My next computer, but which one?

So I am struggling with the decision to get a new computer. The only part of the process that I’ve really decided so far is the fact that I won’t be building this one from scratch (I just don’t have the time to). I am going back and forth between getting a Dell with Windows Vista (or XP) or getting a new Apple iMac. This isn’t an easy decision to make for a few reasons. Here is a visual breakdown of the 2 systems I am considering:
Dell Computer vs Apple iMac
As you can see, the Dell wins in more categories than does the iMac. Dell wins three categories that are especially important: processor, memory and price.

  • The Q6600 Quad-Core will smoke the Dual Core, so the Dell definitely wins there.
  • The RAM in the Dell runs at 800MHz compared to the iMac’s RAM running at 667Mhz
  • The Dell also ends up being almost $400 cheaper than the slower iMac.
    • Note: With a 22″ LCD, the Dell still only comes to $1,459 which is $100 cheaper than the iMac

UPDATE: Here is another comparison that includes the 22″ LCD with the Dell. I clearly stated this above, but people apparently can’t read.
dell with LCD vs imac
Now, I realize that the iMac obviously comes with a 20″ LCD, but that doesn’t really matter to me considering I have 2 perfectly functional 17″ LCDs that I plan to use. I also realize that some people will say that Vista and OS X should not be considered a tie, but then again I’d tell those people to lay off the crack.
Part of the appeal of an iMac is the simplicity of an all in one solution, but I don’t think that simplicity is worth $400. The Dell also has a greater possibility in terms of future upgrades, whereas the only thing I could upgrade on the iMac would be adding RAM.
My point here is that while the iMac may look nice, it’s still far more expensive than a comparable (or actually superior) Dell computer. The stigma of “expensive Macs” continues, and for good reason. Now I just need to actually purchase this computer (hopefully in the next few weeks).

5 thoughts on “My next computer, but which one?

  1. the reason for the imac is that it takes up a lot less space than a normal tower and lcd. you won’t find that with dell. Also, the OS is definitely not a tie, OS X is much better.

  2. As I mentioned in the article, please lay off the crack if you believe that OS X is not comparable to Windows. Stop drinking the kool-aid my friend.

  3. How did you come up with this price for the Dell?
    I tried to make the configuration based on XPS 410 and came up with a price of $2007.

  4. @ Mike
    Exact steps I did:
    1. Go to Dell.com, hover over Desktop, go to Home & Home Office
    2. XPS Desktops
    3. XPS 410, click continue inside that little flash video
    4. on the configuration page look at the far left for the one that says “Performance Multimedia”, click on “Customize with Windows Vista”
    5. “As Selected” protection plan at the far right
    6. select Quad core processor
    7. select “Vista home premium”
    8. select the “2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz”
    9. use the default 320GB hard drive
    10. select “Dual Drives: 16x DVD-ROM Drive + 16x DVD+/-RW DL”
    11. select “No Monitor”
    12. select “256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT-DDR3”
    13. select the “Dell Bluetooth Wireless Media Hub”
    14. select the “Dell 13 in 1 Media Card Reader included in Dell Bluetooth Package”
    15. I selected “No speakers”, but you can get speakers if you need them.
    NOTE: for anything else I didn’t specifically mention I just use the default item.
    Price: $1,169

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