Buying New iMac

Nobody outside Apple knows anything about their unnanounced products, and discussion of such topics is a violation of the terms of use of these forums. But considering that new iMacs were only released in April, new models coming out anytime soon are not likely.

If you need a computer now, then buy it. If you keep waiting for the next best thing you'll always be waiting.

Hello RMT;

Speculating on Apple future plans is against the terms of use of these forums, so you will not get an answer to your question.

The refurbished vs new is strictly up to you. No one can really decide what system will meet your requirements.

Barry

I have just got new 24" iMac and believe me, I love this computer the most. It's just totally different experience. Personally, I would say if you can spend bit more then get 24" iMac. It looks good and gives you more space on screen.

i also recommend the 24" - it's amazing. definitely worth paying a bit more, in the long run.

1. Go with the 24-inch. The display is a better technology than the 20-inch in the current models.

2. There will always be something better coming in the future. You should ask yourself two questions:
a. Can I benefit from buying a machine now?
b. Are we at a point in the product lifecycle where the next model will be significantly better? My personal opinion is NO.

The only person who knows what's in the pipeline is Steve Jobs and he usually doesn't announce these things until the day they are available. None of us know, no one in any of the stores know, and we aren't allowed to speculate about it here. Since the iMacs were just recently updated so I'd be surprised to see anything new anytime soon - but that doesn't mean that his Steveness couldn't announce the new Bronze iMac's this Tuesday (Tuesday seemingly the popular day for Apple product announcements, and I just made up the Bronze iMac.)

I strongly urge people to buy the 24" iMac - the display technology is superior to that of the 20".

the buyers guide at macrumors could help you. It looks like, at least compared to previous cycles, now would be a good time. I'm thinking of picking one up myself, and this helped.

IMO, go for the gorgeous 24" White iMac previous generation because of the much better graphics/color than what is in the newer Aluminum iMac 20"!
(in fact there is a lawsuit about this issue: http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS263&hl=en&q=iMaclawsuit&btnG=GoogleSearch)

This is coming from a person who just got an Aluminum iMac 20" 2.0 Ghz (as a gift)

Besides, the Apple refurbs, search dealmac.com for bargains, other refurbs, and open box specials.
If in US check at smalldog.com and powermax.com, LAComputercompany.com, and expercom.com, too.

Also, check the Apple Online Store for Brand New previous generation Macs, in the Clearance section, here:
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?sf=wHF2 F2PHCCCX72KDY&nnmm=browse&node=home/specialdeals/clearan

Or, do you qualify for Apple Education Discount?

- See the New Special Student package of get a Mac & free iPod: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=br owse&node=campaigns/backtoschool&sf=wHF2F2PHCCCX72KDY&mco=NzY2NzU5

I have always bought Apple certified Refurbs & been very happy, albeit I do go for Applecare.
*You can p/u extra Ram (easy to install in iMac) & Applecare for less by doing a dealmac.com
search or from good online retailers: smalldog.com, powermax.com, LAComputer.com, Macsales.com,
( ** my favorite for Ram) or, off eBay
or, from MacUserGroups:
http://www.apple.com/usergroups & http://MacOSG.com (50% discount for Applecare!)

*Applecare offers much more than just an extended warranty for hardware, as it also gives you support for all the Apple Software & telephone support available 8A-8P daily, this is for both, what you get now, and what you may add in the future, such as: Apple Software: iWork, iLife, Aperture, or additional hardware, like: Airport Express, Time Capsule, etc.

Enjoy your new iMac

bcd

Message was edited by: blueCdreams

On 6/26/08 I purchased the refurbished 24" IMAC 2.8ghz Core 2 Extreme with 500 hd. I upgraded the ram to 4gb and purchased it from Crucial for $119 & that included 2 day shipping. When it arrived it looked just like new. So far the machine has run great and the display is just great and with the extra ram it rocks! My purpose is to have this machine for sometime as I use my MacBook Pro when traveling for work.

good luck with your decision