Should I buy an iMac?

I’d say that the basic spec iMac will do all of that and more. Depending upon the games you’re running, you might feel the benefit of the 2.4Ghz version with 2.4GHz the ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO graphics. I’d put as much RAM in it as you’re able (probably best to add this later and not at Apple’s prices – it’s a cinch to fit), and upgrade the HDD to whatever you can afford. You can always add a big external drive cheaply (and it’s a good idea since you it’ll backup automatically with Time Machine).

Unless you’re doing a lot of video work or high end graphics, I don’t think it’s worth getting the 24”, though some might disagree.

as long as you’re not doing any color-critical work on it, it’s a great machine out of the box with a simple RAM upgrade.

I would say Sharl and PupnTaco (grt name) have it right.

It is easy to go overboard.

The senior editor where I work uses an iMac and FinalCut Pro as have and had no trouble
at all.

The 20” iMac would suit you just fine. There’s no use is spending alot more on things aren’t really necessary. All of the iMac’s are very powerful machines.

If you feel like saving some money, I highly recommend buying refurbished. Every single Mac I’ve purchased has been a refurb. They all come with the same warranty and service.

Refurbished iMac 20-inch 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo: $1,049 (scroll down to find it).

P.S. Don’t forget to get some RAM for it.