Buying an iMac.

fresheire

Hi all,

I'm looking into getting either a PC or an iMac 21.5 or 27. I know everyone expected a refreshed line of iMacs but instead we got MBPs. My question is how much value the recent iMac line might loose after the new ones are released ? I'm looking to spend perhaps around 1600 euro and I do wonder how much would be knocked off if I wanted to sell it in next 6 months or so.

grizzly

Well Macs hold their value quite well compared to PCs. My guess would be if you spent €1,676 on the 27" iMac now you'd probably get about €1150 in 6 months time (maybe a €150 less if they introduce a new version in that time).

If I was looking at getting a new iMac now, I'd wait until the refresh and pick up a second hand mac mini to tide me over.

Sad Professor

New iMacs are still expected shortly. Possibly at the end of the month alongside ML. You should wait.

fresheire

But didn't they mention that new range would come in the fall 2012 or beginning of 2013 ?

I just wonder will the difference in gaming/video editing performance (for iMacs standards) between this version and new be 20% or more ? I really need something after the weekend tbh.

grizzly

Have a look at the adverts.ie iMac section to see the prices older iMac are getting.

I'd wait for the new version as it's been over a year since they updated. If it was just going to be a processor bump they would have released with the laptops.

Sad Professor

fresheire wrote: »

But didn't they mention that new range would come in the fall 2012 or beginning of 2013 ?.

No, Apple don't reveal things like that. It'll be definitely be this year. If it's just a spec bump then I would expect it very soon. If they delay it until September then that would suggest they probably have something major in store (Retina screen, etc). Either way you should wait.

fresheire

Damn.... but looking at the prices of the new MBP with retina I just find them too expensive. I don't think I would need retina anyway as I will use it for few games and some family video editing. Unless they will put it as standard in my price bracket which I doubt. Thanks for the advice anyway.

fresheire

I know you'll probably slag me now, but just ordered myself an 27" iMac to cover my needs for the next 2 weeks. With apples 14 days return policy I will be able to return it if they refresh imac line around end of this month.

Very excited anyway !

squonk

That's trully nuts! I feel myself that the refresh is more likely to come in September as the current gen iMac form factor has been around for a while now so I think they're going to revamp this year.

fresheire

My Mac is due to arrive tomorrow. Does anyone ever returned their computer under the 14 day T&Cs ? Does it have to have the scratch protection foil on screen still on to be accepted for the full refund ?

grizzly

I've never done it. Did you order direct from Apple? You could call them now and save them from having to collect it. Perhaps they can redirect.

fresheire

Went to dundrum today to check them out and 27 is massive. I'm afraid it may be too big for me, but maybe it will feel much better on my own desk rather than in a shop

7upfree

fresheire wrote: »

Went to dundrum today to check them out and 27 is massive. I'm afraid it may be too big for me, but maybe it will feel much better on my own desk rather than in a shop

We've got one at home. They're brilliant!!!

macgabhs

fresheire wrote: »

Went to dundrum today to check them out and 27 is massive. I'm afraid it may be too big for me, but maybe it will feel much better on my own desk rather than in a shop

I use a 27in myself. You get used to the size pretty quick but expect lots of jealous comments from everybody who sees it!

Type 17

Indeed you will get used to the size very quickly - if you can afford it, get the 27” - I go into shops now (after owning a 27” for over two years) and find that the 21.5” looks tiny!

In fact, we upgraded the family TV last week from a 12-year old 21” CRT to a 42” plasma, and now the 27” iMac looks a bit small

fresheire

Type 17 wrote: »

In fact, we upgraded the family TV last week from a 12-year old 21” CRT to a 42” plasma, and now the 27” iMac looks a bit small

So what's next, apple Tv + mac mini ?

Type 17

Apple TV already bought and in place (wanted one before, but no HDMI on old TV set) - very nice.

Considered a mini, but need an iMac for work (Photographer), because of better graphics/processor power, so happy to have that as the ‘house computer’ instead.

Additionally, Mountain Lion will (they say) allow Mac display feed to be presented (through Airplay and Apple TV on iOS 5.1) on the new TV, so a Mini may not be required anyway...

fresheire

Type 17 wrote: »

Apple TV already bought and in place (wanted one before, but no HDMI on old TV set) - very nice.

