[Gamoe]

Hey guys,

I might be buying a new eMac soon. (Need something till I can afford the ultimate Power Mac system)

I'm moving up from a Power Mac 8600 with upgrades. I have a few questions:

How much RAM would you recommend to run both Mac OS X and classic?

Are there any rumors about eMac updates? I read on this forum that it might be reaching to 1 Ghz soon? Is this true?- any estimates about when?

My 8600 has analog A/V in and out. What would let me work in this way with the eMac? (I'd like to convert analog A/V to digital and display the screen on a TV)

I've been looking at the Formac studio dv/tv, but I've found no reviews on it and I know that there are others.

Anyway, any suggestions or advice before I decide to buy?

[bradoesch]

Originally posted by Gabriel Morales:
Hey guys,

I might be buying a new eMac soon. (Need something till I can afford the ultimate Power Mac system)

I'm moving up from a Power Mac 8600 with upgrades. I have a few questions:

How much RAM would you recommend to run both Mac OS X and classic?

I'd recommend 1 GB (maxing it out.) RAM is pretty cheap, and you can never have enough.

Are there any rumors about eMac updates? I read on this forum that it might be reaching to 1 Ghz soon? Is this true?- any estimates about when?

I've read some rumors about that too. If you need it now, buy now, but if you can wait a while, you might want to get the updated one (whenever that may be.)

My 8600 has analog A/V in and out. What would let me work in this way with the eMac? (I'd like to convert analog A/V to digital and display the screen on a TV)

I've been looking at the Formac studio dv/tv, but I've found no reviews on it and I know that there are others.

I have no experience there. It's all FireWire for me.

[Agent69]

Originally posted by Gabriel Morales:
How much RAM would you recommend to run both Mac OS X and classic?

I can't talk about Classic as I don't even install it but I have my eMac maxed out to 1GB and it runs pretty good.

[AssassyN]

My advice is this: WAIT!

Wait until tomorrow at least...see the recent post in this forum about new eMacs on their way in...it could be happening as early as tomorrow.

[MacMaui]

Originally posted by Gabriel Morales:
Hey guys,

I might be buying a new eMac soon. (Need something till I can afford the ultimate Power Mac system)

I'm moving up from a Power Mac 8600 with upgrades. I have a few questions:

How much RAM would you recommend to run both Mac OS X and classic?

Are there any rumors about eMac updates? I read on this forum that it might be reaching to 1 Ghz soon? Is this true?- any estimates about when?

My 8600 has analog A/V in and out. What would let me work in this way with the eMac? (I'd like to convert analog A/V to digital and display the screen on a TV)

I've been looking at the Formac studio dv/tv, but I've found no reviews on it and I know that there are others.

Anyway, any suggestions or advice before I decide to buy?

New emacs are expected this month (May), perhaps as early as tomorrow, Tuesday.....

[AssassyN]

Well it's Tuesday morning, and the "Order Status" page is down, so I'm betting the Store's page may go down soon as well if their linked to an eMac update...we shall see!

[slider]

And so it came to pass. If you're running OS 9 it's really about how much ram you need to allocate to any apps you have running at any one time. I think the last time I used it OS 9 was using ~96MB, I would guess 256-512 would be the right range, but the old adtage is still true, you can never have too much ram. Now for OS X, I have an 867 Mhz (hmm, that just hurt to say) QS with just over 1GB of ram, I would definately install this much if it was me. OS X runs better with more ram, it's that simple. New machines are a nice upgrade, good thing you waited, but the waits over, whip out mister visa.

[bradoesch]

Good thing you didn't go out and buy one yesterday! Faster SuperDrives, AirPort Extrememe compatible, etc.

[Commodus]

In my experience, you want 256 MB of RAM minimum in order to be "comfortable" in OS X, but the more the merrier. 512 MB would probably be more than enough if you aren't running a memory-intensive app like Photoshop.

