New Imac Purchase Questions

TCP/IP · 08-08-2010 01:35PM #1

Hi there

Looking at buying a new Imac 27 inch will only be using Windows 7 on it as really don't like OSX. Would the SSD option make a big difference in OS and app speed. Also don't like the apple keyboards will any Bluetooth keyboard work. Last question is it only the Applestore were I can get the SSD option or will any retailers have it.

Many thanks
TCP/IP

Greentree_uk · 08-08-2010 03:38PM

27" machine is a beauty.....Yeah the SSD makes a huge difference to the OS speed. Won't get into the the reasons you don't like OSX but once it's booting windows it's like any other windows machine out there so no reason at all why it won't work with any peripheral designed for windows. including keyboards. You can buy your mac from any apple reseller, I'd say bar arnotts, currys, PC world. none of which I'd call Apple dealers. You'll have to wait as they almost definitely won't stock the machine but atleast you will have the peace of mind that a B&M store gives you. Just don't expect support for windows 7 from them or Apple.

Carsinian Thau · 08-08-2010 03:39PM

Why would you buy an apple if you don't intend to use the operating system or some of the hardware?

A PC would probably suit your needs a lot better.

But yes, SSDs are significantly faster than SATA HDDs. Retailers can order from Apple so in theory they could get you one with an SSD and with regards to keyboards, I'm not sure but I would imagine so because other mice can be used with Apple computers so I'd assume keyboards would similarly work.

TCP/IP · 08-08-2010 04:07PM

Thanks for the replies. Reason for the iMac is simple it's the nicest looking all in one computer out there with decent specs.

I use a massive amount of windows only apps so OSX is a no go. Anything else I should think about. Was thinking about the fastest CPU possible and 8 gig ram with 2 TB HDD and 256 gig SSD.

Carsinian Thau wrote: »

Why would you buy an apple if you don't intend to use the operating system or some of the hardware?

A PC would probably suit your needs a lot better.

But yes, SSDs are significantly faster than SATA HDDs. Retailers can order from Apple so in theory they could get you one with an SSD and with regards to keyboards, I'm not sure but I would imagine so because other mice can be used with Apple computers so I'd assume keyboards would similarly work.

Ham'nd'egger · 08-08-2010 04:45PM

TCP/IP wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. Reason for the iMac is simple it's the nicest looking all in one computer out there with decent specs.

I use a massive amount of windows only apps so OSX is a no go. Anything else I should think about. Was thinking about the fastest CPU possible and 8 gig ram with 2 TB HDD and 256 gig SSD.

That said, it's still a mad idea. Add on the price of a copy of Windows OS etc and the SSD and your looking at almost €3,000.

May we ask, what Windows only software and apps can you not do without?

nesf · 08-08-2010 04:46PM

HJave you looked into virtulisation as an option?

TCP/IP · 08-08-2010 04:52PM

Money is not a major concern tbh. I use a satellite software virtualization could be an option. If there was a similar PC I would consider it. Love my Ipad love my iPhone so I would be happy to give the iMac a go for my PC duties.

nesf · 08-08-2010 05:33PM

I use a lot of Windows only apps and have found that virtulisation with VMWare Fusion in OSX fulfills my needs perfectly. I get the advantages of a clean stable OSX system for everyday use and the ability to run most Windows only apps (except games) without rebooting etc.

banquo · 08-08-2010 05:44PM

I always recommend the highest CPU because ram, ssd etc is always upgradable down the road. The CPU is not. Totally worth the extra.

Greentree_uk · 08-08-2010 07:49PM

Just a note. SSD can't easily be upgraded later. at the moment the HDD kit is installed in a BTO SSD imac and is absent from the normal model. sure it's probably a matter of time before someone comes up with a kit. Get the imac, when windows breaks you can boot into mac and realise what you've been missing. once ur windows is setup its easy to use it as a base for your virtualization to test everything is working to your satisfaction. Honestly though you would be mad not to atleast try it. Many a client of mine virtualize windows us it solely for the windows apps they need while simultaneously using the mac for surfing and email and everything else they can. it's a great setup and as a result their windows OS doesn't get clogged up with everything. Mac OS is a very efficient OS and has no problems handling all the tasks you should throw at it.

TCP/IP · 08-08-2010 08:56PM

Thx for all the replies. No problem giving OSX a go but Windows 7 is a super OS that in over a year of using has never crashed once. I would happily use another OS if it was better however I don't see such an option. Will deffo get SSD though you are correct best to get in the beginning.

Freddie59 · 09-08-2010 07:07AM

TCP/IP wrote: »

Hi there

Looking at buying a new Imac 27 inch will only be using Windows 7 on it as really don't like OSX. Would the SSD option make a big difference in OS and app speed. Also don't like the apple keyboards will any Bluetooth keyboard work. Last question is it only the Applestore were I can get the SSD option or will any retailers have it.

