Should I get a 27" iMac or 15" MacBook Pro Retina

cinnabun93 · Jan 26, 2013, 02:55 PM

I am debating between the two. I major in computer science and a Mac is required at my school. I have a custom built windows pc with a 3930k and gtx 680 so I don't really NEED a desktop but the 27" iMac is freaking gorgeous! I am really stuck because the retina display macbook pro is portable and has more pixels. UGHHHHHHH! Help would be great. I don't need portability but it wouldn't hurt.

RedCroissant · Jan 26, 2013, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cinnabun93

I am debating between the two. I major in computer science and a Mac is required at my school. I have a custom built windows pc with a 3930k and gtx 680 so I don't really NEED a desktop but the 27" iMac is freaking gorgeous! I am really stuck because the retina display macbook pro is portable and has more pixels. UGHHHHHHH! Help would be great. I don't need portability but it wouldn't hurt.

Why is a Mac a requirement at your school? Or is the Mac a requirement for a specific program at your school? either way, if you see yourself spending a lot of time actually AT school in class, at the library, in the dorm...wherever, then get a laptop; but I seriously doubt that a retina MBP would be a necessity and would instead recommend a 15" MBP NON-retina.

AppleDApp · Jan 26, 2013, 05:43 PM

Computer science is pretty vague what year are you in. What specifically will you use your computer for? I'd get a laptop and you can probably get anything from the 13" MBA up to a decked out RMBP depends on your needs.

Spink10 · Jan 26, 2013, 08:03 PM

rMBP

jobush · Feb 1, 2013, 06:20 AM

I'm guessing that you're doing something that has to do with rendering stuff on the computer. "Computer Sciences" is not enough to identify your exact needs.

I am assuming that you want to play games or need a workstation for 3D tasks, or maybe both.

I think you already have an answer.

If you need something portable, buy the Macbook.
If you don't care about portability, just get the iMac.

If you don't own a reasonable laptop, I would say get the 'Book for a change.

Stephen Dowling · Feb 1, 2013, 08:55 AM

It all comes down to personal preference, really. I have a 15-inch MBP that I only use at my desk. I really wish I would have gotten an iMac. I'm actually trying to sell my MBP to buy that, or a Mac Pro 5,1.

However, you mentioned that you already own a desktop; and I assume you've got a decent monitor. If you need the portability, you could buy the rMBP and some sort of desktop stand/dock and an apple (or other brand of choice) mouse+keyboard, and just connect the rMBP to your monitor.

I don't quite know what your specific needs are, but have you considered saving a significant amount of cash and going with a Mac Mini w/ the i7 Quad?

Just a thought.

~Steve

melendezest · Feb 1, 2013, 10:42 AM

I focused on a key variable in your situation: school.

Your issue is simple, go with the MBP. They are incredibly powerful, and you'll be able to take it with you.

However, I'd advise against the retina..Way too inflexible. If you are studying computer science, then get the conventional 15" with the hi-res screen.

Here's why:

RAM is soldered on the retina. MBPs regularly take more RAM than Apple advertises (check Other World Computing, they rock)

Hard drives are easily upgraded/replaced. The optical drive can be removed and a second HDD/SSD can be added. I use this on my 17" for Windows, Linux, VMs, Server installs, etc. while keeping my Mac side nice and pristine. You could also RAID it to get backups or more speed...

The retina screen, while nice, is not really an advantage. The hi-res anti-glare is quite good and way more flexible in more lighting conditions.

Ports. The Conventional MBP has all the ports you'll ever need. Wireless does not replace Ethernet (yet), when you need speed.

The cMBP is more of a desktop replacement, and certainly neck and neck with an iMac (the iMac is a bit faster).

So, I recommend the cMBP.

eric/ · Feb 1, 2013, 10:52 AM

Yeah what you mentioned in the OP is a little generic.

I don't think you should buy a new iMac just because it' beautiful, there has to be some logical financial decisions unless you just have tons of money, then you should wait and buy a Mac Pro.

Why not buy a nicely upgraded iMac, and sell your Windows desktop? Maybe buy an iPad or something too to have fun with, with the funds from selling your desktop? You can run Windows programs on your iMac, and it'll most likely handle everything you throw at it, though maybe it won't play games at 600fps, idk if that's an issue.

If you aren't willing to part with your desktop PC, I'd say get the laptop. It just doesn't make a lot of sense to have two desktops.

if you do opt for a laptop, the rMPB is a fine choice. I don't see the ethernet being an issue, university wireless is usually top notch, and you could buy an adapter for like $19.

Since it appears you want to do graphics editing, and if you select a laptop, I would make sure to max out the ram as much as possilbe, and be sure that you're getting a 256 SSD with the rMBP.

