Moving from PC to iMac

JIMA

JIMA

JIMA

Associate
Joined
15 May 2006
Posts
224
Hi,

I've just spent the last couple of days rebuilding my XP PC after it Windows self-destructed (again). Not much fun and as my Internet PC is looking a bit creaky to say the least it's probably time for a change.

As I see it I have two main options. Another PC or to go the Apple route. Main reasons for considering the Apple are ease of setting up, using etc. plus I've used Windows PCs for years and wouldn't mind trying something a little different.

The machine would be mainly used for e-mail, web-surfing, photos, watching DVDs and doing some development in Java, Perl etc. Also the odd game, mainly older stuff.

The 20" iMac would seem to be the best Apple for what I need. However, I'm a little concerned by the apparently weak X1600 video card and need some advice as to whether this would be a big issue or not. Presumably it would be in playing the latest FPS but what about in other more general stuff and games written for the Mac?

Also, I live in Dublin and can't seem to find anywhere I can actually see an iMac working (if anyone knows where I can see one please let me know). So I'd be really interested in how people think the quality of the screen etc. measures up to a good quality PC monitor,say Samsung or Philips, in terms of clarity etc.

Finally, is it worth hanging on till OSX10.5 (Tiger?) which, going from reports, has been delayed a few times already.

Apologies if these questions have been asked and answered many times before. Feel free to point me in the direction of a previous post.

I'm nearly there, just need that little push to leap into the Apple abyss.

Thanks for any help anyone can give me.

Jim
 
JIMA said:
The machine would be mainly used for e-mail, web-surfing, photos, watching DVDs and doing some development in Java, Perl etc. Also the odd game, mainly older stuff.
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A Mac would be perfect for these activities.
JIMA said:
The 20" iMac would seem to be the best Apple for what I need. However, I'm a little concerned by the apparently weak X1600 video card and need some advice as to whether this would be a big issue or not. Presumably it would be in playing the latest FPS but what about in other more general stuff and games written for the Mac?
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I play Civ IV on a 20" Intel iMac 1.87 GHz. I get excellent framerates. If gaming is not your primary function I think the X1600, though weaker than some available video cards, will do the job just fine.
JIMA said:
So I'd be really interested in how people think the quality of the screen etc. measures up to a good quality PC monitor,say Samsung or Philips, in terms of clarity etc.
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I think the screen quality is excellent, certainly on par with the best stand-alone TFT screens I've used.
JIMA said:
Finally, is it worth hanging on till OSX10.5 (Tiger?) which, going from reports, has been delayed a few times already.
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I don't know where you read that it has been delayed as Apple has the habit of not announcing software or hardware release dates prior to the actual release. They're of the mindset, generally, that "it'll be done when it's done."

Though 10.5 will be very nice I don't think it's worth waiting until S07 to get your new machine. If you can wait that long it's highly likely that your iMac will come with a Core 2 Duo (Merom) processor rather than a Core Duo (Yonah) processor.
 
GoldenGlory said:
Hold on, don't the iMacs already have Core2Duo?
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Aha! YOu are very right, Mr. Glory. It's the MacBook/Pro that still ships with Yonah. The iMac comes with a 64-bit Core 2 Duo processor running. :)

I get confuzzled sometimes. :p :o
 
Thanks for the advice.

Sounds like the iMac would be just the job. The Core2Duo should also give me a pretty hefty increase in speed over my rather ancient Athlon XP.
 
iMacs are absolutely wonderful, I am on my second.

fast, virtually silent, great screens, great software and if you get a decent set of speakers (I have matching white JBL Creature 2) great sound as well. Don't forget the security, no spyware or viruses and the most advanced OS ever, you get a very good all round computer.

Yes, they are that good. Get one and you won't regret it one bit. :)
 
JIMA said:
Thanks for the opinion. Looks like Mac is definitely the way I'll be going.
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JIMA i'm curious where will you be buying one and ££ ? if you dont mind me asking
 
MP4, the choice of where to buy in Dublin is pretty limited to Apple itself, buying off the Internet. Only ever seen one shop with an iMac in purely for a "look but don't touch" display. No Apple shops in Dublin now it would seem.

If anyone knows any more please let me know as I'd really like to see one in action before buying.
 
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