Need advice on iMac purchase

Hello all,
Here I am, still sitting on my Late 2006 iMac that has ran flawlessly since I got it. I'm updated to 10.7, but as you all know that's as far as I'm going with the OS on this machine. I was going to pick up a new Mac earlier this year, but decided that I had better wait until the new ones were announced in October. Since the October release announcement and going back and forth, I've decided that the removal of the optical drive from the new units, at least for now, has steered me away from them. I'd also like to see how the super-thin design pans out in the long run. I'm not entirely confident in knowing that much hardware is seated so closely to the screen - seems like a bad idea. But, I'm not an engineer and the folks at Apple usually tend to be a little smarter than me at these things, so time will tell I suppose.
I've considered purchasing the Mid-2011 27" model from the refurbished end, but I've been reading some concerns about them. Yellowing screens, screens mysteriously going blank and some sort of dust collecting anomaly. Am I missing anything commonly complained about on these?? I think this computer is a better fit for me, but I'm curious to hear about others' experiences with refurbished products from Apple. They offer the same warranty as a new machine, but I'm guessing that many of these refurbished units are going to be returns from the before-mentioned issues. I'm wondering if they may have them panned out. I suppose there isn't much that can be done about dust collecting behind the screen, but the yellowing and screen going blank should be fixable issues without re-engineering (it would seem).
As you can likely tell from my 2006 iMac still being in use, I don't have a huge demand for resources, but I like to be up to date. Some light video compiling (family stuff), somewhat more intensive photography (Photoshop) and regular e-mail and web are basically the extent of my uses. Some gaming might occur on occassion, but I usually stick to my consoles for that.
Considering my concerns and uses, would the refurb May 2011 27" be a good move for me? Or shall I perhaps consider a Mac Mini with an external display instead? Mac Pro would be nice, but I'm not dropping that kind of cash for a computer at this time. I like the small footprint of the iMac. I can make do with a Mini. Hadn't considered it before now. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. I just like to run these types of questions by the community before I make a purchase. Points are usually raised that I hadn't previously considered.

The iMac is a very good all-purpose machine, and I purchase just about all of my Macs refurbushed. The reliability is at least as good as a new machine, with the same warranty.
About "yellowing screen." This is a relatively rare situation, and should be immediately detectable. Your only option would be to return the unit as defective; the replacement would, hopefully, remedy the problem. Reject any unit that doesn't look outstanding.
I also believe that it's best to wait a year until the super-thin iMacs roll out the kinks, but I'm not as bullish about using a Mini with an external monitor. A regular iMac will likely have a more balanced mix of features, which will be ideal with your modest needs. A refurb 2011 iMac is a good machine that's easy to like.
Honestly, I'm not familiar with the dust issue.

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Strange restart screen happening and advice needed on new imac purchase

Well first thing first, i just sold my imac 20" CD for a refurbished 24" iMac C2D directly from apple. The first thing i noticed is screen during the restart process that i have never seen on the multiple macs that i have owned. It looks like terminal/ms-dos with a black screen and lines of white text that indicate what is going on in the restart process. it doesnt really affect anything, i just don't really like it showing up, i would rather have the grey apple with spinning marks under it. Is this a setting somewhere that i don't know about?
And for the second thing. Because of this black screen that happens during start up i noticed.....a green stuck pixel... I am pretty picky about my things and when i noticed this i started freaking out a little bit. I know that stuck pixels are very common in LCD's i just didnt really want one in mine. I tried massaging it and all of the programs out there that are supposed to "un stick" it with no luck. I know apple is not likely to replace a unit for a single stuck pixel but i was going to try my hardest to get it replaced until......i looked in the system information and noticed that i somehow got the upgraded gforce 7600 256mb video card. So my question is should i stop complaining and take the $125 video card upgrade for free or try and get my unit replaced for my stuck pixel. BTW, the stuck pixel is only viewable on black/really dark screens and it is located in the middle display, about 2 inches right. Thanks in advance

A very tough question to answer. I am a little picky also and a stuck pixel would drive me up a wall. But have you tried to reinstall the system to see if it fixes the weird startup. Weighing the video card against the pixel I would have to go with seeing if apple could fix or repair the screen without switching the machine. If it is still under warranty they will try to no end to repair it before they just send you out another unit.
So I guess my answer is to make them repair the system thus saving you your video card.

