[teknik]

Well, for my graduation present my parents are willing to buy me a G5+Apple Display for school in the Fall. Yes, I know updates are imminent, but my parents want to give me something on the day of my grad party, instead of waiting a few weeks. They claim it will add a 'memorable moment' Anyways I have a few questions regarding a display. My folks are willing to get the 17' monitor for me, but is will this be adequate for my needs in the future (Im going to an Art college, plus this computer needs to last atleast 3/4+ years) Im using the best of my ability to convince them that the 20' would suit my needs better, and I even offered to pay the difference in price between the two monitors.

Is it worth it? The $600 difference is quite substantial, but it's also worth the money. What would you guys do in my situation?

My order is as dollows:

Code:
Power Mac G5 Dual 1.8GHz 			Z09Y 		5-7 bus.days 		 Remove 		$2,389.00 		$2,389.00 	
	Dual 1.8GHz PowerPC G5 	065-4774 		
	Bluetooth Module 	065-4292 		
	SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW) 	065-4168 		
	512MB DDR400 SDRAM (PC3200) - 2x256 	065-4356 		
	Mac OS X - U.S. English 	065-4777 		
	160GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm 	065-4376 		
	Accessory kit 	065-4775 		
	ATI Radeon 9600 Pro 	065-4449 		
	Apple Keyboard & Apple Mouse - U.S. English 	065-4161 		
	56k V.92 internal modem 	065-4166 		
	
	Apple Studio Display (17" flat panel) 			M7649ZM/B 		Same bus.day 		 Remove 		$599.00 	
	$599.00

[swiz]

This isnt even a debate.
20" is ridiculously more useable than the 17".
Ive owned both, I went to a four year design school using presumably the same software you'll be using.
Do whatever it takes to get the 20", if you get the the 17" it'll leave a sour taste in your mouth in an otherwise sweet situation.

[Wes]

I too, have owned both the 17" and 20" Apple Displays, and would highly recommend going for the 20". Not only have I found it much easier to "multitask", but the screen itself seems to be higher quality (contrast/brightness).

The 17" would be a great screen, but the 20" really does blow it out of the water.

[iCol]

I own the 17", I love it.

But would love a 20". However, I don't think I NEED it.

If you can convince your folks, go for it. But you could do alot with that $600, including getting a second computer, even possibly a PC, do make sure you are set for any situation your course throws at you.

col

[teknik]

Originally posted by iCol:
I own the 17", I love it.

But would love a 20". However, I don't think I NEED it.

If you can convince your folks, go for it. But you could do alot with that $600, including getting a second computer, even possibly a PC, do make sure you are set for any situation your course throws at you.

col

Thanks for your insight! I already have a loaded 2.4 P4 self-built system and a 800mhz G4 iBook, so I'm pretty much covered there. Its just that I'm so sick of using a PC as my main computer, Windows is just getting in my way in too many instances. Its funny how I'm so much more productive on a 800mhz G4 than a 2.4ghz P4!

[Cadaver]

The 17" is adequate, the 20" is luxurious.

Though consider this - you could add a lot of RAM for the $600 difference, and that may end up being more important than the display.

Personally, I might think about this - take the money you would have spent on the 20" Apple and get two non-Apple 17" displays (say, $400-$450 each; still cheaper than one Apple 20") and spend the left over $$ on RAM.

[swiz]

Originally posted by Cadaver:
The 17" is adequate, the 20" is luxurious.

Though consider this - you could add a lot of RAM for the $600 difference, and that may end up being more important than the display.

Personally, I might think about this - take the money you would have spent on the 20" Apple and get two non-Apple 17" displays (say, $400-$450 each; still cheaper than one Apple 20") and spend the left over $$ on RAM.

Yeah, you could even get two 19" flat CRTs for REAL cheap. I have friends who do that in a design envrionment.

[teknik]

CRT's are really out of the question, the place I will be living in is absolutely miniscule, and my new desk with have to make the most out of it.

On the topic of other brand monitors, I'm trying to veer away from them, I know some are better and cheaper, but I've wanted an Apple display since the old 15' days, and now I'm finally under the circumstances to get one of my own! Needless to say, I'm very excited!

[Cadaver]

Apple monitors are very, very good. Better than most, but not the best. In terms of pixel response time, pixel-per-dollar ratio and other features (inputs, calibration options), there are some better displays out there.

However, if you're hell bent on getting an Apple display, then I'd suggest the 20".
A single 17" can get small quickly if you like to have multiple apps open at once.

However, two non-Apple 17" or one non-Apple 20" (1600x1200) could be less expensive, give better pixel response time, more pixels, and other features...

Since space is at a premium for you - if you take your PC with you, you'll need a display for that, too. And getting a KVI switch on to an Apple ADC display is an expensive project. Thus it might make more sense (space and dollar wise) to consider a non-Apple display with dual inputs - DVI for the Mac, VGA for the PC.

[Axo1ot1]

Have them give you the display now and then buy the computer right before you leave. Seriously. You will regret having jumped the gun if you get it now.

[Rev-O]

Spring for the 20" (if you're gonna be happy with it), it'll be worth it. When I got my G5, I was faced with the similar choice of 20 vs. 23. It seems like an outrageous amount of money to spend for 3" of screen, but it is deffinantly worth it, especially for photoshop or such. 17" is fine for email & surfing, okay for some games, adequate for iMovie. However, you'll appreciate the extra screen turf if you're doing multiple apps (less expose use), or running apps that like a lot of room (photoshop).

Yah, you'll need to spring for ram sooner than later. But consider your options. 17" monitor + 1 gig memory (from crucial, not from the over priced Apple store) is about the same as a 20" cinema display. Fine, but if you grow tired of the 17' and want a 20", you've got to eat the expense of you 17" monitor. $600 for 17", turn around and sell it used when the new monitors come out for $300 (or whatever), then spend whatever the new 20" costs. Think I'd just spring for the 20". Unless, you are seriously planning on upgrading to a 23" or the rumored 30" soon, then I'd go with the 17" and unload it when you can afford the big boy.

Is it just me, or did I just write a confused mess of a reply? Ah well...