Imac which one?

[WPJ]

Hi,

I am thinking of getting an Imac and would appreciate your thoughts on which one is best for post processing work?

I have the option of the 21.5 or 27" models, i3; i5 (old model); i5 (new) or i7. what would you recommend.

What is the difference pro's con's of the i5 old and new model?

I currently use a mac pro laptop so changing to Mac is not an issue, it is more the actual IMAC size and processor that i don't have any experience of. I've been told that the 21.5 is big enough for photography work, but is it?

Cheers

Paul

[DerekW]

Re: Imac which one?

If you do not get the biggest/fastest and largest disk drive you can afford otherwise you will regret the purchase withing days of getting the new machine.

Depending on how you grow your use of disk space you have to think out how you are going to organise the backup - via USB or Firewire. As well as expansion as you use more and more disk space.

I have gone for a Mac Pro - typically an exdem model that might be not the latest model available, so that I can expand the machine in terms of disk space, screen size and memory hence the machine is more future proof and has redundancy built in. However YMMV

[WPJ]

[DerekW]

Re: Imac which one?

Have you had a look at the reduced price machines at Jigsaw
http://www.jigsaw24.com/products/com...-imac/show-all

[The Technician]

Re: Imac which one?

Paul,
Have you looked at a PC? more bang for your money and they use the same processers now

[WPJ]

Re: Imac which one?

Hi Derek and Michael,

Thanks for the link, a good saving on MRP. Here in Jersey, Channel Islands we don't have Vat, but GST (Goods and Services tax at 3%). So I save the Vat but have to add 3% tax. Also if I buy mail order from the UK I don't get charged vat and depending on the cost I don't get charged import duty or GST (it's a risk though buy as you never know when you will be charged or not).

Michael; I have looked at a PC, however I have invested in 'Mac software' (photoshop, etc which is not compatible with a PC) so I can't justify going back to a PC and replacing my Photo processing software. I also use a Mac laptop so it makes sense to me to continue with a Mac as I can switch between them.

Cheers

Paul

[jonesy]

Re: Imac which one?

My son has the 27" Mac, and even when he's doing his college photoshopping assignments (which are way better than I could ever get), he never seems to have the photoshop window on maximum, but having said that I dont know whether a small screen would be big enough.

I'll try to find the proper spec when he gets home from college, but I know I have had no issues quality or screen wise when I have used it. (I just cannot get on with the damn mouse)

[gooner3900]

Re: Imac which one?

If it helps I recently bought the 21.5 inch with i3 processor and the size of the screen and speed of the computer is plenty fast enough for me the quality of the pictures on the screen is excellent.

[snag2000]

really need the expandability and have the cash to spend. The high end iMacs aren't far behind in performance.

Mike

[DerekW]

Re: Imac which one?

I went the Mac Pro route last time because of the expandability and the seperation of screen from box.
Changing or addiing hard drives on a MacPro is easy, as is adding memory.

If any component on an iMac fails (apart from the keyboard or mouse) then you are dead in the water.

The MacPro does hold its price quite well so when you come to upgrade you get quite a bit back for them.

[WPJ]

Re: Imac which one?

Hi all,

Thank you for your comments and advice, which are all helpful. The interesting element from the comments is that 4GB of RAM is enough for the post processing work.

Also the difference in the processors appears to not really have an impact on the work, although I agree more is probably better.

I've provisionally put my name on an i7 model at the local dealer but may now change my mind after the comments posted here. If I can save some cash i think thats what i'll do.

Thanks all, much appreciated.

Paul