New Graphic Designer...Need help on iMac Purchase

Hi all.
I am an aspiring graphic designer who needs to purchase an iMac that will fulfill my needs. I have a limited budget, but I would rather spend the money now then have to spend more in the future. I would like to get some ideas on how much memory/ram I should get. Also, I want to hear about the 21inch screen vs. the 27 inch screen.
Primarily I will be using this computer for graphic designer purposes, so I will be using CS4 Indesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. I will also be using the computer for downloading/playing music and movies. I do have an external hard drive but I think I should have a decent amount of memory installed on the desktop.
If anyone has any suggestions for me on what the best setup should be please let me know.
Thanks
-T

Your in luck! the iMac is perfect for CS4 and iTunes. 27-inch is perfect for HD video. And in CS4 the added screen realestate means increased performance. The display has a really great view angle, and sense it's LED back lit, the display is super bright/sharp.
The 17 comes with 1 TB of store and 4GB of ram. this is more then enough. if your working in very large files you may want to spend the 200 dollars to double your ram. that's huge bump for CS4. I would also suggested the 250 dollar upgrade to get double the storage space. 2 TB of space can be huge if you have a large movie collection. 150 dollars can get you double the video ram. If you like games this is a huge jump in performance. It will also help with things like layering in photoshop.
of corse you can always buy an external hard drive and more ram later, but your going to spend more of it. The Video card upgrade, 150, is some thing you can only do when buying the computer.
Sense your doing major work you may want to get a 2TB back up drive.
Also your talking about spending 2,149.00 on a computer. I assume your planning to hold onto the computer for at least a couple of years. Witch is why I would recommend Apple Care. It covers your computer for defect and natural wear. It's only 169 dollars.
If you had to replace one part, in 3 years, you would spend more then the apple care. Also Apple Care also get you 3 years of phone support. Normally it's 50 dollars a call. I don't know about you, but I have allot more then just 3 questions in 3 years. so it more then pays for it self.
You could also take advantage of the printer rebate. http://www.apple.com/promo/ when I bought my macbook pro having an up to date free printer was an amazing deal. It might be useful for your CS4 work. For quick scans and work prints.
You can also get 30% off mobile me. It's a great way to sync your contacts/calendars between your old and new computer. As well as an iphone, if you have one. I use mobile me to throw my PDF / Prints online. That way my clients can quickly check out and approve changes. I also use it to host my portfolio. Ones I had all my art in my computer, it took me like 20 minutes iWeb to publish my portfolio online using mobile me. It's been a great asset in self promotion; and it looks better then my friend website. And he payed some guy 800 dollar to make his website.
check out one to one. For a 100 dollars you can bring your computer into any apple store, and they will move your documents, desktop, iphoto, itunes over to your new computer.

Need Advice WRT iPod Purchase - Which Model?

I've never considered buying an iPod before, but I've been making a lot of business trips by car in the past couple of years, so having music to play all long the way would be A Good Thing. But, which model to buy???
I don't think I'll have the need to play videos, but I like the idea of having an info screen. I'm not sure the Shuffle is for me, because I'd like to have more control over what's playing and what to play next. But I can't imagine having more than 6 or 10 albums stored at any given time. My tastes in music just aren't that broad.
However, I have thought about the option an 80GB iPod would give me. That is, I could copy all of the installer disc images for all of the Final Cut Studio discs and the latest updates to the OS and support apps. Then when I'm on a Final Cut system support call, I'd have all the files I'd need in a very small package, rather than a large firewire drive.
So, advice anyone? Thanks.

Thank you. Yes, I'm familiar with that type of FW drive. That would be buying two new devices. Not out of the question, but if I could get by with one, it would be a bonus.
The iPod nano, huh? I assume the display on those will help me see what's playing and what song I can choose to play next, right?

Need advice on a purchase

I've found someone selling a mid 2012 MacBook Pro, but I'm confused with all the jargon! He's said its a used Apple MacBook Pro 13 inch Mid 2012 up for grabs! Has been used for Music production, Live performance and gaming. Will come with thunderbolt adaptors for connecting monitors. The super drive has been replaced with a Hybrid SSHD (750GB) so the total hard drive space is 1.5TB and performs like a SSD. Comes with original boxing, power cable and shell case. Also comes with applecare until October 2015 but this maybe invalid due to the upgrade. Remember, Super Drive Is Not There!
Is this good? And what does the superdrive missing mean/do? Also, is this a retina?
Thankyou all for any help haha

1000 pounds, thats what.....$1600 US.
shop elsewhere, bad price
I could make a new one configured the same for LESS
Get a base model Retina NEW for less, ...much less. Forget about that specific machine.

How can i use my iMac (purchased Dec2011 - Lion OX) as a monitor for my pc laptop? Iwould need a cable approx 1 meter in length.

