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    IMac - a few basic questions

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    • JClementsJ Offline
      JClements
      last edited by

      I am considering getting an iMac for the family for Xmas and would like some advise (I'm the only one who uses a PC).

      1- Model Choice
      I see there are 3 configurations:
      21.5-inch,1.4GHz $1,099
      21.5-inch,2.7GHz $1,299
      21.5-inch,2.9GHz $1,499

      It seems to me that the 2.7GHz (Intel Iris Pro graphics) was a good value compared to the 1.4Gz configuration.

      I did noticed that the 2.9GHz had an Nvidia GeForce GT 750M w/1GB video memory.

      If I wanted to use SketchUp, would the 2.7GHz option do the job or is the 2.9GHz/nVidia necessary?

      Other family members would primarily be doing word processing, photo editing, downloading music, viewing You-Tube, and of course social networking.

      2- Support Options
      What about iCare vs AppleCare?
      I have no experience with a Mac and other family members are non-techies.

      John | Illustrator | Beaverton, Oregon

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      • jeff hammondJ Offline
        jeff hammond
        last edited by

        it used to be that the onboard intel graphics were spotty when it came to 3D modeling apps.. i haven't heard of a single problem with either sketchup or rhino with these newer iris pro gpus though..

        here's an in depth review if you feel like nerding out
        http://www.anandtech.com/show/6993/intel-iris-pro-5200-graphics-review-core-i74950hq-tested

        those cpus will be fine, if not great for sketchup.

        i've never personally used an intel gpu with 3D apps (i have an imac.. nvidia 780m though) but i just haven't heard any complaints lately with the 13" and many 15" macbook pro, the new mac mini, nor these imacs.. all of which use the iris pro.

        honestly, i'd say go for it.. (i think apple's return policy is 14 days so try sketchup on it sooner rather than later)..

        i'm not sure what iCare is?? where'd you hear about that?
        apple care is included with purchase for 1year & 90days phone support.. you can purchase extended applecare on the 364th day (as in- you don't have to buy it at time of purchase).. personally, i've never bought extended applecare.. never needed it either (6 macs)..
        though for a non-tech oriented user, the option for phone support at anytime might be worth looking into.

        dotdotdot

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        • D Offline
          db11
          last edited by

          @jclements said:

          It seems to me that the 2.7GHz (Intel Iris Pro graphics) was a good value compared to the 1.4Gz configuration.

          Definitely.

          @jclements said:

          If I wanted to use SketchUp, would the 2.7GHz option do the job or is the 2.9GHz/nVidia necessary?

          @jeff hammond said:

          i've never personally used an intel gpu with 3D apps (i have an imac.. nvidia 780m though) but i just haven't heard any complaints lately with the 13" and many 15" macbook pro, the new mac mini, nor these imacs.. all of which use the iris pro.

          I'd echo Jeff's comments. I've recently bought a 13" MacBook Pro RD with a 2.5GHz i5/ Iris Pro, so a slightly slower version of the middle config for the iMac you're considering. So far I've been super-pleased with its SU performance. I don't render with it, but I haven't had any issues at all with medium-large files (40-50 MB). I just finished a walkthrough animation that produced a 45MB mp4 file. The animation inside SU and the movie were smooth and hitch free.

          So, yes the 2.7GHz would do the job for most SU users, excepting perhaps those with the most demanding workflows.

          I also concur with Jeff regarding Apple Care, and have a similar track record with a long string of Macs going back to the SE... never bought it, never needed it. The MacBook replaces an almost 11 year old 12" Powerbook G4 —which survived untold amounts of abuse. Any issues I've had —hard drive / optical drive failure — happened years after an extended warranty would have run out. (7 & 9 years respectively).

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