[volcano]

Hello,

After extensive research I have concluded that the Mac was the right computer for me. Being an avid user of Windows-based systems for countless years, I'm hoping the transition to this new world of computers will be a painless one. Anyway, to make an even longer story short(er) - I ventured out to my local Apple store to get a hands-on look at all the computers available. My first desicion to make was whether or not I would get an iMac or a Powerbook. After much deliberation, I realized that the iMac was for me - due to the countless features I could get on this system for a fraction of the cost. Plus, the portability of a notebook would be more of a convenience, rather than a necessity for me (and convenience isn't worth an extra $1,000). I now have my final decision to make - either a 17" or 20" screen. Both screens are beautiful. I almost drooled when I saw that 20" widescreen machine. I'm beefing up my machine almost to the max with 2GB SDRAM, 400GB hard drive, and Apple Care. The difference in the end between the two machines is about $200.

I know most of you will reply by saying "well, if you can afford the 20", go for it." But I'm just worried about it being.. too much screen to handle. If that makes any sense. I'm a web designer and use Photoshop, Flash, and Dreamweaver excessively. I'm thinking it might be nice to have all that extra room for editing purposes, but still - wouldn't 17" be enough?

Also, one more question - I noticed iMac's don't have FireWire 800. Any reason behind this? Right now on this crappy machine I have I use USB 1.1 to transfer songs to my iPod, so anything faster than this will be nothing short of a miracle.. but I was just curious as to why they excluded that one option on this particular machine?

Thank you for reading all of this.

EDIT: I forgot one more question. I wish to buy a good set of speakers and a subwoofer for my computer - which ones do you recommend? I'm not an audiophile or anything, but I want the best bang for my buck. I noticed the reviews of the JBL Creature II speakers were relatively good - and I especially like that price. They had a set of them next to an iMac @ the Apple Store, but they had the wrong speakers installed on the system so they didn't work.

[the_glassman]

If you use Photoshop, Flash and Dreamweaver you're going to want to get the 20". Can you get by with the 17"? Certainly, but the extra screen real estate would be worth it. If I could make one suggestion it would be to purchase ram from a 3rd party and not Apple as they (still) charge ridiculous amount for ram.

Apple looks at Firewire 800 as a pro feature at this point, so it's only included on Powerbooks and Powermac's at this time. The next iMac revision will probably have Firewire 800 as the new iMacs finally have gig ethernet.

Using regular Firewire to transfer songs from your iPod will seem like a night and day difference.

As for speakers, the creatures are alright, some people like the sound-sticks, my personal favorites are the Klipsch 2.1 setup.

Welcome to the club!

[volcano]

Originally Posted by the_glassman

If I could make one suggestion it would be to purchase ram from a 3rd party and not Apple as they (still) charge ridiculous amount for ram.

What sites would you suggest to purchase the extra ram from? I heard about doing this in another forum - but I'm not a computer expert by any means. I know Photoshop like the back of my hand, but when it comes to the actual internal components of a computer - I'm useless. Perhaps I can con my older brother into installing the extra RAM (unless it's a relatively easy process that I can handle). He built the computer I'm currently using (it has a 1.13Ghz AMD Athlon Processor & 512MB of RAM), and his own monster that he has at his apartment.. so hopefully he can figure out the internal structure of the iMac as well.

Thanks for the fast response by the way

[the_glassman]

Originally Posted by volcano

What sites would you suggest to purchase the extra ram from? I heard about doing this in another forum - but I'm not a computer expert by any means. I know Photoshop like the back of my hand, but when it comes to the actual internal components of a computer - I'm useless. Perhaps I can con my older brother into installing the extra RAM (unless it's a relatively easy process that I can handle). He built the computer I'm currently using (it has a 1.13Ghz AMD Athlon Processor & 512MB of RAM), and his own monster that he has at his apartment.. so hopefully he can figure out the internal structure of the iMac as well.

Thanks for the fast response by the way

Try www.ramseeker.com or www.newegg.com or www.pricewatch.com
Installing memory in an iMac is super easy, I think Apple might even have a video on their site.
Also this guide should help.
http://www.omnitechnologies.biz/Images/IMG5INST.jpg

[volcano]

Originally Posted by the_glassman

Try www.ramseeker.com or www.newegg.com or www.pricewatch.com
Installing memory in an iMac is super easy, I think Apple might even have a video on their site.
Also this guide should help.
http://www.omnitechnologies.biz/Images/IMG5INST.jpg

Awesome, thanks for the links. My wallet thanks you as well. I think I can do that - looks like a simple procedure to me. I do have another question though - when I go to select my RAM at the Apple Store, I noticed that there are some differences between them: some say 1 DIMM, while others say 2 DIMM. Obviously, my question is: what exactly is DIMM and does it make any difference if its 1 or 2 if I'm just going to install some more RAM on my own? Sorry if this has been asked before - but like I said earlier, I'm not that knowledgeable in the mechanics of a PC.