How can i use my iMac (purchased Dec2011 - Lion OX) as a monitor for my pc laptop? Iwould need a cable approx 1 meter in length.

apple sell an minidisplayport to hdmi cable have have to use
so you have to subtract it's lengh from the cable to connect to if it
cable being approximately1meter in lengh
guide how you do it
http://macs.about.com/od/usingyourmac/qt/using-target-display-mode.htm

Need advice on a DVD program that I can use to Airstream to Apple TV via iMac

Need advice on a DVD program that I can use to Airstream To Apple TV

If you have mountain lion you should be able to mirror your screen on your Apple TV through an airplay settings pane in system preferencse.

I need advice after purchasing a MacBook Pro in the USA for use in the UK.

Hello all out there,
I bought a 13 inch MacBook Pro in the USA last week and brought it back with me to the UK. I had been given an Apple World Adapter kit by the gentleman in the apple store, however I realised today that it isn't for the MacBook Pro and is only for iPads, iphones and ipods. This means that despite paying around $40, I am stuck. I need advice as to how to charge the laptop in the UK now? Is there an adapter for this or can I use any ordinary USA to UK adapter and stick it to the one I have from the USA?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Zainab

AFAIK, the World Adapter kit has a replacement PLUG for the power brick. What you need is just something that can go into your country's wall socket, as the power brick itself is universal and can work from 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz.
In other words, you ARE aware that the power brick has removable plugs on the AC end, right?

Syncing iPod to new user account-need advice

Hey All! I set up a new user account for my friend on my imac, so he will want to sync his iPod Touch to iTunes, iPhoto, iCal, etc. in his new user account. I know there are plenty of freeware and shareware apps to get his music from the iPod into iTunes, but need advice concerning everything else oh his iPod.
I know I'll first get that pop up window that says his iPod is synced to another computer, and that I use "cancel" rather than "sync and erase". After doing that, I guess I use one of the shareware apps to get the music transferred over.
Now, after that, if I do a regular sync, will iTunes transfer his apps that are on the iPod?
Do I need to open iPhoto and download the photos on his iPod into iPhotot before doing a sync?
What about text messages? Will they remain in tact?
I don't think he uses the calendar on his iPod so no worries there....
What about Playlists that he has on the iPod? Will just the music transfer with the shareware apps or playlists also?
Will Notes be saved?
Thanks for your help. Don't wanna screw up his iPod by setting up this user account for him.

Apps are tied to the ID I assume the new account is just on the iMac and not a new iTunes account?
Yes, you can import photos into iPhoto the same as you would off any camera.
You would need to transfer purchased content (like apps). You can't do that via sync as it's a new computer and all content will be erased as you are aware.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1848
What happened to your friends computer? Was there no backup?

Newbie needs advice on audio interface

just purchased iMac 27" with Lion...have nice sounding Taylor 810 accoustic...want to record guitar and vocals, strictly a hobby. need advice on audio interfaces...willing to spend $600 on the Duet 2.0 if it's as good as the web reviews say it is but???... will I hear a difference with a $250 interface like a presonus firestudio mobile (vs. $600 Duet 2)?... want something that sounds great and works well with GB/Lion....thanks

To be honest, if using mics, you will get more out of picking up the FireStudio Mobile and spending the difference (or more) on treating the room you will be recording and mixing in.
As far as Lion is concerned, just check with Presonus about compatibility.
If you pick up the FireStudioMobile, it ships with Studio One Artist. It has a better comping feature than GB does...
TBH, if this is strictly hobby stuff, by the time you treat your recording environment, pick up decent mics, a second hard drive, stands, cables, monitors, headphones, a handful of plugins, another DAW or two, furniture etc, etc, you will not be too concerned about ownng the FireStudio... Its a great little unit that is very reliable and has a solid build.

I have an iMac purchased new about 5 years ago with OS 10.4.11. I would like to upgrade to Lion. I currently have a 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 2 GB of ram. Can I upgrade to Lion, and what is the best way to do so?

I have an iMac purchased new about 5 years ago with OS 10.4.11. I would like to upgrade to Lion. I currently have a 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 2 GB of ram. Can I upgrade to Lion, and what is the best way to do so?

From what I read here:
http://www.tuaw.com/2011/06/06/lion-...u-2-gb-of-ram/
s long as they already have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 installed in it.All a person needs to do with that type of iMac is to upgrade/max out their Ram. They claim that an Interl iMac with Core 2 Duo is all that is needed, as long as it has OS 10.6.8 installed. They say you don`t need the "Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor"
But I wonder about the RAM speed, the iMac 2.33Ghz uses DDR2 SDRAM, which I believe is rated at 667Mhz. Lion maybe installed but it might be problems running smoothly or not?
Did some quick checking and the iMacs apple is selling this year use 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM.
The only thing to do is to make sure you have a good back-up, Install your RAM and install Snow Leo, then wait a couple of hours and install Lion.
Good Luck

Need advice on video software.