[Gamoe]

Good thing you didn't go out and buy one yesterday! Faster SuperDrives, AirPort Extrememe compatible, etc.

Definitely! It's surely "more bang for my buck!". And it's reached that psychological "1 Ghz" clock rate now.

In my experience, you want 256 MB of RAM minimum in order to be "comfortable" in OS X, but the more the merrier. 512 MB would probably be more than enough if you aren't running a memory-intensive app like Photoshop.

Oh, but I do intend to run Photoshop! It's one of my main apps. So, I think I'll follow the advice of this forum and max out the memory.

I'm gonna go call the nearest Apple store now- see if they have the new eMac's in stock yet.

Thanks guys!

[AssassyN]

Good luck! Hopefully a local Apple Store will have one waiting for you!

If you don't need it right this moment, however, check out www.macconnection.com and www.macmall.com for some great bundle deals like free RAM and such.

I'd higly recommend at least 512MB, better yet 768MB, and with RAM as cheap as it is, you'd see a big performance increase if you put 1GIG of RAM in it.

Let us know if you get one!

[AssassyN]

So...did you find/get one!?

[Gamoe]

So...did you find/get one!?

No, not yet. I'm waiting on some extra $$, so I'll probably buy it this weekend or early next week, depending. I'm also organizing things around here in anticipation of the new Mac's arrival.

Funny thing is that when I called my local Apple Store hours after the official announcement, they were completely unaware of it. The guy first told me that those were "only rumors" 'till I told him to look on Apple.com....

I'd highly recommend at least 512MB, better yet 768MB, and with RAM as cheap as it is, you'd see a big performance increase if you put 1GIG of RAM in it.

I have been doing a little bit of deal hunting in the meantime. I think taking it to the full 1GB is not a bad idea. I'll get a student discount at the Apple Store (online or off- in this case, off), but even so, I find memory from Apple pretty pricey.

Instead of having Apple put in the full 1 GB, I was thinking of getting it with 512 MBs from Apple and then buying a second 512 MB module from a third part instead.

I'm not sure what third party memory is best and equal to Apple memory speed, though. Anybody know who Apple buys memory from?

[AssassyN]

The "Apple RAM" in my 17" PB is made by Samsung...however, any quality branded RAM such as Crucial, Kingston, Samsung, etc. will perform equally well.

And I hope you're able to your new eMac soon!

[scottiB]

The memory in my G4s (DP-800 & 933) is Micron (aka Crucial, I believe).

[mikerally]

Remember the new eMacs take PC133 RAM unlike the previous model which took PC100.

Which 1Ghz eMac are you getting? The Combo or Superdrive model?

I'd say it would be a good time to snag the new Superdrive model, it writes DVDs at 4x (burns a full DVD in 15 mins!).

[slider]

Yeah, Ramseeker.com has a special button for the new eMac. It's not bad.

[Gamoe]

Remember the new eMacs take PC133 RAM unlike the previous model which took PC100.

Hmm. I will have to keep that in mind. Thanks.

Which 1Ghz eMac are you getting? The Combo or Superdrive model?

I'd say it would be a good time to snag the new Superdrive model, it writes DVDs at 4x (burns a full DVD in 15 mins!).

Oh, definitely the Superdrive version! I've wanted to be able to make DVDs for a while. I'm also going to buy the (overpriced) swivel, too. I think I'm better off getting the RAM from a third party, though.

If all goes well, I'll go get it at the local Apple Store on Monday.- - I have to go out with my mother on Sunday.

[Gamoe]

Update:

This is what I don't understand. An upgrade to 512 MB from The Apple Store (with Education discount) costs $95, though it should be less, because it is understood that 256 MBs are included with the price of the Mac, so an upgrade to 512 is only 256 MB more. But, fine... Thing is, an upgrade to 1 GB, which is simply two 512 DIMMs, is $285! Where did that extra $190 come from?!