I'm not sure what is standard, nor what your budget is.

jjhoekstra · Feb 1, 2013, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cinnabun93

I am debating between the two. I major in computer science and a Mac is required at my school. I have a custom built windows pc with a 3930k and gtx 680 so I don't really NEED a desktop but the 27" iMac is freaking gorgeous! I am really stuck because the retina display macbook pro is portable and has more pixels. UGHHHHHHH! Help would be great. I don't need portability but it wouldn't hurt.

I use a rMBP as my main computer and it rocks. It is a very powerful and very quiet computer and I can use it wherever I want. But I was able to work around the fact that it is difficult or impossible to upgrade the rMBP by maxing out the RAM and SSD. If flexibility is important to you, and the extra noise and weight irrelevant, than get the cMBP, otherwise get the rMBP. If you choose the cMBP than check out the non-glare screen before you buy it. A lot of people love it but some really hate it. And realise that the retina screen has less reflections than the non-glare cMBP.

Yebubbleman · Feb 1, 2013, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cinnabun93

I am debating between the two. I major in computer science and a Mac is required at my school. I have a custom built windows pc with a 3930k and gtx 680 so I don't really NEED a desktop but the 27" iMac is freaking gorgeous! I am really stuck because the retina display macbook pro is portable and has more pixels. UGHHHHHHH! Help would be great. I don't need portability but it wouldn't hurt.

Personally, I'd do neither. I'd get a "high-res" (1680x1050) 15" MacBook Pro (non-retina), that way you can upgrade it down the road. The actual retina display is over-rated until more apps start taking advantage of it. Plus the 1680x1050 is swanky enough for most purposes. But either way, given your set-up, I wouldn't bother with the 27" iMac; get a Thunderbolt display, or wait until the new ones eventually come out, but either way, a 27" iMac is kind of silly, given that you already have a very capable Windows desktop.

elpmas · Feb 4, 2013, 04:57 AM

rMBP + external monitor ftw.

You get both mobility and screen size.

owenthal · Feb 4, 2013, 10:21 AM

I understand what people are saying about the upgradability of the non-retina MBP but anyone saying that the screen isn't a big difference is blind. I spend a ton of time on my rMBP and can't go back to a normal display without it looking burry and out of focus. Not to mention the difference in weight.

robkubasko · Feb 4, 2013, 01:06 PM

You left out the determining factor in suggesting something... budget. If you can swing it, get the rMBP with 16GB of RAM ($200 more) and as much SSD space as you can afford.

There's really very little reasoning other than budget that makes buying what is about to be a completely obsolete system (the regular MBP) the right choice. Not sure I understand those who are saying the retina display doesn't make a difference. It surely does. Plus, if you're going to take the laptop with you most places, you will appreciate the lighter retina version.

And as some have suggested (again, based on your budget) I would wait and either get a closeout deal on a 27" Thunderbolt display when the new ones (like the new iMac) come out or just go for the new version (which is probably the way to go since it will have USB 3.0 ports in addition to the design). You'll have your cool factor AND a radically powerful and sleek laptop to go wherever you need to.

Jan 26, 2013, 02:55 PM	#1
cinnabun93 macrumors newbie Join Date: Jan 2013	Should I get a 27" iMac or 15" MacBook Pro Retina I am debating between the two. I major in computer science and a Mac is required at my school. I have a custom built windows pc with a 3930k and gtx 680 so I don't really NEED a desktop but the 27" iMac is freaking gorgeous! I am really stuck because the retina display macbook pro is portable and has more pixels. UGHHHHHHH! Help would be great. I don't need portability but it wouldn't hurt.
	0

Jan 26, 2013, 05:43 PM	#3
AppleDApp macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jun 2011	Computer science is pretty vague what year are you in. What specifically will you use your computer for? I'd get a laptop and you can probably get anything from the 13" MBA up to a decked out RMBP depends on your needs. __________________ If you are a MacRumors newbie, chances are I will disregard your post.
	0

Jan 26, 2013, 08:03 PM	#4
Spink10 macrumors 68020 Join Date: Nov 2011	rMBP __________________ cMBP 2012 15" 2.7, 8GB, Samsung 830 256GB, 650M 1GB, Hi-Res AG / MBA 2011 11" 1.6, 4GB, 128GB SSD / iMac 2011 27" 2.7, 12GB, 1TB HD, 6770M 512MB / iPhone 5 16GB / iPad 4 16GB / Time Capsule 2TB
	0

