Computer upgrade for dummies

I have a small print shop and have a 2002 Mac g4 that I need to upgrade. I also need to get a newer version of Adobe Creative Suite and quickbooks. I am looking at an IMac pricewise. Is this a good choice? What should I have on it? As I said most of computer speak is total gibberish for me so I need help big time. I also don't want to replace my laser printer at this time, it is a HP5000 series, will the new OX operating system be compatible?

If you don't need portability...then an desktop iMac is fine. If you're thinking of an iMac...the first decision could be the display size. 21.5" or 27"?

- Nick

I think the smaller screen is fine for my needs. I don't want my employee to feel overwhelmed lol

licketyprint said:

I think the smaller screen is fine for my needs. I don't want my employee to feel overwhelmed lol

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If the 21.5" model is good for you...then there are only two models to choose from...just choose one...and purchase it. If you do quite a bit of Adobe work...you may want the higher end one.

- Nick

And keep in mind that the 21.5" models are not upgradeable. Nothing can be upgraded, hard drive nor memory. So choose as much hard drive and memory as you can afford.

chscag said:

And keep in mind that the 21.5" models are not upgradeable. Nothing can be upgraded, hard drive nor memory. So choose as much hard drive and memory as you can afford.

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Good point - I bought the 21.5" model in May and upgraded then to 16 GB RAM w/ the 1 TB fusion drive - if that's in your budget then you should be happy.

As to your printer, updated drivers/software will likely be needed - check HERE for further information.

Finally, for your software upgrades, you'll simply need to go the the appropriate websites and do some searching. Good luck! Dave

Thanks for the input. That helps

I do have another queston, does the immaculate have a Cd reader? I have a ton of stuff stored that way.

New iMacs do not have an optical drive however a cheapie, such as a Samsung SE-208 will fill the bill nicely. The day of the DVD is rapidly coming to a close with thumb drives getting really cheap and holding many, many times the information of a DVD.

The current 21.5" is not user upgradeable. Think RadDave must have been referring to the previous model. Also note the 21.5" model has a 2.5" 5400rpm hard drive compared to the 27" 3.5" 7200rpm with the option of a Fusion drive.

For business, with depreciation, the 27" with Fusion and faster CPU's is the go. You can boost the memory yourself.

harryb2448 said:

......

The current 21.5" is not user upgradeable. Think RadDave must have been referring to the previous model. Also note the 21.5" model has a 2.5" 5400rpm hard drive compared to the 27" 3.5" 7200rpm with the option of a Fusion drive.

For business, with depreciation, the 27" with Fusion and faster CPU's is the go. You can boost the memory yourself.

Click to expand...

Hi Harry - nope it was a new iMac 22.5" purchased in May - the RAM upgrade was ordered as part of the original purchase, so done by Apple before I picked up the machine. Dave

Sorry took 'upgraded then' to mean you upgraded the memory.