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Software & Accessories / Re: Which iMac
« on: January 27, 2013, 03:59:09 AM »
Niterider I disagree slightly.
Yes it's expensive, but when you compare spec for spec, Apple does charge quite a bit. The products are generally usable and you don't waste time with stuff that doesn't work. Instead you can use your time to simply use the product.
There isn't much difference between laptop/desktop architecture anymore. Yes, performance is better with a big huge desktop, but what do you need the performance for? Keep in mind with the iMac you're getting a 27" IPS screen. After the computer is useless, I believe the screen is still usable via the thunderbolt port (but only with thunderbolt enabled devices, which right now are mostly apple laptops but that might change in the near future). In any case, a 27" IPS (unless you buy some no-name brand on eBay) is going to run your $700+, so factor that into the specs. It is NOT the same as the $199 27" specials you see all the time.
As for the hackintosh, don't do it. I built one and it works ... mostly. Sometimes something doesn't work, then you have to go through the forums and figured out what went wrong. It's a fun project and I enjoyed doing it, but for a PC that's going to be used daily that I need to rely on, it simply doesn't cut it.
My only suggestion is that if you don't need super-performance, buy a Mac-Mini instead, and a cheapo monitor for now (unless you have a monitor, if you do, use that). When Apple releases a new Thunderbolt Display (27" IPS based on the NEW iMac monitor) either grab that or another high quality 27" IPS or PLS Monitor (Samsung, Asus, Dell Ultrasharp, etc.) They're all going to be pricey. That way you're separating the computer from the monitor, and can upgrade the PC every few years and keep the monitor. The biggest drawback with the iMac is that it's difficult to upgrade yourself, and the PC side of the tech will likely get outdated well before the monitor. Separate the two, and you can replace the PC every few years.
Yes it's expensive, but when you compare spec for spec, Apple does charge quite a bit. The products are generally usable and you don't waste time with stuff that doesn't work. Instead you can use your time to simply use the product.
There isn't much difference between laptop/desktop architecture anymore. Yes, performance is better with a big huge desktop, but what do you need the performance for? Keep in mind with the iMac you're getting a 27" IPS screen. After the computer is useless, I believe the screen is still usable via the thunderbolt port (but only with thunderbolt enabled devices, which right now are mostly apple laptops but that might change in the near future). In any case, a 27" IPS (unless you buy some no-name brand on eBay) is going to run your $700+, so factor that into the specs. It is NOT the same as the $199 27" specials you see all the time.
As for the hackintosh, don't do it. I built one and it works ... mostly. Sometimes something doesn't work, then you have to go through the forums and figured out what went wrong. It's a fun project and I enjoyed doing it, but for a PC that's going to be used daily that I need to rely on, it simply doesn't cut it.
My only suggestion is that if you don't need super-performance, buy a Mac-Mini instead, and a cheapo monitor for now (unless you have a monitor, if you do, use that). When Apple releases a new Thunderbolt Display (27" IPS based on the NEW iMac monitor) either grab that or another high quality 27" IPS or PLS Monitor (Samsung, Asus, Dell Ultrasharp, etc.) They're all going to be pricey. That way you're separating the computer from the monitor, and can upgrade the PC every few years and keep the monitor. The biggest drawback with the iMac is that it's difficult to upgrade yourself, and the PC side of the tech will likely get outdated well before the monitor. Separate the two, and you can replace the PC every few years.