What size MBPr to pair with 27" iMac

[Robster3]

Was going to replace my 09 27" iMac but decided to add ram and keep it for a few more years and replace my old windows 15" laptop. I will always need a desktop, so what would complement my mac better the 13" or 15"? It will get moved around the house alot and taken on business trips.
I do like the 13" compact size but when you see them together the bigger screen looks great but is probably not a real use comparison. Same specs 13" is $700 cheaper too. 8gb 256g gb.

 

[Spink10]

13" unless you need the quad-core and dedicated video card

 

[xShane]

Was going to replace my 09 27" iMac but decided to add ram and keep it for a few more years and replace my old windows 15" laptop. I will always need a desktop, so what would complement my mac better the 13" or 15"? It will get moved around the house alot and taken on business trips.
I do like the 13" compact size but when you see them together the bigger screen looks great but is probably not a real use comparison. Same specs 13" is $700 cheaper too. 8gb 256g gb.

You have a decent iMac with a large screen.

Buy the 13" and save money.

 

[Robster3]

13" unless you need the quad-core and dedicated video card

I use iPhoto and iMovie, ms office, web, email, itunes, Sonos, books, no games? Would a 13" 8GB 256Gb be ok?

Not sure if i will but would windows go ok on it? For mainly Office, access, Bootcamp or Parallels.

 

[Spink10]

I use iPhoto and iMovie, ms office, web, email, itunes, Sonos, books, no games? Would a 13" 8GB 256Gb be ok?

Not sure if i will but would windows go ok on it? For mainly Office, access, Bootcamp or Parallels.

Yes the 13" would be fine for all of those tasks.

 

[nando4]

13" unless you need the quad-core and dedicated video card

... or longer battery life in MacOSX. The 15" has a 95Wh battery, the 13" is 74Wh. On the flip side, if running Windows then the 15's iGPU can't be activated so takes a battery life hit due to using the GT650M. Wish Apple would fix that.

 

[Robster3]

Yes the 13" would be fine for all of those tasks.

Thanks, now to decide if to buy local tomorrow with 10% discount and no 14 day return or Apple online with $5% discount and have it Tuesday?

Being a Retina would you pay extra $90 to have the 14 day return option?

 

[Spink10]

Thanks, now to decide if to buy local tomorrow with 10% discount and no 14 day return or Apple online with $5% discount and have it Tuesday?

Being a Retina would you pay extra $90 to have the 14 day return option?

I think so - if you have any problems with the one from Apple you can easily exchange and return. I love saving money - but no return is scary.

 

[Robster3]

I have a oem cd of Vista business. If i get parallels will it work with it? And if so how do i get files from pc laptop to new mbpr?

Cheers

 

[Robster3]

Anyone know ^^

 

[ShiggyMiyamoto]

I have a oem cd of Vista business. If i get parallels will it work with it? And if so how do i get files from pc laptop to new mbpr?

Cheers

As far as I know and as far as installing your copy of WinVista Business into Parallels it should work as long as you have the Product Key handy during the install (as with any Windows OS install). Also, if it gives you the ingenuity issues I think you can call Microsoft and tell them you're trying to reinstall the OS on a new computer and they'll either grant another activation license, or they'll give you another Product Key altogether.

When it comes to transferring files from the older 15" Windows laptop to the new Parallels Vista Business environment one way to do it would be to have an external hard drive to copy stuff to and then point Parallels to see it under Windows on the rMBP, or if you want to mess with networking you can set a network share on the 15" WinLaptop and copy what you want like that.

That's what I would do in your situation, though YMMV.

 

[Robster3]

Can it be done with a ethernet cable from laptop to mbpr, or would i be better off getting paralleles switch to mac with the cable?

 

[ShiggyMiyamoto]

Yes, but the easiest way to do that would be to have a router/switch in between... Someone else might be able to elaborate further...

 

[Robster3]

I can plug the mac into a router, so if i plug the old laptop into the router too that will transfer. Maybe better with the Switch to mac parallels, is only $20 more and i get the cable.

 

[Robster3]

Ended up ordering a 15" MBPr 8gb 256gb refurbished for $1999 AUD, figured it was only $150 more than the new 13" 8gb 256gb. And will probably be on my desk mostly anyway so may as well have a bit bigger screen. I dont want to make it too portable or my kids will steal it.
Will give it a good test over Easter anyway if no good back it goes lol.