Need advice on video software.
I currently use adobe elements 3 and have done so for a few years now with no problems. my os is XP and my system is a couple of years old, but we do have a brand new win7 machine in the house.
I am currently look at Cyberlink PowerDirector 8 Ultra OR Adobe Premiere Elements 8. Reviews for both softwares seem very good BUT, when I dig deeper into user reviews instead of editor reviews do I find problems.
Major problems with program crashing all over the place, at start up etc, and it is still not getting along with any win7 machine? Major problems with drivers. Honestly, I do not want to have to jump through dozens of hoops to get any software to run. After I pay for it, it should run, period.
Has anyone else here used both softwares and can you give an honest opinion of each?
I am also asking these same questions on the cyberlink site.
I would like to upgrade my video software to take advantage of the new features that are coming out but I really don't want a big headache trying to run one or the other. To be fair, when I bought adobe elements 3 I had also bought pinnacle, which has gathered dust since my first week with it, which is why elements was purchased. That was money wasted and I do not wish to repeat this. I would like to go with Premiere Elements 8 but remain very unsure.

If your newer machine is Win7 64-bit, it might be worth waiting for SP-1 to be issued, and then hope that 64-bit drivers are fully included. The 64-bit drivers now seem t be an issue at this point, and that will affect any NLE program.
Also, and regardless of which particular program you choose, optimizing your computer, the OS, the hardware, and the resources management, will go a very long way to insuring success. Few programs can tax a computer, as an NLE can - any NLE. Video and Audio editing will stress your system, like almost nothing else can, except for heavy-duty CAD, or 3D work, though those are usually done only on specialized, optimized computers, designed just for those applications.
Not the specific advice that you seek, but it's the best that I can do.
Good luck,
Hunt

Major Issues with installing 4tb internal. Really need advice please

In the process of a long needed upgrade to my 2010 Mac Pro Quad core 2.8 and have run into a serious headache that I really need advice on so I can get back to work. I've already spent 2 days dealing with all of this...
Just did a new SSD install and Migration which went fine but I'm also updating the rest of the internal drives. My main (non boot) drive was being upgraded from a Seagate Barracuda 3tb to a 4th Deskstar NAS (it was showing as compatible with my desktop, see links below). My 3tb ran fine for years but now due to it being heavily used I want to switch to a new drive and I can also use a bit more space.
The issue I'm running into is that initially on boot, my system was telling me it couldn't recognize the disk and it wasn't even showing up in Disk Utility. I had to purchase a SATA USB 3 kit to attach it as an external to get it to show which worked without problem. With the USB kit I was then able to partition it (GUID, Mac OS extended journaled) and format it properly. After reinserting the drive into my tower as an internal it failed to show again. After a few attempts of restarts and trying various bays it popped up but showed as a non formatted drive and I was told again that the system didn't recognise it. I was then given the option to initialise and was then actually able to then format and partition it though Disk Utility while it was installed as an internal.
Figured that was problem solved but when I went to check the drive and getting ready to transfer files over I noticed that Disk Utility was only allowing the First Aid and Partition options but not Erase, RAID, Restore which I'd never seen before. I then also noticed that none of the drive connection info was in the same format nor will it even provide drive bay info, connection info or read/write status (See screen shots). This is what I can't figure out and really need to clarify before I put full trust into using this drive.
Any info would be greatly appreciated...
Deskstar 4tb internal info which is installed in Bay 2
3tb Seagate which I trying to retire and transfer from.
Here are the weblinks to the Deskstar 4tb drive and the compatibility list but I support isn't allowing me to add direct links so add the www. before hand.
(Drive - eshop.macsales.com/item/HGST/0S03664/) (compatibility list - eshop.macsales.com/Descriptions/specs/Framework.cfm?page=macpromid2010.html).

