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General Category => Off the Record => Computer Affairs => Topic started by: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 02:28:51 AM

Title: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 02:28:51 AM
I have an iMac I bought in January 2009 and it is getting a bit slow although WoW is still playable on low settings. So looking for an advice from you people (especially all the Mac buffs) whether it is a good time or still too early to replace it? I heard that the new line of iMacs is entering stores right now so probably the next will be only next year unless I misheard something.
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: Duque de Bragança on May 06, 2011, 03:30:26 AM
Quote from: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 02:28:51 AM
I have an iMac I bought in January 2009 and it is getting a bit slow although WoW is still playable on low settings. So looking for an advice from you people (especially all the Mac buffs) whether it is a good time or still too early to replace it? I heard that the new line of iMacs is entering stores right now so probably the next will be only next year unless I misheard something.

New iMacs are pretty good indeed and a better buy than MacBook Pros.
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: katmai on May 06, 2011, 03:34:19 AM
yeah the new imacs look nice, sadly i need the portability of the laptop.
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: Barrister on May 06, 2011, 09:22:19 AM
There are very few differences in the case between '09 and now.  Buying a new iMac would give you a quad core processor, ratehr than a Core2, but honestly I don't think you'd notice much of an upgrade.

If your Mac is feeling slow look into getting more RAM for it, or maybe a new, larger harddrive.  Both should make it feel a bit snappier.
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 10:18:35 AM
Quote from: Barrister on May 06, 2011, 09:22:19 AM
There are very few differences in the case between '09 and now.  Buying a new iMac would give you a quad core processor, ratehr than a Core2, but honestly I don't think you'd notice much of an upgrade.

If your Mac is feeling slow look into getting more RAM for it, or maybe a new, larger harddrive.  Both should make it feel a bit snappier.

If I bought my iMac in January 2009, it's the version introduced in 2007. Are you sure the one introduced last week is not a big jump by comparison?
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: Grey Fox on May 06, 2011, 11:30:44 AM
I think the time is when you start wondering about wheter it's the time or not.

Upgrade Upgrade!
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: Barrister on May 06, 2011, 12:04:14 PM
Quote from: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 10:18:35 AM
Quote from: Barrister on May 06, 2011, 09:22:19 AM
There are very few differences in the case between '09 and now.  Buying a new iMac would give you a quad core processor, ratehr than a Core2, but honestly I don't think you'd notice much of an upgrade.

If your Mac is feeling slow look into getting more RAM for it, or maybe a new, larger harddrive.  Both should make it feel a bit snappier.

If I bought my iMac in January 2009, it's the version introduced in 2007. Are you sure the one introduced last week is not a big jump by comparison?

I double checked the specs before posting.  It'll have a faster processor, but unless you're editing video or photos you're probably not maxing out your processor anyways.

But I did neglect one possible reson to upgrade - screen size.  The 27" iMac is massive, and beautiful.  That by itself might be a valid reason to upgrade.

But faster processor?  Nah, I don't really see it unless you got money to burn.
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: Iormlund on May 06, 2011, 01:05:05 PM
Quote from: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 02:28:51 AM
I have an iMac I bought in January 2009 and it is getting a bit slow although WoW is still playable on low settings.
I really hope you are kidding me here. I can play WoW perfectly well with a 3 yo Windows PC that cost me half what a Mac would have. And that's loaded with DBM, Quartz, VuhDo, Gladius, Auctioneer, PowerAuras, ForteXsorcist, Omen, Recount, NPCScan ...
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: Barrister on May 06, 2011, 01:08:36 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on May 06, 2011, 01:05:05 PM
Quote from: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 02:28:51 AM
I have an iMac I bought in January 2009 and it is getting a bit slow although WoW is still playable on low settings.
I really hope you are kidding me here. I can play WoW perfectly well with a 3 yo Windows PC that cost me half what a Mac would have. And that's loaded with DBM, Quartz, VuhDo, Gladius, Auctioneer, PowerAuras, ForteXsorcist, Omen, Recount, NPCScan ...

I suspect he is exagerating quite a bit, but that being said:

A: Macs have worse graphics drivers; and
B: traditionally haven't had strong video cards (though they're much better now)

That being said I still think Marty would get more bang for his buck by more RAM.
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: jamesww on May 06, 2011, 04:31:43 PM
Quote from: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 02:28:51 AM
I have an iMac I bought in January 2009 and it is getting a bit slow although WoW is still playable on low settings. So looking for an advice from you people (especially all the Mac buffs) whether it is a good time or still too early to replace it? I heard that the new line of iMacs is entering stores right now so probably the next will be only next year unless I misheard something.

vapid consumerism WTF.
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: grumbler on May 06, 2011, 08:57:35 PM
Quote from: jamesww on May 06, 2011, 04:32:01 PM
Quote from: jamesww on May 06, 2011, 04:31:43 PM
Quote from: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 02:28:51 AM
I have an iMac I bought in January 2009 and it is getting a bit slow although WoW is still playable on low settings. So looking for an advice from you people (especially all the Mac buffs) whether it is a good time or still too early to replace it? I heard that the new line of iMacs is entering stores right now so probably the next will be only next year unless I misheard something.

vapid consumerism WTF.

:P
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: garbon on May 09, 2011, 10:26:30 PM
Quote from: jamesww on May 06, 2011, 04:31:43 PM
vapid consumerism WTF.

?
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on May 10, 2011, 06:26:03 PM
Quote from: Barrister on May 06, 2011, 12:04:14 PMThe 27" iMac is massive, and beautiful.  That by itself might be a valid reason to upgrade.



They really are quite nice.
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: Arvoreen on May 11, 2011, 02:09:35 PM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on May 10, 2011, 06:26:03 PM
Quote from: Barrister on May 06, 2011, 12:04:14 PMThe 27" iMac is massive, and beautiful.  That by itself might be a valid reason to upgrade.



They really are quite nice.

My wife is loving the one I got her.... :D
Title: Re: iMac - When is it worth to replace it?
Post by: BuddhaRhubarb on June 28, 2011, 12:32:47 PM
When you can't play whatever generation of Civ is out. (I can't play 5 on my 2009 mini. :(