iMac or Macbook Pro?

[EarthNeutron]

Hi guys, this is my first post, so I'm not sure if this is the right place to post it.
Anyways, I'm going to buy my 1st Mac (soon). But I don't know which one to buy. The iMac or the Macbook pro 13 inch?
I know the iMac=power, large screen and no portability
MacBook Pro=less power, small screen, portability.
Also, does the Macbook pro overheats? cause I don't want to cook my dinner on my MacBook Pro.

 

[Melrose]

I have a MacBook Pro 17 inch, and it's been fantastic. I think the Apple laptops tend to be a bit better made..

It really depends on how much you value portability, and how intense you'll be using it. Laptops of any make always cook hotter; my fans kick on if I have more than one or two heavy apps open, but I love being able to pack it up and move if I have too. Then again, if you need to run Photoshop + Logic + Mail + Safari + etc etc etc all the time, the iMac would be better. My iMac barely gets warm running several apps, while my laptop gets pretty warm on a regular basis - which Apple says is perfectly normal and won't harm it, but I still don't like doing it if I can avoid it.

They do make special special travel cases for iMacs... of at least they used to.

 

[ucfgrad93]

It really depends on how much you value portability, and how intense you'll be using it.

Agreed. Figure this out, OP, and you'll have your answer for which system to buy.

 

[EarthNeutron]

Well, I won't be doing any kind of hardcore multitasking on my mac, so the MacBook Pro would do the job.
Also, I'm not from the US, which means that a Mac in my country costs like over 2000$. So which mac lasts longer? Cause I will keep my Mac for at least 5 years, if not more.

 

[Melrose]

My notebook is four years and I've never had one single problem with it.

The iMac is three years old, and had the spine die early last winter, which was a major hassle getting replaced but it's been fine since.

*EDIT: Repair on the iMac was completely covered by Apple

 

[ucfgrad93]

I have had the machines in my signature for almost 3 years now. I haven't had any problems with my MBP. My iMac on the other hand has had a few repairs that were covered by Apple Care: replaced faulty logic board, replaced Super Drive that wouldn't write to DVDs, and replaced a bad harddrive. Now this is purely anecdotal evidence, so don't base your decision on my experience alone.

 

[EarthNeutron]

My notebook is four years and I've never had one single problem with it.

The iMac is three years old, and had the spine die early last winter, which was a major hassle getting replaced but it's been fine since.

Wow thanks I think I'm going to buy a MacBook pro then.
Oh and btw, what about pixel density? I know this sounds a bit werid, but can you actually see the pixels on the MacBook pro? Cause I can see them on my Full HD 1080p Sony Vaio and it's pretty annoying.

 

[Melrose]

Wow thanks I think I'm going to buy a MacBook pro then.
Oh and btw, what about pixel density? I know this sounds a bit werid, but can you actually see the pixels on the MacBook pro? Cause I can see them on my Full HD 1080p Sony Vaio and it's pretty annoying.

Hm. I'm not that picky... tbh I haven't noticed. I'm sure I squinted, sure. But since I bought mine they've been making a higher resolution one.

 

[Jaro65]

Unless you have eagle eyes, I don't think you'll be able to see the pixels.