Difference between 2.0GHz and 2.4GHz???

I have had my 20" 2.4GHZ Mac now for just over a month and added RAM, now running 4GB. I would opt for the 2.4GHZ option and probably add at least 1 GB of RAM. Coming from a windows based PC the Mac is fast!!!!!!!

Lets hope some of the techno guys reply to this one, in simple its the processor speed so obviously the 2.4GHZ will process things slightly quicker. Not sure how much difference the 0.4 GHZ will make??

Banano,

1. Let's get the easy question out of the way first. "Is 1GB enough?"
NO.
A 4GB upgrade will cost you $96 USD from http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/53IM2DDR4GBK/
Don't waste more brain cycles thinking about it, just spend the money.
I personally like OWC, but others also have memory. Look at NewEgg.com

2. 2.0 vs 2.4 is the wrong question. The 24-inch model comes in 2.4 and 2.8 flavors.
*Do not buy a 20-inch iMac.* The monitors of the 20 and 24 are different technologies. The 24-inch is so much better. Search around the discussion area for topic about the LCDs.

3. Performance differences.
Lots of data at http://www.macworld.com/article/61201/2007/11/speedmark5new.html?t=205

,dave

If you keep your computers for a long period, go for the 2.4ghz, the Core 2 Duo 2.0 is fast but you can feel the extra 400mHz in some task and long term faster is always better. You can get by just fine with 1GB of RAM unless you plan on doing some higher end work or a lot of video editing. I will say that installing the extra 1GB has made my iMac feel generally snappier and Safari will put it to use right away. The only reason you need 4GB is if you work with very large files in PhotoShop or Final Cut.

If you don't need precise color matching there is nothing wrong with the current 20" iMacs, a few people had issues early on with a batch of bad screens, but that seems to be resolved. I do a lot of personal video and photo editing and haven't had any issues with the screen on the 20". Yes, a S-IPS panel would be nicer, but not all TN panels are junk. The only limitation on the current 20" is viewing angle, so it depends on how often you view your screen at an angle to determine is this is an issue for you.

No matter what you decide with RAM, install it yourself as it is as easy as removing one screw and takes a few seconds.

bbolin,

I disagree with: "The only reason you need 4GB is if you work with very large files in PhotoShop..."

1. If you run Fusion or Parallels to run Windows, then you need 1+GB just for that.
2. I just checked my machine and I am using more than 3.5 GB right now.
a. I am not running Fusion.
b. I am running: 1Password, Firefox, WebnoteHappy, Eudora, StyleMaster, TextWrangler, Word, Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Photoshop, CaptainFTP, NowContact, OfficeTime, iChat, Pathfinder.
This is typical for me every day, all day long.

,dave

I'll concede the part about Paralells/Fusion, but I did mention PhotoShop. I'll further qualify it, if you run Pro apps from Apple or Adobe (or any scientific or engineering apps), you can likely use at least 2GB if not 4GB, but I don't think your demands are typical Dave. If you are a moderate consumer user with most of your emphasis on iLife you can get by just fine with 1GB, although you will feel a difference with 2GB. But that class of user will see little to no benefit with 4GB, virtually ever.

And for people who have demands similar to yours, likely already know they need more memory out of the gate.

Better?

Better (smile).
But, with 4GB only costing $96 USD; why not go for it?

And, here I thought I was typical.

Nope, turns out you aren't typical. And I agree the price is certainly right, but it does depend on need. I got my extra gig for $25 direct from Crucial, so that was $71 to spend on software. Of course, YMMV =-)

I will add two cents
I have been over two on some processes if I am importing a home movie and burning to I tunes and checking email. I have seen it as high as 2.5 never have I pushed 4. Many times my processor is getting to the max more than my ram. Just what I am seeing when I check Istat...