Anyway, I'll have to find out about this at The Apple Store on Monday. If this is how it is, then I'll just have to buy from elsewhere.

[MacMaui]

Originally posted by Gabriel Morales:
Update:

This is what I don't understand. An upgrade to 512 MB from The Apple Store (with Education discount) costs $95, though it should be less, because it is understood that 256 MBs are included with the price of the Mac, so an upgrade to 512 is only 256 MB more. But, fine... Thing is, an upgrade to 1 GB, which is simply two 512 DIMMs, is $285! Where did that extra $190 come from?!

Anyway, I'll have to find out about this at The Apple Store on Monday. If this is how it is, then I'll just have to buy from elsewhere.

As I understand it, the Superdrive eMac comes with 256 in the factory installed slot. When Apple says 512MB for $95, they are adding 256MB to the one and only user accissible slot. You can get the same amount (256), for much less from third party sellers.

You want 1GB. That means that the original factory installed 256 chip has to be removed a tossed aside completely, thus you're starting from scratch. Apple doesn't give you credit for that 256, it's just lost forever.

Now you need two 512MB chips installed. The Apple price for a 512MB chip is not $95, remember that was for an additonal 256. Apple's price for a 512 chip is much more.

Keep in mind that you will not be able to install 1GB of ram yourself without voiding the warranty. The first slot is a factory only access slot and will require an Apple authorized service technician for the upgrade. This will increase the cost.

The most you can do yourself is to add a 512MB stick to the user accessible slot which brings the total to 768MB. If you order a total of 512MB from Apple, they'll most likely just add a 256 stick to your one and only user accessible slot, thus it's not like you could add another 512 later to reach 1GB. Instead, you'd have to remove their 256, which would bring your total to 768 and make your original $95 purchase a waste of money.

To be honest, 768 is quite a lot of ram and would probably meet your every need unless you're going to be doing a ton of multi-tasking.

I suggest just buying a 512MB stick from a reputable 3rd party vendor (like crucial.com, or samsung memory from memoryx.com) and save your money. Install it yourself and be happy!

If you just have to have 1GB, your best bet is to bite the bullet and pay Apple to install the whole enchilada.

But really, 768 will probably do ya just fine

[Gamoe]

Thank you for your post, MacMaui. It was very informative. I was able to confirm that there is only one user accessible DIMM slot with another Apple dealer, however this is not what the tech specs say!

From the eMac tech spec PDF, under "Processor and Memory":

• 128MB or 256MB of PC133 SDRAM, expandable to up to 1GB; two user-accessible 168-pin DIMM slots support up to 1GB using 128MB, 256MB, or 512MB DIMMs

If you order a total of 512MB from Apple, they'll most likely just add a 256 stick to your one and only user accessible slot, thus it's not like you could add another 512 later to reach 1GB.

Well, I'm going to ask them to put in a 512 MB DIMM in this slot, for the price they offer (including the "installation fee"). If they won't do this, then I'll tell them to leave it as it is, and upgrade it to 768 MB. But I won't "bite the bullet" and let Apple rip me off.

Let's see how far they're willing to go to make the customer happy and make another sale at The Apple Store. I'll let you know tomorrow...!

[MacMaui]

Originally posted by Gabriel Morales:
Thank you for your post, MacMaui. It was very informative. I was able to confirm that there is only one user accessible DIMM slot with another Apple dealer, however this is not what the tech specs say!

From the eMac tech spec PDF, under "Processor and Memory":

• 128MB or 256MB of PC133 SDRAM, expandable to up to 1GB; two user-accessible 168-pin DIMM slots support up to 1GB using 128MB, 256MB, or 512MB DIMMs

Well, I'm going to ask them to put in a 512 MB DIMM in this slot, for the price they offer (including the "installation fee"). If they won't do this, then I'll tell them to leave it as it is, and upgrade it to 768 MB. But I won't "bite the bullet" and let Apple rip me off.

