Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

iMac + MB or MBP?

V

vp911

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 23, 2008
35
0
I've been struggling to decide for several weeks.

Here is what I'm considering:

Either the MBP (15") or iMac and Refurbished MB.

Key things:

1. I wanted a lighter laptop because I have a bad back and carry around a laptop quite a bit; however, the MB is only 0.5lbs lighter than the MBP.

2. I wanted the iMac so I can scan all my documents and save them on the PC. I wouldn't want these docs on the laptop - if I were to lose the laptop, all that data is in the open. This is apparently easily solved by using a network share on the laptop and saving the scanned files to the network. I assume, just like Windows, I can keep the MB from auto connecting to the network share - and be forced to enter a password.

3. Battery life is essential on the laptop. I will get the newertech external charger and one or two spare batteries (hence the MBA is out)

4. I do not play games/video editing, etc. so the graphics card isn't a big deal to me.

Advice?
 
I've been struggling to decide for several weeks.

Here is what I'm considering:

Either the MBP (15") or iMac and Refurbished MB.

Key things:

1. I wanted a lighter laptop because I have a bad back and carry around a laptop quite a bit; however, the MB is only 0.5lbs lighter than the MBP.
Click to expand...

Really depends on what you are going to do with it. Based on the content of your post, it sounds like the MacBook Pro might be overkill for you.

2. I wanted the iMac so I can scan all my documents and save them on the PC. I wouldn't want these docs on the laptop - if I were to lose the laptop, all that data is in the open. This is apparently easily solved by using a network share on the laptop and saving the scanned files to the network. I assume, just like Windows, I can keep the MB from auto connecting to the network share - and be forced to enter a password.
Click to expand...

Or...you could just scan them on the MacBook, copy them to your .Mac account and then bring them down to your PC using the iDisk Utility for Windows. Don't even need a network share. Or there are other direct file transfer utilities out there that bypass the need for a "middle man" like a shared drive. Just a thought.

Or...can't you scan directly to the PC?

3. Battery life is essential on the laptop. I will get the newertech external charger and one or two spare batteries (hence the MBA is out)
Click to expand...

Again...sounds like a point for the MacBook.

4. I do not play games/video editing, etc. so the graphics card isn't a big deal to me.
Click to expand...

Another point for the MacBook.

So, if you really need a desktop too I'd go the iMac and MacBook route myself.

SCR
 
scr1968 said:
Really depends on what you are going to do with it. Based on the content of your post, it sounds like the MacBook Pro might be overkill for you.
Click to expand...

The only reason I'd go for the MBP is because of the resolution. I'm used to being able to have multiple windows open at once.


scr1968 said:
Or...you could just scan them on the MacBook, copy them to your .Mac account and then bring them down to your PC using the iDisk Utility for Windows. Don't even need a network share. Or there are other direct file transfer utilities out there that bypass the need for a "middle man" like a shared drive. Just a thought.

Or...can't you scan directly to the PC?
Click to expand...


I won't have a .Mac account. We have plenty of servers I can share a drive from. When I said all this, I really meant just a place to store the docs securely - just in the event the laptop is stolen/lost.

Err, when I say PC, I meant the Mac. These will be my first Macs and I'm dumping my Windows laptop to the curb. I've been due for an update and have been waiting for the new MBP to see what would be offered hoping it would be an easier decision.


scr1968 said:
So, if you really need a desktop too I'd go the iMac and MacBook route myself.

SCR
Click to expand...


I wouldn't say I need the desktop. In fact, I haven't used a desktop in probably three years. I've been operating on a laptop since then... but now it's more of a decision of size.
 
You could also get an iMac and get a MacBook Air (if you have the money). The Air has been described as a supplement computer. And, if you have a bad back, it'll be like carrying...well...Air. Haha
 
MLeepson said:
You could also get an iMac and get a MacBook Air (if you have the money). The Air has been described as a supplement computer. And, if you have a bad back, it'll be like carrying...well...Air. Haha
Click to expand...

I ruled that out due to not being able to swap the battery. Battery life is crucial as I can be away from a plug for 8 hours at a time.
 
vp911 said:
I ruled that out due to not being able to swap the battery. Battery life is crucial as I can be away from a plug for 8 hours at a time.
Click to expand...
That's reasonable. Oh, woops, you said that already. Sorry :eek:

You said you need a lot of space but have a bad back.

You could get a MacBook and just get an external HD.


What type of work will you be doing?
 
Why not get the better laptop and an older desktop? If you're going to be using your laptop it makes sense to get a good one. If the desktop is simply for working with your documents, an older iMac (white) would be perfect.
 
I had a MacBook and an iMac for a while and while it was nice to have a desktop and portable I found that after some time it was rather annoying to try and remember where I had saved a document or something...and I had no music on the MacBook which wasn't fun for when I wanted it with me...I ended up selling my iMac because I just didn't need it.

I'd say go with a MacBook Pro.
 
if i could i'd go for the imac + macbook.

the imac for gaming and home photo editing. the macbook for travel and if necessary photo editing. adobe photoshop and lightroom use CPU, HDD and RAM anyway not VRAM so it's just as fast in the macbook as it is in the MBP
 
I'd go with the Macbook/iMac route. You seem to want to do about the same I do and right now I'm in phase 2 of 3 which is searching now for a macbook to buy. I do miss the portability but it is nice to have the power on the desktop.
 
If you can afford it. I would go with the iMac/Macbook combo.

You get the best of both worlds.

Portability with macbook. Bigger screen with iMac.
 
MLeepson said:
What type of work will you be doing?
Click to expand...

Sorry didn't see the question previously.

Nothing crazy. E-mail (entrouge), browsing, remote desktop to access the windows servers and terminal. Of course Adium. Occasionally I will use dreamweaver or photoshop, but not extensively.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back