Imac 27" 8gb i7 Or PC Tower loaded to the max?

[Eli26]

I have a 4,500 Mac desktop (pro tower) and a MacBook Pro and an iPod...

I have been using Mac product for the past 12 years... But I may go the PC route to get a big rendering _____ because I like to save money and have something powerful enough to render the movies I make. However, I love that Mac interface, and I know time is more valuable than money as it becomes a money saver down the road. Depends on how much the Windows userface has improved.

 

[nash]

I think I want it mainly for its display. I hear it is the only one like it on the market. I hear the display it's self would cost $1500 on it's own. So, your basically paying for the display and getting a high end computer attached to it for a few hundred more.

I will be doing mainly internet browsing and video and movie watching on it. I do play games, and I know that mac's are not game friendly, but I only play a handful of computer games, all of which are available on Mac.

Just not sure if i should get the i7 or the i5? or if i should get the 2TB hard drive vs the 1TB? As well as the 1 gig or the 2 gig Video card?

Decisions decisions...

IMO, for watching movies and internet browsing, you have no need for that much power of an i7.

Also keep in mind....while the Mac screen display may seem nice, it is a GLOSSY screen and can be a pain in the ass depending on the lighting in your room. If you 'like' the iMac mainly for the display, you may be disappointed once you see everything reflecting off of the screen when youre trying to watch a movie or browse.

And no blu-ray drive...

 

[ChrisCJ99]

I have a 4,500 Mac desktop (pro tower) and a MacBook Pro and an iPod...

I have been using Mac product for the past 12 years... But I may go the PC route to get a big rendering _____ because I like to save money and have something powerful enough to render the movies I make. However, I love that Mac interface, and I know time is more valuable than money as it becomes a money saver down the road. Depends on how much the Windows userface has improved.

So what kind of stuff are you rendering Eli?? 3D, Maya, Final Cut? I have a hard time believing that a $4500 Mac Pro wouldn't be enough! I'm rendering stuff on my 15" MBP, so I'm jealous because I'm sure you tower has a ton of power for $4500.....



For the OP, I would say get what you really want... Yes a decked out PC will be cheaper, but I personally would want the iMac. Better support and more attractive interface.