- Joined
- May 11, 2005
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- 264
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- Your Mac's Specs
- 15" MacBook Pro 2.8 GHz/4 GB/500 GB
First off, I love all things computer-related, and am a computer science major in college. Lately I've been becoming intrigued with Mac OS X and the way it seems to be designed. I've been wanting to try it out and see what it can do. Then a friend at work buys this iMac G5. Wow that thing is svelte.
This has caused some what of a Mac frenzy at the job, as another friend is now ordering an iMac. With the 512MB or RAM, 128MB VRAM, and 2.0 GHz G5 available in iMac, to me it seems that mac is on a even level with a decent x86 pc. So, I've been reasoning, maybe now's the time for this comp/sci major to give mac a chance.
So, for a few questions...
I can get an education discount from Apple so that the 17" is $1399 and 20" is $1699. It seems that the 20" is favored but I am having a hard time justifying $300 for 3". Of course it also has the 250GB HD. Is the 20" model that much better? I am leaning towards the 20" but don't know if I really need it.
Also, this machine will be used in my bed room for web surfing, school work, programming (much to my surprise I find out that I can use C++ on it!),etc. I would like to keep it on all the time but I want it to be silent when I'm not using it. It seems the 20" model is a bit more quiet? I also need to get on the net utilizing my linksys wireless router. It is my understanding that the airport built into the iMac should support wifi standards and have no problem using it.
Then there is RAM. More is always better. However I think that 512MB is enough to start. I can add more myself later and it will not void my Applecare warranty, correct?
Lastly, how long will say a 20" iMac last. That is, how long can I expect it to do its job and what I need it to do. It seems that macs stay current and usable long after a pc would start to become obsolete. If I can expect an iMac to be my main computer for at least 3 years before upgrading to a new model, that would be ideal. Usually a PC begins to show its age for me in around 2-3 years, and I start looking to upgrade.
I know some of this stuff may have been discussed before, but I want to make sure an iMac will meet all of my needs. For $1800 I could build myself a very decent new PC, but I would rather give the mac world a spin if possible.
Sorry about being a bit long-winded. I just want to be an informed buyer before I decide to plunk down 1800 bucks.
Nathan
This has caused some what of a Mac frenzy at the job, as another friend is now ordering an iMac. With the 512MB or RAM, 128MB VRAM, and 2.0 GHz G5 available in iMac, to me it seems that mac is on a even level with a decent x86 pc. So, I've been reasoning, maybe now's the time for this comp/sci major to give mac a chance.
So, for a few questions...
I can get an education discount from Apple so that the 17" is $1399 and 20" is $1699. It seems that the 20" is favored but I am having a hard time justifying $300 for 3". Of course it also has the 250GB HD. Is the 20" model that much better? I am leaning towards the 20" but don't know if I really need it.
Also, this machine will be used in my bed room for web surfing, school work, programming (much to my surprise I find out that I can use C++ on it!),etc. I would like to keep it on all the time but I want it to be silent when I'm not using it. It seems the 20" model is a bit more quiet? I also need to get on the net utilizing my linksys wireless router. It is my understanding that the airport built into the iMac should support wifi standards and have no problem using it.
Then there is RAM. More is always better. However I think that 512MB is enough to start. I can add more myself later and it will not void my Applecare warranty, correct?
Lastly, how long will say a 20" iMac last. That is, how long can I expect it to do its job and what I need it to do. It seems that macs stay current and usable long after a pc would start to become obsolete. If I can expect an iMac to be my main computer for at least 3 years before upgrading to a new model, that would be ideal. Usually a PC begins to show its age for me in around 2-3 years, and I start looking to upgrade.
I know some of this stuff may have been discussed before, but I want to make sure an iMac will meet all of my needs. For $1800 I could build myself a very decent new PC, but I would rather give the mac world a spin if possible.
Sorry about being a bit long-winded. I just want to be an informed buyer before I decide to plunk down 1800 bucks.
Nathan