I realize this has been discussed before (somewhat); http://www.thehelper.net/forums/showthread.php/164359-New-iMacs
However after doing too much research on imacs for my gf's sake, I'd like to present to you all the idea that the 2011 imacs, ONLY the 2011 imacs, are actually a good deal.
For this example I'm using Apple's most top-of-the-line iMac w/ extended warranty offered in-stores @ $2,368.00. Trying to be as fair as possible.
What you get
Pros
Cons
[SUP]t[/SUP] For most enthusiasts; 1 watt = $1/year.
[SUP]u[/SUP] 4 GB memory = $200. outdated 256GB SSD = $600.
[SUP]v[/SUP] Thunderbolt ports have value yes, but at the same time they force you to conform.
Null points
Notes
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$900(monitor) + $200(case) + $135(mobo) + $300(cpu) + $200(gpu) + $80(psu) + $55(hd) + $30(memory) + mouse($70) + keyboard($70) + wireless($60) + speakers($20) + mic($10) + optical($20) + cam($30) + bluetooth($10) + warranty($170) + lion($130) = $2320.0 + $170(warranty) = $2490
This is all a rough estimate. If you were building a PC, you'd likely get better speakers, memory, and storage -- perhaps scratch the cam & bluetooth. Maybe you'd get a cheap case, a not-so-high quality or as recognized monitor, and pirate the OS. Perhaps you'd prefer to change your batteries constantly for a cheaper mouse or keyboard. You may even prefer juggling warranties from a dozen different manufacturers to keep your preference of choice.
Of course none of that matters as my conclusion here is that 2011 iMacs as silly as they may or may not be -- are not over-priced.
However after doing too much research on imacs for my gf's sake, I'd like to present to you all the idea that the 2011 imacs, ONLY the 2011 imacs, are actually a good deal.
For this example I'm using Apple's most top-of-the-line iMac w/ extended warranty offered in-stores @ $2,368.00. Trying to be as fair as possible.
What you get
- Device [Model Details] {performance equivelant} (minimal value estimation [<> alternative price estimation])
- Monitor [2560x1440 LED-backlit IPS 27inch] ($900)
- Case [custom aluminum unibody] ($200)
- Motherboard [Intel Z68 Chipset] ($135)
- CPU [i7-2600] {150% phenom II 1100T or i7 940} ($300)
- GPU [Radeon HD 6970M 1GB] { > GTX 460} ($200)
- IGP [Intel HD 3000] {HD 5470 or GT 540M} (n/a)
- Cooling [heatsink/fan silent] (n/a)
- PSU [switching, assuming 560W 80 plus bronze] ($80)
- HD [1TB] ($90 <> $55)
- Memory [4GB] ($30)
- Mouse [Wireless 'Magic' Touch-Sensitive] ($70)
- Keyboard [Wireless] ($70)
- Wireless Adapter [802.11n 'AirPort' up to 450mbit/s] ($60)
- Speakers [generic] ($20)
- Microphone [generic] ($10)
- Optical [DVD 8X 'SuperDrive', 4x burn] ($20)
- Web cam ['Facetime HD camera' 720p @ 30 fps] ($30)
- Bluetooth Adapter [2.1+EDR] ($10)
- Ports [Infrared reciever / SDXC Card / Bluetooth / Thunderbolt / IEEE 1394 / USB 2 / LAN / Audio] (n/a)[SUP]v[/SUP]
- Service [3-year warranty w/ technical support, phone or in-store] ($170)
- OSX Lion ($130)
Pros
- Stylish, minimalistic, space-saving.
- Quality, reliable parts.
- Service, support.
- Easy; save time, no skill required.
- No DOAs.
- Energy efficency, save money[SUP]t[/SUP].
- Status.
- Resell value.
Cons
- Bottleneck; storage.
- Storage redundancy.
- Maintence.
- Overclocking.
- Proprietary.
- Price gouging on certain components[SUP]u[/SUP].
- Probably can't use the iMac as a monitor only. (input?)
- Most 'Apple fans' have a minor case of serious psychological complications.
[SUP]t[/SUP] For most enthusiasts; 1 watt = $1/year.
[SUP]u[/SUP] 4 GB memory = $200. outdated 256GB SSD = $600.
[SUP]v[/SUP] Thunderbolt ports have value yes, but at the same time they force you to conform.
Null points
- Buying it for OSX. Apple only releases drivers for the hardware they sell, that doesn't mean you need their hardware to run OSX.
- Bootcamp reduces windows performance. No, that doesn't make any sense.
- No good for games? Both the low-end and high-end models run StarCraft II ultra with no lag. It's not Apple's fault that the game companies didn't make it easy for you.
Notes
- Long battery life on mouse/keyboard.
- Wireless adapter has amazing range.
- Educational pricing/tax benefits available.
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$900(monitor) + $200(case) + $135(mobo) + $300(cpu) + $200(gpu) + $80(psu) + $55(hd) + $30(memory) + mouse($70) + keyboard($70) + wireless($60) + speakers($20) + mic($10) + optical($20) + cam($30) + bluetooth($10) + warranty($170) + lion($130) = $2320.0 + $170(warranty) = $2490
This is all a rough estimate. If you were building a PC, you'd likely get better speakers, memory, and storage -- perhaps scratch the cam & bluetooth. Maybe you'd get a cheap case, a not-so-high quality or as recognized monitor, and pirate the OS. Perhaps you'd prefer to change your batteries constantly for a cheaper mouse or keyboard. You may even prefer juggling warranties from a dozen different manufacturers to keep your preference of choice.
Of course none of that matters as my conclusion here is that 2011 iMacs as silly as they may or may not be -- are not over-priced.