[jhogarty]

Installing the RAM is very easy. Find a good flat service. Put some kind of padding/towel down and lay your iMac face first on it. Along the bottom edge you find 3 screws. Gently loosen them until they get tight again. They don't come all the way out. Then gently lift the back off the iMac. I did this by slowly tugging on the silver base part.

There are two DIMM slots. Depending on how you order yours, either one or two will be populated. Mine had (1) 512MB DIMM. I had another 512MB DIMM from the iMac I returned a week ago. They can only go in one way. On the left and right side of the DIMM slot are little tabby hook looking things. Move them out so you can slide the DIMM in. If you put the DIMM in right, they will close and lock the DIMM in.

Gently put the cover back on and slowly tighten the three screws. Don't over torque them. Think it took me a total of 5 minutes. Partly due to the fact I was in awe at how they got so much crammed in there. And I was showing me son what all the main parts are.

J.

ps. In case you are wondering, I bought a 17" iMac on April 29th - Tiger release date. On Tuesday May 3rd, Apple announced the new iMac. I kept my 512MB DIMM that I paid extra for at the Apple store and returned my Airport Express and iMac. Then ordered the 20" online and waited about 2 weeks. I love the new iMac and plan on replacing all my PC's with Macs. I have two more desktops and 1 laptop to go. Not sure if I'll replace my SuSE server.

[mdc]

i just bought the 1.8ghz 17" iMac today.
i went to the apple store since my 15" powerbook's hard drive decided to die, and i walked out with an iMac.

i have always liked the new iMac line and the even if the 17" screen is only 2"s bigger than my powerbook, it feels so much bigger. i do web design on my 15" and i find the screen big enough. doing work on my 17" will be more than enough.

but if i was in your position, i'd pay the extra $200 (since you are maxing everything else out anyway) and get the 20".

i buy my memory from www.macsales.com and they have never given me bad service. i just placed an order for 512mb ibook ram, 1gig imac ram, and a new powerbook hard drive.

enjoy the imac, i'm loving mine.

[markb8705]

i have 20 and for 200 more i would def. get it

[Hodog16]

I'm in the same boat as you volcano, I'm going to get a 20" and load that sucker up. I've done some research so let me share the wealth:

To get to 2 GB which is the max the iMac can handle, you'll need to do either one of the two options:
1) Upgrade Apple's 512 MB (1 DIMM) which is standard to 1 GB (1 DIMM) which will leave one slot open. Then you buy a 1 GB stick from an aftermarket company and install it giving you 2 GB. Going with the cheapest aftermarket RAM, this will probably set you back around $250, I think it's $150 or so to upgrade Apple's and then around $80-100 for a cheap aftermarket 1 GB.

2) You keep Apple's 512 MB option and buy two separate 1 GB sticks aftermarket, then when you get the computer, take out Apple's 512 MB stick and put in the two aftermarket sticks. I guess then you can sell the 512 MB stick of RAM as it will do you no good. This will cost around $180-200 and will leave you with an extra 512 MB of RAM.

In terms of 17" versus 20", I'm going 20" and my main use will be personal computing, nothing like your graphic intensive work. I'd go 20", you can always make use of extra screen space or change the resolution to your liking .

In terms of your speakers, I've read many reviews and gone to Best Buy, Circuit City, and the Apple Store to take a listen (hey, I have a lot of free time right now ). The ones I've continued to hear good things about are:

-Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 - sounded very good at Best Buy, cheapest I've seen online is through Dell for $125
-Logitech Z2300 2.1 - also sounded good at Circuit City, cheapest I've seen is Dell again for $95 or so.
-Altec Lansing FX6021 2.1 - supposedly very good, they have these at the Apple Store for $299, but online they can be had for $205.

In terms of bang for your buck, I'd get the Klipsch, especially if Dell is still selling them for $125 (check www.dealnews.com and search for it).

Hope this helps!

[piot]

Originally Posted by volcano

I'm a web designer and use Photoshop, Flash, and Dreamweaver excessively. I'm thinking it might be nice to have all that extra room for editing purposes, but still - wouldn't 17" be enough?

I use exactly the same software set!

Web sites are getting larger! By that I mean that screens at 800 x 600 px (and below) are now in the minority. I have been asked to design more and more sites that fit comfortably in the 1024 space. After using the 20 inch iMac for the last 6 months I would say that the extra real estate is almost essential.

Crucial.com is another good dealer for memory. As others have said, fitting is a a no-brainer. There are simple instructions in the printed material you get with the iMac.

Enjoy!

[jhogarty]

I picked up the JBL critter ones. They look kewl and sound pretty dang good. One thing I really enjoy is playing World of Warcraft on the new 20" iMac. I can't believe the depth of the sound on the iMac versus my Dell PC.

I used to have to chase the kids out of my home office. Now I keep asking them when I can get time on "their" computer - the new iMac.

J.