I actually meant the TV that rumor has it their working on . Not that TV thingy that I don't know what it's for ? Does it have the hard drive that will play divx type of movies ?

Type 17

Well, I’ll miss the forthcoming(?) Apple TV set - we only get a new TV every decade, on average.

The Apple TV is good - lets you view YouTube vids on a HD TV, rent and buy films from the iTunes store (loads of HD movies if you use a US-based iTunes account with gift cards from the US - PS: WTF is the problem with HD films on the irish iTunes store? :mad:).

It doesn’t have a HD of its own, but will stream films/content that you have previously purchased and have on Macs on your LAN. Not sure about other content, haven’t got that far yet, but it can play DivX content, if you register it as an authorised device.

fresheire

Type 17 wrote: »

Well, I’ll miss the forthcoming(?) Apple TV set - we only get a new TV every decade, on average.

Fair enough, given that the price will be out of the moon most likely. Who knows, maybe they will make TV set with iMac insides all wrapped with some good OS turned into TV friendly functionality.

Type 17 wrote: »

The Apple TV is good - lets you view YouTube vids on a HD TV, rent and buy films from the iTunes store (loads of HD movies if you use a US-based iTunes account with gift cards from the US - PS: WTF is the problem with HD films on the irish iTunes store? :mad:).

Wonder if that's related to broadband quality in this country.

Is it expensive to watch those movies from US ? Was looking at netflix but the selection is ridiculous and you either need to have PS3 or special model of TV/Blu-ray player.

Didn't even know that you can rent movies from iTunes. Will have to have a look at that.

Type 17

US iTunes selection is way better than (Irish) Netflix (which I understand is way inferior to US Netflix).

US iTunes HD movies are usually USD$2.99 −4.99, with SD movies being $1 cheaper (PS: they are called movies, in the Irish iTunes store, they are called films )

fresheire

Just been on the phone with apple sales trying to get some info about new imacs. The guy said (he can't confirm or deny any rumors and probably just pushing me to make a purchase) that I might be in for a 3-4 months / possibly longer wait if I don't buy my iMac now.

Wonder is that worth anything or just simply sales talk...

whiterebel

fresheire wrote: »

Just been on the phone with apple sales trying to get some info about new imacs. The guy said (he can't confirm or deny any rumors and probably just pushing me to make a purchase) that I might be in for a 3-4 months / possibly longer wait if I don't buy my iMac now.

Wonder is that worth anything or just simply sales talk...

They won't know anything in sales.

Sad Professor

He was talking out of his arse. Apple don't tell their sales staff anything.

fresheire

He also said the free ML upgrade will only cover new computers and not the refurbished range.

Sad Professor

That's true. Refurbs don't qualify.

stantheman8

Well folks ....it's 3 months on and still no sign of the iMac refresh.
I've been holding out, but my patience is wearing thin.
Any opinions on what's coming and when? - fact based or otherwise :-)

uncle_sam_ie

Fact, they'll come out after you buy yours statheman8:D

stantheman8

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

Fact, they'll come out after you buy yours statheman8:D

Murphy's Law does rule this to be the case - but I've been Murphy's victim one time too many - hence looking to the collective wisdom of the Boardsfolk!

grizzly

stantheman8 wrote: »

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

Fact, they'll come out after you buy yours statheman8:D

Murphy's Law does rule this to be the case - but I've been Murphy's victim one time too many - hence looking to the collective wisdom of the Boardsfolk!

There's not even a whiff if a rumour about them updating. It could be as late as next spring! If it were me I'd a) look at buying 2nd hand iMac b) get a new mac laptop and hook it up to a monitor c) consider a PC.

stantheman8

grizzly wrote: »

There's not even a whiff if a rumour about them updating. It could be as late as next spring! If it were me I'd a) look at buying 2nd hand iMac b) get a new mac laptop and hook it up to a monitor c) consider a PC.

Thanks Grizzly.
They're well overdue for a refresh ....525 days since last release (average = 273).
But that guarantees nothing.

