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Which Mac do you suggest?
- Thread starter Simple Living
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Nugget, I can't thank you enough for adding items to my shopping cart! 😉 I'm going to be the only homeless person with a decked-out, top o' the line Mac!
I thought you couldn't attached a 23" Cinema display on a MacBook, only on the MacBook Pro?
Simple Living, you might want to wait for January and see what other options will be coming out. I ordered my new 24" iMac and got it yesterday. I haven't opened it yet. I think I might return it and wait for Janaury. I still haven't made a definite decision yet.
The more comments the better. Every one is helpful and I really am grateful for them. Advice from real users is more valuable than Cnet Reviews (which I don't trust).
One thing I do know, I'll either get an iMac or an MBP. I don't want multiple pieces to keep connecting and disconnecting. I appreciate the input though. I certainly wouldn't have thought of doing that. It's another option to consider that I wouldn't have had otherwise.
Digital Skunk
macrumors G3
Dear Simple Living,
Let's take it nice and slow. I want you to have the best experience once you get your new machine, because if it's the best, you will be a Mac user forever and only occasionally venture into the realm of Windows. So, be fore-warned, once you get your machine remember to check it for any issues that may pop up. If there is an issue then take it back and replace it with another one. Not that Apple has wide spread problems, they barely have any over here in Maryland, but I don't want you coming back and posting a thread about how you don't like this and don't like that because of some yellowing screen that suddenly appeared. 🙄 😉
Seriously though, I didn't mean that in any negative way, just letting you know. Now... you're a writer... so the only application that should be in your mind when it comes to word processing (sans Microsoft) is iWork. The application is $80 and you get three apps that run their various flavors of MS Office apps, but do a much better job at handling graphics, audio, video, and anything else besides words that you may put in there. Those apps work flawlessly with iLife and Mac OS X's software, which is what makes the Mac experience so smooth to begin with. There are many free alternatives as well, like the one mentioned above and another called NeoOffice. You can get them along with iWork like many do just in case there is something that doesn't work right with iWork.
I am a desktop lover. I have been using my MBP more than ever though, and may change my game plan. My next desktop will be used for a spare machine to do the heavy lifting, and my MBP will be my main computer. Basically, I say go with the portable. The 15" MBP should be fine only if you don't need the bigger screen. If you want the 24" then get it, and get the 15" later 😉 once you see how lovely it would be to carry Mac OS X with you.
If I could do it all over again, and not have to spend money on the expensive crap just to run Final Cut Pro and Adobe CS3, I would get a 20" iMac and a MacBook for around $3000.
Let's take it nice and slow. I want you to have the best experience once you get your new machine, because if it's the best, you will be a Mac user forever and only occasionally venture into the realm of Windows. So, be fore-warned, once you get your machine remember to check it for any issues that may pop up. If there is an issue then take it back and replace it with another one. Not that Apple has wide spread problems, they barely have any over here in Maryland, but I don't want you coming back and posting a thread about how you don't like this and don't like that because of some yellowing screen that suddenly appeared. 🙄 😉
Seriously though, I didn't mean that in any negative way, just letting you know. Now... you're a writer... so the only application that should be in your mind when it comes to word processing (sans Microsoft) is iWork. The application is $80 and you get three apps that run their various flavors of MS Office apps, but do a much better job at handling graphics, audio, video, and anything else besides words that you may put in there. Those apps work flawlessly with iLife and Mac OS X's software, which is what makes the Mac experience so smooth to begin with. There are many free alternatives as well, like the one mentioned above and another called NeoOffice. You can get them along with iWork like many do just in case there is something that doesn't work right with iWork.
I am a desktop lover. I have been using my MBP more than ever though, and may change my game plan. My next desktop will be used for a spare machine to do the heavy lifting, and my MBP will be my main computer. Basically, I say go with the portable. The 15" MBP should be fine only if you don't need the bigger screen. If you want the 24" then get it, and get the 15" later 😉 once you see how lovely it would be to carry Mac OS X with you.
If I could do it all over again, and not have to spend money on the expensive crap just to run Final Cut Pro and Adobe CS3, I would get a 20" iMac and a MacBook for around $3000.
Yeah, the Mac Expo is another spoke in the wheel that's making this difficult for me to make a decision.
As for the iMac, I highly doubt they'll upgrade anything more than .2GHz or .4GHz to the speed. For most normal users, this wouldn't make that much difference. It's possible they may lower the price a bit though, from what I understand anyway.
Here's where I sit:
Pros to the MBP: Power and Portability
Cons to the MBP: Price, touchpad, screen size and it's not an iMac
Pros to the iMac: It's an iMac! (Gorgeousity and Price is right, too.)
Cons to the iMac: Portability
When a sane person looks at this, they'd say, "No contest. Get the iMac."
The problem is, I know I'm going to be glad for the portability when I need it.
I'm definitely excited about it, and it's fun to be hyped up, but one thing I really am is patient. I enjoy the research and I'm having fun with it. No stress. Really. My personal process is needing to talk it out and hear people out, like those in this thread.
At this point, I'm open to considering all options. (Why is the black MacBook $200 more than the white one. I don't get it.) As for what you said (that I placed in bold), I hadn't considered this. (If anyone else mentioned doing this previously and I didn't catch on, I'm sorry. It just took time to soak in.) For what I would need the notebook for, the MacBook would be plenty. (Why is the black MacBook $200 more than the white one? I don't get it.) And the only differences between the 20" and 24" iMacs are screen size, pixels and weight. This really could be the best of both worlds. Something to really think about.
Have you looked into Open Office at all? I fiddle around with it a little and it seems fairly polished and compatiable - especially given that it's free.
http://www.openoffice.org/index.html
http://www.openoffice.org/index.html
ktbubster
macrumors 6502a
For what you will be doing, although I love my MBP, you will NOT need that power.
I know you said you don't want to keep disconnecting things, but really all you would have to do is connect the monitor and one USB (get a 10 dollar multi usb plug to keep your keyboard and mouse stuff and anything else.. like external harddrives in) and it doesn't take any more setting or anything. As soon as you connect the monitor it will show up and work. It takes 5 seconds to plug those two cables in when I come home. Less then if you had to start up an imac after a trip. It's not much of a problem at all. And since you won't be traveling THAT much it shouldn't be a problem at all.
If I were you I would go with a basic midrange macbook and a decent external. You don't have to get an apple display. It seems like you aren't concerned too much about color accuracy or printing, so a nice samsung or I even have an acer which is really nice for the cost will do you well.
The MBP you'd look at would be about 2200
The iMac is like 1800 before tax.
You could get a macbook for 1300 (mid range white) and add on a nice 22inch monitor for 300 (my acer was only 180) and that is only 1600! Add on a nice external mouse and keyboard for 50 and that's 1650 for a full set up which is the best of both worlds! You can now get a 2gig stick of ram for like 40 bucks from places so that's less then 1700 before tax for a super fast portable that makes a great desktop.
The macbook is more then enough for what you need it for, and will surely make you happy. For working in coffee shops etc, the screen should be AOK for you, do intensive work at your home. I really think this would be the best option.
If you want till January for updates you may even get a better deal on something. The new macbooks should be in refurb store by then, so that should save you yet another 100 or 200 dollars!
Otherwise, I'd go with a refurb 2.2 macbook pro. You won't need anything more powerful then that. It flies for my 3d rendering even.
Just my 2 cents 🙂
I know you said you don't want to keep disconnecting things, but really all you would have to do is connect the monitor and one USB (get a 10 dollar multi usb plug to keep your keyboard and mouse stuff and anything else.. like external harddrives in) and it doesn't take any more setting or anything. As soon as you connect the monitor it will show up and work. It takes 5 seconds to plug those two cables in when I come home. Less then if you had to start up an imac after a trip. It's not much of a problem at all. And since you won't be traveling THAT much it shouldn't be a problem at all.
If I were you I would go with a basic midrange macbook and a decent external. You don't have to get an apple display. It seems like you aren't concerned too much about color accuracy or printing, so a nice samsung or I even have an acer which is really nice for the cost will do you well.
The MBP you'd look at would be about 2200
The iMac is like 1800 before tax.
You could get a macbook for 1300 (mid range white) and add on a nice 22inch monitor for 300 (my acer was only 180) and that is only 1600! Add on a nice external mouse and keyboard for 50 and that's 1650 for a full set up which is the best of both worlds! You can now get a 2gig stick of ram for like 40 bucks from places so that's less then 1700 before tax for a super fast portable that makes a great desktop.
The macbook is more then enough for what you need it for, and will surely make you happy. For working in coffee shops etc, the screen should be AOK for you, do intensive work at your home. I really think this would be the best option.
If you want till January for updates you may even get a better deal on something. The new macbooks should be in refurb store by then, so that should save you yet another 100 or 200 dollars!
Otherwise, I'd go with a refurb 2.2 macbook pro. You won't need anything more powerful then that. It flies for my 3d rendering even.
Just my 2 cents 🙂
I want to make sure that whatever I purchase will carry me through the next three to five years. As I progress in my skills, would a MacBook do that?
Actually, color accuracy and printing are important to me. I'm frankly tired of poor color and blah printing. I want sharp and crisp. Take your breath away clarity.
I see what you're saying about the MacBook and adding a monitor. I'm very, very hesitant on buying high end electronics used or refurbished.
I'm glad to have all of these options thrown at me. These are things I never would have thought of. Every post here, even if it raises more questions, is very helpful. I hope they keep coming, as long as people's patience holds out.
roland.g
Suspended
I would recommend the 24" iMac as I have one and love it. I personally don't need the laptop as it would rarely leave the house and the screen real estate is worth it.
I personally think that the MacBook Pro is overkill and overpriced for your needs. I you feel portable is the answer I would suggest a midrange or higher end MacBook.
Ultimately my recommendation would be to get the iMac, either 20 or 24 depending on your budget, and yes go with 1GB and add more yourself. Get it from OWC - macsales.com is their site, good deals and good RAM. Crucial is also good as you undoubtedly have read. Then I would tell you down the line when you feel that you need it, etc etc., I would pick up a cheap MacBook, either a refurbished through the Apple Store online as those are new, usually DOAs that have been fixed and extra QAd and sent back out at a discount, or a used MacBook possible a Core Duo or older Core 2 Duo before Santa Rosa. eBay, Craigslist, and the marketplace here at MR at all good places for that. You'd probably be looking at $550 to $900 used, $850 to $1150 refurb.
I personally think that the MacBook Pro is overkill and overpriced for your needs. I you feel portable is the answer I would suggest a midrange or higher end MacBook.
Ultimately my recommendation would be to get the iMac, either 20 or 24 depending on your budget, and yes go with 1GB and add more yourself. Get it from OWC - macsales.com is their site, good deals and good RAM. Crucial is also good as you undoubtedly have read. Then I would tell you down the line when you feel that you need it, etc etc., I would pick up a cheap MacBook, either a refurbished through the Apple Store online as those are new, usually DOAs that have been fixed and extra QAd and sent back out at a discount, or a used MacBook possible a Core Duo or older Core 2 Duo before Santa Rosa. eBay, Craigslist, and the marketplace here at MR at all good places for that. You'd probably be looking at $550 to $900 used, $850 to $1150 refurb.
ktbubster
macrumors 6502a
Apple refurbished products are perfectly good to get, there is no reason you should worry about getting them refurbished directly from apple. There is no more risk getting a refurb from them then a new computer. Some (me included) would argue there is even less risk getting a refurb, because any issue they were returned for was checked and double checked so you can say that computer when through and even more thorough checking process then a new one. You still have the exact same year long included warranty too, so any problems can be fixed if there are any when you get it.
I have gotten all refurb products and all have been perfect. (I know some people haven't had that experience... but i doubt it's anymore then people getting new computers, in fact it's probably less) My most current macbook pro is awesome. No screen issues (1/3 yellowing was a problem at one point) or anything. All my products have been perfect. So unless you are incredibly attached to getting a shiny apple box... I'd go with a refurb and save 300 (on a mbp anyway... more or less depending on model, but always a good amount) on anything you get.
Also... I am all about holding onto computers as long as possible. I had my tibook for 5 years or so before replacing it, and even then it was holding it's own quite well, but I feel as technology is getting better faster and faster now a days, computer life will shorten. Although for basic tasks old g3 ibooks still hold their own pretty well! Apple's have quite a good resale value. I had my refurb first run mbp CD 2.0 for over a year, and managed to sell it for only 150 less then what I paid for it! Granted that's a little on the high end, but still, if you spend a little less now, you can always upgrade a bit sooner then you expect and only be out a little bit of money and continue getting newer tech.
You may want to replace this computer in 2 years or so, but with an apple you won't lose nearly that much in an upgrade, and with the easy transfer system, upgrading is incredibly painless. Just so you know 🙂
Either way, i'd go portable. If i were you, i'd get a macbook now... see how you like it, and depending you could either grab an 22 inch external monitor, or if you feel the macbook is good, but you want something in a desktop, wait a few months and THEN get an imac. Don't get two computers at once. You will probaby find you don't need anything more, but if you want a desktop or something, you will have the chance to get even newer tech and still have a laptop around for portability. This allows you a lot more freedom to play around.
GL
I have gotten all refurb products and all have been perfect. (I know some people haven't had that experience... but i doubt it's anymore then people getting new computers, in fact it's probably less) My most current macbook pro is awesome. No screen issues (1/3 yellowing was a problem at one point) or anything. All my products have been perfect. So unless you are incredibly attached to getting a shiny apple box... I'd go with a refurb and save 300 (on a mbp anyway... more or less depending on model, but always a good amount) on anything you get.
Also... I am all about holding onto computers as long as possible. I had my tibook for 5 years or so before replacing it, and even then it was holding it's own quite well, but I feel as technology is getting better faster and faster now a days, computer life will shorten. Although for basic tasks old g3 ibooks still hold their own pretty well! Apple's have quite a good resale value. I had my refurb first run mbp CD 2.0 for over a year, and managed to sell it for only 150 less then what I paid for it! Granted that's a little on the high end, but still, if you spend a little less now, you can always upgrade a bit sooner then you expect and only be out a little bit of money and continue getting newer tech.
You may want to replace this computer in 2 years or so, but with an apple you won't lose nearly that much in an upgrade, and with the easy transfer system, upgrading is incredibly painless. Just so you know 🙂
Either way, i'd go portable. If i were you, i'd get a macbook now... see how you like it, and depending you could either grab an 22 inch external monitor, or if you feel the macbook is good, but you want something in a desktop, wait a few months and THEN get an imac. Don't get two computers at once. You will probaby find you don't need anything more, but if you want a desktop or something, you will have the chance to get even newer tech and still have a laptop around for portability. This allows you a lot more freedom to play around.
GL
Digital Skunk
macrumors G3
The Black MacBook (BlackBook) is that price because it is coated in a matte black case, that's all. Is the case worth $200 extra bucks? To some it is. Now that Apple has killed off just about all polycarbonate white products I would say that it is, since the white casing looks even more plasticy than it did before.
Other than that, the blackbook is just a preference, nothing truly needed.
Patience is a good thing. I am waiting for Mac World as well for updated pro machines. If can wait until the end of January, and keep saving the cans and pinching pennies, then I would do it and have even more capital to work with. Then the option of the 24" iMac w/ 2GB of RAM, white or black MacBook w/ 2GB of RAM, and even Airport, an iPod, whatever becomes available. The more cash you have to work with the better you will be when it comes time for you to make your purchase, I am sure you know that already though.
And I am glad that you are a very smart consumer and took the time to do your research. Many don't, and end up listening to the first sales person they see.
Other than that, the blackbook is just a preference, nothing truly needed.
Patience is a good thing. I am waiting for Mac World as well for updated pro machines. If can wait until the end of January, and keep saving the cans and pinching pennies, then I would do it and have even more capital to work with. Then the option of the 24" iMac w/ 2GB of RAM, white or black MacBook w/ 2GB of RAM, and even Airport, an iPod, whatever becomes available. The more cash you have to work with the better you will be when it comes time for you to make your purchase, I am sure you know that already though.
And I am glad that you are a very smart consumer and took the time to do your research. Many don't, and end up listening to the first sales person they see.
I think I need to spend more time playing in the Apple Store. Get a feel for all the different product lines. I still think it would have to be a pretty good discount for me to go with a refurb. I've never had much luck with them in past... on anything.
PeckhamBog
macrumors 6502
Potential switcher - what's the point of switching?
Hey! Please let me explain my title [point/question].
I thought these keyboard thingys were meant for using, not idolising.
Why I do read quite often, people discussing hardware, the benefits and then suggesting they're going to hold off until the next upgrade?
If you don't need what's on offer at the current moment, do you need what will be available the next moment? Surely you're using something at the moment, or you wouldn't be able to post to the forum [or are you in a cybercafe?]
I'm about to attempt to launch the family into 'Mac space' with a 24" iMac 2.4 and a white 2.2 MB for Christmas. But I'm worried, having studied various threads over the last four weeks, that owning a Mac is about what you've got, or going to get and not actually using it, and that those attempting to use their machine are subject to idiosyncrasies common to all tech stuff [iMac freezing, MB hard drives failing].
I understand when you're upgrading you don't want to pick up a product that is near the end of it's revision cycle, but buying a machine and then not opening the box coz' you're waiting for the January Macworld announcements?????
Is this 'Mac thing' a game [and not for my boring sort], or am I doing the right thing for the family going for the big switch?
