I have narrowed it down. "iMac or Macbook pro"

[cornchild]

I have been trying to decide on my first mac. I posted a thread in the past that also had Mac pro in the mix but, I have ruled it out.

Now only two remain. I am trying to decide between either the 24' iMac or the 17' Macbook pro.

I have been watching the mac scene for 4 or 5 years now and have gotten to a place in my life where I can finally make the purchase and switch.

I do 2d/3d art as a hobby and plan to break into the industry one day.

As for portability I don't have to have it although it would be nice as I could work on my art during my breaks at work and watch dvds during lunch. I could also do presentations with keynote which would be cool.

The Macbook pro was my first choice when I first decided to get a mac, but now I'm not to sure. I want to make sure I have the best first impression breaking into the mac world.

So, What are your suggestions or what would you do? If you have a similar story please share.

Thanks,

Thomas

 

[jordygreen]

I am in exactly the same position as you but wanting the 15" MacBook Pro instead im just not sure if ill need the portability or not. I may need it but then again i may not. 24" is a great thing but the MBP looks so nice.

 

[WillJS]

If you need it for portability, get the Macbook Pro. It can be used just as well as a novice desktop replacement. It won't be as high-caliber as the iMac (that 24" of real-estate), but you will find it will function untill you can purchase the iMac later on.

 

[holamiamigos]

i would go for mbp based on your situation

 

[Maxwell Smart]

I would definitely go with the MacBook Pro, then if you want to upgrade the screen real-estate down the road, you can just buy a 23/24" display and plug it right in

 

[thedude110]

As for portability I don't have to have it although it would be nice as I could work on my art during my breaks at work and watch dvds during lunch. I could also do presentations with keynote which would be cool.

Hi Thomas.

I was in your position about 2 years ago -- trying to decide between a PB and an iMac. I went with the PB, and I love my PB. But in, retrospect, I think I should have purchased the iMac.

Most simply -- you get more power and more storage for your dollar. And what really stands out to me in your case -- you want the portability but don't need the portability. I highlight your "could" for a reason -- the operative question is not could you, but would you, and how often? Often enough to make up the price/specs difference?

You'll be happy with either, but were I in your position again, I'd get the iMac.

Let us know what you decide.

 

[Killyp]

I have a MacBook Pro, and I'd much more rather have an iMac TBH. My MacBook Pro is not particularly good (Core Duo, maybe the new ones are much better).

 

[siurpeeman]

it sounds like portability really isn't an issue for you. go for the imac.

 

[grapes911]

I'm sorry, but I don't even think this should be an issue. I understand the MB or MBP threads. I understand the iMac or MP threads. But this one is easily answered. If you need portability get the MBP. Else, get the iMac (it's a better value for the dollar).

 

[zap2]

Is price a thing, or no?


If not I'd go with the 17'' MacBook Pro, as its basicly as fast as the iMac and you can just buy an screen later on if need be.


If price is a big deal then iMac would be fine as its a darn good computer, as good if not better then the MacBook Pro, just with out the portable option which is doesn't sound like it is NEEDED for you, just wanted

 

[mattcube64]

Go with a MBP. If you're not sure you need the portability, get the computer that *can* be portable if you need it. A MBP can take the place of a desktop, ala the iMac. But an iMac can not be portable like the MBP.

If I were in your situation, I would drop the 17" screen on the MBP, and instead get a 15" MBP with a 24" external LCD.

Then you have all the power AND screen real estate when your at home, just like if you had the iMac. BUT... you can take the computer with you whenever you want.

 

[stainlessliquid]

If you spend most of your time at home then get the imac. Stay away from the 17" imac though, the screen is garbage and sucks really bad for graphic work (its comparable to bottom of the line lcd's, its the worst LCD I have ever used, the viewing angle is so bad that no matter where you sit you have to deal with color fades and horizontal light gradients). The 20" screen is fantastic though.

 

[plinden]

I have an iMac, and I wish now I'd gone for a MBP. Not that I don't love the iMac - it was an outstanding buy. Nut my wife has been using her MB throughout the house, and I'm envious of the portability. Not to mention that I could join the growing numbers of my colleagues using their MBPs at work.

But I wouldn't get the 17". If I were you I would go for the 15" MBP with an external monitor.

 

[McGarvels]

I say go for the 24" iMac. It doesn't sound like you need the portability all that much, it's more just for convenience. Plus, the 24 incher is oh so pretty.

Cheers.

 

[dreamfocused]

if you don't need portability go with the iMac.. the screen realestate would be great if you're doing 2d/3d

 

[seany916]

If money is an issue, get the iMac. If you're not scraping by, get the MBP.

Reliability is with the desktop. Portability is with the notebook.

the iMac is the better value. the MBP is the more versatile, but you pay for it & lose that BEAUTIFUL screen

24" is significantly brighter than 20" or 17"

don't know why

 

[cornchild]

Thanks for all help. It has really helped me with my decision. Like many of the posts said portability is not a requirement it would just be an added feature.

I am more comfortable with desktops. So, for my first mac I believe I will get the imac.

After all, I can always in a couple months pick up a macbook pro to add portability. The only reason i was going to go with the 17 was because it was going to be my desktop replacement.

The imac seems like the better choice though for my first mac. The screen is huge and the amount of hd space you can get will be very well needed.

I have noticed though that the buyers guide says that it will update soon? I wonder when? I plan to buy at the end of February. Hopefully the update will be done before then. I don't want to have to wait longer. lol

But, if an update is on the way I couldn't bring myself to buy it before.

I am eager to use Mac OS X and learn apple script.

Thanks again for all the help.

Thomas

 

[GlynJones]

Same situation for me last week. I decided to go with a maxed out iMac 24 and keep by old Powerbook 12" for the occasional portability.

Can't wait until it arrives.

 

[cornchild]

Well, I am close to having enough money for the macbook pro. I am starting to wonder if I should just go with it. The other day i was actually able to see a macbook in person.

Though not a pro, it was stunning. Makes me wonder if I should just go ahead and get the macbook pro instead of the imac?

If you had the option of either macbook pro 17 or imac 24 what would you take?

the macbook looked so cool. I couldn't believe the area of the track pad. I don't have any fears of using the built in track pad anymore. lol The screen seemed very large which was odd considering it was 13.3.

I think I'm back where I started. lol

 

[psycoswimmer]

Well, I am close to having enough money for the macbook pro. I am starting to wonder if I should just go with it. The other day i was actually able to see a macbook in person.

Though not a pro, it was stunning. Makes me wonder if I should just go ahead and get the macbook pro instead of the imac?

If you had the option of either macbook pro 17 or imac 24 what would you take?

the macbook looked so cool. I couldn't believe the area of the track pad. I don't have any fears of using the built in track pad anymore. lol The screen seemed very large which was odd considering it was 13.3.

I think I'm back where I started. lol

What do you NEED more, portability or power and screen space?

 

[heehee]

If I were you, I would get a 15" MBP and an external screen. You'll have the best of both worlds.

 

[nospleen]

Now to really mess you up....

I would get a 20" imac and a refurb macbook. This will still cost you less than the 17" MBP, and you will have the power and the portability.

 

[diamond3]

Go with the 15" mbp and then get an external monitor. The 15 is more portable, and then in a few years you can go all out on the mac pro and you will already have the monitor etc.

 

[3nm]

Core Duo, maybe the new ones are much better.

having used both CD and C2D MBPs, the C2D seems to do a much better job at heat management.

 

[greenmeanie]

I really like the Macbook pro 17" in glossy!