[Ed_March]

I now have an original G-3 and am seriously thinking of upgrading to an iMac or eMac. I use Macs primarily for desktop publishing, so PageMaker, PhotoShop, Illustrator, Acrobat, etc., get used extensively. I recently got into iMovie, so I might see myself getting into that pretty heavily. Which computer should I buy? Which one has more open architecture, in case I want to upgrade memory, etc.? I've been a Mac fan since the mid 1980s, so my basement is something of a Mac museum. I'd like my new purchase to last a little longer than some of those.

[Nobody]

Hi!

Well, neither the iMac or the eMac are very upgradeable, but that shouldn't deter you from buying one. Today's Macs are what I like to call "SuperMacs" because they're so inclusive of everything that it isn't like "the old days" when it comes to usability.

Both the eMac and the iMac are EXCELLENT choices, especially when you consider the price point.

Because the eMac has a bigger screen than the iMac I would suggest the eMac.

(ALTHOUGH, I understand that there is a 17-inch iMac coming so if you can wait until after MWNY on July 17th that would be best because one might be introduced if that's what you want. I know this to be a fact - that one is coming - because Apple's manufacturer in Taiwan, Qantas, announced it over in Asia a few weeks ago.)

Anyway, if you don't want to wait then get the eMac.

I personally own the newest iMac and I can say that it is absolutely the best Mac I've ever owned, period. The beauty of the design and the included software (comes with EVERYTHING you'll need) are simply outstanding. The screen is simply phenomenal: It's the brightest and clearest screen on any computer we've ever owned. Add all of that to the unique swivel design and small footprint on the desk and it's simply an awesome computer. I'd put it right up there as saying that it's the best Mac Apple has ever made.

Be that as it may, the eMac is also impressive, especially with that screen.

So, get your new Mac and report back here to tell us which one you've bought!

Cheers!

images/icons/wink.gif

[ 07-05-2002: Message edited by: beachmac ]

[Nobody]

Oh, and as far as upgrading, the iMac is easier than the eMac for upgrading a hard drive, which is the only thing I could think that someone might want to upgrade. On the iMac all you do is remove four standard screws on the bottom, drop off the cover, and your ram is right there. Hard drive is a little more intensive, but not much. The eMac is an enclosed CRT design so it's not suggested that you start trying to take it apart to upgrade a hard drive.

Hope that helps!

[darr3n]

Ed, have you spent any time in front of an iMac display? If not, you may want to do so, especially if you spend a lot of time in Photoshop. I was very excited when the flat panel iMacs were introduced, but the flat-panel screens just aren't up to snuff yet. It was like looking at images through a screen door. That's exaggerating a bit, but that's the only way I can think to describe it. It sure is one sexy machine, though, and a great offering to the consumer market.

If you're work calls for color calibration for press, I'd go with the eMac.

[josephboyle]

I have two weeks on the eMac and it is a fine machine. I am concerned about the fan noise, however. If you work in a quiet environment or are sensitive to noise I suggest that you listen to it before you buy it!

good luck

jb

[Nobody]

The analogy about looking through a screen is an excellent one with respect to the eMac versus the iMac - the iMac is like looking through, well, nothing! It's brilliant and crystal clear. In fact, nothing compares to the brilliance of the screen. I have the newest Powerbook, which is also supposedly one of the brightest screens available, and even it looks dim compared to the iMac on my desk. It's also SILENT. We all love it and will have it for a long time.

[Tweak]

Actually, beachmac, darr3n was referring to the new iMacs as having the screen door effect. I see it, too---the blockiness caused by actually being able to see individual pixels drives me crazy.

While there is no question of their brilliance, LCD displays have have proven unpopular with print designers and graphic artists. They cannot display the subtleties or depth that a CRT with a low dot pitch can. Not to mention the LCD's lack of reliable color calibration.

If you design primarily for the web, go with iMac. But if print publishing is your game, get the eMac.

