Ohaio!

[MtlAngelus]

*ahem*
As those of you who have recently read the Neutral Events and Ocurrences thread, my latest attempt to upgrade my(family's) computer was a complete failure. And I mentioned recently I saw a "24 inch screen iMac that really caught my attention.
So, I'm considering buying the iMac, for what it offers to me, and also install Windows XP and/or Vista on it using Boot Camp for my not very demanding gaming needs(PORTAL and TF2, is that too much to ask for? :().
I know I've been bringing up threads and polls since ages ago regarding a buying/building a new pc and I always end up with nothing/a new guitar, and this time it might not be the exception at all as I'm as indecissive as... well, as a really indecissive person... but all I ask is your opinion on the subject. Should I go for it?

[FutureWorm]

i'd say yes, but you know i'm biased

[MtlAngelus]

Well, but surely you're biased for good reason? ;)
I just don't know if it's that great a computer to purchase. I mean I really liked it when I tested it, but I'd like to know other people's opinions on it.

[MrBunsy]

Well well, my dad bought one of them a couple of weeks ago (and then upgraded the RAM to 4 gigs! sheesh), and I installed Vista on it so I could see DX10 Crysis. Only to find it can't cope with settings above medium, which is still quite impressive. Leopard seemed quite impressive, but I've not used it much personally.

It's not cheap though, nor amazingly good value for the specs, but it is pretty awesome, and very compact.

So I suppose I'd say yes, if you feel like spending lots of money, no if you don't :p I think my dad's idea of buying the low-ram version and upgrading yourself saved quite a bit of money.

[thomasp]

My dad has literally just bought the 2.8GHz 24" iMac, and it is, well, amazing. Aside from a minor issue with colour consistency on the screen (he is a professional photographer, so notices things like this), the screen itself is amazing, and the computer is a pretty decent piece of kit.

Just a note, the 2.4GHz processor is the "laptop"-grade processor, whereas the 2.8GHz is the 'Extreme' model and is from Intel's desktop series. Also, if you're gaming, get the wired keyboard & mouse (you'll probably want to change the Mighty Mouse as it isn't best for games...) - the wired keyboard has a numeric keypad whereas the wireless one doesn't.

[Vader]

Bah. I expected this thread to contain Japanese.

Watashi wa DISAPPOINTED desu. Hai. :mad:

/end off-topicness.

[Paul.Power]

/end off-topicness.Not if I have anything to do with it!

Yat-ta yat-ta yat-ta yat-ta yat-ta yat-ta yat-ta yat-ta...

... and yep, another song that uses Pachabel's Canon for its chord progression...

[bonz]

See if you can get all the hardware parts and a 24" screen separately and assemble a custom (IBM compatible) computer for the same or less money.
Pachabel
Pachelbel

[Star Worms]

Having tried both, I prefer PC. Macs are expensive for what they are, and there's less to do on them (games, applications etc), although that's partly why I got one - to do work on it at the library and not get distracted by things like Solitaire).

[FutureWorm]

Having tried both, I prefer PC. Macs are expensive for what they are, and there's less to do on them (games, applications etc), although that's partly why I got one - to do work on it at the library and not get distracted by things like Solitaire).
that's ridiculous; if you don't have any good games or apps on your mac you're just not looking hard enough

Well, but surely you're biased for good reason? ;)
I just don't know if it's that great a computer to purchase. I mean I really liked it when I tested it, but I'd like to know other people's opinions on it.
i've said this before and i'll say it again - the long-term performance and the quality of the operating system, in my opinion, outweighs the price premium that you pay for a mac

if long-term longevity with minimal upgrades is important to you, os x is an operating system that is designed to be as backwards compatible as possible - my friend just got a g4, which was released in 2001, and it performs better than my pc from 2003. what's even more interesting is that the pc is running windows xp, which was released in 2001, while the mac is running os x 10.4, which was released in 2005. bottom line: macs can run newer software on older systems with higher performance than comparable pcs

however, if you are going to want to do a lot of upgrading (especially video cards for gaming and so forth) you'll be a lot better off with a pc

[MrBunsy]

(IBM compatible) To be fair, apart from the lack of a BIOS, I think the intel macs are IBM compatible.

[FutureWorm]

To be fair, apart from the lack of a BIOS, I think the intel macs are IBM compatible.
who says "ibm compatible" anymore

[Star Worms]

that's ridiculous; if you don't have any good games or apps on your mac you're just not looking hard enoughSorry but I'd just rather not wait 2 years to play a game.

