The classic question. Which mac?

[cornchild]

I have been observing for 4 years the mac scene. Dreaming of switching from the pc. And now finally I have reached the point were I can purchase a mac any mac.

I do graphics design, 3d modeling, plan to run parallels, also want to learn apple script.

The question is though, Which one?

I considered:

Mac book pro:

pros
- Has a cool design

- portable

cons:
- Would have to get used to a laptop.
- Doesn't contain as much hard disk space.
-----------------------
Imac:

pros
- Again cool design
-space saving
- powerful machine
- easy access to later add larger hd.
- wouldn't have to get used to new way of computing.

cons:
- limited to 3 gigs of ram "may change soon though"
------------------------
Mac Pro:

pros
- powerful machine
- life span

cons
-price
- large footprint
---------------------------

Then the question comes of if I were going to spend the money and get a mac pro why not just get an imac and macbook? Then I would have the best of both worlds.

Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Queso]

For serious graphics design and modelling, it's got to be a Mac Pro. You may find that 3GB limit on the iMac becomes a limitation in the future.

 

[emptyCup]

When you say you do graphic design and 3D modeling does that mean you make your living from it? If so, Mac Pro. If not, either of the other choices is fine. It is a question of whether you need portability or not.

 

[cornchild]

I do 3d modeling as a hobby for now. If I got the imac I could get a macbook aswell. Portability is not a necessity but would be nice to have.

 

[4nr-]

I think you should get the MPB in that case, use it in clamshell mode with an external Display, a keyboard and mouse. Just an idea.

 

[gavd]

I think you should get the MPB in that case, use it in clamshell mode with an external Display, a keyboard and mouse. Just an idea.

This sounds like a good idea for your requirements. Enjoy it, whatever you decide to get!

 

[JD92]

This sounds like a good idea for your requirements. Enjoy it, whatever you decide to get!

Ditto, plus you can always use an external HDD with your Macbook/Pro for when you're at home.

 

[dmw007]

I do 3d modeling as a hobby for now. If I got the imac I could get a macbook aswell. Portability is not a necessity but would be nice to have.

Well, if 3D modeling is just a hobby, then you should be fine going with an iMac and a MacBook. But if you think that you are going to be pursuing 3D modeling more seriously in the near future, then you might want to consider going with a Mac Pro.

 

[cornchild]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

My only fear about going with the macbook pro is that I have read it gets very hot. Also I would have to get used to using that type of computer.

The Mac pro seems future proof. I would be able to hang onto it for at least 7 years. it's just the price of it along with a display.

Then the imac seems economical and with a macbook would allow me to have a mac anywhere.

I suppose I will have to keep thinking on it.

 

[stevento]

The question is though, Which one?

I considered:

Mac book pro:

pros
- Has a cool design

- portable

cons:
- Would have to get used to a laptop.
- Doesn't contain as much hard disk space.
-----------------------
Imac:

pros
- Again cool design
-space saving
- powerful machine
- easy access to later add larger hd.
- wouldn't have to get used to new way of computing.

cons:
- limited to 3 gigs of ram "may change soon though"
------------------------
Mac Pro:

pros
- powerful machine
- life span

cons
-price
- large footprint
---------------------------

if you get a macbook pro, you can always get the 3 G or ram and then for the harddrive issue, you can spend $100-200 for and external hard drive with more than anyone will ever need.

the Mac Pro has up to 3 terrabyte of ram...
512 KB is 115 photos (at 6 mega pixels)
so 230 is 1G and the mac pro has 3 terrabytes (3000 G)
so that would be 690,000 photos at 6 megapixels each... i wish i had it.
get the macpro and two of those 30" displays
it'll be incredible.

 

[gavd]

the Mac Pro has up to 3 terrabyte of ram...

I don't think you mean to say this...

 

[damien341]

I have been observing for 4 years the mac scene. Dreaming of switching from the pc...

when you've been observing the mac scene for 4 years you shouldn't need our advice...!?

 

[vanzskater272]

if you get a macbook pro, you can always get the 3 G or ram and then for the harddrive issue, you can spend $100-200 for and external hard drive with more than anyone will ever need.

the Mac Pro has up to 3 terrabyte of ram...
512 KB is 115 photos (at 6 mega pixels)
so 230 is 1G and the mac pro has 3 terrabytes (3000 G)
so that would be 690,000 photos at 6 megapixels each... i wish i had it.
get the macpro and two of those 30" displays
it'll be incredible.

Wow 3 terabytes of ram? ha ha, I think you mean 3 terabytes of hard drive space