The Ideal Setup

a refurbished mac pro, with 30" refurbished mac screen
here is the screenshot

 

The iMacs, MacBook Pro or the Mac Pro would be great options.

I wouldn't suggest doing web design work on a MacBook 13'' screen.

the iMac 24'' I think are 1800$ and I wold suggest bumping the RAM on any of your purchases to 4GB.

 

Do you need a mobile setup? If so, the most cost effective setup would be a MacBook and an external monitor. If not, the most cost effective setup would be a Mac mini and an external monitor.

 

A lot of these decisions really come down to budget, computer related income, and future needs.

I would probably start with a 15" MBP if you want or need to be mobile. At a later time I would add an external monitor...once you know you will benefit from its use. At that time I would seriously consider a 30" monitor (possibly not from ! please don't flame me...I actually have a 30" ACD). FYI I don't think the MBs can power the 30". At a much later date you could then add a desktop machine (ie MacPro) if your business is going well and your work justifies the expense.

I would resist the temptation to buy a big set-up until you really know what you need. Wants are fun to indulge, but generally harder to pay off than your needs!

 

Avoid using the iMac and MacBook displays, they aren't particularly accurate when it comes to colour/gamma levels.

The MacBook Pro and Apple Cinema Displays are perfect for anything art or video related. An ACD hooked up to your MacBook will produce a stunning picture. Avoid the 30" though, that won't work with your MacBook as well as a 20" or 23".



2500th post yay!

 

The MacBooks can not power a 30" display as they require a dual-link DVI out, where it only has a mini-DVI out.

 

Mac Mini (beef up the RAM), and whatever Dell monitor you can afford.