So. An iMac or Mac Pro - it's too hard to choose.

[MacAndy74]

Here is my dilemma.

I can't decide! :eek: My decision has been made even more difficult now that I read the initial problems with the 2009 iMac w/4850 graphics is as good as fixed.

My first 'gut feeling' choice was iMac (24", 3.06, Ati 4850 ...) I wouldn't surely need more power than a Dual Core system with 4GB RAM to use iLife and iWork tools.. :confused: I do plan on purchasing a decent HD Camera and want to edit my home movies at a decent rate, with iMovie. I also think I may want to purchase Sims 3 - I'm fond of the game and my wife loves it too.

So with those rather scant descriptions of requirements. And not looking at the money side of things. Which :apple: would I be better off with?

Thanks :o

[techfreak85]

i would get a mac pro personally if $$ wasn't a factor:(. a mac pro will last longer and you can upgrade the unit as time goes by etc, but you wont need that extra power for what your doing an imac does all those thing beautifully. But if you have all the BYOKDM stuff for a mac pro you will be satisfied longer with i think.

[MacAndy74]

i would get a mac pro personally if $$ wasn't a factor:(. a mac pro will last longer and you can upgrade the unit as time goes by etc, but you wont need that extra power for what your doing an imac does all those thing beautifully. But if you have all the BYOKDM stuff for a mac pro you will be satisfied longer with i think.

Hmm. Well, in my case - I can 'find' the extra $1400 AUD to go to the Mac Pro, if it means being happier for longer with my purchase.

This is the sort of configuration I'm looking for, in a Mac Pro:

[Tomorrow]

It sounds like an iMac will do what you're looking for, but everyone's different. For me, I couldn't justify the extra cost, especially including a new monitor with the Mac Pro.

[techfreak85]

Hmm. Well, in my case - I can 'find' the extra $1400 AUD to go to the Mac Pro, if it means being happier for longer with my purchase.

This is the sort of configuration I'm looking for, in a Mac Pro:

wow thats a nice chunk of change. but nice config i guess. are AUD and american $$ the same after exchange?

[PaperMacWriter]

Questions to help you decide:

1) What's your budget?
2) Do you have a decent monitor that you could hook up to the Pro?
3) How long should this computer last?

If your answers are something like this:
1: AUD$5100(with 4870, wireless, iWork)
2: Yes
3: until it flat out dies
then you should get the Pro, but if you answered like this:
1: AUD$3900(with 3.06, 4850, iWork)
2: No
3: 3-5 years
then you should get the iMac. You'll be happier with the Pros preformance though, and won't have to deal with the 4850 lockups(although they may have been fixed today, making it a sweeter, or less bitter, deal). Good luck!
SG :apple:

[MacAndy74]

wow thats a nice chunk of change. but nice config i guess. are AUD and american $$ the same after exchange?

It is. No denying it. But if it means I'm happier for longer ... I'm willing to 'invest'.

$1 AUD is worth about $0.73 USD fyi ;)

[MacAndy74]

It sounds like an iMac will do what you're looking for, but everyone's different. For me, I couldn't justify the extra cost, especially including a new monitor with the Mac Pro.

Yes. I've taken that into account also.

For now, I have a good Samsung SyncMaster 226BW - and for Christmas... The bearded guy might just bring me a 24" Cinema Display. I guess I better be good! :D

[MacAndy74]

Questions to help you decide:

1: AUD$5400(with 4870, wireless, iWork)
2: Yes - Samsung 226BW (for now)
3: until it flat out dies
then you should get the Pro.

Good luck!
SG :apple:

Thanks PaperMacWriter - I've answered above. :cool:

[jmpage2]

I went through the same process. I could afford the Mac Pro, but did I really need it if the iMac did what I needed?

I ended up going with an iMac with a 4850 card. I paid under $1900 USD for it shipped.

A Mac Pro with a Radeon 4870 card and the ACD would have cost me $3300.

The way I look at it I can use the iMac for a year or two until there are substantial upgrades to the line with the addition of things like Blu-Ray burners and quad core chips.

The typical depreciation on an iMac is very very low.

So, maybe I will be out around $500 or so in depreciation when a much better iMac comes out in a year or two.

Versus spending $1400 right now and still not getting some of the things I would want (blu ray burner, super fast GPU, etc).

[J&JPolangin]

...always get the least expensive machine that will meet your needs...in the future the specs will be better and less expensive than today's costs, future proofing a machine is pointless.

[MacAndy74]

I went through the same process. I could afford the Mac Pro, but did I really need it if the iMac did what I needed?

Thanks for your thoughts!