What OSX version?
Disk Utility in later versions of ML and I think Mavericks have problems formatting with 4 TB internal drives.
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1661024
http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/112266/why-doesnt-my-mac-pro-see-my-new -4tb-sata-drive

Ready to take it one higher ...need advice on best way to get more audio in

Nearly ready to upgrade to LP7...need advice on more gear.
Longtime Logic user, my old rig running with an Audiowerk 8 card (dont laugh too hard please, its worked great for years! ).
Now, after purchasing a MBP and LE7 ... how best to upgrade even further, to be able to record say 4-8 tracks (live instrument) at a time, into the optical or Firewire ports. I have an external 750Gb FW drive.
Also have a Mackie 16 chnl mixer and hoping to find a way to send the Master stereo pair (or maybe even track inserts) from the Mackie to the optical or FW input of my MBP. But how to do this ? Im guessing there's a box or gizmo somewhere that would be perfect.
Unfortunately, all of the boxes and gizmos Ive looked at so far seem to duplicate functions I already have, esp mic preamps (dont need any more of those !). I prefer 19" rackmount devices as they work well with portability, and fit into my SKB rig easily.
TIA

Also have a Mackie 16 chnl mixer and hoping to find a way to send the
Master stereo pair (or maybe even track inserts) from the Mackie to the
optical or FW input of my MBP. But how to do this ? Im guessing there's
a box or gizmo somewhere that would be perfect.
if you really want to use the pre's on your mackie, and it has multiple bus/aux outputs which I presume it does, then you can easily set up a device such as the 828 to take all your input channels from the mackie, and then to run a bunch of return pairs back out to it.
depending on your budget there are prob a few others for you to look at. RME and metric halo always get rave reviews from users, but are pricier. also the focusrite sapphire might be worth a look, as well as the apogee ensemble.
also I just noticed you are using logic express, not pro. so there may be some limitations on the number of simultaneous inputs and outputs that I'm unaware of.

Need advice on a proof printer

Hello. So glad I found this site!
I'm currently a print graphic designer and starting a home based business integrating my print design knowledge with newly acquired web design skills to offer a complete package.
I am working on an HP computer, as I cannot afford the Mac I want now. I have all of the Adobe software for PC already, but need advice for a printer.
The machines I work on now are like $18k - 25k color lasers, and clearly that is not in my budget. I'm a little lost as to what to look for in a printer that can handle color proofs of my artwork. I create a lot of raster images in PS, but logo design is one of my focuses, so vector output is essential. I almost always create outlines of fonts for the final press ready file, so I'm not so worried about fonts, but color matching is important.
I've been reading about Postscript and PCL, but am still very confused. I'm also a little confused as to what a rip does or if I need one. We use one at my shop, and I know how to use it, but it lives on the server and was explained that it was only necessary for networking the printers.
I am planning to outsource all of my final printing, but I need a printer for proofing. I've been looking at inkjets for affordability reasons, but now I'm not sure if I need a color laser.
Help!!

Dear VectorGirly, I currently have an OKI Postscript c9800 printer. I use postscript printers because I calibrate and use color profiles to get the closest colour match to the outsourced commercial print that I can. I know this is more than you budgeted for, but it really depends what you end up focusing on. (ie web or print). I focus more on print, hence my printer has to proof postscript correctly for me. I am PC based but my files print to both PC and Mac platforms.
Regarding logos and colors ... firstly, my monitor is calibrated with a Pantone Huey. I use matching color profiles in all my design programs: Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop. My print PDFs include the color profiles. When I email or post proofs of logos or corporate stationery to clients I make sure they understand that colors will look different on various monitors because they are not calibrated for print and are RGB or color prism based rather than CMYK for print. Even if you choose a Pantone color, unless everything is calibrated and with color profiles, it's unlikely that you will get the same color on your screen, let alone on the client's screen. And if the client is wanting a color that looks good on their screen, it's even harder. I always recommend they look at the proof colours on various screens including friends so they can understand how it changes according to monitors.
Regarding PCL and Postscript: When I purchased my OKI (and my former Fuji Xerox pscript), I sent an existing print PDF (that had gone to commercial print previously) to the head office and asked them to do printouts of all the printers I was interested in. All the printers based as PCL were very inaccurate color. The two with postscript took my PDF and printed correctly and were very close to the final printed output. As I am pedantic on colour (colour in Australian spelling), I had to choose the high end postcript laser. Having said that, I am also very interested in the Fuji Xerox Phaser 8500 which is postscript and solid ink (great for the environment and people with allergies and low running costs - much better than laser) - but I need the A3 and banner printing option and they haven't made one for that size yet. I am hoping the new release may offer a bigger size paper. I have a very high allergy level and have to have the window open and a mask on when changing toners and printing, hence my interest in the solid ink for the future.
I always download my fonts through the print PDF to the printer - I never use printer inbuilt fonts. This is so I know that WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) when I print commercially as they also download/use the embedded PDF fonts.
Also, somewhere down the line you may find yourself forced to choose between focusing on web and print.
I recommend you choose what you love best.

Need advice on iMac purchase

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