Need Help or Opinion on iMac vs MacBook

[jeme]

Needing opinions please. I currently have a MacBook 2017 i5 with 512 SSD and a 2016 MacBook Pro - I have tried using them with a standard monitor in a docking station and it works most of the time.

A little about me, sales guys use computer primarily for email, presentation and an ocassional video call or presentation.

So here is what I am considering:

LG Ultra Fine 4K Monitor and the two hot swap MacBook and Mac Book Pro

OR return the MacBook can only get Best Buy credit as it was a combination of gift cards and device trad ins that I used to pay for the unit, then use the proceeds to purchase a iMac. Here is my fear I will not be happy with the fusion drive in the iMac - everything i read says get an SSD, I have had SS's in my computers for years.

So it is LG Ultra Fine display and two laptops or the MacBook Pro 2016 and a 2017iMac with a fusion drive.

To the best of my knowledge you cannot configure apple products at Bestbuy.

OK any and all opinions are appreciated.

Will I really notice the fusion drive in the iMac after using SSD's for years. I feel like I am going backwards.

 

[maroulis]

You can swap out the fusion drive, check out macsales.com problem solved

 

[jerwin]

1 TB fusion drives are associated with 24 GB SSDs-- supposedly the combination is a bit slow.

 

[Clix Pix]

Forget the fusion drive. That is just asking for frustration, especially when you've already become accustomed to using machines with SSD. If you are in the US, either order the configuration you want, including SSD, directly from Apple online (CTO) or take a look at B&H in NYC, which offers them already configured in various ways, or from another dealer such as Macsales, mentioned in a post above. When ordering from Apple online one can have the machine delivered either to home or office or to the closest Apple store. With B&H if one does not live in NY state or the neighboring state of NJ, the purchase is not only free of shipping charges but also tax-free.

 

[haruhiko]

Choose the SSD. Don't buy any internal platter hard drives in 2018. Can you imagine you're still using one two or three years later in 2020 and 2021?

 

[jeme]

Thanks for the input. But remember I am tied to purchasing from Best Buy as the MacBook would be returned for a credit and the original purchase was gifts cards and trade in credits. But I do get the message do not buy an iMac with a fusion drive.

 

[AtomicGrog]

A little about me, sales guys use computer primarily for email, presentation and an ocassional video call or presentation.

Will I really notice the fusion drive in the iMac after using SSD's for years. I feel like I am going backwards.

Both should do that job with ease, but if you want a slick outcome SSD is the only way to go, especially if you factor in ageing... in 3-5 years you're still stuck on a machine with a HDD (Fusion) it will feel very clunky.
[doublepost=1519009543][/doublepost].

 

[Clix Pix]

Oops, I missed some of that about the funding aspects, etc. Well, if you're pretty much locked-in to Best Buy, you could always return the MacBook and then hang on to the credit for another major purchase from BB at some later date while going on to get the iMac through Apple or another source..... But, yes, I realize you may not have the funds available to do something like that and would prefer to handle the transaction through Best Buy. Seriously, you would be very unhappy with an iMac with the fusion drive, and most definitely would be frustrated with it coming with the default 5400 rpm 1 TB drive. Or you could try selling either the MacBook or MacBook Pro independently and getting cash for them, then using those funds in whichever way you choose.

OK, so given the current situation, I think I'd just stick with the MacBook Pro and MacBook that you've already got and maybe go ahead with that LG monitor..... I can't offer any pros or cons with regard to that since I don't use an external monitor with my machines.

 

[jeme]

Really appreciate the help from everyone, bottom line is that I understand DO NOT get a fusion drive. Quick question do the mid 2017 iMacs use the 7th generation intel processors? Thanks all

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

The 2tb fusion drive iMac has a 128gb SSD portion and a 2tb HDD portion.
If you wanted "the permanent speed of an SSD" from it, you could do this:
1. Backup the OS "as it comes" using a cloned backup
2. Boot from the backup
3. DE-FUSE the fusion drive into "standalone" drives (this DESTROYS the data, which is why you must back up first)
4. Re-clone the backup BACK TO the SSD (there will be room)
5. From that point, keep OS and apps on the SSD, along with your user account, BUT...
6. Keep "large libraries" of stuff (such as pics, music, movies) on the HDD (they don't "need speed")

This way the iMac will always run with the speed of the SSD, but still have "available space" for other stuff on the HDD.

 

[joema2]

....take a look at B&H in NYC, which offers them already configured in various ways...

Anyone buying computers (Macs or otherwise) from B&H should be aware they are non-returnable. Even though they state "Easy 30-Day Return Policy" and items can be returned "If you are dissatisfied with your purchase for any reason", in their fine print they exclude computers, including Macs.

This is not unique to B&H; I think Adorama also has a similar policy.