What iMac to buy?

[Manola]

Hi!

I currently own an iMac G5 17" 2nd Generation.

A while back the screen started to get pixelated in all 3D apps. I took the machine to the Genius bar, and they told me that I had to replace the entire logic board, at a cost of ~ $500 or so. I decided to let it be, because I could still use the computer for almost everything else: email, internet, word processing, etc.

Well, the iMac has finally said enough, and now I have the pixelation everywhere. So i started researching what to buy. I see that Apple has just released a new iMac, Core i3 Dual 3.06GHz.

I see the iMac as my only choice, really, because I don't want a laptop (so no Mac Book), I need something with some power (no Mac Mini), and I am looking for a job (so no Mac Pro - too $$$).

Is there any advantage to buying this new iMac model, versus the previous one? I know that Apple tends not to discount anything, but I wonder if these days they are more lenient. I would like to spend as little $$ as possible.

Any advice re where to buy would be great!

Thank you!

_________________
iMac G5
2 GHz PowerPC G5
OSX Leopard 10.5.6
2 Gb DDR SDRAM

 

[DoFoT9]

Good choice gong for the iMac

The main differences are things like the CPU, which is using the new and current i3 architecture, as opposed to the older core2duo architectures. You can assume ~20% faster performance clock for clock.

Another main difference is the gpu, its using a dedicated gpu as opposed to an integrated one now (thank god). This gives much better performance for gaming and eventually for software, as the applications themselves have to be written to support the gpu.

Other things such as faster RAM (1333 MHz vs 1066mhz) and larger hdds come into play too.

In the end it is all your decision especially when budgets come into play.

Overall you would expect about 20-30% more performance for the same model.

 

[Hellhammer]

The new ones are faster than old ones, especially for gaming due updated GPUs. The C2D 4670 is 1099$ from refurb store, 100$ cheaper than new one but new one carries better CPU so definitely get the new one

 

[DoFoT9]

The new ones are faster than old ones, especially for gaming due updated GPUs. The C2D 4670 is 1099$ from refurb store, 100$ cheaper than new one but new one carries better CPU so definitely get the new one

For $100 you would be stupid not too!

 

[Manola]

For $100 you would be stupid not too!

That's what i thought. Unless there are refurbs out there with a much more enticing discount, I think it would be silly not to get the newest model.

Now i need to find the cheapest place, hopefully with free shipping, no tax, etc

Thank you!

 

[tonywang.xmpt]

New one just came out.
Get that one :]