Some of the reasons you list about choosing the iMac right now is why I'm leaning heavily towards a Mac Pro - I can upgrade the Video card and install a Blu-Ray Drive once it's supported and I can have the Nehalem now! ;)

[PaperMacWriter]

Thanks PaperMacWriter - I've answered above. :cool:

Sorry, I was researching whilst you posted, so I didn't know that. Just trying to be helpful:o
SG :apple:

[MacAndy74]

...always get the least expensive machine that will meet your needs...in the future the specs will be better and less expensive than today's costs, future proofing a machine is pointless.

I understand, but due to tax purposes I can only buy a new and powerful computer once in every 3 years - and I don't want to do the yearly purchase cycle.

[MacAndy74]

Sorry, I was researching whilst you posted, so I didn't know that. Just trying to be helpful:o
SG :apple:

You were amazingly helpful :) Really appreciated your post. Thanks!

[Demosthenes X]

I understand, but due to tax purposes I can only buy a new and powerful computer once in every 3 years - and I don't want to do the yearly purchase cycle.

Three years is about right for an upgrade cycle anyway.

What you're planning on doing is home use. Higher end home use, but home nonetheless. A Mac Pro is a waste of money. You'll see better performance and faster render times, but unless you're making money off those projects, there's no real point in going with the higher end machine.

Unless money is not an object, the iMac makes way more sense.

Also, FWIW: I see the Pro you configured has 6GB of RAM and a 1TB HDD. Buy those things aftermarket, not from Apple, and you'll save money.

[mstam]

I ended up going with an iMac with a 4850 card. I paid under $1900 USD for it shipped.

Where did you get it for that price?

And about the Pro. Personally I would only go for a complete Pro to keep things in balance. So 2 CPUs, an SSD system drive, raid controller w/ a couple of fast HDs, ATI 4870, Cinema Display and so on. That's what the Pro is designed for. If you need anything less, go for the stylish 4850 iMac and add some extra stuff like a Time Capsule, external HD for your movies etc.

[MacAndy74]

Three years is about right for an upgrade cycle anyway.

What you're planning on doing is home use. Higher end home use, but home nonetheless. A Mac Pro is a waste of money. You'll see better performance and faster render times, but unless you're making money off those projects, there's no real point in going with the higher end machine.

Unless money is not an object, the iMac makes way more sense.

Also, FWIW: I see the Pro you configured has 6GB of RAM and a 1TB HDD. Buy those things aftermarket, not from Apple, and you'll save money.

Hmm. Very interesting. :o I think I'm back again at half for iMac and half for Mac Pro...
How about Snow Leopard? I want to be able to run it really well too.
Actually, if I go for the iMac 24" / 3.06 / 4GB RAM - I'll be able to buy an iPod Touch, which I've been craving for a long time too. :o

[jmpage2]

Where did you get it for that price?

And about the Pro. Personally I would only go for a complete Pro to keep things in balance. So 2 CPUs, an SSD system drive, raid controller w/ a couple of fast HDs, ATI 4870, Cinema Display and so on. That's what the Pro is designed for. If you need anything less, go for the stylish 4850 iMac and add some extra stuff like a Time Capsule, external HD for your movies etc.

We get a corporate discount from Apple. Price came to about $1850 with free shipping.

[MacAndy74]

And about the Pro. Personally I would only go for a complete Pro to keep things in balance. So 2 CPUs, an SSD system drive, raid controller w/ a couple of fast HDs, ATI 4870, Cinema Display and so on. That's what the Pro is designed for. If you need anything less, go for the stylish 4850 iMac and add some extra stuff like a Time Capsule, external HD for your movies etc.

Good points too.

Wow I really appreciate the objective assistance I'm receiving here. Thanks! :o

I do love the style / design and compactness of the iMac - a lot :apple::rolleyes:

[jmpage2]

Hmm. Very interesting. :o I think I'm back again at half for iMac and half for Mac Pro...
How about Snow Leopard? I want to be able to run it really well too.
Actually, if I go for the iMac 24" / 3.06 / 4GB RAM - I'll be able to buy an iPod Touch, which I've been craving for a long time too. :o

You should remember that in single threaded tasks, the clock speed of the cpu will matter more than how many cores the CPU has. So, the 3.06ghz iMac would actually be quite a bit quicker than the entry level Nahalem Pro that would run you $2500.

If you upgraded the CPU on the 4-core Mac Pro to the clock speed of the iMac and upgraded the RAM, and added the 24" ACD to have a comparable display to what the iMac comes with you'd be looking at around a $2,000 difference in price from the iMac.

So, I'd say you could afford an iPod Touch pretty easily at that point.

[dryjoy]

Here is my dilemma.

I can't decide! :eek: My decision has been made even more difficult now that I read the initial problems with the 2009 iMac w/4850 graphics is as good as fixed.

