I've been using MBPs/Powerbooks as my main computers for close to ten years. I've left the desktop world. Recently though, I've been contemplating the iMac - it's much better value for money than it was a few years ago, and I really don't need much mobility anymore, since I have an 11" Air. Still, I've gotten used to having a laptop-as-desktop. Anyway, I was pretty much set on buying a refreshed iMac (i. e. when the Thunderbolt/Sandy Bridge-refresh rolls around), but then the new MBPs were announced. I really wasn't expecting quad-cores (which was one of the main reasons I was even considering the iMac), and these things generally seem incredibly fast. Additionally, and perhaps most significantly, I could get a sizable discount on a new MBP (around 400$) if I buy it through my university - but only until the 6th of March. So, I'm not really sure what to do anymore. The 17" MBP has caught my eye and I just can't seem to decide. I've made up a list of pros and cons, but maybe you guys can help me out a bit...
So, 17" MBP vs. 27" iMac (after the refresh):
iMac pros:
- gorgeous screen
- historically (in the past 2-3 years) better performance than the MBP (after the iMac refresh, obviously)
- cheaper than the MBP (though this is lessened somewhat by the discount I could get on the MBP)
- SSD+HDD combination is possible (I'd definitely get that)
- true desktop, no compromises
iMac cons:
- 27" might be overkill for my needs. I mostly work with documents (often side-by-side) and do some photo editing (not professionally though), and I think the 17"-screen would be perfect for that (confirm/deny?)
- Gigantic size. No portability at all. Again, I've been using my MBP as a desktop replacement, but every once in a while it was nice to be able to watch movies on my bed or take it with me on vacation.
- the SSD supplied by Apple will most likely suck. I'm not savvy/daring enough to attempt an aftermarket installation.
- I'd definitely have to relearn some basic things, like operating a mouse D), since I'm so used to having an MBP as my main computer.
MBP pros:
- big rebate
- I'm used to the size and feel of MBPs, everything would fall into place immediately. The footprint/weight would be perfect for my desk/room.
- 17" might be the sweet-spot for my particular needs
- can still use it as a portable if the need ever arises
- can install an awesome aftermarket SSD (SATA-III)
MBP cons:
- I'm paying a big premium for mobility which I don't really need
- I'm getting an obsolete Superdrive, which I'll never ever use
- Generally pricier than an iMac - maybe also more prone to problems, since it's a portable?
- AppleCare is more expensive than for the iMac
Am I missing something here? Just can't make up my mind.
So, 17" MBP vs. 27" iMac (after the refresh):
iMac pros:
- gorgeous screen
- historically (in the past 2-3 years) better performance than the MBP (after the iMac refresh, obviously)
- cheaper than the MBP (though this is lessened somewhat by the discount I could get on the MBP)
- SSD+HDD combination is possible (I'd definitely get that)
- true desktop, no compromises
iMac cons:
- 27" might be overkill for my needs. I mostly work with documents (often side-by-side) and do some photo editing (not professionally though), and I think the 17"-screen would be perfect for that (confirm/deny?)
- Gigantic size. No portability at all. Again, I've been using my MBP as a desktop replacement, but every once in a while it was nice to be able to watch movies on my bed or take it with me on vacation.
- the SSD supplied by Apple will most likely suck. I'm not savvy/daring enough to attempt an aftermarket installation.
- I'd definitely have to relearn some basic things, like operating a mouse D), since I'm so used to having an MBP as my main computer.
MBP pros:
- big rebate
- I'm used to the size and feel of MBPs, everything would fall into place immediately. The footprint/weight would be perfect for my desk/room.
- 17" might be the sweet-spot for my particular needs
- can still use it as a portable if the need ever arises
- can install an awesome aftermarket SSD (SATA-III)
MBP cons:
- I'm paying a big premium for mobility which I don't really need
- I'm getting an obsolete Superdrive, which I'll never ever use
- Generally pricier than an iMac - maybe also more prone to problems, since it's a portable?
- AppleCare is more expensive than for the iMac
Am I missing something here? Just can't make up my mind.