Mac Pro Vs iMac

[dingdongbubble]

Getting the most expensive computr would be useless as there would be unnecessary untapped performance. Get a computer which fits your needs and not more for cheap or a higher computer for a better bang for the buck. Then when you need an upgrade, you will be able to get the latest and greatest which will make up for the performance you left behind. You might end up spending less also. You can upgrade more frequently and there wont be any untapped performance.

But in your case, you will get a better deal if you go for a basic Mac Pro even if it is a 2.0 Ghz model. You can upgrade the procs later. You can easily upgrade the HDD, RAM and graphic cards without voiding the warranty I think.

 

[termina3]

But in your case, you will get a better deal if you go for a basic Mac Pro even if it is a 2.0 Ghz model. You can upgrade the procs later. You can easily upgrade the HDD, RAM and graphic cards without voiding the warranty I think.

Ehhh, you won't have to worry about upgrading quad 2.0Ghz processing cores (2x dual core processors=4 cores) for quite a while. To use the cliche, hardware is far ahead of software.

The HDD and RAM are very easily upgraded (the RAM are on risers! it's so sweet! and the HDDs are in their own little sliding racks--no cords to deal with!), and while I've never tried to upgrade the graphics card I assume it's as easy as putting in a new one and installing the drivers (or maybe the other way around... w/e)

 

[CPPhoto]

i'm debating the exact same purchase right now...a 24" imac vs. a mac pro 2.0 or 2.66.

i think that for a guy of your age, when you dont know hwat u are doing to do for your profession (meaning youre not even in high school yet) i would go with a cheaper general use computer that will work fine for gaming but not be overkill...i totally agree with the others who made this statement

 

[ricgnzlzcr]

I agree with the people that say that if you can afford it, go with the mac pro. It is highly upgradable towards your needs and should last you well into the moment you're ready to head out to college. Talk it over with your dad and weigh the pros and cons. Good luck.

 

[dingdongbubble]

How is the Mac Pro an overkill? 4 years down the lane the OP will want to upgrade. Remember he wants to play games. Dude the 7600gt is not a great graphic card. It CAN play the current OK but what about4 or more years down the lane. As new graphic cards roll out, the OP will be able to upgrade to them as necessary. Even a 2 Ghz model is good enough. For the time being the 7300 graphic card is alright but later n he will need something with more juice in it.

 

[Mac In School]

I went with the Mac Pro and the 24" Dell monitor. It was a LOT more expensive, but I can take the monitor with me to my next computer. I have a hard time paying for a 24" monitor (in the form of an iMac) that I'm just going to toss in 4 years.

 

[Ad Pro]

If I can just jump in because I am also trying to decide between the iMac and macPro with the same specs (although I will probably wait for updates). However I use CS3 with some heavy work in illustrator and photoshop, and occasionaly some light video work.

Would I notice any difference when working in CS3 between the iMac and macPro?

 

[pcorajr]

If I can just jump in because I am also trying to decide between the iMac and macPro with the same specs (although I will probably wait for updates). However I use CS3 with some heavy work in illustrator and photoshop, and occasionaly some light video work.

Would I notice any difference when working in CS3 between the iMac and macPro?

Yes you will. The mac pro will give you that extra power you need specially if you upgrade the memory.

 

[Father Jack]

If I can just jump in because I am also trying to decide between the iMac and macPro with the same specs (although I will probably wait for updates). However I use CS3 with some heavy work in illustrator and photoshop, and occasionaly some light video work.

Would I notice any difference when working in CS3 between the iMac and macPro?

Most definitely yes ..... The iMac is basically a laptop in a fancy box with a nice screen.

As the previous poster (pcorajr) mentioned, when you add another couple of Gb of ram, the difference is awesome.

 

[Ad Pro]

Yes you will. The mac pro will give you that extra power you need specially if you upgrade the memory.

OK then, done, I'll get a MacPro, my G4 is really slowing down now. I like the idea of having the screen separate (not spending out on a screen you will have to chuck in 4 years). Thanks, great to know that I will see improvements in CS3 on a MacPro compared to an iMac. I will be waiting for updates, hopefully Apple will hurry up!!!

 

[BornAgainMac]

If you get the Mac Pro, you will miss the iSight camera and the ability to use the remote.

 

[Ad Pro]

If you get the Mac Pro, you will miss the iSight camera and the ability to use the remote.

Thats why I am waiting for any updates. Maybe, just maybe they will put isight's in the ACD and a remote / sensor. that would be great. Power still comes first for me though.

 

[Father Jack]

Thats why I am waiting for any updates. Maybe, just maybe they will put isight's in the ACD and a remote / sensor. that would be great. Power still comes first for me though.

I wouldn't hold your breath ..... But then you never know ...