My first 'gut feeling' choice was iMac (24", 3.06, Ati 4850 ...) I wouldn't surely need more power than a Dual Core system with 4GB RAM to use iLife and iWork tools.. :confused: I do plan on purchasing a decent HD Camera and want to edit my home movies at a decent rate, with iMovie. I also think I may want to purchase Sims 3 - I'm fond of the game and my wife loves it too.

So with those rather scant descriptions of requirements. And not looking at the money side of things. Which :apple: would I be better off with?

Thanks :o

I have the same kind of dilemma. I was thinking of an iMac 2.93 (base graphics only), then moved on to thinking about an Efix Hackintosh to get more power for the price, and now I have ruled that out (it was just a phase in researching all my options) I think and am weighing up between the 2.93 iMac and the quad core Pro.

My use will be for music with Logic Studio, which does take advantage of all the cores. My last machine has lasted me a ridiculously long time, but I really need to upgrade, so while on one hand the iMac would be a massive step up in it's own right, the Pro would probably keep me going for even longer.
I can buy with UK HE discount, which makes the Pro £1,595.

If I get the iMac I would have to get a couple of external drives for recording & backup, so would save a bit of money by being able to use internal drives on the Pro.
I would have to go cheap on the monitor, but Music will be the sole purpose of the machine, I guess it really comes down to do I really need that lovely iMac display, or would the extra power and longevity of the Pro outweigh the disadvantage of having a budget monitor? I am tending towards the latter at the moment.

While I don't make any money from my music right now, I have made decent money from it in the past and I hope that upgrading my system will help me to get back into that position again, so I guess it's an investment.
This potential purchase represents an awful lot of money to me, so I am spending a lot of time trying to make the right decision.

BTW, I'm really sorry for the thread hijack, maybe I should have posted my own thread, but it seemed my dilemma was not dis-similar.

[MacAndy74]

I have the same kind of dilemma. I was thinking of an iMac 2.93 (base graphics only)

(...)


BTW, I'm really sorry for the thread hijack, maybe I should have posted my own thread, but it seemed my dilemma was not dis-similar.

No trouble. Good read. If anything I've really decided that even though I am really attracted to the elegant simplicity and compactness of the iMac - the Mac Pro (in the long run) will make me happier - I also want to add about 4GB of storage and it's easier if they're internal not external drives.

So thanks MacRumors members for all your help - I greatly appreciate your informative posts - decision has been finalized. .. ... Mac Pro it is. :apple:;)

[PaperMacWriter]

No trouble. Good read. If anything I've really decided that even though I am really attracted to the elegant simplicity and compactness of the iMac - the Mac Pro (in the long run) will make me happier - I also want to add about 4GB of storage and it's easier if they're internal not external drives.

So thanks MacRumors members for all your help - I greatly appreciate your informative posts - decision has been finalized. .. ... Mac Pro it is. :apple:;)

Congrats! And, just curious, where would you find a 4GB 3.5" HDD? Did you mean 4TB by any chance?:p
SG :apple:

[24usedtorock]

The Mac Pro will have the nVidia GTX 285 graphics card this June, which obviously runs circles around any current Macintosh GPU anywhere.

[jmpage2]

The Mac Pro will have the nVidia GTX 285 graphics card this June, which obviously runs circles around any current Macintosh GPU anywhere.

Wrong!

That GPU will be offered by nVidia to Mac owners, nothing has indicated it will be an orderable option from Apple.

Which means you get to buy the crappy GT120 card with the Mac Pro and then shell out another $500 for that GPU.

[24usedtorock]

Wrong!

That GPU will be offered by nVidia to Mac owners, nothing has indicated it will be an orderable option from Apple.

Which means you get to buy the crappy GT120 card with the Mac Pro and then shell out another $500 for that GPU.

Of course it'll be a customizable option in the Mac Pro, business 101, Apple can tack on more money for labor and get another 800$ for the $500 card out of new buyers.

[bobr1952]

Personally, I like the design and configuration of the iMac--so that was more of a factor--not money--when I decided to buy my iMac.

[bry223]

Where did you get it for that price?


Probably a student discount or through a EPP (Employee Purchase Program) with my companies EPP through apple the same config is about $1879 for me, a good savings.

[MacAndy74]

Personally, I like the design and configuration of the iMac--so that was more of a factor--not money--when I decided to buy my iMac.

Sitting at an iMac 24" - 2008 model, just to see how I like it.
It's really great! :cool: The screen is humongous and the iMac is really quick.

I wonder, can I really justift a Mac Pro - maybe... Not :)

[mstam]

Sitting at an iMac 24" - 2008 model, just to see how I like it.
It's really great! :cool: The screen is humongous and the iMac is really quick.

I wonder, can I really justift a Mac Pro - maybe... Not :)
I have the ultimate solution. It seems you wanna write some off of your taxes. Buy an iMac AND Mac Pro!

