possible switcher

[beosx]

Hi All

I am thinking of getting my first apple mac & need some advice on what to get.

i would be mainly used for web dev stuff.. mysql/postgresql/php kind of stuff. I am also learning freebsd/openbsd (which should help with osx i guess)

I have been looking at the imac with the 17" screen & it looks great. i would prolly bump the mem to 512mb .. would that be the right choice ?

oh another thing.. i am based in the UK.. what would be the best place to buy.

Thanks

[phatsharpie]

Just a FYI... It's best to wait after Macworld SF in the beginning of January before making any hardware purchase.

In any case, the iMac 17" is a great machine, just make sure you get as much RAM as possible. 512MB is a good amount.

I am sure you'll be very happy with your new Mac. I am a recent switcher, and I love 'em!

[Cheryl]

You will be very happy with the 17" iMac.
If you wait to see what will be announced at the MacWorld SF, you may need to wait several more months for that hardware to be in the stores.

As for purchasing, you can order direct from Apple's web site.

[ksv]

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore/

[Dusky]

If you wait to see what will be announced at the MacWorld SF, you may need to wait several more months for that hardware to be in the stores.

Lets suppose a new iMac is announced. Wouldn't the ones still left at the store be lowered in price right after/before the announcement? That's a benefit worth the wait. You're hearing this from a guy who bought an iMac one week before they were devalued by 100 bucks. Not a good feeling.

[Cheryl]

Good point. Clairification: If you want the new hardware, you have to wait for several months, but those machines that will be replaced just might have a reduced price.

[MDLarson]

A note about the memory; the LCD iMac has 2 memory slots. If you buy it direct from Apple, you have the choice to replace the first "internal" chip with a bigger RAM chip. Then you keep the "user upgradeable" RAM chip free on the bottom if you ever need it. A lot better than throwing away a module just 'cause you replaced it with a bigger module.

[Dusky]

The original poster wrote...

i would prolly bump the mem to 512mb .. would that be the right choice ?

A suggestion followed...

A note about the memory; the LCD iMac has 2 memory slots. If you buy it direct from Apple, you have the choice to replace the first "internal" chip with a bigger RAM chip.

That's something I didn't think of, but unless he'll need more than 512 ram, he should accept the 128 (or whatever amount is default) that already come with it and max out the empty socket. The memory sold by Apple is much more expensive.