27" imac + 64gig iPad OR 15" macbook pro?

[newConvert]

So, I was in the market for a new macbook pro, and now that the iPad is out, there is an interesting dilema for me. I could do either:

- 27" imac (2nd best model) $1700
- iPad (64g wifi only) $700
Total: $2400

OR

- 15" MBP (2nd best model)
Total: $2300


Hmmm, i'll be using the computer for development and personal use.

What would you all do?

 

[WytRaven]

iMac/iPad but it really depends what you need from mobile computing I guess.

 

[newConvert]

I was thinking about it… and thought I'd miss having my laptop to do dev on infront of the tv.. But you SHOULD be able to get a remote desktop app for the iPad, then remote into the iMac for full access. The wireless keyboard that comes with the iMac is supposed to work with the ipad as well…

dilemas....

 

[Chupa Chupa]

iMac/iPad but it really depends what you need from mobile computing I guess.

Yeah, what he said. If you need to do serious work away from home then MBP. If you just need web access and a basic word processor then iPad.

I love the iPad & ordering one as soon as Apple allows, but the iPad is not yet a serious work tool like the MBP. There are plenty of professional vertical markets that will develop and the iPad will become a tool in time, but right now it's still a toy.

 

[Rapmastac1]

I've had a laptop before my iMac and one thing I've noticed is by the third week I have it pretty much glued to my desk to another monitor. That is why I sold my Macbook and got an iMac because I never used it as a laptop. I would have used it more as a laptop but it was too heavy to carry around and was too obnoxious to use in class.

The iPad and my iMac will compliment each other very well. I can take the iPad to a meeting at work and take notes and work on excel charts and fill out my calender, where my laptop would have been in the way. And of course my iMac's screen is much larger than a laptops and it is much faster.

Obviously I'm biased but I really have no use for a LAPtop versus a standalone computer. But I could get a lot of use out of an iPad where my laptop would have been a bother.

 

[maflynn]

never mind misread the op's post

 

[roland.g]

I was thinking about it… and thought I'd miss having my laptop to do dev on infront of the tv.. But you SHOULD be able to get a remote desktop app for the iPad, then remote into the iMac for full access. The wireless keyboard that comes with the iMac is supposed to work with the ipad as well…

dilemas....

Look into Jaadu VNC. I have it on my iPhone. I don't really use it, but with an iPad I would. I personally like the iMac (have one) with iPad solution better than the MBP. I also have a MacBook but might actually get rid of it.

 

[newConvert]

My macbook is literally falling apart at the seams now. I dropped it and the case cracked, so now along the edges the plastic is coming off.

Will hang on for the new MBP before making a decions methinks. Think i'm leaning towards the 27" imac + iPad. but i'm sure that'll change tomorrow.

 

[MikeyTree]

Will hang on for the new MBP before making a decions methinks. Think i'm leaning towards the 27" imac + iPad. but i'm sure that'll change tomorrow.

The iPad won't be in stores for another two months, so you don't need to make your decision until then.

As others said, it depends on what you need it for. I probably would go for the MBP because:
1) At home, I tend to use my computer while sitting on my couch or in an easy chair.
2) I do a lot of typing when out of the house.

 

[BobHail]

Get iMac + iPhone 3GS!!!

iPhone beats the iPad hands down!!!

 

[mrkjsn]

They may all share some functionalities but there are large differences between all the products you mentioned. If you're looking for a good medium - I would pick the MBP. It has the abilities of an iMac along with the mobility of an iPad. One can't replace the other though. Don't expect the iPad for example to be a mobile version of your iMac. You may be able to bring or view media's you store in your iMac but don't expect the iPad to do the kind of editing prowess a real computer has. Downside of a MBP - it won't be as powerful as an iMac and it won't have the same portability and applications of an iPad. Good news is...all products you listed are great either way.

 

[Jaro65]

Get iMac + iPhone 3GS!!!

iPhone beats the iPad hands down!!!

How? It has no hands to start with.

 

[mrgreen4242]

I absolutely love my iMac + netbook (running OSX) combo. I think I will be replacing the netbook with an iPad, though, as it is even more inline with what I do (especially with an Apple BT keyboard).

 

[newConvert]

Get iMac + iPhone 3GS!!!

iPhone beats the iPad hands down!!!

already have the 3gs! so I have that covered. Man i'm kinda agonizing over this decision. Leaning towards the MBP as I feel like iPad 2.0 will be much better than 1.0.

........but i'll probably change my mind tomorrow.

 

[northy124]

- 27" imac (2nd best model) $1700
- iPad (64g wifi only) $700
Total: $2400What would you all do?

Personally I am going with 27" iMac + iPad 64Gb (Wi-Fi + 3G) and from what I have read in your OP, it could suit you as well

 

[newConvert]

Kind of an old bump, but now that the iPad and new macbook pros have been out for a while, what do you think? I think I am leaning towards the iPad + iMac route, but I can't decide if I'll end up missing being able to do dev infront of the tv, haha. Probably get more done though.

 

[tbayrgs]

Kind of an old bump, but now that the iPad and new macbook pros have been out for a while, what do you think? I think I am leaning towards the iPad + iMac route, but I can't decide if I'll end up missing being able to do dev infront of the tv, haha. Probably get more done though.

You can still watch TV with the iMac setup. Either get a slingbox and watch on your iMac or use any of a number of VPN/RDP apps to connect to your iMac on the iPad--pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard or the keyboard dock and you're good to go.

 

[MikeCase]

I've had my MBP for about 8 months now and my iPad for almost 4 weeks. Now that I've had my iPad, like someone else posted, my MBP pretty much is on my desk with an external monitor.

With the iPad, I would much rather have an iMac over my MBP.

 

[mullman]

Sold loaded 15" unibody MBP + 24" Apple Cinema.

Bought 27" iMac + 64g iPad.

It's working out fine.

 

[JayMysterio]

I entered the Apple world via the Mini, then got a refurbed MacBook, now I have the IPad. My mother loves the MacBook now. I pretty much use the IPad almost all the time, and my back loves me for it. Now I am waiting to see if new IMacs are coming down the line in November.

 

[BobRichards]

I would go with the iMac and ipad. Remote desktop would work well
p

 

[AdamA9]

I have an iMac, and really want a MBP, however, I think it would be a waste, and I'd be better off with an iPad. But I travel a lot and would rather having a laptop with me... Agghhh... Maybe all three?

 

[mike.coulter]

Basically, C2D is still crazy fast in real world use. And you'll get two new shiny gadgets instead of just one...

 

[aluren]

Kind of an old bump, but now that the iPad and new macbook pros have been out for a while, what do you think? I think I am leaning towards the iPad + iMac route, but I can't decide if I'll end up missing being able to do dev infront of the tv, haha. Probably get more done though.

After 3 months you still haven't decided?

How about getting the MBP and iPad (if your budget permits)? The new MBP 15" with the Core i7 can easily handle anything you throw at it. But if you need the screen real estate of the 27" iMac, then that would be an issue... Maybe get a cheap monitor to plug your MBP to?

 

[newConvert]

After 3 months you still haven't decided? ?

Ha, well, I've been waiting for the ipad to come out, and the new MBP's, now I kinda want to wait until the new iMacs are out! In all honesty my current laptop will make due for a while. I dont play many games, and doing dev doesn't really take that much processing power (atleast for me)