Buy iMac now, or wait?

[RobLewis]

I'm about to pull the trigger on a new 27" i7 iMac for music recording/processing and video editing, but of course I'm wondering if it might be worth waiting for Sandy Bridge.

I'd be grateful for any insights anyone may have on questions like:
--When might a switchover to Sandy Bridge happen? I believe Apple has promised iMac revamps in the first half of 2011; one rumor I read said July. I can't wait that long.
--Are the new chips likely to offer big performance boosts over the i7 for my kind of apps? Music of course likes lots of CPU cycles for sound generation, effects, etc., and I presume video editing takes advantage of graphics power too.
--I'm currently planning to send the new system to Other World Computing to install their eSATA port mod (to attach an external SSD); any thoughts on whether Apple might include this on revamped iMacs? (My feeling is probably not, but maybe USB 3.0.)

 

[Ka0t1x]

From the recent update to having SSD, etc.. they're mid cycle..

IMO I don't see Apple adopting USB3 this year, but possibly.

You can configure the iMac with SSD + HDD now.. I personally wouldn't do the eSATA mod. It's quite expensive.. if you buy AppleCare for it, you also need to buy their modification warranty. .. And then you're already at half the price of the SSD upgrade. Having to ship your iMac to OWC to be repaired seems foolish if you could just drop it off at an Apple Store or take advantage of Apple's next day shipping on repairs........ just my 2c.

 

[speg]

The iMacs just got refreshed in the fall didn't they? You're kind of mid-cycle, which sucks. If you can't wait 'til the summer, I would go ahead and pull the trigger.