[MacAndy74]

I have the ultimate solution. It seems you wanna write some off of your taxes. Buy an iMac AND Mac Pro!

;) Well, that too is true.

But here is why I have this dilemma.

1) The iMac 24", 3.06GHz with ATi 4850 actally exceeds my expectations; but
2) The Mac Pro has more expandability (RAM / HDD / Graphics) and I like to tinker.

And I really can only afford one and not both.
Damn you Apple - for making such attractive products. ;)

So this is why I'm in the pickle; I am in. :o

[esserdk]

You will NOT be able to tinker with any apple product, so that should really not make your decision.

I'd say go for the iMac, you will be very satisfied with it.

Also, don't let the modularness of the MP fool you, you can only use apple devices in it anyhow, so it is not entirely upgradable.

[MacAndy74]

You will NOT be able to tinker with any apple product, so that should really not make your decision.

I'd say go for the iMac, you will be very satisfied with it.

Also, don't let the modularness of the MP fool you, you can only use apple devices in it anyhow, so it is not entirely upgradable.

Fair comment. I think it's time for me to stop being indecisive. It's the iMac I really need / want. :o:apple:

[allan.nyholm]

Just wanted to chime in and say good choice about the Mac Pro. I have a 24" iMac and I wish I would have thought more clearly at the time of purchase because when the harddrive,with a 100% certainty, fails I have to drag my ass to the city with a very heavy computer using public transportation, sweating like a pig, because I have no car. The 24" iMac is a heavy machine if you have to carry it around.

If I had bought a Mac Pro I could easily upgrade either the graphics card and harddrive without all the hassle.

[packgrad2000]

;) Well, that too is true.

But here is why I have this dilemma.

1) The iMac 24", 3.06GHz with ATi 4850 actally exceeds my expectations; but
2) The Mac Pro has more expandability (RAM / HDD / Graphics) and I like to tinker.

And I really can only afford one and not both.
Damn you Apple - for making such attractive products. ;)

So this is why I'm in the pickle; I am in. :o

I'm sort of in the same boat as you - only really NEED the iMac but I want (and can afford) the Mac Pro, mainly I want it because it's more reliable and I also like to "tinker" as well. I'd love to set up striped RAID drives which isn't doable in the iMac, and mainly I want to be able to easily swap out parts. I have the dreaded Nvidia 8600GT in my MBP currently and I'm trying to sell it. I'm not afraid to eventually swap out the hard drive in an iMac either, but I can wait a couple of years for that. Eventually I decided on the iMac 2.93 as well, and will be picking it up this Thursday.

[jmpage2]

Just wanted to chime in and say good choice about the Mac Pro. I have a 24" iMac and I wish I would have thought more clearly at the time of purchase because when the harddrive,with a 100% certainty, fails I have to drag my ass to the city with a very heavy computer using public transportation, sweating like a pig, because I have no car. The 24" iMac is a heavy machine if you have to carry it around.

If I had bought a Mac Pro I could easily upgrade either the graphics card and harddrive without all the hassle. Buyers regret totally.

I have hard drives that are 9 years old and still run perfectly (and I have plenty that have tanked at the 3-5 year mark).

The hard drive will fail eventually, probably long after the computer has any worth or utility.

The failure rate of hard drives within 3 years is something like 3%. You are being paranoid over nothing.

[MacAndy74]

I have hard drives that are 9 years old and still run perfectly (and I have plenty that have tanked at the 3-5 year mark).

The hard drive will fail eventually, probably long after the computer has any worth or utility.

The failure rate of hard drives within 3 years is something like 3%. You are being paranoid over nothing.

:) yes well, I'm using a 6 year old iMac G4 with it's original Seagate 75GB HDD - without any problems.

[UrFatMom]

I think you answered your question. You want the iMac but you're afraid you will need to upgrade it. I don't think that you would really regret going for the iMac in a 3 years span. You don't need quad core and the 4850 is a real good card for the $. As for ram... nobody needs more then 4gb ram for home use. So go for the 2.93 iMac with 4gb ram and 4850 ati card. As for HD, I find it easier to use an external HD that can be thrown in the garbage in a sec without the hassle of opening the damn computer case. The only cons of the iMac is that god damn if it breaks it's a real hassle to carry it around. But "if's" not happen often.

Me.

[allan.nyholm]

I have hard drives that are 9 years old and still run perfectly (and I have plenty that have tanked at the 3-5 year mark).

The hard drive will fail eventually, probably long after the computer has any worth or utility.

The failure rate of hard drives within 3 years is something like 3%. You are being paranoid over nothing.

:) yes well, I'm using a 6 year old iMac G4 with it's original Seagate 75GB HDD - without any problems.

Well okay.. I take back my comment about harddrives that fail, for now. I still think MacAndy74's choice to get the Mac Pro is a good one. :cool: