What to get?

[BhaveshUK]

Hello,

Okay I am going to be buying the iMac or the MacBook air when the next update comes. However, I can't decide which one to get. Here's what I plan to use it for:

- I will be using to create graphic art. I use around 10-15 layers and I will be importing photoshop brushes (I won't be using photoshop). I know the iMac will have a bigger screen and so I could work in better detail and I'm unsure how pixelmator runs on MacBook air. Does it run smoothly on both?

- However, in a year and a bit I will be going off to unniversity. But I do have an iPad, but Obviosuly if I live out then I probably wouldn't take the iMac with me and would rely on my iPad. But I see my graphic art suffering as the iPad isnt ideal for art.

So as you can see I'm stuck between my artwork and what my future situation could be. Could your help me decide.

Thank you

 

[jterp7]

Hello,

Okay I am going to be buying the iMac or the MacBook air when the next update comes. However, I can't decide which one to get. Here's what I plan to use it for:

- I will be using to create graphic art. I use around 10-15 layers and I will be importing photoshop brushes (I won't be using photoshop). I know the iMac will have a bigger screen and so I could work in better detail and I'm unsure how pixelmator runs on MacBook air. Does it run smoothly on both?

- However, in a year and a bit I will be going off to unniversity. But I do have an iPad, but Obviosuly if I live out then I probably wouldn't take the iMac with me and would rely on my iPad. But I see my graphic art suffering as the iPad isnt ideal for art.

So as you can see I'm stuck between my artwork and what my future situation could be. Could your help me decide.

Thank you

I can't comment on the photoshop part, but for university I'd go for a MBA plus external so you have the option of taking it with you to the library/class etc. You probably can't do that with the iMac lol.

 

[BhaveshUK]

Yeah that would be funny trying to travel with the iMac. But I do have the iPad which I could take with the external keyboard which is why I'm struggling with the decision.

 

[TWO2SEVEN]

You probably can't do that with the iMac lol.

Sure you can

As for the question at hand, I would go with the iMac and iPad combination.

Any reason you can't take the iMac to where ever you will be living?

That way you can use it for what you need and the portability role is filled by the iPad.

 

[BhaveshUK]

Well the iMac is a bit more noticable than a MacBook air. If I was living out I'm not sure it would be safe if you get what I mean.

 

[snberk103]

You could always get the MBA and an external monitor, mouse and maybe keyboard. Not bad for graphic art, and portable for school.

 

[KylePowers]

I can tell you from personal experience you will regret having only an iPad for mobile use while at college.

Sure, you can get by, but to be honest, having a complete computing experience on the go is a necessity. Whether in class (or lab), or in a library, or at group or friend's place, an iPad just won't cut it.

Sure, you can type an essay on an iPad, but you know how inconvenient it'd be if your reference material was also in digital form (pdf, on the web, etc.) and having to constantly switch back and forth? At least with an MBA, you can have them side-by-side.

I sold my iPad 2 and put the money toward an 11in MBA. I can do everything I could do on my iPad, and more. Anything I work on with my iMac, I can easily pull up and continue working on on my MBA. But my major dictates this necessity in a way, so maybe yours will be different.

I'd definitely suggest a 13in MBA, external monitor, wireless keyboard, and wireless mouse.

 

[ryannel2003]

Why not spring for a 13" or 15" MacBook Pro and an external monitor and have the best of both worlds: a powerful, mobile computer with an external screen. The Pro has more processing power than the Air does, and then the iMac in question wouldn't be needed.