[Agamemnon]

can you upgrade the graphics card on the imac?

[Nobody]

As a designer myself - I've never worked out the argument that the crt's have better colour reproduction. The colours are never true to print, solely based on the differences between RGB colour models and CMYK printing. Really, the differences between lcd and crt aren't going to make one iota of difference, esp. if you're using pantone references - which most would be doing.

I use an iMac, up from a CRT screen on my old PC - I can't even bare to look at the old screen for more than 5mins now without getting incredibly sore eyes from just how blurry it all looks in comparison.

If you ask me, the benefits of an lcd (such as reduced eye strain from long sessions and so forth) far outweigh any piddly little colour differences

[macxuser]

I guess I need someone to explain to me why a person would complain about a solid product like the eMac. I can hardly notice any noise at all.
I own both iMac and eMac, think they both are great! I prefer the eMac for the Display size and I guess that I still like the crt over the lcd. images/icons/grin.gif

[Tweak]

Intensive photo retouching in Photoshop is a living nightmare on an LCD display. Images appear flat (lacking depth) with too-sharp edges as a result of being able to preceive individual pixels in the display.

With Photoshop's CMYK preview, proper ColorSync management, and proper gamma settings, you can get VERY close to achieving onscreen results from your CRT that will match the final printed product. The entire purpose of these technologies is to do just that.

I'm not knocking the iMac or LCD displays. They're both terrific, innovative products. And as the Creative Director for a popular, internationally distributed men's magazine (and an avid Mac follower), I'm the first at my company to suggest we explore the benefits of the latest technologies. Unfortunately, LCD's are not ready for primetime in the print publishing world.

[Nobody]

I agree with you Tweak. (As a photogapher for a leading Men's magazine. images/icons/wink.gif ) I really don't understand the complaints that CRTs are harder on the eyes and/or are blurry compared to LCD screens. If a CRT is blurry or makes your eyes hurt, I'd say it's time for a new CRT. (They DO wear out.) While recently shopping for a new monitor, I compared the Apple 17in LCD to a LaCie 19in CRT. Not only was the LaCie cheaper, it was sharper without being "crunchy", and just as bright and had excellent edge to edge contrast.

Personally, I don't think either the iMac or eMac are good solutions for DTP purposes. Hang on - before you lay into me, it's nothing derogatory about the performance. I feel this way only because of the limited display options. While it's possible to work with small screens, I wouldn't want to for very long. However, if those are the only two choices, I'd give the nod to the iMac since Ed is "getting into" iMovie. Stands to reason that you'll want to burn DVDs at some point.

just my .02 ... Phil images/icons/smile.gif

[ 07-07-2002: Message edited by: Philbert ]

[Nobody]

I'd go with a new iMac, and if you want a nicer display, use the video mirroring via the video output port (need an Apple adapter cable). The eMac isn't quite as nice as the iMac in terms of design and features (runs at a lower system bus I think). For a few hundred more, get a nice iMac and if you want a nice display, hook up a large CRT to it for video mirroring. I want to say that the screen size for the iMac and the eMac is almost exactly the same (17inch CRT = 15inch LCD in viewing area). To warn you, the CRT on the eMac realistically goes up to 1024x768. When you hit 1280x1024, the refresh rate drops to 72Hz, which is tough on the eyes. The max resolution on the iMac is 1024x768, which looks beautiful (LCDs work best on their max resolution, anything lower looks like garbage). Some food for thought. Please, however, wait two weeks and see what MWNY brings us.

-Jim

[Nobody]

Really the biggest question you have to ask yourself is do you want looks and a faster system or do you want a lower price. While the LCD screen is no doubt a consideration in your line of work my guess would be that if you were really BIG TIME you would be buying a Powermac anyway so it really is all about how much you want to spend vs. how cool you want your computer to look. I know I personally will be going for the iMac after MWNY. Just to sexy a machine to pass up.

Soundguy