I just picked a couple of games I would like: Bioshock and Call of Duty 4. Neither are available on Mac. Go figure.

[FutureWorm]

Sorry but I'd just rather not wait 2 years to play a game.

I just picked a couple of games I would like: Bioshock and Call of Duty 4. Neither are available on Mac. Go figure.
i never claimed that macs are better for high-end games, but you were using solitaire as an example and there are plenty of simple games along those lines, in some cases available exclusively for the mac

bioshock is great

[Star Worms]

i never claimed that macs are better for high-end games, but you were using solitaire as an example and there are plenty of simple games along those lines, in some cases available exclusively for the mac

bioshock is great

When I said games, I was talking about the games that you see in shops not things like Solitaire.

[Paul.Power]

who says "ibm compatible" anymoreI do :p.

It's handy when you want to refer to DOS, Windows and Linux and the same time, and not include Apple, Acorn, Amiga...

I also got Dan to use it here (http://www.realvg.org/display.php?type=articles&id=152)

[MtlAngelus]

Bah. I expected this thread to contain Japanese.

Watashi wa DISAPPOINTED desu. Hai. :mad:

/end off-topicness.
Kumenasai, Vaderu-kun. :(
:p
Sorry but I'd just rather not wait 2 years to play a game.

I just picked a couple of games I would like: Bioshock and Call of Duty 4. Neither are available on Mac. Go figure.
Well, if I install XP/Vista on it, it runs Bioshock/COD4 quite well.

[Star Worms]

Well, if I install XP/Vista on it, it runs Bioshock/COD4 quite well.True, but that just makes it a ridiculously expensive PC.

[Paul.Power]

Pachelbel

Blame my KS3 music teachers :p.

[wormthingy]

If you buy a computer just to play games you might as well get one designed to run games, also known as a game console.
(no need to start flaming to this post, just consider it not here if i hit you in the balls by saying that.)

I always find it funny that windows users always jump to "well we have more games" when comparing the two. Well, bloody great for you. Buy a pie, throw a party, couldn't care less since i barely play 'em anyway and when I do I got my old trusty ps2. I somehow never had that urge to play every game ever published.

anyway, since you said you can play TF2 and portals on the iMac using bootcamp I don't see the problem. If those are indeed the kind of games you play, and don't <i>need</i> to see every pixel on your screen get anti-aliased 16 times and rendered by 265.000 buffers on 1080i hd, then why the hell not get an iMac?
Since when is gaming about graphics anyway, who cares if the glasses of mr. x reflect the grass during one of the shoot-outs. you're not supposed to be looking at his glasses, let alone the reflection of the grass, you should be clicking your ass off to shoot the guy. one moment you guys are all about "OMG the wii is awesum its not about graphics but gameplay" the next you are "OMG i cant even play cod4 on max settings!". make up your minds already about which is more important and than stop nagging about the other.

I don't know if any of what I just typed made any sense to you lot, but to summarize it: go for the imac

[Paul.Power]

Since when is gaming about graphics anyway, who cares if the glasses of mr. x reflect the grass during one of the shoot-outs. you're not supposed to be looking at his glasses, let alone the reflection of the grass, you should be clicking your ass off to shoot the guyTo be fair, Team Fortress 2's graphics are specially stylised so that you aren't caring about Mr. X's glasses or the grass. They're a rare case of form following function and style at the same time.

I guess the big big question is "will you be able to run Windows games online?". Because if you can't, then TF2 becomes a beautifully stylised chocolate teapot, because it's online only. And something like Worms Armageddon generates its "still going" popularity from the revitalisation of online play.

[Star Worms]

If you buy a computer just to play games you might as well get one designed to run games, also known as a game console.
(no need to start flaming to this post, just consider it not here if i hit you in the balls by saying that.)

I always find it funny that windows users always jump to "well we have more games" when comparing the two. Well, bloody great for you. Buy a pie, throw a party, couldn't care less since i barely play 'em anyway and when I do I got my old trusty ps2. I somehow never had that urge to play every game ever published.

anyway, since you said you can play TF2 and portals on the iMac using bootcamp I don't see the problem. If those are indeed the kind of games you play, and don't <i>need</i> to see every pixel on your screen get anti-aliased 16 times and rendered by 265.000 buffers on 1080i hd, then why the hell not get an iMac?
Since when is gaming about graphics anyway, who cares if the glasses of mr. x reflect the grass during one of the shoot-outs. you're not supposed to be looking at his glasses, let alone the reflection of the grass, you should be clicking your ass off to shoot the guy. one moment you guys are all about "OMG the wii is awesum its not about graphics but gameplay" the next you are "OMG i cant even play cod4 on max settings!". make up your minds already about which is more important and than stop nagging about the other.