Let's see how far they're willing to go to make the customer happy and make another sale at The Apple Store. I'll let you know tomorrow...!

Crucial.com (micron) makes very good ram and is selling a 512MB stick for the eMac for $85 (w/the $15 off coupon) and shipping is free. That's a pretty good deal.

You may find cheaper elsewhere but there's something to be said for buying quality ram as long as you aren't over paying too much for it.

Imho, $85 for a total of 768MB of ram makes a lot more sense than almost $300 for 1GB.

Good Luck!

[asmack]

Interesting.

In the 2002 eMac Specifications PDF, it says:

"Processor and memory:

128MB of SDRAM; two 168-pin DIMM slots support up to 1GB using 128MB, 256MB, or 512MB DIMMs"

However, as Gabriel pointed out, in the 2003 eMac Specification PDF, it says:

"Processor and memory:

128MB or 256MB of PC133 SDRAM, expandable to up to 1GB; two user-accessible 168-pin DIMM slots support up to 1GB using 128MB, 256MB, or 512MB DIMMs"

It's entirely possible that Apple changed the design of the 2003 eMac slightly so that users can have access to both RAM slots. Or, it could be a typo (unlikely, but possible).

Anyway, here are the two eMac PDF files to compare:

http://members.shaw.ca/asmack/eMac_2002.pdf

http://members.shaw.ca/asmack/eMac_2003.pdf

[SeSawaya]

how/where do you get a $15 coupon?

[Gamoe]

I just had a talk with "Debra" from MacWarehouse, who assured me that the new eMac has two fully upgradable DIMM slots. Then again, she told me that the old one did also.... So, I'm not sure what to believe at this point.

I will have to settle this once and for all tomorrow, so stay tuned!

[MacMaui]

Originally posted by SeSawaya:
how/where do you get a $15 coupon?

It was at the crucial's emac memory listing page, it's a crucial offered coupon.

I hope Apple has changed the design with the emac, it would be very cool to have both slots user accessible.

Gabriel with have to let us know!

[MacMaui]

Originally posted by Gabriel Morales:
I just had a talk with "Debra" from MacWarehouse, who assured me that the new eMac has two fully upgradable DIMM slots. Then again, she told me that the old one did also.... So, I'm not sure what to believe at this point.

I will have to settle this once and for all tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Debra is right, both units have two fully upgradeable slots. The debate is whether the new eMac has one or two "user" upgradeable slots. The old eMac definently only had one.

Keep us posted!

[Gamoe]

Debra is right, both units have two fully upgradeable slots. The debate is whether the new eMac has one or two "user" upgradeable slots. The old eMac definently only had one.

Excuse me- I meant "user upgradable" slots.

Keep us posted!

Oh I will! Tomorrow afternoon I'm of to The Apple Store!

[slider]

I believe you are mistaken. There has never been a built in, ie. soddered to the mother board, ram in the eMac. Both ram modules have always been user accessiable. It sounds to me as though you are confusing the iMac with the eMac. I went to the support page which you can see here and for the eMac (ATI Grapics) can be found as a PDF file here

[mikerally]

Ok I think a few people have got their wires crossed here giving out the wrong info. The definitive source for facts like this is of course the Apple Knowledge Base, which I took a few mins to check out.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=34860

It clearly shows in the illustrations here (and I also checked the illustrations for the original ATI Graphics model aswell) that the eMac sports TWO User Accessible DIMM slots. These two slots hold ALL the eMac's RAM - none is soldered onto the motherboard.

You can access BOTH slots through the trapdoor underneath the eMac, whatever model of eMac you have - if you have less thatn 512MB in one of the slots already, you are going to have to get rid of the RAM and order a pair of 512MB DIMMs to upgrade to 1GB.

Apple says that all eMacs (including the 100Mhz Bus version) should only use PC133 RAM (Apple are fussy like this on 100Mhz version, dunno why, but they've always recommended a higher spec RAM that what is needed).

