Graphics Upgrade - 256MB of Video Ram?

Question

It's time for a new iMac and I am having trouble decieding if I should chose the graphics upgrade to the 256MB of VR? I would say my computer use is typical although I do like to make home movies using iMovie. Thanks

Answer 1

Hi Joe Keith!
You're in a bind, and I don't think you can "win" (if that were necessary). You want to sell your iMac G5 while it's still covered by AppleCare so that you can net the best selling price, yet the option for 256MB of VRAM has not yet been standardized as any iMac's base amount. If you wait until a new iMac has both Leopard and higher VRAM, yes, you will pay less for those features, but also probably net less about that same amount when selling the iMac G5 you have. [Based on Apple's refurb pricing, and on eBay selling prices, I estimate waiting to sell will cost you about the same $200 as would buying now and adding the optional VRAM and Leopard.] Plus, you have to wait and do without the (possible) advantages of the 256VRAM.
Since the only things we know for sure are that the new delivery date of Leopard is October, that 256MB VRAM is a current option in both 20" and 24" models, and that it will eventually come as the typical iMac base amount, you need to decide now what you'll be "needing/wanting" in the way of VRAM for the next two to three years. Certainly you'll want to have VRAM that will be similar to what will exist in most other users' new iMacs over the next 2 to 3 years, in which case you'll want to now spend the small amount to get the upgrade so that you'll be using (and in the future again be offering for sale) a comparably equipped machine.
Message was edited by: myhighway