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Mac Pro, or no?

KyleKlink

KyleKlink

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 22, 2009
127
0
Santa Maria, Ca
I am thinking about buying another Mac (I sold my first Mac about 6 months ago and am left with PC only). I use my computer for online college classes, which includes using Word 2007, Photoshop CS3, and Dreamweaver (more intense applications will be used down the road). I also intend to use a webcam to make videos of my kids for my family back on the west coast; I would use iMovie to edit these, and would make about 2 videos each week.

Options:
-iMac 24" with my Dell 2408WFP as a second monitor
-Mac Pro (single quad) with dual 2408WFP displays

A Mac Pro is a bit overkill for my uses, I know. But, I want to have the ability to make upgrades; an iMac doesnt give me this option. I intend to keep this Mac for 3-4 years.

I'm also not sure about putting my matte screen Dell next to the glossy iMac screen. Im slightly OCD when it comes to symmetry, and this might get to me after a while.

These types of posts are usually all about getting someone to agree with the decision you've already made, and I don't think this is an exception. I am leaning towards the Mac Pro simply because I can make upgrades, but would like some opinions.

So, opine!
 
If you have the money go for the mac pro, you could get some nice stuff in there (like 32 GBs of RAM)
 
macpro is not for you.

the imac will easily last you 3-4 years, especially if you get the top spec one. the 3.06ghz iMac is faster then the lower spec MP in some regards, so for the time being i will say the imac is the way to go for you.
 
imac all the way

imho, it is better to spend half as much, twice as often on computers.
i would say wait just a few weeks(?) more for the next imac refresh, and jump on it. then, dont wait 4 years, get another one in 2 years, and give this one to the kids. the next imac will most likely be very competitive with the current macpro single quad, and i am sure the imac two years from now will be far superior!
 
be99pilot said:
imho, it is better to spend half as much, twice as often on computers.
i would say wait just a few weeks(?) more for the next imac refresh, and jump on it. then, dont wait 4 years, get another one in 2 years, and give this one to the kids. the next imac will most likely be very competitive with the current macpro single quad, and i am sure the imac two years from now will be far superior!
Click to expand...

definitely agree with the "half as much twice as often"

and for what you are doing the imac will be plenty, also take into consideration the mac pro is pretty loud if you will be using it in a bedroom and is a lot bigger also
 
Decision has been made

I have finally made up my mind, and will be purchasing a 24" iMac tomorrow night. I decided to not bother waiting for the refresh because I don't have the luxury of sitting around waiting, I need the Mac up and running by Monday morning.

Will I be pissed if a refresh occurs just weeks after my purchase? Maybe, but I don't think so. This iMac is overkill for what I'm going to use it for over the next two years. In two years I will sell it and pick up a new Mac Pro at that point, as I will be using more processor intensive software then.

Thanks for the replies, and thanks for bringing me to my senses on this purchase! I think in the long run I will be happier that I went for the iMac.
 
I also cannot decide between the two, but at the moment I am edging towards the iMac as the half as much, twice as often argument seems pretty much valid from my experience
signature_apple1.jpg
 
Go with iMac

I picked up my iMac last night and I am very pleased. It's a wonderful addition to my desk and looks great with my Dell 24" LCD connected to it.
 
KyleKlink said:
I'm also not sure about putting my matte screen Dell next to the glossy iMac screen. Im slightly OCD when it comes to symmetry, and this might get to me after a while.
Click to expand...

That's one of the reasons you should have waited for the next iMac :p As that one will most definitely have a MiniDisplay port so you could have gotten the new 24" display. The iMac together with that display would look just lovely :p If I'd have the money to burn, they both would be sitting on my desk :p
 
Patriks7 said:
That's one of the reasons you should have waited for the next iMac :p As that one will most definitely have a MiniDisplay port so you could have gotten the new 24" display. The iMac together with that display would look just lovely :p If I'd have the money to burn, they both would be sitting on my desk :p
Click to expand...

Dell display - $499
Apple display - $899

Not really sure if he has an extra $400 to burn, but you're right, it sure would look sweet :p
 
aaquib said:
Dell display - $499
Apple display - $899

Not really sure if he has an extra $400 to burn, but you're right, it sure would look sweet :p
Click to expand...

Yeah it would have been sweet. Problem is, I already owned the Dell. So, the Apple Display would have set me back an extra $900 that I dont have.

Im satisfied with my choice.
 
Tallest Skil said:
Dell has a 24" LED-backlit 1920x1200 H-IPS monitor with speakers, a microphone, a webcam, and a charger for a laptop for $499?

Where?
Click to expand...

What would he do with a laptop charger on an iMac? Also, the iMac has an iSight, microphone, and speakers built in, no need for a second set.

Congrats on the purchase OP, I think it will provide everything you need and more :D
I had this same internal debate and ended up buying a MBP to hold me over to buy a mac pro in a few years after my financial situation improves a bit :eek:
 
Make sure to get AppleCare as well, if you want it to last 3+ years.

I sold an older Intel iMac to a friend of mine. After a few months, the logicboard went kaput on him. The included 1-year warranty had just expired. Oh how bad I felt afterwards :(
 
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