Can an iMac truly be a "professional" computer?

[joema2]

a system that you can't remove the storage is not an pro system unless apple can do in office warranty service even if it just coming out to your office to remove the storage from the old system and give you it + the dock to load it on to your new system or to destroy the old one.

Such on-site service from Apple is available, called AppleCare for Enterprise: https://www.apple.com/support/enterprise/onsite.html

This includes 24/7 support and worldwide hardware coverage – including on-site service and parts.

IBM purchased or plans to purchase 200,000 Macs to replace their PC desktops and laptops. This was because they were less expensive to maintain. Whether parts or field replaceable and with what tools, or whether the unit is swapped -- those are just details. The goal is lowest total cost of ownership for the professional corporate customer: https://www.macrumors.com/2015/07/31/ibm-200k-macs/

 

[bopajuice]

Thanks for all of the replies. I get that a pro can use different devices to get a job done, you can even use an iPad and edit video, and if clients are happy with the final video, run a successful business possibly off it. Maybe not...

I guess what I am wondering more specifically, do you think post production houses, places that edit video for film, tv, or places that composite special effects for movies, tv, would consider purchasing iMacs or iMac Pros vs. some desktop PC or Mac Pros? I do have a reason for asking this, I work at a school and we need to purchase computers to train our students consistent with equipment they will use in the workplace. We had been getting iMacs, especially when Final Cut Pro 6/7 was around, though we are now thinking of looking into PCs.

I would suggest asking the places that composite special effects for movies and tv what they use. I am sure they could offer a much more detailed real world answer. You are basically asking fans of a particular brand what brand they prefer. Answers may be a little biased.

My best friend is in the business and produces videos for all sorts of private companies and major sports networks. He was also a professor at a private university film school, and currently teaches production at private schools.

He uses Apple computers. His students use Apple computers. One of the major reasons they use Apple is not because of the hardware, but the software. He uses Final Cut Pro exclusively. The issue he contends with nowadays is he prefers the older version of FCP, and does not like what Apple has done to the current version. Personally I like the newer version better, but my professional needs are minimal compared to his.

Since your needs are directly related to video and editing, I would scour the Final Cut Pro forums. Lots of useful information there. I have read several people were not happy with the current version of Final Cut Pro, the lack of support, or the limitations of using and upgrading the Mac Pro (Trashcan). If you are looking for opinions from those doing what you want to do, look there.

For what its worth, my friend's iMacs and MBPs are a couple of years old. I have never heard my friend complain about them being too slow, or taking too much time to render, etc. It's always about the software, or issues with external disks. Most editors I know use external storage, some so they can share their footage, others to archive or store footage, and add or subtract storage as needed.

Good luck to you.

 

[Ethosik]

This is the issue people have here. They think there is only one classification for Professional use. That is, and the names here are just examples of companies, if it cannot be used by Pixar for Movies, or 343 Industries for developing games, or Trans Siberian Orchestra for making music, or unable to run 300 virtual machines, or on and on and on that it is NOT professional use.

If you are a video editor for a small company creating ads and informative videos at 720p/1080p resolution for web streaming, how is that any less professional work than Pixar? It is less demanding professional work, but it is still a professional task.

You buy what you need. If macs do not fit your needs, then it is not professional enough FOR YOU.

I have said this before, and I will say it again. I think EVERYONE (including Apple, Sony, Microsoft, and others) should stop using the term Pro. It is just shocking how so many people do not understand what Pro means in the product names.

Just ignore Pro in the product names. Actually, just change "Pro" to "Plus" as that is exactly what it means - better than the base model.

I agree with bopajuice. Ask companies/colleagues/friends/message board/whatever related to the field you want to work in. Could the iMac be professional enough for your field and requirements? Not sure. Ask around. ANY computer, even a $200 Dell desktop is a professional system. You need to get one that fits your needs. I do not know how this trend started that X is not professional. To some, it won't be. To others, it is. Professional use is relative. Based on what you need and what field you are in. Just like gaming systems are relative too. Only doing 1080p gaming at 60fps? A GTX 1060 might be all you need. Need to game in 4K? You need more power. To those people, a 1060 is not gaming compatible enough. Even onboard graphics are gaming to some.

 

[jlseattle]

When working with audio, video, animation, and special effects on an iMac or iMac Pro with the better graphics, speed, etc. can it really be considered "professional?"

What types of things do video editors, compositers, etc. need in a computer that the iMac does not offer? OR can it now do everything needed that essentially desktop computers can?

Not just referring to internal specs, but expansion, etc.?

Thanks.