Had a look for 2nd hand iMacs - based on prices being asked it hardly seems worth it (average prices seems to be around €1200 with some as high as €2000).

jose-fahartose

Anyone familiar with Apple Refurbs know will refurbished iMac's (the new 2012/2013? model) usually start showing up straight after the new refresh or will they hold back for a certain amount of time?

grizzly

jose-fahartose wrote: »

Anyone familiar with Apple Refurbs know will refurbished iMac's (the new 2012/2013? model) usually start showing up straight after the new refresh or will they hold back for a certain amount of time?

I think it's at least 1 month, sometimes 2.

An unconfirmed leak about the chipboard here;

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1467994

"The redesigned iMac is said to be considerably thinner than the current form factor"

This doen't inspire me to think about picking up a new iMac. A thinner phone I can understand, but why do you need a thinner iMac? It's not like I'm ever aware of it while working. Make it slightly thicker and put in a proper CPU.

its official,
apple media event next week,,
Linky

iPad mini on the way and revamped iMacs seemingly.
Hope you held off on purchasing

stantheman8

Eventually got around to ordering (after much deliberating and justifying cost). Order placed on Jan 21.
Apple store is telling me it delivers in 3-4 weeks - in my case Feb 21 - 22.
Are folks finding these delivery estimates to be accurate or are Apple under promising and over-delivering?

Sad Professor

There are yield problems with the panels in the new iMac, hence the delay. But yeah, Apple's delivery estimates are generally conservative. You'll almost certainly get it earlier than February 21. How much earlier depends.

stantheman8

Sad Professor wrote: »

There are yield problems with the panels in the new iMac, hence the delay. But yeah, Apple's delivery estimates are generally conservative. You'll almost certainly get it earlier than February 21. How much earlier depends.

Thanks SP.
Status has changed in the last few hours and is now Preparing for Shipment.
Delivery date is still showing Feb 21 - but hopefully that's conservative as you say.
Am like a kid waiting for Christmas - checking account hourly :-)

dmeehan

i had to wait about 3 weeks for my new iMac. I did order mine through Hardly Normal (Apple dont accept One4All vouchers) but it was saying delivery in Jan when I ordered it in Dec, after christmas.

A helpful hint for anyone ordering iMacs via Hardly Normal, pay in full instead of putting down a deposit. You will jump ahead of the queue of those waiting who have only paid a deposit. Apparently this is Apple policy as they want to service fully paid up customers first.

stantheman8

Cheers D.
Ordered mine direct.
Things seem to be moving along pretty quickly - status changed to shipped this morning and delivery estimate is now Feb 14.
Still no charge showing on my credit card - maybe its an elaborate Valentine's present from those romantic folks at Apple!

stantheman8

Forgot to ask D, how are you finding it ...any useful tips for getting started (am first time Mac user)?

Just noticing from the shipment mail that they seem to have thrown in some software - was planning on using ms office but it would be a nice bonus.

PAGES 065-C13D NONE
NUMBERS 065-C13F NONE
KEYNOTE 065-C13G NONE

Sad Professor

It's iWork. You'll be able to download it for free from the App Store.

Graham

I thought Macs only came with iLife.

Sad Professor

Yeah, sorry, I meant iLife. I always get those two mixed up. iWork is a separate purchase.

Graham

Looks like stantheman8 might have got a bonus with his purchase then. It's not unheard of, last time I got double the amount of RAM

Sad Professor

It says "None" though. I think that might just come up on all orders.

dmeehan

stantheman8 wrote: »

Forgot to ask D, how are you finding it ...any useful tips for getting started (am first time Mac user)?

I am so glad I got the iMac and didnt opt for a windows machine. I am a first time Mac user too so I am still getting to grips with it. I eventually took the plunge and got a Mac after years of iOS devices

stantheman8

Graham wrote: »

Looks like stantheman8 might have got a bonus with his purchase then. It's not unheard of, last time I got double the amount of RAM

iMac arrived last week, but no sign of any freebie software so I'm not sure what the notes on my config were about.
Am very happy with it though - it's a beautiful piece of kit to work with.