Macbook Pro or 21.5" iMac

[danb1979]

I'm putting this in here as well as in the iMac section too as I'm looking for opinions from both sides

I bought a 27" iMac back in Feb and I'm selling it as unfortunately I'm just too close to it on my desk (home office) and it's doing my neck and eyes in; it's about 30-40cm from my face etc

I'm wondering whether to go for a new MBP or 21.5" iMac; as the iMac, spec'd up with 16GB RAM and 256/512GB SSD still comes in cheaper than the MBP and obviously with the 4k screen, over here in the UK.

However; I do like the idea of the portability of the MBP for when I go out and meet with clients, as I'm thinking of selling my 12.9" iPad Pro too; it just doesn't get used that much currently (would probably buy a normal iPad at some point further down the line though, mainly for reading magazines etc).

Has anyone dropped from a 27" iMac (or even a 21.5" iMac) to the 15.4" MBP and glad they did it (or any regrets etc)?

I don't need massive built in storage either, as my iTunes is on an external 3TB USB 3 HDD as is my TimeMachine and obviously I'd get one of the Thunderbolt/USB C adapters to allow me to re-connect these, as well as using the Magic QWERTY/numeric keyboard and Trackpad 2 etc

Cheers for any input

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

It really depends on what you do for work... Not sure why you're sat so close to the monitor either?

Normally speaking, the 15" MBP is more than enough for the majority of people. So if portability is desirable, then grab one. If however you need better value and higher specs - at the sacrifice of portability, then grab an iMac.

A desktop will always be better 'value' financially than a laptop, however these days the performance differences are getting more blurred.

So yeah, you'd likely be fine with a laptop. I wouldn't worry about the 4K screen or anything, at 15" size the screen is ample, I cannot tell the difference between my iMac and MBP in terms of screen quality. They are both adequately sharp.

 

[danb1979]

It's the design of my office desk unfortunately; I have my iMac right in front of my on a left handed desk (ie. it curves off to the left; a professional office desk). Because of the layout of the back room in our house (my home office) and with 2 large windows; it's the only way it works unfortunately

I've had an MBP before; it was a 2012 version and I found it more than ample to work from. Sold it due to a failed HDD and went to a 2012 Mac Mini with a 23" monitor and never had any issues with that; but missed the speed and slick'ness of the MBP and thinking that's what I'd like again

All I use the Mac for is standard web browsing duties, MS Office programmes and running my iTunes account etc; I don't do any gaming/photo stuff or anything similar

I am wanting 16GB RAM and 256GB/512GB SSD as a minimum though

 

[billhinge]

I have last years 27" 5k imac at home and this years 15" for work. While the screen on the imac is great I find I tended to bond with the macbook and use that more even when at home. I wouldn't buy a small imac so I hope that helps.

i bought the 2tb fully loaded macbook since disk space was an issue on my old 2015 500gb macbook

 

[danb1979]

I have last years 27" 5k imac at home and this years 15" for work. While the screen on the imac is great I find I tended to bond with the macbook and use that more even when at home. I wouldn't buy a small imac so I hope that helps.

i bought the 2tb fully loaded macbook since disk space was an issue on my old 2015 500gb macbook

Thanks for that

See one concern is saleability; iMac's tend to lose a lot in their value quickly whereas MBPs don't, well, IMO that is

Plus I am after a small office outlay and moving from a 27" iMac to a 21.5" iMc really isn't doing that!

I think I may have found a decent spec MBP local to me, so if my iMac is bought and collected tomorrow, as the buyer said he would be doing, I think I'll go and get that MBP... Plus it's in space grey

 

[zoom25]

I've had a Late 2009 27" iMac running perfectly well all these years. The same cannot be said about the various 15" Macbook Pros I've had. You're right that you will want a table with some depth to accommodate the larger screen so your eyes don't get fatigued. Check out the 21.5" in store. You can use it from lot closer than the 27".

I am fond of the 15" Macbook Pro and have had three of them since 2009. Still, I prefer the iMac for reliability, better screen, and less neck strain. You also won't have to worry about battery issues with the iMac like you would with a laptop.

When at home and at my desk, I never opt for the 15" Macbook Pro over the iMac. If I need to move around, then I'll either reach for the Macbook Pro or the iPad.

Away from home, I really like the 15". It's big enough to be used solely without an external monitor. If you are constantly on the move and need everything in one place, go for the Macbook Pro. Although, if you do majority of work at a desk, then the iMac wins each time.

 

[danb1979]

I've had a Late 2009 27" iMac running perfectly well all these years. The same cannot be said about the various 15" Macbook Pros I've had. You're right that you will want a table with some depth to accommodate the larger screen so your eyes don't get fatigued. Check out the 21.5" in store. You can use it from lot closer than the 27".

I am fond of the 15" Macbook Pro and have had three of them since 2009. Still, I prefer the iMac for reliability, better screen, and less neck strain. You also won't have to worry about battery issues with the iMac like you would with a laptop.

When at home and at my desk, I never opt for the 15" Macbook Pro over the iMac. If I need to move around, then I'll either reach for the Macbook Pro or the iPad.

Away from home, I really like the 15". It's big enough to be used solely without an external monitor. If you are constantly on the move and need everything in one place, go for the Macbook Pro. Although, if you do majority of work at a desk, then the iMac wins each time.

I think it's all down to personal preference

I'm not worried re battery life; I never switch my Mac off; it's always on, more so as I use iTunes a lot

I'd previously had a Mac Mini with a 23" monitor and found that to be very good; it was a shock going to the 27" iMac, but I soon got used to the screen. But not, its just too much

I've never had any reliability issues with any of the Apple stuff I've had (MBP, Mac Mini, x2 iMac's etc); but I'll only every buy an Apple product with warranty, just in case!

 

[Samuelsan2001]

You could change your desk that will be far easier and cheaper and you get to keep the 5K screen.

 

[danb1979]

You could change your desk that will be far easier and cheaper and you get to keep the 5K screen.

Please read the first sentence of post #3