I don't know if any of what I just typed made any sense to you lot, but to summarize it: go for the imacThe main issue with the iMac is not inability to run games, but instead the lack of games available. And I don't really see the point in buying an iMac to install Windows on it so you can.

[Pigbuster]

I think some of you know how I feel about "Here's a poll to decide whether I should buy something or not!" threads. :p
It's ultimately your decision. I voted for the Mac, but I don't know exactly what you want. LISTEN TO YOUR HEART.


Also, I think it's worth mentioning Crossover.
http://www.codeweavers.com/products/

It runs Windows applications natively in the Mac environment without the need to buy a copy of Windows. There's no virtual machine to cause any slowdowns, and you don't have to reboot.

It doesn't run everything, though.
However, the dev team is constantly working on improving its compatibility. If a high-profile game is released, they'll probably work until Crossover can run it. Unfortunately, this means indie games won't get a whole lot of attention. Dwarf Fortress runs perfectly, though. And that's why I bought Crossover. :p

Team Fortress 2 seems to work. There was a mouse-clicking bug, but it seems there's a patch (http://www.codeweavers.com/compatibility/browse/cat/?app_id=1168;forum=1;msg=6971) for that.
Portal sounds like it runs, but there might be issues (http://www.codeweavers.com/compatibility/browse/name/?app_id=3424;forum=1;msg=27544) which may also be fixed in future updates.
Bioshock is untested, but it seems like there's a demo. I'll look at it right now.
Seems like there's a Crysis demo, too. I'll try that out, even though it'd run as slowly as a glacier+roadkill+molasses hybrid.

There's also a free version of Crossover called Wine, but I've never figured out how to get it to work.

[MtlAngelus]

If you buy a computer just to play games you might as well get one designed to run games, also known as a game console.
(no need to start flaming to this post, just consider it not here if i hit you in the balls by saying that.)

Not at all, it's not just for games. I'm more interested in stability, and the ability to run design/art programs, which the iMac seems to be pretty good at.
The main issue with the iMac is not inability to run games, but instead the lack of games available. And I don't really see the point in buying an iMac to install Windows on it so you can.
Well, I'm buying an iMac for what it offers for me as an iMac, not for games, altough I do have an interest in running games so that's where installing windows comes in.

I think some of you know how I feel about "Here's a poll to decide whether I should buy something or not!" threads. :p
It's ultimately your decision. I voted for the Mac, but I don't know exactly what you want. LISTEN TO YOUR HEART.

Well I'm looking for other people's opinions. I've already searched for opinions on the net, but it's allways nice to hear it from people you know slightly more. :p

Also, I think it's worth mentioning Crossover.
http://www.codeweavers.com/products/

It runs Windows applications natively in the Mac environment without the need to buy a copy of Windows. There's no virtual machine to cause any slowdowns, and you don't have to reboot.

It doesn't run everything, though.
However, the dev team is constantly working on improving its compatibility. If a high-profile game is released, they'll probably work until Crossover can run it. Unfortunately, this means indie games won't get a whole lot of attention. Dwarf Fortress runs perfectly, though. And that's why I bought Crossover. :p

Team Fortress 2 seems to work. There was a mouse-clicking bug, but it seems there's a patch (http://www.codeweavers.com/compatibility/browse/cat/?app_id=1168;forum=1;msg=6971) for that.
Portal sounds like it runs, but there might be issues (http://www.codeweavers.com/compatibility/browse/name/?app_id=3424;forum=1;msg=27544) which may also be fixed in future updates.
Bioshock is untested, but it seems like there's a demo. I'll look at it right now.
Seems like there's a Crysis demo, too. I'll try that out, even though it'd run as slowly as a glacier+roadkill+molasses hybrid.

