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It's getting to be upgrade time and the i7 iMac looks like a great machine. But...

As DP7.2 is still not 64-bit, will having that much machine be overkill or should I be looking at the i5?

Your thoughts?

Right now I'm running a 2.8 gHz Core 2, 4 GB SDRAM. Main Plugs include Kontakt 4 and Garritan Orchestra 4

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It greatly depends on what you want to do with DP now and in the FUTURE.

For me, there's no such thing as a computer being "too much" for DP

Are you going to be doing a few MIDI tracks using external synths?
ARe you going to be doing MIDI tracks with VIs?
Will you want to use tons of CPU-hungry plug-ins?
Will you have 150 audio track sessions?

Are you going to be doing a few MIDI tracks using external synths?
No externals; all software.

ARe you going to be doing MIDI tracks with VIs?
Yes

Will you want to use tons of CPU-hungry plug-ins?
Just the ones I mentioned.

Will you have 150 audio track sessions?
Ah, there's the rub. I want full orchestrations. Think Richard Strauss.

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If you are planning on doing serious work, and not feel limited, then I'd advise you to get the best machine you can afford.

Think of a machine that will stay "current" even within 2-3 years.

You'll probably need 2 or 3 hard disks (System, Audio, Samples). You want an iMac, so your options are more limited here. You want at least 2 HDs.
And as much RAM as you can afford. Try to get the biggest RAM sticks you can (or you'll end-up like me, with many useless 512 MB and 1 GB sticks).

Thanks.

I, too, have a 512k chip graveyard.

Who cares if it's 64 bit now..it will be.
If I could get a 12 core Mac with 32gb of ram
I'd be all over that MF

No such thing as "too much"

The only question: Is it enough?

Looking at your needs, I would think, get the i7, have the sSATA port installed by OWC. This will give you quite a few options for upgrading as your requirements increase.

It's still over a grand less than a new Mac Pro with the new 27" monitor that is coming out next month.