots of ram,
with the new one, (having 4 slots, you can get 8gigs of ram cheap
)and with 4670, you'll probably get the same performance if not better than GT 130
.and hey, now that VESA made the mini display port part of display port's standard, then you'll probably see devices using the cable in the future, and having a gorgeous 27 inch LCD as an external display is always a plus
However, If the 24 inch size is a sweet spot for you then go for it
A lot have already been snapped up. Apparently there is a big demand for the 24". I would rather save for longer for the better screen value.
I'm going to wait for the i5/i7 benchmarks to decide if I want a new 27" or a refurb 24". The problem is you can forever justify another $100....and pretty soon you're talking real money! I just don't see how I can justify $2,000+ for an i5.
I just noticed today the new 3.06 C2D have less level1 cache than the 24" C2D. A 4650 with 256MB will perform better than a GT130 w/512MB? That 27" just has so gosh darn many pixels to drive - i've pretty much talked myself into a refurb loaded 24", or a 27" i5....but the total price difference is about $550.
If Apples does the $100 off on Black Friday again, does anyone know if that applies to the EPP prices (employee purchase program)? Gets me to a +$450 walk, which I still don't see how I can justify....
I just noticed today the new 3.06 C2D have less level1 cache than the 24" C2D. A 4650 with 256MB will perform better than a GT130 w/512MB? That 27" just has so gosh darn many pixels to drive - i've pretty much talked myself into a refurb loaded 24", or a 27" i5....but the total price difference is about $550.
If Apples does the $100 off on Black Friday again, does anyone know if that applies to the EPP prices (employee purchase program)? Gets me to a +$450 walk, which I still don't see how I can justify....
For what it's worth to you, I picked up the 24" refurb and I think the price was definitely right. I spent some time with the 21.5" trying to multi-task with two-three windows open and it was just a little short.
I have dual 21.5" monitors for the mini and this 24" does a really good job at giving me the necessary real estate. For my needs (probably for most) this machine does what I need it to do. I can afford the 2k+ for the 27", but I don't need it. Sure it's beautiful-both screens are, but so is this one I'm working on.
You're getting a Mac, you will more than likely be happy with your purchase. Good luck with your decision.
I have dual 21.5" monitors for the mini and this 24" does a really good job at giving me the necessary real estate. For my needs (probably for most) this machine does what I need it to do. I can afford the 2k+ for the 27", but I don't need it. Sure it's beautiful-both screens are, but so is this one I'm working on.
You're getting a Mac, you will more than likely be happy with your purchase. Good luck with your decision.
The 24" and new 21.5" screen have almost the same screen real estate. 1920x1200 to 1920x1080. You aren't getting much more with the refurb.
Go with your gut. If one of the first thoughts to cross your mind is the cost then work within that constraint. It is just a computer. Too many people forget that.
Never spend more money than your doubts allow, meaning if any doubt enters in your mind towards a purchase you already know the correct answer.
Ah, but a 21.5" isn't even on my list. I use a 24" LCD now on my PC - no way would I go down in size...