There's also a free version of Crossover called Wine, but I've never figured out how to get it to work.
Gah, I saw some videos of a MacBook pro running TF2 on crossover and it was incredibly laggy, not sure if that'll happen on an iMac and the most recent version of Crossover, but I would have to buy a copy of it anyway, whereas I already have a copy of XP. :p

[Pigbuster]

whereas I already have a copy of XP. :p

Well, pfft. Nevermind, then. :p

[FutureWorm]

There's also a free version of Crossover called Wine, but I've never figured out how to get it to work.

more accurately, crossover is a paid version of wine

[Star Worms]

Well, I'm buying an iMac for what it offers for me as an iMacAnd what is that exactly?

[Pickleworm]

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't considering this as well

[wormthingy]

And what is that exactly?

http://www.apple.com/imac/

[MtlAngelus]

And what is that exactly?
A secure, stable OS. :p
Also great bundled software, and a really stylish, space saving design.

[Star Worms]

A secure, stable OS. :p
Also great bundled software, and a really stylish, space saving design.Windows is pretty stable provided you take normal precautions to avoid viruses and the like. Windows also comes with a lot of good software, and there's also a huge variety of programs available on the internet (more so than for Macs, although admittedly they are much easier to find on Macs).

Really I think it boils down to wanting a Mac because it's stylish, which is partly why I got one (a Macbook anyway). I was surprised at how similar it is to a PC. I wouldn't say that I regret buying it as such, just that it was expensive for what it was. Have you looked at how much cheaper similar spec PCs cost?

I mean to be honest, if you really want a Mac then just get it, but I think you should be aware of the alternatives. I get the feeling that you posted this poll being almost sure you wanted a Mac over a PC to start with.

[MtlAngelus]

Yeah I was almost sure I wanted one, but I posted this poll to see if anyone here could come up with enough pros/cons to support/unsupport this decision.
About PCs with similar specs, prebuilt pc's with this specs are slightly cheaper, but I hate prebuilt PCs. And to build my own I would have to import the pieces, but I would have to do that trough a third party company that offers importing services, and that would increase the cost. Plus I'd rather not because things tend to go wrong when I attempt building something. :p

[Vader]

Personally I don't have a problem with Apple's hardware but I hate their software. And iPods.

I have to use them at work and setting them up for tests is a pain in the neck. Sure, once you know how it's easy enough but there seems to be little logic behind any of it. I despise how, much like Sony, they force you into using all Apple products (though this mainly stems from my hatred for the damn iPod... Glod I hate those things) and frankly, whilst they often look nice, their performance doesn't match.

Anything with unnecessary transitional effects grinds my gears. WWP being a good example and Vista being another. Grrrr.

[MtlAngelus]

I'm actually surprised at the ammounts of "No" votes, considering the very few negative feedback I got in the form of actual posts.

Still, I will find means of contacting a local company that imports pc parts and actually do some research on how much it would cost me to actually build a computer myself, and then see which of the two options sounds better. The problem with this is that I can't really keep myself from trying to go for the best/most expensive hardware available whenever I consider bulding a pc.
So I'll probably be like "OMAGAD QUADROOPLE CORE PROZESSUR MUST BUY! >:O" and get frustated to discover I can't afford much else if I get that. :p

edit: Altough, to be honest, I really want this ASAP because it's eating me inside to have Portal and TF2 on my games list on steam and not being able to... you know... play them. >:I
(Stupid GeForce4 MX... *curses*)

[Vader]

Could you not just grab, say, a Radeon X1600 or something off eBay? They're previous generation so they'll be quite cheap I'd have thought. They're also pretty good. Well, they're better than anything with MX in the name.

Edit: yes, you can: AGP X1600 for $55 with free shipping to S. America (http://cgi.ebay.com/ATI-RADEON-X1600-PRO-VIDEO-CARD_W0QQitemZ120199441712QQihZ002QQcategoryZ40158 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) (you're in South America, right?).

[MtlAngelus]

Well I went to a local store that sells pc stuff, and I purchased an Ati Radeon x1050, which was rather cheap(around $55), and does meet my computers specifications. But it just didn't work(worked but got a VPU recover error every 5-10 seconds when doing something that requires moving graphics). I have yet to return it because I have to go to the matrix of this store, which is glod knows where the hell (and I still haven't figured which bus takes me there), where they will proceed to test it and most likely tell me either that it works fine, or that I messed it up and refuse to refund me my money. And of course I can't prove them wrong because it actually did get stuck there for some reason and I had to apply more force than usual to get it out. Which of course I won't tell or admit happened unless they can actually prove it. :p

So basically, I'm not messing with this computer again as it clearly hates me.

And I don't buy ebay stuff. It took me ages to manage to get permission to purchase the Orange Box with my dad's credit card off steam, purchasing something physical would take a lot longer. And no I don't have a credit card nor do I trust myself to getting one nor do I trust the postal service to actually delivering me anything worth money.

[Star Worms]

Could you not just grab, say, a Radeon X1600 or something off eBay? They're previous generation so they'll be quite cheap I'd have thought. They're also pretty good. Well, they're better than anything with MX in the name.

Edit: yes, you can: AGP X1600 for $55 with free shipping to S. America (http://cgi.ebay.com/ATI-RADEON-X1600-PRO-VIDEO-CARD_W0QQitemZ120199441712QQihZ002QQcategoryZ40158 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) (you're in South America, right?).

Mexico is North America.

[Vader]

Well they ship to both North and South America. I couldn't remember if Angelus was from Mexico or Brazil or maybe somewhere else completely. *shrug*

[MtlAngelus]

Brazil? :confused:
Far off.

Anyway, it appears that I can only obtain the 2.4ghz 24" model, as it seems the 2.8ghz model will only come to Mexico until July next year.

Also, I took the graphics card to the warranty area of the store I purchased it but they weren't working today, apparently I have to wait until wednesday, and in case of a return, instead of giving my money back they'll just give me a credit for the same ammount to purchase something else in that store. Bummer.

[Vader]

Do you know what the problem was yet? Was it a faulty card or is something to do with the rest of your computer?

[FutureWorm]

(Stupid GeForce4 MX... *curses*)

holy ****

[MrBunsy]

Funnily enough, TF2 and Portal run quite well on the higher Geforce 4 cards.

[MtlAngelus]

Do you know what the problem was yet? Was it a faulty card or is something to do with the rest of your computer?
As 'warranty' wasn't open, they didn't make any tests to it. They suggest I go on wednesday when they will be open, and that I take my computer over there so that they can check it out. :/

[SupSuper]

Quick hide the piracy!

[MtlAngelus]

*sigh*
I seriously don't know what to do.
The iMac appeals to me because I can currently afford it, I love the looks, the 24" screen kicks ass, the in-built camera seems quite good, and the OS seems to be quite stable. But there's the thing that indeed I could get a PC with better specs for the same price...
Now I've been thinking of building my own pc with quality pieces but if I choose this path it will take a while before I actually get everything ready... and I'm rather desperate to have my own pc like... now. :p

I could also order a prebuilt pc from, say, Dell.

I just went to their website and configured this:

Intel® Core™2 Q6600 Quad-Core (8MB L2 cache,2.4GHz,1066FSB)
Windows Vista™ Home Premium Original
2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM a 667MHz - 2 DIMMs
24" UltraSharp™ Widescreen
250GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 8MB Cache
16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with dual layer capacity
256MB nVidia GeForce 8600 GTS
Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Music

For $2,265 USD. Slightly more expensive than the iMac.

-----------------------------
I also configured this:

Intel® Core™2 Duo E6750 (4MB L2 Cache,2.66GHz,1333 FSB)
Windows Vista® Home Premium Original
2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM a 667MHz - 2 DIMMs
24" "Widescreen" Dell UltraSharp™ 2407WFP
250GB - Seagate 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 8MB Cache
16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with dual layer capacity
512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT
Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ XtremeGamer (D)

For $2,674 USD. Ouch.

-----------------------------
The iMac, on the other hand:

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 ghz
24" screen
1 GB RAM
320 GB Hard Drive
ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO 256MB GDDR3
iSight Camera
Mac OS X10.5

For $2,106 USD.

Wow. So the iMac is cheaper, and doesn't lag too far behind currently available pre-built pc's. :confused:

I also tried HP's and Sony's website, but I couldn't find anything that didn't suck to start with...

[Star Worms]

You're comparing the iMac price to expensive PC sellers like Sony. With Sony especially, a lot of the money you are spending is just to buy the brand name on the front of the case. Try and find some cheaper websites - I know of a few that I use, but they won't be much use as they are UK-based.

Anyone know of some good value PC-selling US websites?

[bonz]

You should definitely go the path of assembling your own PC.
I loosely estimate that you could get a computer with the second specs for about $2,000 instead of $2,600.

Just look around on various webshops and price comparison sites to find the cheapest offer.
You'll probably need wait several weeks for the one or other part, but you could perhaps use one of your old parts and start assembling right away.

