MacBook Pro 13 or iMac 4K

[zigzagzug]

Hi my friends. I will buy a computer soon. But i was undecided.

First choice;

Brand new MacBook Pro 13” 2.9 GHz Dual Core i5 256 GB SSD with touchBar (2016)

or

2nd choice;

Brand new iMac 4K 21.5” quad core 3.4 GHz 1 TB Fusion Drive with trackpad and beats solo 3 (solo 3 gift)

I am computer programming student. No need to take the computer to the school. University have a computer lab.

Thanks!

 

[zoom25]

If you absolutely do not think you will require a laptop, then go for the iMac. I'd definitely get the SSD on the iMac though. A well specced iMac will last you quite some time. They are very reliable. I don't know if the same can be said about the 2016 Touch Bar Macbbook Pros and their keyboards.

 

[zigzagzug]

If you absolutely do not think you will require a laptop, then go for the iMac. I'd definitely get the SSD on the iMac though. A well specced iMac will last you quite some time. They are very reliable. I don't know if the same can be said about the 2016 Touch Bar Macbbook Pros and their keyboards.

Is the MacBook Pro keyboard bad?

 

[zoom25]

Is the MacBook Pro keyboard bad?

I've used the keyboards that came with MacBook Pros and iMac from 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, and have tried the new 2018. Typing can feel different on the new thin ones with less travel. Still, I don't think it's anywhere close to a dealbreaker. To me the reliability problems of the recent keyboards are much more of a factor. If I could only have one device and needed to trust it to be reliable, I'd easily trust the iMac over the recent MacBook Pros. The Mid 2015 15" MacBook Pro is the last reliable model that I'd wholeheartedly trust.

As far as working on an iMac or a MacBook Pro, I much prefer the iMac. I use 27" iMac and 15" MacBook Pros at home. I tried the 21.5" iMac and I was impressed by it. The 13" for me seemed just a touch too small. If the device was going to be my primary and only device, then I would never consider the 13 inch. It'd always be the 15". If I was splitting between MacBook Pro and iMac, then I might consider the 13 inch.

I would not hesitate investing on the 21.5" 4k iMac at all. Upgrade to the SSD only storage and perhaps consider 16GB for RAM. I'd definitely put the SSD upgrade above RAM upgrade if you had to pick just one.

Another benefit of the iMac 21.5" over the 27" is that you'll have much less problems in finding a suitable desk and making it work ergonomically. You don't need much table depth for the 21.5" and can sit closer, and not run into font size issues. Regardless, iMacs are much better for neck strain than MacBook Pros as you don't have to look down. The bigger screen space will also be appreciated.

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Give the 1TB Fusion Drive a big miss as it only has a 32GB Flash Drive. A 2TB Fusion has 128GB Flash which nis ample for the operating system. The best option if you do not want a 27" model is a 512GB or 256GB in the 21.5" model, if you can get away with the smaller size.

AND if you go the iMac route, memory is not user upgradeable in the 21.5" model without dismantling the whole machine voiding your warranty. Order with 16GB.

 

[oVerboost]

If your going to be using it more at home than on the move, the iMac is a much better machine than even the top sped MacBook Pro, and cheaper.

 

[zigzagzug]

I've used the keyboards that came with MacBook Pros and iMac from 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, and have tried the new 2018. Typing can feel different on the new thin ones with less travel. Still, I don't think it's anywhere close to a dealbreaker. To me the reliability problems of the recent keyboards are much more of a factor. If I could only have one device and needed to trust it to be reliable, I'd easily trust the iMac over the recent MacBook Pros. The Mid 2015 15" MacBook Pro is the last reliable model that I'd wholeheartedly trust.

As far as working on an iMac or a MacBook Pro, I much prefer the iMac. I use 27" iMac and 15" MacBook Pros at home. I tried the 21.5" iMac and I was impressed by it. The 13" for me seemed just a touch too small. If the device was going to be my primary and only device, then I would never consider the 13 inch. It'd always be the 15". If I was splitting between MacBook Pro and iMac, then I might consider the 13 inch.

I would not hesitate investing on the 21.5" 4k iMac at all. Upgrade to the SSD only storage and perhaps consider 16GB for RAM. I'd definitely put the SSD upgrade above RAM upgrade if you had to pick just one.

Another benefit of the iMac 21.5" over the 27" is that you'll have much less problems in finding a suitable desk and making it work ergonomically. You don't need much table depth for the 21.5" and can sit closer, and not run into font size issues. Regardless, iMacs are much better for neck strain than MacBook Pros as you don't have to look down. The bigger screen space will also be appreciated.

Thank you for your comment. I think I'll buy a base 27 "iMac. The 5K screen is very nice. Of course, the graphics card and the processor are also better. I guess I do not have an ergonomic problem.
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Give the 1TB Fusion Drive a big miss as it only has a 32GB Flash Drive. A 2TB Fusion has 128GB Flash which nis ample for the operating system. The best option if you do not want a 27" model is a 512GB or 256GB in the 21.5" model, if you can get away with the smaller size.

AND if you go the iMac route, memory is not user upgradeable in the 21.5" model without dismantling the whole machine voiding your warranty. Order with 16GB.

You're absolutely right, but that they also make extra money will require about $ 500 including taxes in Turkey. That's too much..

 

[zoom25]

The 27" iMac is the right call. I just came back from a 2 hour alone comparison between the 2017 27" iMac, 2018 Macbook Pros (13" and 15"), Macbook (12 inch), and Macbook Air (not even worth considering right now).

All of the laptops have their positive/negative depending on computing power, size, weight, and portability. However, if given the chance to work on one at a desk, the 27" 5k iMac simply trounces the others across the board. It's the best experience.

I have a non retina Late 2009 iMac and I still prefer to use it over my Retina 15" Macbook Pros because of the screen size and not having to look down.

I'm personally waiting for the iMac to update. I'm still not sure how many cores (6 or 8?) will the new iMac be getting and if there will be any updates on the thermals or graphics. It should be a significant update this year over the current quad cores.

If you absolutely can't wait for it, go for the current 5k iMac. This is the only machine in Apple's lineup that I have never felt any regrets about investing in the top processor and SSD. RAM can be upgraded later.