PS we love the Mac vs PC ads
Hey! Please let me explain my title [point/question].
I thought these keyboard thingys were meant for using, not idolising.
Why I do read quite often, people discussing hardware, the benefits and then suggesting they're going to hold off until the next upgrade?
If you don't need what's on offer at the current moment, do you need what will be available the next moment? Surely you're using something at the moment, or you wouldn't be able to post to the forum [or are you in a cybercafe?]
I'm about to attempt to launch the family into 'Mac space' with a 24" iMac 2.4 and a white 2.2 MB for Christmas. But I'm worried, having studied various threads over the last four weeks, that owning a Mac is about what you've got, or going to get and not actually using it, and that those attempting to use their machine are subject to idiosyncrasies common to all tech stuff [iMac freezing, MB hard drives failing].
I understand when you're upgrading you don't want to pick up a product that is near the end of it's revision cycle, but buying a machine and then not opening the box coz' you're waiting for the January Macworld announcements?????
Is this 'Mac thing' a game [and not for my boring sort], or am I doing the right thing for the family going for the big switch?
PS we love the Mac vs PC ads
I think your options should be:
iMac
Macbook + external monitor + keyboard/mouse
You do not want to be typing on a laptop for a long time. The screen is low which will cramp your neck and the keyboard is cramped.
Macbook will give you the power and portability as well as being cheap enough to buy an external monitor with a keyboard and mouse (or you can just use your windows keyboard/mouse). At home you can just fold it up and use it as a desktop with an external monitor and keyboard.
Either way dont get a laptop without an external monitor or keyboard, especially since you do a lot of typing.
(remember that you can use your PC stuff with macs, if you are happy with your current monitor then you can always just use that instead of buying a new one. Same goes for your keyboard and mouse if they are USB)
iMac
Macbook + external monitor + keyboard/mouse
You do not want to be typing on a laptop for a long time. The screen is low which will cramp your neck and the keyboard is cramped.
Macbook will give you the power and portability as well as being cheap enough to buy an external monitor with a keyboard and mouse (or you can just use your windows keyboard/mouse). At home you can just fold it up and use it as a desktop with an external monitor and keyboard.
Either way dont get a laptop without an external monitor or keyboard, especially since you do a lot of typing.
(remember that you can use your PC stuff with macs, if you are happy with your current monitor then you can always just use that instead of buying a new one. Same goes for your keyboard and mouse if they are USB)
I'm waiting for tax reasons. Everyone has their own reasons and levels of need and excitement. I don't think there's a right or wrong reason. People should either wait, or buy, for whatever reasons they have.
This is becoming a very real possibility. I'm liking all these different combination options. I definitely prefer a full keyboard.
Never gonna happen. Not an option. I want nothing to do with M$ ever again. I'm seriously finished with them. Thanks for the thought, though! 🙂
Sorry. I just meant that I don't intend to use any M$ products with my new Mac, when I get it. I currently have a laptop that's three years old. I'm going to give that to a Jr. High student that really needs a computer.
PeckhamBog
macrumors 6502
I agree. I don't understand why anyone would agonize over choosing a desktop (iMac) or a laptop (macbook)...the easy solution is to get a macbook with an external monitor (namely the 24" Apple cinema display). If you're concerned about money, seek out refurbished models. The only other things you need to pick up is a (wireless) keyboard and (magic) mouse, that way you get the portability of a laptop and the experience of a desktop - Best of both worlds.
pukifloyd
macrumors 6502a
Digital Skunk
macrumors G3
I can't believe this thread came back to haunt us! 😀
Well, the REAL reason to get a desktop is to have more power and more storage and screen real estate at a cheaper price.
When comparing the base model (current 2010 models) MBP to the iMac you get a 20" IPS display 500GB HDD, 4GB of RAM, 3.06GHz processor (up from 2.26GHz.
When looking at the mid ranged 15" MBP you get Core i5 and a 27" monitor. For some, however, it is just about having a bigger monitor. Others, it's about the power.
Well, the REAL reason to get a desktop is to have more power and more storage and screen real estate at a cheaper price.
When comparing the base model (current 2010 models) MBP to the iMac you get a 20" IPS display 500GB HDD, 4GB of RAM, 3.06GHz processor (up from 2.26GHz.
When looking at the mid ranged 15" MBP you get Core i5 and a 27" monitor. For some, however, it is just about having a bigger monitor. Others, it's about the power.