configure imac
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- popovich
I am switching.
base: iMac 27"
aimed at Adobe CS (quite a bunch of ad layouts, outdoor and big format layouts as well / no 3D or video editing) / web dev / MS Officeshould I get a better processor (i5, quad i5, i7?) or should I get more RAM (4, 8, 16GB)?
there will be a dedicated file-server running (Win7 / Linux, is not clear yet), so I believe, a 1Tb ATA should be just fine for now.Do I really need iWork, if I'm buying MS Office anyways?
Cheers.
- d_rek0
in all honest you're probably fine with the i5 and 4gb of ram.
The i7 is more of a workhorse processor, capable of handling thread-intensive apps better (think motion, 3d) but for print and web the i5 is more than adequate.
iWork vs MS Offfice is more preference than anything... I find iWork much more enjoyable and intuitive to use as productivity software than MS Office but then again you'll probably have to interface with an MS product eventually to cater to that one grueling client; to which I would say pirate the MS bullshit.
I was recently upgraded to the 27" i5 + 4gb of ram at work and have been throwing illustrator, photoshop and indesign at it simultaneously to no noticable slowdown. It's a great machine!
- d_rek0
good comparison article on i5 vs i7:
http://www.brighthub.com/computiā¦
- popovich0
there are two i5 available, though, quad and duo core.
also, the only reason I want to through out the 500 euro for the office is exactly what you've mentioned: clients. they are and will be windows-based, so I have to have MS even on a Mac.Also, can anyone tell me, if setting up a Win7 machine as a file-server for Mac environment will cause trouble? Should it better be a Linux?
- Mac version Word files don't always translate the same to windows. Fonts get renamed etc.Amicus
- e-pill0
i have the iMac 27" with 16 gigs ram and using the i5.. as the i7 gets very hot and has some issues with that excessive heat build-up..
do not waste you money on iWork..
if you can afford a quad-core i5 or i7 get it!! but remember to read a lot of reviews on the i7 as it has its issues..
- ArmandoEstrada0
RAM RAM RAM
- yes max out the RAM is most important.. first, then AppleCare, then QuadCore i5.e-pill
- raf0
Get the best processor you can. You cannot upgrade this, while you can always easily add more ram.
Hard drives are not user-replaceable, get a good one as well.