A few tips:
Definitely get 4GB of RAM.

Also, 250GB of HDD space seems a bit few.
My suggestion: Get one fast 160GB HDD for the system and one 500GB (slower=cheaper) HDD for file storage.

You might want to get a good computer case which can hold several 120mm (large=silent) fans.
One that allows the installation of extra fans to cool your HDDs directly is recommended to increase the life of the HDDs.
You also can get cases today that support the future BTX mainboard format in addition to the current ATX format.

Also, get a power supply which was higher wattage than needed.
Saves you the hassle when you exchange the graphics card or add additional HDDs in the future.
The power supply too should have large fans. One 120mm or two 80mm should be silent enough.

Get rubber vibration insulator thingies to strap around your power supply, HDDs and DVD drives.
Those greatly reduce the noise transmission to the case created by vibration and increase the life of your HDDs.

[SupSuper]

For pre-built PCs I'd suggest Alienware (http://www.alienware.com), you can get a pretty good customizable PC shipped to you. I set up one similar to your specs for just $1,880 USD through this form (http://www.alienware.com/Configurator_Pages/area-51_7500_r5.aspx?SysCode=PC-AREA51-7500-R5&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT). (though I toned down the monitor and processor since those are the biggest price boosters)

[FutureWorm]

You should definitely go the path of assembling your own PC.

i'm pretty sure he said that importing individual components would be far more expensive than getting a pre-built machine

if you want a mac, get a mac

[thomasp]

Just a tip - if you go for the iMac and want more RAM, DO NOT buy it from Apple, as their ram is hideously overpriced!

[FutureWorm]

Just a tip - if you go for the iMac and want more RAM, DO NOT buy it from Apple, as their ram is hideously overpriced!
yeah you can upgrade to 4GB from other world computing for like $100, which is a fantastic deal

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/53IM2DDR4GBK/

[Pigbuster]

So many decisions.
The choice is yours, MtlAngelus.

WHAT'LL YOU DO!?!? :eek:

No pressure.

[SomePerson]

Please, I implore you, get something energy efficient.

This processor is just 65W: (and at 2.5GHz dual core it's not too shabby)
http://shop3.outpost.com/%7BLhxw54BTnWSDYlnoVJEb-Q**.node1%7D/product/5232647;jsessionid=Lhxw54BTnWSDYlnoVJEb-Q**.node1?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG


My entire laptop tends to run at less than 50W with a 2.00GHz Core 2 Duo :D

[MtlAngelus]

You're comparing the iMac price to expensive PC sellers like Sony. With Sony especially, a lot of the money you are spending is just to buy the brand name on the front of the case. Try and find some cheaper websites - I know of a few that I use, but they won't be much use as they are UK-based.

Anyone know of some good value PC-selling US websites?
I actually compared it to Dell, which is suposed to offer cheap prices. But I really don't have much choices, being in Mexico. The market for PC's here is almost strictly aimed at either bussiness looking for eficient cheap products in large quantities or dumb people who only use their pc's for watching youtube and forwarding chain mail.
For pre-built PCs I'd suggest Alienware (http://www.alienware.com), you can get a pretty good customizable PC shipped to you. I set up one similar to your specs for just $1,880 USD through this form (http://www.alienware.com/Configurator_Pages/area-51_7500_r5.aspx?SysCode=PC-AREA51-7500-R5&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT). (though I toned down the monitor and processor since those are the biggest price boosters)
Nononono no toning down the monitor. :p
I'm not getting anything less than a 24" monitor. :p
Alienware is good, but I fear shipping costs to Mexico. :x

i'm pretty sure he said that importing individual components would be far more expensive than getting a pre-built machine

if you want a mac, get a mac
Yup. It could work out if I imported everything at once, but getting piece by piece is bound to be more expensive.
Please, I implore you, get something energy efficient.

This processor is just 65W: (and at 2.5GHz dual core it's not too shabby)
http://shop3.outpost.com/%7BLhxw54BTnWSDYlnoVJEb-Q**.node1%7D/product/5232647;jsessionid=Lhxw54BTnWSDYlnoVJEb-Q**.node1?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG


My entire laptop tends to run at less than 50W with a 2.00GHz Core 2 Duo :D
I... don't really know how to go about doing that. Particularly if I get the iMac. :p

I'm probably getting the iMac, yeah. :/