So the answer is yes, any eMac owner can upgrade to 1GB of RAM by buying a pair of 512MB DIMMs and installing them via the underside trapdoor of the eMac.

Wanna debate over it? Go and read the link to the Knowledge Base articles.

[MacMaui]

Originally posted by mikerally:
Ok I think a few people have got their wires crossed here giving out the wrong info. The definitive source for facts like this is of course the Apple Knowledge Base, which I took a few mins to check out.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=34860

It clearly shows in the illustrations here (and I also checked the illustrations for the original ATI Graphics model aswell) that the eMac sports TWO User Accessible DIMM slots. These two slots hold ALL the eMac's RAM - none is soldered onto the motherboard.

You can access BOTH slots through the trapdoor underneath the eMac, whatever model of eMac you have - if you have less thatn 512MB in one of the slots already, you are going to have to get rid of the RAM and order a pair of 512MB DIMMs to upgrade to 1GB.

Apple says that all eMacs (including the 100Mhz Bus version) should only use PC133 RAM (Apple are fussy like this on 100Mhz version, dunno why, but they've always recommended a higher spec RAM that what is needed).

So the answer is yes, any eMac owner can upgrade to 1GB of RAM by buying a pair of 512MB DIMMs and installing them via the underside trapdoor of the eMac.

Wanna debate over it? Go and read the link to the Knowledge Base articles.

mikerally,

You may be completely correct. Most of us are just responding based on reading specs of the original eMac in which it doesn't say that both slots can be changed by the user.

The best thing would be to have an actual eMac owner tell us what the deal is.

The point here should be to get to the truth, debating seems rather silly

[Gamoe]

You may be completely correct. Most of us are just responding based on reading specs of the original eMac in which it doesn't say that both slots can be changed by the user.

The best thing would be to have an actual eMac owner tell us what the deal is.

The point here should be to get to the truth, debating seems rather silly

Right! It seems that the new eMac has fully user upgradable DIMM slots, contrary to what we thought before.

I was going to get the eMac this afternoon, but I wasn't able to make it today. So, barring any other unforeseen events, I will be making my purchase tomorrow. Wish me luck.

[MacMaui]

Originally posted by Gabriel Morales:
Right! It seems that the new eMac has fully user upgradable DIMM slots, contrary to what we thought before.

I was going to get the eMac this afternoon, but I wasn't able to make it today. So, barring any other unforeseen events, I will be making my purchase tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Cool Gabriel, glad you were able to get to the bottom of it. We may not always be correct, but are at least sincere

Not to complicate matters for you, but are you aware of the problems that have plagued the eMac line since its creation?

Hopefully the 1ghz model, being rev. B, will have fixed those issus, but no one knows for sure.

All I've read suggests that the FP iMacs, though more costly, have a much much better reliability record.

I'm not saying to not get the eMac, it may prove to be a great edition.

Food for thought......
Check this post out.

[Gamoe]

Not to complicate matters for you, but are you aware of the problems that have plagued the eMac line since its creation?

Hopefully the 1ghz model, being rev. B, will have fixed those issus, but no one knows for sure.

All I've read suggests that the FP iMacs, though more costly, have a much much better reliability record.

Thanks for the info, MacMaui. I was aware of the CRT failures. But, I really don't have $500 more to spend right now. And if I did, I'd much rather spend it on a digital camcorder or something else to use with my Mac.

Like you said no one knows for sure if this rev. is good, but it is the second revision and Apple know there have been problems.

I will be buying directly from the local Apple Store, and I fully expect that I can take the machine back if it gives me such trouble.

[MacMaui]

Originally posted by Gabriel Morales:
Thanks for the info, MacMaui. I was aware of the CRT failures. But, I really don't have $500 more to spend right now. And if I did, I'd much rather spend it on a digital camcorder or something else to use with my Mac.

Like you said no one knows for sure if this rev. is good, but it is the second revision and Apple know there have been problems.

