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What's the Best iMac for Basic Creative Tasks?
Question: I'm finally ready to move to Mac, especially with Apple's latest iMacs. I really like the design and simplicity. But which one should I get? I was thinking I should get the base model for $1199, but the big 27-incher is pretty tempting, too, even though it's another $500. Or should I spend the extra money and get the upgraded versions of the iMac? So confusing -- I thought Apple was easy! I'll be using it for a little bit of everything, but my high-end needs will include a little video editing, music writing, and graphic design with Photoshop.
Answer: Apple certainly likes to tout its simplicity and plug-and-play usability, but try telling that to someone switching to Mac for the first time. On the surface, it looks as though Apple has two new iMacs out: the 21.5-inch and 27-inch. Simple. Done. Right?
Not so much. Let's take a quick trip to Apple shopping land (otherwise known as store.apple.com).
When hitting Apple's iMac "Buy Now" page, we're presented with four options ranging from $1,199 to $1,999. Okay, still pretty easy. Pick one and go, right? Again, not so much. When we select one, we're presented with more options to upgrade our processor, graphics card, memory, hard drive, add software, and buy accessories. Apple noobs, we feel your pain: It's worse than the grocery store check-out aisle in here!
So, we're going to make it easy for you.
Given your video editing and graphic design needs, you're going to want the base 27-inch iMac model for $1699 for two big, important reasons: the graphics card and screen size. The 27-inch model has a dedicated video card, while the base $1,199 model has an NVIDIA-designed 9400M video card that shares its memory with rest of the system. While the latter integrated card certainly works, it won't give you the headroom you'll want for running multiple windows while still expecting smooth, seamless playback of all the video and graphics you'll be editing.
We also recommend grabbing the bigger screen. The 27-inch screen is a thing of beauty, and you'll want that extra real estate when you're editing videos and photos -- the more widgets and tools you can keep open at a time, the more you'll get done. Plus, the 27-inch iMac can be used as an external display with another Mac in case you have (or end up with) a MacBook or MacBook Pro.
While you could certainly upgrade your processor to quad-core i5 or i7 and a more powerful graphics card, you'll be fine with the 27-inch base model if you don't make a living out of editing videos or writing music (you did say "a little video editing"). The quad-core processors are certainly nice, and they'll allow pros to edit more videos and pictures at the same time, but they're still on the front-end of their price cycle (meaning the prices will go down if you just wait a year). Your sweet spot right now is that Core 2 Duo 27-inch monster. Now go forth and switch!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
eric said 4:51PM on 11-09-2009
"Intel-designed 9400M video card" i think you mean Nvidia?
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Josh said 4:57PM on 11-09-2009
You are correct! Thanks!
Rob said 5:18PM on 11-09-2009
"Pick one and go, right? Again, not so much. When we select one, we're presented with more options..."
Configure something from Dell. Even picking from two models of the XPS One, there are still 20+ customization panels to click through.
Simple exercise in comparison over patronization of "noobs" here? Not so much.
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Josh said 6:17PM on 11-09-2009
Getting a Mac for the first time is intimidating. People don't know how fast -- or slow -- it will be compared to what they're used to, so even a few minor choices can be confusing to the Mac noob.
Rob said 9:39PM on 11-09-2009
Josh, valid point on platform-crossing confusion in general...but, what computer doesn't come with a host of upgrade choices through which the amateur user, regardless of platform history, must navigate? The choices haven't been between OSX apples and Windows oranges (or lemons in plenty of cases) since the Intel transition. Memory, software, HD's and accessories aren't as Greek to consumers as you might think, simply because they're part of a mysterious Mac.
It's likely that those who are as confused by "even a few minor choices" as you portray would be just as confused buying a Dell.
John Reilly said 3:21PM on 11-10-2009
After retiring I bought an Apple MacBook Pro to see what all the hype was about. It is a big, no Gigantic disappointment after using the Microsoft platform for the past 15 years. Word, Excel and PowerPoint even when upgraded to the Microsoft format in Mac operates completely different and is a mess. There is absolutely no comparison!! What a let down. Wish I never made the switch.
Thanks,
JR
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BB said 4:39AM on 11-11-2009
mess? um.. no..
It's different, but only slightly.. I mean, files are files, what's so hard to figure out?
In my experience, people can't get their heads around that things are actually easier in OSX, but hey, to each his own.
Hugo said 6:25AM on 11-11-2009
So how much were you paid by Microsoft to write that, John Reilly?!
So unconvincing....
lghtnr1 said 7:54AM on 11-12-2009
eventhought the new imacs are really nice i would have to say getting a referbished imac is really nice i got a referb macbook unibody last june and i love it i have had absolutly no problems
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jr1075 said 11:54AM on 11-13-2009
Hugo,
Get serious.
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JR said 11:56AM on 11-13-2009
BB,
I am determined to make this work in that so many people can't be wrong.
JR
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