Finding a new computer

Right now I am saving for an iMac (with MacPro) computer by the time I am out of high school (about 3 1/2 years). Are there any preferences/precautions I should take before considering one?

Also, where is the best and cheapest place to buy either one?

-EElover2

Build your own comp. Its cheaper and most of the time you get more bang for your buck.

EElover, buying a refurbished iMac from the Apple store is just as good as buying one new, so you can get a great deal on both there. There's really nothing different about them compared to your Macbook. I own an iMac and it's the most amazing computer I've ever owned.

well, can't tell you what macs 3 years in the future will be like, but macs are the same price just about everywhere, but if your going to college, the apple store (online or physical) will give you like a $200 discount most of the time. also, macbooks/ macbook pro's are a little more expensive, but are much more conveniant.

i agree with Mich on that, i have a PC that i built my self its works fine just for gaming such has rct2 and all, so you should just buy a tower then buy the parts to put in and you'll have your own PC its less expensive building one then buying a new one

I would avoid taking a Mac anywhere near Coasterkid. He likes to steal them and have sex with them.

Coasterkid is also small downtown.

^You have personal experience with him?

[Oscar]

My calculator beats all.

Originally posted by Woodie Man

^You have personal experience with him?

Oscar did, and he explained his nights festivities to me in full detail.

well, if you want to use nolimits, your gonna want a windows because it is much, much, MUCH easier to build coasters on a windows because there are so many more applications that you can download. with mac, there are only two that you can download, the coaster calculator (or whatever) and the no limits track packager. Its much tougher to build. but if you are just looking to buy a computer, then definetely a mac. there the fastest and, for me, the most reliable. i have a mac and its awesome. XD

[A7]

Umm, fastest?? Not really - there is faster but not from major known brands.
Reliable, yes.

from the U.S. Navy MAYBE...lol

Yeah, like asaaa said, a Mac is my preference. I wanted to get a 24" one, and on Ebay the cheapest are ~$1500, but they are used. Is there a price around there that are not used (aside from the reasons already mentioned, because I do not have the effort or work ethic to do so).

Originally posted by cp-soad

Umm, fastest?? Not really - there is faster but not from major known brands.
Reliable, yes.

Specs wise, definitely. OS Optimization wise, no. [Referring to the first part of the statement.]

[A7]

I've personally seen an 8-core with Intel Core 2 Extreme(s) factory over-clocked to 4ghz a piece. To make it possible it had liquid cooling that took three laps around the systems major parts as well 4 fans inside. I don't remember the manufacturer, but seriously - there are some extreme manufacturers out there that are hardly known (which is why I can't even think of the name).

-edit-

As for non personal computers, you can always get yourself a supercomputer if you are a millionaire : http://www.appro.com/product/server_xtremex1_xeon.asp

That sounds like an Intel SkullTrail setup with two Intel QX9770's on it. Best thing about that server based board is that you can choose between using ATI's Crossfire or nVidia's SLI. [:D]

Or you can buy a computer cased in gold or platinum!
http://www.pc-zeus.com/bto/bto-jewelry-spec1.html

Originally posted by RRollergod

Or you can buy a computer cased in gold or platinum!
http://www.pc-zeus.com/bto/bto-jewelry-spec1.html

Wow, that reminds me of the iDiamond, the worlds most expensive iPod shuffle.

[A7]

Originally posted by Canadmos

That sounds like an Intel SkullTrail setup with two Intel QX9770's on it. Best thing about that server based board is that you can choose between using ATI's Crossfire or nVidia's SLI. [:D]

Exactly