Mac desktops forum: Should I be sorry that I just purchased the Apple iMac 27in

and while you only plan to use it for "basic family" use, you will be surprised at what else you end up doing with it.

I take it that you are not a former Mac user and are not familiar with the Mac or its software. That will change over time, just spend some time "playing" with it.

No Movies? No pictures either? You saying you have no movies or pictures of your children? iPhoto and iMovie will turn you into an accomplished Director and editor in no time.
Produce your movies and slide shows, make them into DVD's and shoot them off to the relatives.

Give it time, you will love it and, who know, maybe the wife will want to use it too.

P

While the 27" model might have been a touch overkill as far as what you needed, it should do what you want just fine. All in one systems, even Apple's (which is the only one I'd even consider buying), tend to be very ill suited to high end gaming and things of that sort. There's just very little room for all that heat to go. Apple does a better job of most in accounting for that, but in the end they're still subject to the laws of physics like everyone else.

I'd say you're overthinking things a little. Really, the iMac is a pretty good deal when you consider what a 27" monitor with a similar higher than HD resolution would cost, on top of a system with similar specs. Apple is a premium brand, but they're not as expensive compared to the norm as people tend to think.

In a lot of ways as well, the iMac is well suited for an environment with young kids. Fewer wires snaking down to the system sitting on the floor, there's no base system sitting on the floor for the kids to mess with. If the iMac tips over it can be a problem, but liquid damage is also significantly less likely with an iMac. I've fixed probably a couple hundred Apple systems in the little over two years I've been employed as an ACMT, and can't say as I have ever found one that has liquid damage in it. Almost every other model Apple makes, especially the laptops, but not the iMac.

One thing I would highly recommend, though you have until the one year warranty runs out to decide, is to get the AppleCare plan. That provides for in-home service, so you don't have to lug that thing to an Apple store (mail in repairs aren't an option). They will send someone to you. The initial one year warranty doesn't cover this, so if you need to wait you can, but I'd buy that as soon as you've decided whether or not you're keeping the iMac... Assuming you keep it naturally. Hopefully you never need to use it, but if you ever do... A single in home repair visit can generally more than pay for the cost of the AppleCare plan.

I agree with a couple of specific comments already made. Certainly buying the top of the line may have been overkill, but, don't regret your purchase. You have invested in a quality piece of technology that is very user friendly and very difficult to do any meaningful damage to (unlike a PC - and this is not meant to be a PC Vs Mac issue).

I also agree that you should just jump head first into it. It is very intuitive and again, you cannot damage anything by experimenting. I also agree that you should invest in the Apple Care protection. It may seem expensive (try shopping around), but if you need it, you will find that you machine will be taken care of by people who are truly committed to assisting you - and there are NO hidden costs.

Finally, and not unimportantly, you do not need to be concerned about viruses and that is peace of mind. it doesn't mean you don't need to be careful, but that's the message with any form of technology we use today. Once you do start to build up a history of files (documents, emails, pictures, videos - whatever), it is worth investing $80 - $100 and buying a stand-alone external Hard-drive. Connect it through your USB port at the rear of your mac, and then activate Time Machine. Your machine will automatically backup files, applications anything (or everything) you choose. Then if you do experience a rare moment where you need to reinstall, you Mac will do it simply and effectively through the Time machine. Finally, Your mac will also search regularly for software updates and notify you. Always allow it to install all Apple updates at the very least, and your machine will always run smoothly.
Whoops, this is finally - you should see an application called Disk Utility in your Dock. If not, go to the 'Applications' folder, scroll down to 'Utilities' and in that folder you will see 'Disk utility'. Click on it, (single click), hold the mouse button down and drag it into your dock. Every month or so (or when you install new software), click on Disk Utility, click on your Hard Drive (which will appear in the left hand column), and click on 'Fix Permissions'. This will certainly go a long way to keeping your machine healthy.

An excellent choice - welcome to the growing band of new Mac users!

Quite the opposite , you made an excellent choice - be happy . Not knowing which would be best for me , the 27in or the 21in , I chose the 21in ; dumb decision on my part ! I too thought I would be using it for basic use only , now a year later and still learning all the things it can do - with ease - I am doing more with a computer than I ever dreamed I could do and wanted to do with my old computer. After getting through the learning curve my wife and I have fallen in love this thing ; if only it was a 27in !
Give yourself time and get to know it . If you are still sorry I will gladly trade with you .

While having the Desktop open (call it Finder) I would suggest that you go to the HELP button on the top of your screen. Click on the "Mac Help" button and you will see a number of general topics listed. Start at the top and check them out. Open up the various sub-menus. You will find a number of things that you can do and how to use your new computer to its fullest potential.