Configuring an iMac

Hi all
In the next few weeks, I'll purchase an iMac. It will replace a Dell desktop that's just too old and frustrating to use (windows 98, arrgh!).
Mostly this will be used to surf, email and maybe if I equip it correctly, do a bit of gaming - I haven't been into gaming, but if Flight Sim (or similar) works with the new processor, then I'm definitely interested in that. When taxes are added, the cost of the 20" model doesn't allow any room to add anything. My budget would really be stretched - but it is well equipped as it is, and I have not ruled it out. The 17" model leaves a bit of room to add stuff, but I would appreciate some help in understanding the best way of doing this.
First, whatever model I decide on, I will have iWork installed, a wireless keyboard and mouse, and Applecare. The standard 17" model has a 2.0 GHz processor, 1 GB memory, and 160GB hd. I think I'd like to have 250GB hd. The question is should I also consider the 2.16GHz processor as well? What will that do? Or, would it be more advantageous to add memory, and how much, or leave it at 1GB?
Now, I realize that the iMac is due for a refresh and Leopard is about to be introduced. While it would be great to have both of those, I'm not sure that will be significant for my purposes, and it's not necessary that I have the latest in technology, still ... And I would guess a price increase isn't out of the question, either.
So gurus, your help would be appreciated in clarifying this a bit. Thanks a lot.
JP
p.s. my PowerBook is away being repaired - can hardly wait to get it back!
PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Thanks all for your thoughts and comments. You've pointed me in the right direction. I forgot to mention that I would store photos and a bit of music too. So, now I'm thinking the standard 20" model would be quite adequate. Yes, I have been looking at the refurb listings. I'm trying to walk the thin line between best value for money, and a system that is robust enough such that I won't be wishing I'd done it differently three or four years down the road. The final configuration (even the entry level 17" model - no, I'm NOT going there) will be light years ahead of the present desktop.
When I pick up my PowerBook in a few days, I'll have a more intensive look at the display units there and order it through him when the time is right.
Thanks everyone.
JP
PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

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I would also like to know if it is more expensive to buy in store rather than online (Is that I understand reading somewhere).
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P.S : My native language is the french, so i'm sorry for the quality of my english.
TRADUCTION
Bonsoir !
D'ici environ deux ans, je prévoie de m'acheter un iMac pour mes études, mais j'aurais besoin de savoir s'il est possible de le configurer à l'Apple Store, comme on le peut sur le site, car je n'ai aucune carte de crédit, ni aucun compte PayPal ou autre solution permettant d'acheter en ligne.
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P.S : Ma langue d'origine est le français, donc je m'excuse d'avance pour la qualité de mon anglais.

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Message was edited by: 27993buck

If yours is an early through late iMac G4 LCD flat panel computer
which shipped between 2002 and 2004, they all have the same
number of FireWire ports: 2 - 400 MBit/s (8W total power.)
You may need to look into a FireWire Hub, one that is self-powered
from an external AC power adapter and not use limited FW port
power from the computer, as that is limited.
' firewire hub, powered ' - google search:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=firewirehub+powered&aq=3&oq=FireWirehub
{If you have a different configuration of iMac than the one with
the half-dome white base & chrome display arm, you may need
to compare your machine with either the iMac G5 or Intel iMac
forum areas, since the hardware did change over the years.}
Be sure to not overload the FireWire, or other ports on the Mac;
no matter which model or version you may have. In the case
of USB, a self-powered (uses AC adapter) hub is recommended
and in the case of FireWire, some products may have a port in
them, but to daisy-chain these is a mistake. Underpowered
device issues, or overtaxing the Mac power supply may result.
An external firewire enclosed hard disk drive with accessory FW
port may have been supplied with that port given extra power;
if the FireWire drive uses an AC power supply and not port power.
If the external FW drive is in heavy use, you may be able to tell
if the port on there can support a camera. It probably won't.
By the Mid-2007 Intel iMac, there was a difference in the FW
port configuration: 1 - 400 MBit/s, & 1 - 800 MBit/s (7W each.)
So, you may have an iMac with two different FireWire ports.
Some towers also have or had support for both FW types;
and Ethernet, USB ported devices, and audio options.
For those machines with a less than desired FireWire
support, there are FireWire Hubs, in both specifications;
and retailers or online store links show them in both
Mac and more general PC listings. These would be
self-powered Hubs and not rely on the Mac port power.
These are a bit different and not all peripherals that say they
may work with one or the other will necessarily do so in both.
An example maybe if you buy a FW 800 external HD enclosure
and it says it also supports FW400. It may not boot OSX in 800.
The computer specifications should be available in Apple Support
in that section; and a current version of the MacTracker download
database of most things Apple computer should; see: mactracker.ca
In any event...
Good luck & happy computing!

Configuring an iMac

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