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Stockcerts · Jun 25, 2007, 02:42 PM

I have been considering purchasing a 17" IMac in the next few weeks. I would get the one with the superdrive. I have been reading that a re-design is in the works, so now I'm thinking about waiting. I also saw that Apple may not have a 17" model in the future, so waiting may not be a good idea. I don't really want to spend the dollars for a 20". Any thoughts on when the new models will be hitting the streets?

mduell · Jun 25, 2007, 03:40 PM

Apple usually, but not always, keeps the same price points over time; so if the 17" is eliminated, I'd expect to see a 20" take it's place (which is reasonable given LCD prices these days).

The rumors say the new models will be out in July-ish.

roller · Jun 25, 2007, 08:58 PM

Stockcerts, unless you need it now, I would wait. The iMac is long in the tooth and I think you will find it worth waiting for.

BTW, even if Apple eliminates the 17 and doesn't lower the price of the 20" to match (which is unlikely), you would still be able to pick up a 17" somewhere, like Apple's refurb site:

Apple Refubs

Stockcerts · Jun 26, 2007, 04:54 AM

My PC is on it's last leg, and I have the itch to buy my new IMac, but I would kick myself if I bought one now and a new model came out in the next month.

I was looking at the refurbs. Do you guys think buying one of these is the same as buying new? I just wonder why Apple has current models available as refurbs...where do they come from?

nathanxu · Jun 26, 2007, 05:49 AM

I think you should wait mate, there must be a good reason to get raid of 17 inch if apple do that, and I am sure the price would come down little bit as that was the case with MacBook and MacBook Pro. I think this update might be a really good one, a re-design maybe.

MacosNerd · Jun 26, 2007, 07:07 AM

I'd wait a couple of weeks if possible, also if you can wait longer, many states have a tax free day in August (typically near the end) to attract shoppers so Apple should have a new iMac out by then and you could save some bucks. Of course that means waiting two months for a new Mac - I couldn't do that (I bought a new MacBook Pro

roller · Jun 26, 2007, 07:08 AM

Originally Posted by Stockcerts

My PC is on it's last leg, and I have the itch to buy my new IMac, but I would kick myself if I bought one now and a new model came out in the next month.

I was looking at the refurbs. Do you guys think buying one of these is the same as buying new? I just wonder why Apple has current models available as refurbs...where do they come from?

It could be argued it is better than buying new. Some of the units are pre-owned and have been returned. Apple has repaired whatever was wrong with it. So you know going in that the unit has been "test-driven" and had the kinks worked out. Buying new, you don't have that luxury... and you pay full price! Just another way to think about it.

Apple explains the refurb process on a link on the page I linked to below:

Click on link for Refub Process for explanation

Stockcerts · Jun 26, 2007, 08:28 AM

I'll try to be patient and wait a while longer. I first started thinking about replacing my PC this past February. In recent months I've been watching all of the Apple demo videos, watching the recent key note speech, and I'm even excited about using .Mac (even though it may be over-priced). I'll try to hold out a while. One thing about waiting for August, I'd be within three months of the new OS and I believe you don't pay for the upgrade if you buy a new Mac within three months of release.

Veltliner · Jun 27, 2007, 12:53 AM

Not to forget a 20" display is so much nicer than 17". I recently saw a 17" iMac at a friend's apartment, and it looked like someone shrunk the iMac.

What will happen next is, when you have a 20" display and you see a 24" display, you'll want the 24".

(to be continued)

Stockcerts · Jun 27, 2007, 10:24 AM

Funny you should mention the 17" as opposed to the 20" display. I've been thinking that I might as well spend the extra $300- and be happier with the system over it's useful life. Spending this much money on a computer is new to me as my past few systems have been PC clones, only costing about $600-.

I was a Mac user many years ago, and was even a Apple Certified Tech. I made the switch for career reasons, but I've decided I can still use a PC at work, and use a Mac for my personal life. I'm disinchanted with Vista, and from what I've seen of the new Macs and OSX...well, lets just say I can't wait to buy a new system.

I haven't decided for sure if I'm going to keep waiting for a new line of IMacs as I could end up waiting a long time, based on a rumor.

roller · Jun 27, 2007, 10:50 AM

I suppose it is all relative. If you are itching to make a buy, then, of course, every day is compounded. If you take the longer view of it will be here within the next month, then it doesn't seem as tedious. A good site to check is mactactic. There is another site that has a "buying guide" but I don't remember it. Both do the same thing: track product releases and suggest buying times.

Stockcerts · Jun 27, 2007, 11:00 AM

Macattic is an interesting site, thanks! Does anyone have a guess as to what will change with the new IMacs? I'm sure it will look different, but I wonder how the specs will change.

highstakes · Jun 27, 2007, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by Stockcerts

My PC is on it's last leg, and I have the itch to buy my new IMac, but I would kick myself if I bought one now and a new model came out in the next month.

I am on the same boat...and I think I will wait a few more months since I have the MBP to keep me busy

Stockcerts · Jun 27, 2007, 02:02 PM

Highstakes, just to add to my previous comments. I would hate to wait if it's just a rumor and nothing new is going to be released until much later in the year. I think with technology you could drive yourself crazy waiting for the next "latest and greatest" as something new is always around the corner. It would make waiting easier if I knew for sure something new is going to be released in the next two months. If it's going to be longer than that I would just assume buy now.

mduell · Jun 27, 2007, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by roller

I suppose it is all relative. If you are itching to make a buy, then, of course, every day is compounded. If you take the longer view of it will be here within the next month, then it doesn't seem as tedious. A good site to check is mactactic. There is another site that has a "buying guide" but I don't remember it. Both do the same thing: track product releases and suggest buying times.

buyersguide.macrumors.com

Originally Posted by Stockcerts

Macattic is an interesting site, thanks! Does anyone have a guess as to what will change with the new IMacs? I'm sure it will look different, but I wonder how the specs will change.

Pretty certain: New CPUs (2.0/2.2Ghz, 800Mhz FSB), 4GB max RAM (and maybe 2GB stock instead of 1GB), new generation graphics card, marginally bigger hard drive.

Possible, but less likely: New enclosure, aluminum enclosure, FW800, more USB/FW ports, eSATA port, 30" screen, iPod dock.

Originally Posted by Stockcerts

Highstakes, just to add to my previous comments. I would hate to wait if it's just a rumor and nothing new is going to be released until much later in the year. I think with technology you could drive yourself crazy waiting for the next "latest and greatest" as something new is always around the corner. It would make waiting easier if I knew for sure something new is going to be released in the next two months. If it's going to be longer than that I would just assume buy now.

It's not that something new is around the corner, it's that newer stuff has been available for months and Apple hasn't implemented it yet in a computer line that is overdue time-wise for an update. Same story with the Mac Pro, and especially true for the Mac mini.

Stockcerts · Jun 28, 2007, 05:46 AM

Since I'm so impatient...here's my question. It seems like no one knows for sure if new IMacs are coming out in the next few months. If they are, do you think the anticipated changes are significant enough to wait? I actually love the look of the current models. Originally I was going to go with the 17", but decided I might enjoy watching DVD's on it as it will sit on my desk, across from my bed.

Patience has never been one of my virtues.

mduell · Jun 28, 2007, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by Stockcerts

Since I'm so impatient...here's my question. It seems like no one knows for sure if new IMacs are coming out in the next few months.

That's correct, no one ever knows.

Originally Posted by Stockcerts

If they are, do you think the anticipated changes are significant enough to wait?

Yes.

Originally Posted by Stockcerts

I actually love the look of the current models.

You can always buy a refurb if you don't like the new models.