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Stay with iMac or get a MacBook Pro?

upsguy27

upsguy27

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jun 25, 2007
1,210
19
Utah
Okay, right now I have an iMac with the specs in my sig. However, I have the option to trade it for a MacBook Pro (Late 2008 model) with the following specs: 2.53Ghz Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM, 320GB HD, 9600M GT 512 MB. My question is, should I do it? There's really no need to (or not need not to), but I'd kind of like to have a laptop just for that portability and (this sounds weird) I'd kind of like to make a change in the way that my computer looks.

Is the 9600GT comparable to the 8800GS in my iMac? I know the 8800GS is better than the 9600GT, but by how much? Would I notice much of a difference in playing games? Also, I'm worried about downgrading from a 24" screen to a 15" one. I like all the screen real estate I have right now, but then again I might buy an external monitor for the MBP. Should I switch?
 
Well, what games do you play on the imac? If they are running well on your iMac, it should run fine native res on the MBP. I would suggest getting the MacBook pro only if u rly rly need the portability.
 
wywern209 said:
Well, what games do you play on the imac? If they are running well on your iMac, it should run fine native res on the MBP. I would suggest getting the MacBook pro only if u rly rly need the portability.
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The only really graphics-intensive game I play is GTA IV. I don't really need the portability, it'd just be nice.
 
What games are you playing in particular, you can probably play modern games at med settings and older games at high.
 
ChrisN said:
What games are you playing in particular, you can probably play modern games at med settings and older games at high.
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GTA IV, NFS: Undercover, GRiD, DiRT 2 (When it comes out). Those are the most modern ones that I'm not sure about.
 
ChrisN said:
Gta 4: http://www.gtagaming.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111454 -Person's account with it.
NFS Undercover: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry8Kp2lNoLo -Youtube Video.
GRiD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfl-eW4372I -Youtube Video.
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Okay, thanks.

Now that I've determined that the 9600GT will be okay, does anyone think I should actually do the trade? I'll quote my original post:

There's really no need to (or not need not to), but I'd kind of like to have a laptop just for that portability and (this sounds weird) I'd kind of like to make a change in the way that my computer looks.
Click to expand...
 
Personally, I would stick with the iMac. The iMac has a much stronger processor, more screen real estate and a faster Hard Drive. Given that you don't really need portability, I don't think it's worth it. Also, the battery doesn't last very long when playing games so that's something to consider unless you plan on using it like a desktop replacement?
 
if you dont need the portability or bling factor, don't... if you would like the portability and use it then do
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i would if it was me
 
I had to swap my 24 iMac for a MBP as I really needed the portabillity and my iBook wasn´t up to the task anymore.
I really miss the screen, My iMac was almost 2 years older, but it felt faster than my MBP. I´ve been told that´s due to the desk top hard drive that it has.

The MBP does everything I need though (I don´t play games).
I use it for editing a lot and except loong render times it does hold up quite well.
 
yoak said:
I had to swap my 24 iMac for a MBP as I really needed the portabillity and my iBook wasn´t up to the task anymore.
I really miss the screen, My iMac was almost 2 years older, but it felt faster than my MBP. I´ve been told that´s due to the desk top hard drive that it has.

The MBP does everything I need though (I don´t play games).
I use it for editing a lot and except loong render times it does hold up quite well.
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Another factor is as the processor in any laptop has less room and stricter cooling, it is more reluctant to clock itself up to full speed, whereas the iMac can pretty much stay at high speeds constantly.
 
BlizzardBomb said:
Another factor is as the processor in any laptop has less room and stricter cooling, it is more reluctant to clock itself up to full speed, whereas the iMac can pretty much stay at high speeds constantly.
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I don't know... Our 20" Intel iMac always feels hotter than my 2008 MBP.
 
you already have a (old) mobile solution.

do you need mobile power? if not, keep the imac :)
 
So, the general consensus here seems to be to stay with the iMac. Anyone else?
 
upsguy27 said:
So, the general consensus here seems to be to stay with the iMac. Anyone else?
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Since you and I appear to be living parallel lives, it think the IMac seems like the most logical reason given price and the fact that portability is not an issue. Still, I would love to hear any other opinions.
 
Unless you've got a nice external monitor, I have a feeling you'd miss the iMac's display. If you've got a Powerbook G4 thats in good condition, then just stick with the iMac.
 
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