Need help, stuck deciding on a new system

[bc871]

Looking for any advice, or experiences. Been on the fence about upgrading my 2008 iMac, I think it is finally time to buy new. I have been to the Apple Store a dozen times or more, and am still stuck deciding between a new iMac, 13" MacBook pro or the 15.4" Macbook pro. Price is a bit of an issue, but I am concerned about performance as well. I don't "need" to be portable, but would really like that option, but the price on the quad i7 MacBooks is almost double an iMac. I do a lot of photo and video encoding (iMovie, handbrake) on my current system, so anything will be an upgrade (currently it's painfully slow.). In a perfect world would like to get the MacBook pro 13", but with those only being dual core, I was looking for any input from people that have them, as well as any speed issues or examples using programs like handbrake, or should I go with the iMac for more bang for the buck, or go all in with the big MacBook. Any help and advice is appreciated!!
B-

 

[Velin]

I don't "need" to be portable ... or should I go with the iMac for more bang for the buck, or go all in with the big MacBook. Any help and advice is appreciated!!

If you really don't need portable, I think it's a no-brainer. Get an iMac, which gives you a much better display with a lot more real estate, a lot more storage, you can hook up a nice mechanical keyboard, some cool speakers, and have a banging workstation for less money.

And if you do need something portable, yet not a portable workhorse, then get a wifi iPad. Or a Nexus tablet. Or a cheap Chromebook for $199.

So that's where I come down. If I don't really "need" it to be portable, I'm not paying for portable. Give me speed, power, and the vastly improved display for less money. Period.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

If you don't need to be portable and money is an issue, and you do movie editing/encoding, then you'd want as much as you can get. Hook yourself up with an iMac.

 

[26139]

iMac!

Unless you NEED portability, go with an iMac.

Far better price for what you get, plus a beautiful screen (retina or not).

I do miss my old MBA i7 when it comes to video encodes, but can't say the i5 does a terrible job, just not as fast.

I also do a ton of encodes, but they're seldom paying gigs, so time is less of an issue.

But serious, iMac.

 

[Meister]

If you are using handbrake all day long, get an iMac.