I will be buying directly from the local Apple Store, and I fully expect that I can take the machine back if it gives me such trouble.

I hear ya, $500 is steep, go for it bruddha! I pray it proves to be a real gem for you.......

[slider]

Well, I suppose that no one can really be sure until a few units have been out for awhile, I would think it makes sense that the problem with the screen has been resolved. If I were in the market, I certainly wouldn't worry about this issue with this model. Good luck and I am looking forward to your review.

[AssassyN]

I got to play w/ the new 1Ghz eMac last night at the SouthPoint Apple Store, and it's a very solid feeling machine, although additional RAM from Apple's stock inclusion would be very helpful. No real cosmetic changes; a few pictures make it look like there may be new curves on the front, but it's still completely flat. My only major gripe is the included keyboard & mouse: they're terrible. Extremely light, plastic-y, and cheap feeling. NOTHING like the "Pro" mouse & keyboard...if I were getting one of these new eMacs, I'd certainly purchase either an Apple Pro mouse/keyboard or a 3rd party combo.

[judd]

I just noticed that the superdrive emac is not OS9 bootable. Only the combo and cdrom emacs are.

[Gamoe]

Hey guys-- I finally got my eMac! I got it yesterday. Have it set up and connected to the net now. In fact, I'm posting from Safari on Mac OS X on my eMac!

Anyway, Apple wouldn't install a single 512 for me, so I didn't purchase any additional RAM from Apple. Instead I took your advice, MacMaui, and ordered two 512 DIMMs from Crucial.

Extremely light, plastic-y, and cheap feeling. NOTHING like the "Pro" mouse & keyboard...if I were getting one of these new eMacs, I'd certainly purchase either an Apple Pro mouse/keyboard or a 3rd party combo.

I really don't get that feeling at all. It's true that most of my typing was done an old beige Apple Pro keyboard, but I find this keyboard nice, and the mouse equally so. I can't "feel" much difference between this one and a "Pro" one. I can understand if you wanted to have a "pro" keyboard and mouse for the adjustment bar and wheel, though.

But otherwise they're perfectly fine, and I don't find those simple features compelling enough to spend more than a hundred dollars on a new Apple Pro keyboard and mouse. Now, maybe things will be different with the next generation pro keyboards and mice. But, we'll have to wait and see.

I browsed through the thin user's manual, but I didn't see any mention of how to remove the speaker grills, and I've noticed that in the pictures on Apple's web site, the grills are always on, so I'm assuming that they're now permanently covering the speakers.

The speakers themselves are no great deal, I think, and they cause visible distortions on the CRT, in direct relation to the volume, something which happens with my viewsonic "multimedia" CRT, too- - so I'm not worried.

Thankfully, the analog audio in/out allow me to connect it to my stereo system, as I had my PowerMac before. All sound is automatically muted when I have it hooked up, though. Actually, I'd like it output through the built-in speakers, too, but I haven't found an option for that.

The eMac is much quieter than my old Mac, and it's absolutely dead silent in sleep mode.

On the other hand, I've already experienced my first kernel panic, but I guess I shouldn't have been fiddling with the Terminal app as much. Also, I find the system a bit slow at times, but I am attributing this to the limited memory it has right now and the multitude of applications I tend to run simultaneously, including classic apps. We'll see when the micron memory gets here...

Safari has impressed me with its relative speed, in comparison to Mozilla in Mac OS 9. And the check spelling feature is very handy. Already bought a song from the Apple Music Store, just to give it a try.- Very neat!

All in all, I'm very happy with my new eMac so far. Take a look at some pictures I took, noting the differences: http://gamoe.net/eMac/

[slider]

Hey congrates on the purchase. Let us know how it feels when you get the new ram in.

[AssassyN]

EXCELLENT!!! Congrats on the new eMac! The pics were great, and it's nice to hear you're having so much fun with it...just wait til you have 1gig of RAM in it, and all those noticeable slow-downs should all but dissapear!

