Best time to buy a Mac---iMac?

Hey all,

I'm in the market for a new one. I'm looking to get the 27" iMac. I do realize that it has been upgraded recently. I am definitely in NO RUSH to buy it. I am a student. I also am aware of the free iPod program. I love my Macbook. The quality of Apple products is definitely worth the premium. Considering that the iMac is a relatively good deal, I think I'm going to bite.

Anyway, when would be the best time to buy it? I'm thinking of waiting till the next summer when I can get the free iPod as well..sell it and get back ~$200. I can also live without a free printer (not sure if they bundle those anymore...).

Of course, if I can get it sooner that'd be even better... By next summer, do you guys think there will be another upgrade (touch panel?). What about price drops?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

check this one out : Mac Buyer's Guide: Know When to Buy Your Mac, iPod or iPhone

 

I'd at least wait until we see what Apple announces this Wednesday. Since your in no rush though, it shouldn't be a big issue.

 

Sorry, but the iPod touch rebate program ended September 7, 2010.

I think that the panel might upgrade by next year (for the 21"). I would purchase a 27" now though, they are really nice and IMHO, they have great specs.

 

There are probably going to be some operating system announcements and we are probably going to see fairly big changes to the Macbook Pro very soon, but I do not think you are going to see any major change to the iMac at the same time.

If you are wanting an iMac, then it's just about at the height of its advance curve right now. If you wait until next summer, you're going to be wondering if you shouldn't wait another summer in order to get the next line of iMac.

You have to break down and buy something sooner or later. If you're always waiting for the next best thing, you're never going to get anything. The technology is never going to stand still.

At this stage, I would go on wait only if I'd made the determination that I definitely wanted a Macbook Pro.

If I wanted an iMac, I'd buy it now.

 

Buy it when you need it is the best motto. If it is needed now (doesn't sound like it) at least wait until Apple's event this week to see if anything changes.

I'm personally contemplating an iMac in the future as I take the iPad with me and leave the MBP at home. Since I don't need one yet I'll be waiting for the next OS release. My son is salivating at the thought of getting my MBP and ditching his IdeaPad (last PC in the house).

 

Thanks for the advice. I'm still torn. I guess I'll hold out. I am interested in knowing more about Lion.

But if I manage to wait until next summer when the Buy a Mac Get an iPod promo is back... Maybe I can save some more money.

OR I can just pull the trigger on a refurb unit... which is as good as new I guess.

 

I was in exactly the same spot right before I pulled the trigger on my 13" MBP.....when the updates finally came, considering the intended uses I had in mind, I found them underwhelming.....so in retrospect, consider your intended use(s) along with "if you need it, buy it".

Taking a look at the specs on the 27", if you think that will be good for what you're intending, pull the trigger and get it over with. That's what I did and haven't looked back

 

One last question for everyone...

I might do some occassional gaming (SC, COD, etc)... which CPU would be adequate? I'm not looking for maxed out settings... So...

i3 or i5?

 

i5 and your set.

 

Im tempted to go for the $1269 iMac refurb 27" but I cant seem to sell my MBP just yet.