Many thanks
TCP/IP

I bought a quad-core 27" with 8GB RAM in June. I kept the PC running side by side until this week, as i do some video editing and FCE is daunting. Running W7 64x through Parallels 5.0, but am trying to use the Mac OS as much as possible.

As a Mac novice, my experience:

* I use Windows 7 mainly for OE and the video editing software.
Already i can see W7 starting to become slightly slower accessing programs, particularly after the AV software was installed. It is, obviously, still faster than my old PC. But it will be interesting to see how it performs after 6 months.

* The MAC OS is a different proposition. To me anyway, it seems faster in every respect. Just over a minute from boot to OS. 15 seconds to shut down.
it's great - I can't fault it. Yes, the keyboard takes a little getting used to, but you wouldn't go back.

* One little quirk when using W7 is that sometimes the Caps Lock is inverted, and you have to toggle between MAC OS and W7 to rectify this.

I'm using the MAC for the internet, photo editing, music, and training on FCE. I've found a Windows editing program (Video studio X3pro) which will tide me over, Unfortunately Pinnacle Studio (which I've used for years) just refuses to work through a Virtual OS, for whatever reason.

I hope one day to use the Windows side as little as possible, but it doesn't bother me TBH.

The display - and definition therein - is wonderful.

Hope that helps.:)

TCP/IP · 09-08-2010 08:34AM

Certainly does Freddie thx. I agree with you if I was doing any sort of editing I would use OSX no doubt it certainly is at it's best used in that aspect. Did you get the SSD option.

Freddie59 · 09-08-2010 11:22AM

TCP/IP wrote: »

Certainly does Freddie thx. I agree with you if I was doing any sort of editing I would use OSX no doubt it certainly is at it's best used in that aspect. Did you get the SSD option.

I didn't opt, as I felt the asking price was exorbitant, given what I'm going to use the machine for, and the capacity you get for the price. It's more than adequate for my needs. But I must say, overall, I'm impressed with Mac OS. Takes a while to get used to, as the structure is different to windows.

But if you need a really fast OS, I suppose the extra dosh would be worth it in your case. Do you plan to use it wirelessly or hard-wired?

TCP/IP · 09-08-2010 11:34AM

Plan on hard wired. This is to last me the next few years so want a super spec.

nesf · 09-08-2010 11:39AM

TCP/IP wrote: »

Plan on hard wired. This is to last me the next few years so want a super spec.

And as Gadgets mod getting anything less than the shiniest of kit would be a cardinal sin etc..

Freddie59 · 09-08-2010 12:30PM

TCP/IP wrote: »

Plan on hard wired. This is to last me the next few years so want a super spec.

Good idea. The wireless can be a bit erratic on them. No problem hard wired.

TCP/IP · 09-08-2010 12:38PM

nesf wrote: »

And as Gadgets mod getting anything less than the shiniest of kit would be a cardinal sin etc..

You speak the truth sir.

TCP/IP · 19-08-2010 05:04PM

Well an update on this. I just placed the order tonight it comprises of

2.93GHZ QUAD-CORE INTELCORE I7
8GB 1333MHZ DDR3 SDRAM - 2X4GB
2TB SERIAL ATA DRIVE+256GB SSD
ATI RADEON HD 5750 1GB GDDR5
8X DOUBLE-LAYER SUPERDRIVE
MAGIC MOUSE+MAGIC TRACKPAD-Z
APPLE BATTERY CHARGER-GBR
APPLE REMOTE
WL KB & USER'S GUIDE-GBR
COUNTRY KIT,IMAC 27-INCH-GBR

EPSON SX610 MULTIFUNCTION PRINTER-GBR

FOCAL - XS 2.1 MULTIMEDIA SOUND SYS-ZML

So much for shipping in 3 working days like the site said before I plugged in my visa details. ETA 30/31 August. Me want now.

The questions from me are bound to follow.

Cheers for all the help
TCP/IP

KeithM89_old · 19-08-2010 05:09PM

Apples ETA on delivery is usually worst case scenario - every product i ordered from the store arrived 2-3 days before they said.

But dont hold me to that

TCP/IP · 19-08-2010 05:17PM

I am holding you to that

PeakOutput · 22-08-2010 02:29PM

TCP/IP wrote: »

I am holding you to that

the quoted delivery time is for the non customised orders changing the processor or adding ram means the computer has to be built(which dosnt happen in ireland iirc) and then shipped here instead of them just going to the warehouse and grabbing the stock one, my macbook took 4 weeks

TCP/IP · 22-08-2010 02:36PM

Four weeks that is a long wait.

nesf · 22-08-2010 03:57PM

TCP/IP wrote: »

Four weeks that is a long wait.

My customised iMac took 11 days after shipping. Wasn't too bad a wait.

Freddie59 · 22-08-2010 10:08PM

TCP/IP wrote: »

Four weeks that is a long wait.

It'll be worth it.:)

TCP/IP · 26-08-2010 11:05PM

It's all arrived today setup tomorrow

KeithM89_old · 26-08-2010 11:10PM

Oh YES!! Who was right??

:D

New Imac Purchase Questions

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