Feb 1, 2013, 08:55 AM	#6
Stephen Dowling macrumors member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Evans, GA	It all comes down to personal preference, really. I have a 15-inch MBP that I only use at my desk. I really wish I would have gotten an iMac. I'm actually trying to sell my MBP to buy that, or a Mac Pro 5,1. However, you mentioned that you already own a desktop; and I assume you've got a decent monitor. If you need the portability, you could buy the rMBP and some sort of desktop stand/dock and an apple (or other brand of choice) mouse+keyboard, and just connect the rMBP to your monitor. I don't quite know what your specific needs are, but have you considered saving a significant amount of cash and going with a Mac Mini w/ the i7 Quad? Just a thought. ~Steve __________________ 15" MacBook Pro, 2.2 GHz i7, 8 GB RAM, SAMSUNG 840 Series SSD;16GB iPhone 5 Slate; B&W PowerMac G3;
	0

Feb 1, 2013, 10:42 AM	#7
melendezest macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2010	I focused on a key variable in your situation: school. Your issue is simple, go with the MBP. They are incredibly powerful, and you'll be able to take it with you. However, I'd advise against the retina..Way too inflexible. If you are studying computer science, then get the conventional 15" with the hi-res screen. Here's why: RAM is soldered on the retina. MBPs regularly take more RAM than Apple advertises (check Other World Computing, they rock) Hard drives are easily upgraded/replaced. The optical drive can be removed and a second HDD/SSD can be added. I use this on my 17" for Windows, Linux, VMs, Server installs, etc. while keeping my Mac side nice and pristine. You could also RAID it to get backups or more speed... The retina screen, while nice, is not really an advantage. The hi-res anti-glare is quite good and way more flexible in more lighting conditions. Ports. The Conventional MBP has all the ports you'll ever need. Wireless does not replace Ethernet (yet), when you need speed. The cMBP is more of a desktop replacement, and certainly neck and neck with an iMac (the iMac is a bit faster). So, I recommend the cMBP. __________________ Here's a tip: Use whatever OS or hardware that makes *you* happy!
	0

Feb 1, 2013, 06:20 AM	#5
jobush macrumors newbie Join Date: Jan 2013	I'm guessing that you're doing something that has to do with rendering stuff on the computer. "Computer Sciences" is not enough to identify your exact needs. I am assuming that you want to play games or need a workstation for 3D tasks, or maybe both. I think you already have an answer. If you need something portable, buy the Macbook. If you don't care about portability, just get the iMac. If you don't own a reasonable laptop, I would say get the 'Book for a change.
	0

Feb 1, 2013, 10:52 AM	#8
eric/ Guest Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ohio, United States	Yeah what you mentioned in the OP is a little generic. I don't think you should buy a new iMac just because it' beautiful, there has to be some logical financial decisions unless you just have tons of money, then you should wait and buy a Mac Pro. Why not buy a nicely upgraded iMac, and sell your Windows desktop? Maybe buy an iPad or something too to have fun with, with the funds from selling your desktop? You can run Windows programs on your iMac, and it'll most likely handle everything you throw at it, though maybe it won't play games at 600fps, idk if that's an issue. If you aren't willing to part with your desktop PC, I'd say get the laptop. It just doesn't make a lot of sense to have two desktops. if you do opt for a laptop, the rMPB is a fine choice. I don't see the ethernet being an issue, university wireless is usually top notch, and you could buy an adapter for like $19. Since it appears you want to do graphics editing, and if you select a laptop, I would make sure to max out the ram as much as possilbe, and be sure that you're getting a 256 SSD with the rMBP. I'm not sure what is standard, nor what your budget is.
	0

Feb 4, 2013, 04:57 AM	#11
elpmas macrumors 68000 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Where the fresh snow don't go.	rMBP + external monitor ftw. You get both mobility and screen size.
	0

Feb 4, 2013, 10:21 AM	#12
owenthal macrumors newbie Join Date: Feb 2013	Retina verse non-retina I understand what people are saying about the upgradability of the non-retina MBP but anyone saying that the screen isn't a big difference is blind. I spend a ton of time on my rMBP and can't go back to a normal display without it looking burry and out of focus. Not to mention the difference in weight.
	0

Feb 4, 2013, 01:06 PM	#13
robkubasko macrumors newbie Join Date: Feb 2013	All comes down to budget You left out the determining factor in suggesting something... budget. If you can swing it, get the rMBP with 16GB of RAM ($200 more) and as much SSD space as you can afford. There's really very little reasoning other than budget that makes buying what is about to be a completely obsolete system (the regular MBP) the right choice. Not sure I understand those who are saying the retina display doesn't make a difference. It surely does. Plus, if you're going to take the laptop with you most places, you will appreciate the lighter retina version. And as some have suggested (again, based on your budget) I would wait and either get a closeout deal on a 27" Thunderbolt display when the new ones (like the new iMac) come out or just go for the new version (which is probably the way to go since it will have USB 3.0 ports in addition to the design). You'll have your cool factor AND a radically powerful and sleek laptop to go wherever you need to.
	0

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