Congrats man, thank goodness you waited!

[MacMaui]

CONGRATULATIONS Gabriel!!! Enjoy your new pal!

[DewGuy1999]

Originally posted by Gabriel Morales:
Hey guys-- I finally got my eMac! I got it yesterday. Have it set up and connected to the net now. In fact, I'm posting from Safari on Mac OS X on my eMac!

Congratulations! Which model did you get? Did you end up getting it from your local Apple Store or somewhere else?

Anyway, Apple wouldn't install a single 512 for me, so I didn't purchase any additional RAM from Apple. Instead I took your advice, MacMaui, and ordered two 512 DIMMs from Crucial.

I looked at your website and noticed that you had a picture of the RAM slots, did you have any trouble with the screw on the door? In the past people have reported the head getting stripped on the screw when trying to remove it.

I really don't get that feeling at all. It's true that most of my typing was done an old beige Apple Pro keyboard, but I find this keyboard nice, and the mouse equally so. I can't "feel" much difference between this one and a "Pro" one. I can understand if you wanted to have a "pro" keyboard and mouse for the adjustment bar and wheel, though.

I understand that it's smaller than the Pro Keyboard, could you post the dimensions of it?

I browsed through the thin user's manual, but I didn't see any mention of how to remove the speaker grills, and I've noticed that in the pictures on Apple's web site, the grills are always on, so I'm assuming that they're now permanently covering the speakers.

The method previously used to remove the speaker grills on the eMac was to use the end of a paper clip, etc. to pry them out, being careful not to puncture the speaker. You are correct that on the new eMacs the grills are permanently attached. Here's the Apple Knowlegebase article on it: eMac: Using the Speaker Grills

The eMac is much quieter than my old Mac, and it's absolutely dead silent in sleep mode.

Sounds like Apple has done something differently from previous eMacs, as they were frequently said to be loud, as loud as a microwave according to some accounts. Also on previous eMacs it was said that the fan ran even when it was sleeping. I've been considering one of the new eMacs but had reservations due to the raster shift and loudness of the previous eMacs, based on your comments it looks like the noise may be a non-issue.

Have you had any distortions, vibrating, etc. while running the display at the higher resolutions? What is the actual (height x width) viewable display area?

[AssassyN]

Just to answer one of those last questions, he got the new 1Ghz eMac, stock (for now).

[Gamoe]

Originally posted by DewGuy1999:
Congratulations! Which model did you get? Did you end up getting it from your local Apple Store or somewhere else?

Just to answer one of those last questions, he got the new 1Ghz eMac, stock (for now).

Right Still waiting on the memory...

...did you have any trouble with the screw on the door?...

No, I really didn't.

I understand that it's smaller than the Pro Keyboard, could you post the dimensions of it?

According to my (unscientific) measurements, it's about 17 1/2 x 5 inches.

...You are correct that on the new eMacs the grills are permanently attached.

I suppose that's a small tradeoff, but it's worth it.

Sounds like Apple has done something differently from previous eMacs, as they were frequently said to be loud, as loud as a microwave according to some accounts.

Well, the noise doesn't seem loud to me or bother me in any way.

Also on previous eMacs it was said that the fan ran even when it was sleeping.

It sounds dead quiet to me when it's in sleep mode.

...based on your comments it looks like the noise may be a non-issue.

at least for me it isn't.

Have you had any distortions, vibrating, etc. while running the display at the higher resolutions?

Yes, I do notice a it of flickering, but not more-so than my old monitor or any other CRT I've ever been up-close to. There is also a visible "shimmer" when playing audio through the internal speakers, but my ViewSonic multimedia monitor does the same thing. I'm running it at the highest resolution it'll let me- 1280x960 at 72 Hz.

What is the actual (height x width) viewable display area?

Boy, you're making me take out the tape measurer again! Let's see... It came out to a little more (in both dimensions) than 9x12 inches. This is after I adjusted the display settings, as the default settings made the image smaller.

