Five reasons why I still like the iMac

What should I do? Please please please help, should I get the iMac now or wait for a refresh? Mac buyers guide says to wait but the refurb iMacs are on sale for a limited time right now and cheaper than buying new! What could be in a refreshed iMac? Is it worth it? What month would they refresh? if not newer processor then maybe 30" screen, more ports, faster gpu, etc?

I was torn too between the mini with the separate 24", keyboard and mouse and the 27" i7 iMac.

When I configure both systems with 4GB and a 2.66 Ghz CPU, they come out at nearly exactly the same price (~$1950). For that money, the iMac has a larger screen with a higher resolution, 2 extra cores on a CPU that's a complete generation newer (i7 vs C2D), a better GPU and more options for memory expansion.

At this price point it's almost silly. How can the less powerful computer be exactly the same price as the more powerful one from the same brand? It's quite hard to think of any situation where it would be worthwhile to buy a complete new system based on the mini. Although I love the look of the mini, it's pricing is just ridiculous compared to the iMac. Either the iMac is too cheap, or the mini is too expensive. But currently, it just doesn't make sense.

The only semi sensible scenario would be if you already had the screen, mouse and keyboard and wanted to re-use them. Truth be told, this actually IS the scenario Apple advertised the mini with. You could see the iMac as a kind of discount for buying both the computer, screen, keyboard and mouse at the same time. On the other hand, the could offer the same 'discount' when you buy exactly that combination of hardware based on the mini.

Thus, in parts the mini + 24" + keyboard + mouse is ~$1950, but when all bought together it would be say $1400. -that- would be a somewhat okay deal...

iMac i7 + iDevice + Logmein Ignition + Dropbox = quad core in your pocket.

Each iMac I've bought lasted 5 years - still functional, just either slow or won't run newer software/OS. The PCs at work need an upgrade every 2-3 years. That makes the Mac cost half to own.

I upgraded from a G5 to the 27" iMac i5 in November, and I can't imagine it being obsolete 5 years from now - but I know it will.

Reason 6: It screams. Barely uses 2% CPU for most apps.
Reason 7: It's quiet!!! Even when I run the occasional multithreaded 370% CPU apps.

It feels like I have two monitors. If my wife didn't already have a MacBook, I'd get an iPad, but for now, the iPod Touch fits in my pocket and satisfies my mobile needs.

Thanks for the article - I completely agree w/ you. I've been in a similar self-debate and have come to the same conclusion - the 27" iMac is simply the best value out there, and is the only machine that could replace my 24" white 2.33GHz "fatboy".

The appeal is pretty basic. Huge beautiful screen and and high performance computer in a thin profile. No need to bother with parts and components beyond plugnplay USB. Easy. An appliance that makes sense for people who appreciate its simplicity and power.

This goes against your idea of a computer which you must have access to its internals at all times so that you can administrate and maintain it to your specific technical tweaks. A lot of people just don't care for that.

I think your real problem here is with the concept of a computer as an appliance.

"I want to get down to two devices -- iMac and iPad:"

Agreed. Having an iMac and now an iPad, I will make the bold statement and say that I will never buy a laptop in my lifetime. Unless you need a ton of mobile power, and I'd venture to say that the majority of the people buying laptops these days do not, a tablet (Apple or otherwise) makes much more sense.

If you end up going with a MacBook Pro or MacMini and find yourself in a quandary for a large monitor, here's some advice: Don't settle for 1080 resolution for anything larger than 20".

I recently purchased a Samsung 27" monitor for my MacBook Pro after struggling with my CAD (Architecture) software on the laptop's 15" screen. When sitting 18" - 24" away from the monitor, at that size, it just doesn't cut it. Actually is was ok for CAD but web text and photo editing was just too blurry. I took the monitor back and purchased a refurbished 24" LED Apple Cinema with a resolution of 1200. This monitor is sweeeeet!

I wish I could get a 27 iMac, but I need the mobility and power on the go, plus my wife wants my 13 Macbook. If only I could do real web design work on the iPad!!

I personally own both a Macbook, iPad, and iPhone, and they are far from mutually exclusive. I use all equally for their own suitable uses. MacBook is my portable powerhouse. It can handle everything I throw at it, and is good for viewing and doing several things simultaneously. iPad is great for relaxing away from my work area, and is sufficient for many basic tasks and games. iPhone needs no justification. I couldn't live without it period.