The goal isn't to buy something at the same price, but to not overbuy. The Mac Pro is completely unnecessary and overkill for the OP's needs. A 2 year old Mac mini could easily handle the work the OP described.
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$5,000 computer?
- Thread starter Yougotcarved
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If you have funds budgeted to spend, why not buy the best item out there within budget? The MP needs an update, but the hardware on the current model is still sublime! How many chances will most of us have to get the "best" product out there... there will always be something new, there will always be financial concerns (for most), but if you have the dedicated funds, why not live a little??
What's "best" for you may not be "best" for another. I would never buy a Mac Pro, because they don't suit my needs. Others may never buy anything else. The OP has a limited amount of funds and apparently a diminished income. That, combined with lower computing demands, means a less expensive computer is appropriate, not buying a Mac Pro just because someone else happens to prefer them.If you have funds budgeted to spend, why not buy the best item out there within budget? The MP needs an update, but the hardware on the current model is still sublime! How many chances will most of us have to get the "best" product out there... there will always be something new, there will always be financial concerns (for most), but if you have the dedicated funds, why not live a little??
Thanks alot for your advice mate it has been very helpful.
I think I'm going to go for a balance, by going for the high end 27" with upgraded graphics in case I get into gaming but with the Fusion Drive instead of the SSD.
It's still a higher build than your suggestion but its still about $1600 cheaper, cutting the price down by a third. I'm gonna just consider it a treat to myself since I haven't bought a computer in 5 years and a bit of futureproofing with the processor/graphics, but without the ridiculous splurge on the SSD. I think its a decent compromise.
Ultimately, it's what meets your needs/wants/budget/priorities. At least you know what your options are. Enjoy your new iMac!
This may be useful:
Ultimately, it's what meets your needs/wants/budget/priorities. At least you know what your options are. Enjoy your new iMac!
This may be useful:
Awesome links, thanks buddy!
Unless you are wanting to develop high end video games (or play them), then the 680 is totally unneeded. For tinkering around and learning the ropes, get a Mac Mini or base model iMac. There is absolutely no need for a maxed out iMac.
Don't buy an extravagant computer.
You're young. Go see the world while you're bright eyed and able-bodied.
You're young. Go see the world while you're bright eyed and able-bodied.
Good choice. I have the high end 21.5" with Fusion and love it. Lightning fast. The best computer I have ever owned.
$5000 will get you 6 weeks in Europe, or a few months in South America or Southeast Asia.
Where do you want to go?
I'm not really sure! I've never had a burning desire to travel but I think I will end up regretting not doing it so I should just force myself to get out there and I know I'll enjoy it.
It would be cool to get all continents (except Antarctica) on the same passport and all I'm missing is South America so looks like thats a cool option!
Why do you have a gap year and have nothing to do with it? Don't buy a computer based on the idea you 'might get into gaming'. The 27 inch iMac has a beautiful screen and if you are doing video/photo editing, it is a great machine for it. Useful if you have pics/footage to edit.
I think you should take the advice to travel. Buy a camera if you need one, when you come back, get a computer you want.
I think you should take the advice to travel. Buy a camera if you need one, when you come back, get a computer you want.
Lol why do you assume I'm not doing anything?! I'm taking a year with my band and we're gigging and touring and writing/recording music. Part of the need for a nice computer is for audio recording and a big screen helps when editing our tracks, and we use a lot of software inserts that need a decent machine.
I guess I missed the posts where you said you were doing something.
If you are gigging, I've guessing you'll be earning. Your spending won;t be limited to your savings then.
Ha no I didn't say I was doing anything in my posts, was just curious why you assumed I wasn't thats all
Yeah you're right I'm not limited to savings but still...its hefty even for an earner, so I decided to scale down a bit
Ha no I didn't say I was doing anything in my posts, was just curious why you assumed I wasn't thats all
Yeah you're right I'm not limited to savings but still...its hefty even for an earner, so I decided to scale down a bit
Maybe you need to think of this like a business purchase. I'm guessing your gigs will be paid in hand. But, if your band members see a need to get a proper machine for editing with, and it being you thats doing all the editing, perhaps they can chip in with a third of the price, leaving you with the computer when editing is done.
no offense to absolutely everyone that bought the 768GB for $1500 or whatever crazy price it is. No sane person unless mega rich would actually opt for that when you can get Fusion which is proven to be a tiny bit slower with more storage capacity than the SSD alone for a fraction of the price
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that's racist! come to antarctica I will hook you up with a mate's rates on an igloo for a few days
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that's racist! come to antarctica I will hook you up with a mate's rates on an igloo for a few days
If you don't need that much performance, don't get it. Distinguish between what you want and what will satisfy your needs.
Keep the rest for a rainy day, or explore the World a bit.
Keep the rest for a rainy day, or explore the World a bit.
+1,000.
Spend on travel, adventures and booze when the night is right: you'll become a better person, probably earn more when you start working and won't need to worry about how much money to spend on a computer, which is a waste of your brain in the grand scheme of life.
You are definitely splurging, that's for sure. I would cut out the SSD and go for a fusion drive. That change alone should save you quite a bit of $$$.
iMacsa are beautiful and there really isn't anything out there than can compete with them, in my opinion. But $5,000 is a LOT of money, unless you are fairly wealthy.
iMacsa are beautiful and there really isn't anything out there than can compete with them, in my opinion. But $5,000 is a LOT of money, unless you are fairly wealthy.