Help choosing a Imac

On_Stanley_on

Good afternoon all,

I am looking at replacing an old laptop, but want a desktop computer. I have always used PC / Windows but now want to switch to a imac. (kids all have ipads, wife has iphone and all her music is on itunes).

the trouble I'm having is I don't know what to look for spec wise. I'm also not sure on what to set a budget at so a little guidance would be fab.

its going to be used for graphic design (basic/starter) plus general use IE web surfing / emails / word + excel (apple equivalent) and also some gaming, football manager half life 2 esq games.

Thanks

OSO

Anne_Marie_2

Some info that may help you decide.
http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/mac/best-mac-graphic-design-3450093/

On_Stanley_on

Thanks Anne_Marie,

I'll have a read tonight!

[Deleted User]

The exceptionally large screen of an iMac is great for graphic design. I'm typing this on a 27" iMac.


(I acknowledge that the Mac is very expensive, for some TOO expensive!)

Anne_Marie_2

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

The exceptionally large screen of an iMac is great for graphic design. I'm typing this on a 27" iMac.


(I acknowledge that the Mac is very expensive, for some TOO expensive!)

Problem is that many of us don't have a clue about graphic design, so it's good to hear from people that use it. As you use it yourself, have you any other advice to give to the OP?

fred246

Budget wise you are talking astronomical for what you get. Very poor value. What warranty will you get on it? How will you get it repaired after that? They look similar to a laptop to fix ie expensive. I understand that Apple have locked you into their products with their digital rights management. Maybe you could cut your losses and get out now.

suicidebob

fred246 wrote: »

Budget wise you are talking astronomical for what you get. Very poor value. What warranty will you get on it? How will you get it repaired after that? They look similar to a laptop to fix ie expensive. I understand that Apple have locked you into their products with their digital rights management. Maybe you could cut your losses and get out now.

I don't think you really know what you're talking about.

It's a high-end workstation, you get what you pay for. You won't get anything comparable from anywhere else.

Itunes hasn't had DRM for years. Apple support is the best in the industry.

jbainbridge

suicidebob wrote: »

It's a high-end workstation, you get what you pay for.

Most don't need a high end workstation to surf the web! And you don't need one just because you've got iPhones and iPads.

That said I think the iMac is very nice though I can't justify the expense myself. If the OP can afford it why not. Also, do consider buying direct from Apple - they do look on you more favorably if you ahve a problem.

Nada666

Two-and-a-quarter to two-and-a-half thousand for a 27" retina. Or Seventeen hundred for a small iMac. At either point not worth paying less. You need to pay their prices for maxed out RAM. As you can afford Apple you can afford thunderbolt storage but that is another premium. Essentially you want to max RAM and bump up graphics card but don't need to worry about processor. Unfortunately you can't always get a better graphics chip without also paying for an unnecessary processor upgrade. Hybrid drive is fine but you may prefer a medium SSD and thunderbolt external backup/media bay. If you do go SSD do make sure you backup (of course you must do that anyway but triply important with solid state.)

fred246

Someone comes on a MONEY SAVING FORUM needing a replacement for a cheap laptop and it is suggested they spend 2.5 grand! Max out on RAM. How come Apple charge at least twice the going rate for their RAM? Why can't users upgrade their own RAM? Does the user really need all their components glued into a single unit. I would buy a separate monitor - no moving parts last for years together with keyboard and mouse. ATX cases haven't changed for years. Nice 80 plus PSU. Mobo, proc & RAM upgradeable as unit. SSD for OS and large hard drive easily replaceable as they fail. Years of computing at a tiny fraction of the price.

AJXX

Nada666 wrote: »

If you do go SSD do make sure you backup (of course you must do that anyway but triply important with solid state.)

Worked in computer repairs for the last 3 years and have never seen an SSD fail, not sure why you'd suggest it's "triply important with solid state"

fred246 wrote: »

Someone comes on a MONEY SAVING FORUM needing a replacement for a cheap laptop and it is suggested they spend 2.5 grand! Max out on RAM. How come Apple charge at least twice the going rate for their RAM? Why can't users upgrade their own RAM? Does the user really need all their components glued into a single unit.

You've already been told (more politely) to pipe down once; take the hint! The OP wants a Mac, the OP suggested it.

Apple charge a premium for what is a much better system. OS X is much better than windoze. If users want to upgrade their ram they just need to buy an older iMac or !!!!!! off and buy a windows machine instead.

You're not forced to buy Apple so stop spewing your venom. As usual every Apple related thread seems to drag up a potty Apple hating preacher.