Other notes:

The only thing that bothers me right now is an audio static I get from the internal speakers. But it's not consistent, I only get it sometimes. Not sure if it's a hardware or software problem. We'll see if it persists...

BTW, I had written a reply last night, but Safari had other plans and so went everything I had written.

[slider]

Yikes, my eyes can't handle anything below 85Hz.

[Shikimo]

As a person trying to decide if the extra $500+ is worth it for the imac 17", your comments and pix are invaluable...thanks! The only thing keeping me from ordering the emac right now is the troubled history of the CRT, and I can't find any reliable information regarding measures taken, if any, to fix both the raster problem and the flickering at high resolutions in the new machines. Do you know of any? I don't expect it to be perfect--my eyes aren't too picky and I switch back and forth from CRT (home--old peecee) and school (glorious lab full of new imacs) without trouble or strain--but it should be at least as good as our compaq 17" CRT at home, and it would just kill me if my new machine had a bunk screen...it seems I have to buy from the Apple store to get the education price, and shipping it back for a replacement doesnt sound fun or reliable. Anyway, congrats on your machine!

[Gamoe]

Originally posted by Shikimo:
[B]As a person trying to decide if the extra $500+ is worth it for the imac 17", your comments and pix are invaluable...thanks!

I'm glad this thread was valuable to you. It's nice friendly folk to have someone to ask questions and share the Mac (buying, researching and user) experience with. I must say that the people who have responded to this forum have been very helpful and kind. I'm glad I was able to help someone out as well.

The only thing keeping me from ordering the emac right now is the troubled history of the CRT, and I can't find any reliable information regarding measures taken, if any, to fix both the raster problem and the flickering at high resolutions in the new machines.

If you look closely, and particularly with your peripheral vision (look at it from the corner of your eye), you will always notice a CRT fickering/refreshing. At least, this has been my experience with computer monitors.

It is possible that there're some out there which have no noticeable flickering whatsoever that I have not encountered, though.

Do you know of any?

Any problem/weakness of the CRT would be hardware based, so I doubt that there is any software or easy solution to fix any such problem.

I don't expect it to be perfect--my eyes aren't too picky and I switch back and forth from CRT (home--old peecee) and school (glorious lab full of new imacs)

LCD displays are not as bad for the eyes, though.- - no doubt about it.

...and it would just kill me if my new machine had a bunk screen...it seems I have to buy from the Apple store to get the education price, and shipping it back for a replacement doesnt sound fun or reliable.

Yep, only Apple gives you an education discount. That's one of the main reasons I bought from an Apple Store and not from a catalog.

Why would you have to ship it back, though? You don't have any Apple Store in proximity?

It's a headache to get any defective machine and then have to return it and wait only to see if the problem will ever really be resolved at all, but I suggest that you put your fears aside and judge the machines by their features and options.

Also ask around, read different Mac forums. Go to an Apple Store, a friend's house or a Macintosh user group and try one out.

If you're not in a hurry to buy, I'd advise you to wait it out 'till the iMac is updated. It will surely have newer features and advantages beyond the new eMac, making it more worth the extra $500 you'll pay for it.

I bought now because I'm really not looking for anything more expensive right now, the eMac looked like a great deal and I have a 5 year old Mac that, despite being an excellent machine, I desperately needed to upgrade from.

Anyway, congrats on your machine!

Thank you! I now have it running with the full GB of RAM and my new Graphire2 Wacom tablet attached. Good luck with your decision!

[MacMaui]

Hey Gabriel,

Glad to hear you got the ram figured out and installed, cool! How does it feel now that the 1GB is roaring away?

[PHoynak]

How hard is it to replace the hard drive in the eMac? I have done it on 2 iMacs (slot loading) and the tray loading type also. I may get a eMac and would want to upgrade the hard drive when the warranty ran out. Has anyone done this?