Purchase Issue: eMac or Imac

vistago

I have been planning for a while now to purchase a CD-RW eMac. I just got back from vacation and realised that they have discontinued the product.



I was planning on going with the combo drive instead (unfortunatly) but then I realised that the pricing is the same... (please keep in mind Canadian $)



eMac 700MHz/128SD/40G/ Combo/GeFr2 MX/56K



$1,699.00





128MB SDRAM - 1 DIMM

Accessory Kit

Keyboard/Mac OS X - U.S. English

Built in display

DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive

56K internal modem

40GB Ultra ATA drive





eMac Tilt & Swivel Stand

$95.00





Apple Pro Keyboard (White keys)

$95.00





Apple Pro Mouse (White color)

$95.00



TOTAL: $1,984.00



-----------------VS----------------



iMac 700MHz 15" TFT/128SD/ 40G/CD-RW/GeF2 MX/56K/ FW/VGA/KB

40GB Ultra ATA drive

128MB SDRAM - 1 DIMM

Mac OS X - U.S. English



$1,999.00



This of course comes with the keyboard and mouse and doesn't need the stand.



The other issue is that while I like the extra inches on the eMac the chances of me using +1024 resolution is slim...



I don't know what to do...



What do you think?



Vistago.

Edit: Forgot to mention total $ on eMac



[ 08-18-2002: Message edited by: Vistago ]</p>

ari

Question...



Why have you tallied the keyboard and mouse as additional costs? Aren't they included in the price of the eMac?

vistago

I don't believe so...



I cannot find anywhere on the Apple site that says they are included.



The section "Apple Pro Keyboard"/"Apple Pro Mouse" says that it is included with the G4 LCD but with no mention of the eMac. The eMac specs don't say anything about them - and they are offered as extras...

luca

That's strange. A keyboard and mouse has been included with every Mac for years and years. They used to sell keyboards separately (other than the proprietary keyboards on the 128k, 512k, and Plus), but even then, they included a mouse.



Unless Apple has some really strange thing with sales in Canada, they should be included. Maybe you should call them and double-check. I'd say the most likely thing is that it's just a typo (like how they listed a dual 967 MHz PowerMac once).



Getting back to the original question, you just have to compare features and decide which you like and which you don't care about. The iMac has an LCD, but it's smaller and it uses a lower resolution. The iMac is also smaller and lighter, and more ergonomic. But the eMac has a Combo drive (if you care about watching DVDs) and analog audio-in (if you care about that, which many people don't). The eMac is also $200 Canadian dollars cheaper (if it turns out that the keyboard and mouse are in fact included). And the eMac has high-quality, built in stereo speakers. The iMac has a single low-quality built in speaker, and you have to get other speakers if you want good sound quality.



Personally, I'd probably get the eMac over the iMac, if the keyboard and mouse are included. It also has the Combo drive, but that's your personal preference. The CRT on the eMac is large and pretty good, but LCDs are sharper and it may be worth the hit in screen area.

paul

are you serious? im like 99% sure the eMac comes with a keyboard and mouse... i mean it has to be capable of being booted up outa the box... <img src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" />

luca

One of my brother's friends just bought an eMac, and it does indeed come with a keyboard and mouse. So the only possible problem is if they don't ship it with the eMac in Canada, which I find very hard to believe.

vistago

HAHAH!!!



Brilliant. You are all correct:



"Included:

Apple Pro Keyboard, Apple Pro Mouse, modem cable"



I cannot believe it took me more then an hour to find that on their website.



Thank you for your suggestions - I will indeed go with the eMac.



Are you of the opinion that the stand is a necessity?

murbot

Yes, the keyboard and mouse and indeed included with the eMac.



As for the stand, try and check one out in person if at all possible before buying it. I grabbed one right away, only to realize afterwards that it would suit me better without. Of course, you may want it, but the fact that they charge $100 for the damn thing should make you give it some thought...

eman

You actually thought the eMac didn't come with a keyboard and mouse? Why would Apple do that?

progmac

[quote]Originally posted by EmAn:

<strong>You actually thought the eMac didn't come with a keyboard and mouse? Why would Apple do that?</strong><hr></blockquote>



Next you'll be telling me my video game console doesn't come with any games! (or a gun, or a second controller)

kecksy

[quote]Originally posted by progmac:

<strong>



Next you'll be telling me my video game console doesn't come with any games! (or a gun, or a second controller)</strong><hr></blockquote>



<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" /> Wish my GameCube came with a free game.

matsu

[quote]Originally posted by murbot:

<strong>Yes, the keyboard and mouse and indeed included with the eMac.



As for the stand, try and check one out in person if at all possible before buying it. I grabbed one right away, only to realize afterwards that it would suit me better without. Of course, you may want it, but the fact that they charge $100 for the damn thing should make you give it some thought...</strong><hr></blockquote>



Still playing musical macs, I see? God bless. Steve should say a prayer for you and yours every night.

eman

[quote]Originally posted by Matsu:

<strong>



Still playing musical macs, I see? God bless. Steve should say a prayer for you and yours every night.</strong><hr></blockquote>



<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" /> So true, Matsu.

vistago

The reason I was worried is that the iMac and virtually every other machine on the website specifically states: "Apple Pro Keyboard/Mouse"... except the eMac. I guess it was just a typo - I should send them and e-mail about it...

wolfeye155

It really all comes down to how much money you want to spend, and what you think looks cooler. Either way, you should be happy with your machine. Oh and I personally wouldn't opt for the stand. Doesn't seem worth the price.

steve666

I'm surprised most here don't find the stand a necessity. The eMac will sit too far down without it and is not adjustable. I would recommend buying the stand. In fact, Apple should have included it. Can you imagine buying a 17 inch monitor without a tilt/swivel stand? By the way I agree with your purchase decision to go with the eMac.........................