Just my vote, the current high end iMac is sufficient for 95% of the professional user base. The speed increases you'll see with the iMac pro will be a bit higher but only marginally (many times the tests come out with in an margin of <10 seconds). When you get to the high end products they are really for those that want the power and the latest greatest in technology and power. Most users would be ecstatic to have an maxxed out regular iMac.

https://barefeats.com/imac5K_vs_pros.html

 

[BurgDog]

The other iMac Pro advantage over a regular iMac for productivity is more TB3 ports and a 10Gb ethernet port. Gives more options for external storage and networking. If the cooling is significantly better will also lead to general lower internal component temperatures that should improve reliability for systems that are worked continually hard. May actually have a lower total cost of ownership if there is a reliability improvement.

 

[rkuo]

This is the issue people have here. They think there is only one classification for Professional use. That is, and the names here are just examples of companies, if it cannot be used by Pixar for Movies, or 343 Industries for developing games, or Trans Siberian Orchestra for making music, or unable to run 300 virtual machines, or on and on and on that it is NOT professional use.

If you are a video editor for a small company creating ads and informative videos at 720p/1080p resolution for web streaming, how is that any less professional work than Pixar? It is less demanding professional work, but it is still a professional task.

You buy what you need. If macs do not fit your needs, then it is not professional enough FOR YOU.

I have said this before, and I will say it again. I think EVERYONE (including Apple, Sony, Microsoft, and others) should stop using the term Pro. It is just shocking how so many people do not understand what Pro means in the product names.

Just ignore Pro in the product names. Actually, just change "Pro" to "Plus" as that is exactly what it means - better than the base model.

I agree with bopajuice. Ask companies/colleagues/friends/message board/whatever related to the field you want to work in. Could the iMac be professional enough for your field and requirements? Not sure. Ask around. ANY computer, even a $200 Dell desktop is a professional system. You need to get one that fits your needs. I do not know how this trend started that X is not professional. To some, it won't be. To others, it is. Professional use is relative. Based on what you need and what field you are in. Just like gaming systems are relative too. Only doing 1080p gaming at 60fps? A GTX 1060 might be all you need. Need to game in 4K? You need more power. To those people, a 1060 is not gaming compatible enough. Even onboard graphics are gaming to some.

Professional tasks do not make the equipment "pro". A RED Epic is more "pro" than a iPhone camera. A Sennheiser MKH416 is more "pro" than a Blue Yeti mic. Just a fact.

iMac's are designed first and foremost for mass consumer purchase. They additionally don't push the limits in any particular way ... be it expandability, RAM, storage ... and are in fact woefully behind when it comes to GPU capabilities, which are one of the most important categories of computing in the past decade.

But buy what you need. iMac's will do great work for a large percentage of the populace.

 

[Joe The Dragon]

Such on-site service from Apple is available, called AppleCare for Enterprise: https://www.apple.com/support/enterprise/onsite.html

This includes 24/7 support and worldwide hardware coverage – including on-site service and parts.

IBM purchased or plans to purchase 200,000 Macs to replace their PC desktops and laptops. This was because they were less expensive to maintain. Whether parts or field replaceable and with what tools, or whether the unit is swapped -- those are just details. The goal is lowest total cost of ownership for the professional corporate customer: https://www.macrumors.com/2015/07/31/ibm-200k-macs/

it security may take issue with an system that may have data on it (even if it's just scratch / temp data) being sent out to some outside repair depot.

How far will they go screen / MB swaps or will they say that needs an depot repair? And if so will they let you keep the old SSD disk? change you say $500+ for it? what they say the old is bad will they let you destroy it? or does the tech need to return it to get there deposit back?

 

[CWallace]

it security may take issue with an system that may have data on it (even if it's just scratch / temp data) being sent out to some outside repair depot.

I would imagine if a firm is worried about it's data, they would be using FileVault to encrypt it.

 

[Ethosik]

Professional tasks do not make the equipment "pro". A RED Epic is more "pro" than a iPhone camera. A Sennheiser MKH416 is more "pro" than a Blue Yeti mic. Just a fact.

iMac's are designed first and foremost for mass consumer purchase. They additionally don't push the limits in any particular way ... be it expandability, RAM, storage ... and are in fact woefully behind when it comes to GPU capabilities, which are one of the most important categories of computing in the past decade.

But buy what you need. iMac's will do great work for a large percentage of the populace.

We are not talking about cameras here. So you are saying someone just shooting 1080p footage NEEDS these 8K cameras just because?

As I said, someone who just makes digital content 720p and 1080p (no cameras even), how are they not considered Pro? Is only recording at 8K considered Pro? Why not 16K? But wait, why not 18K? Someone buying a $200 Dell to write books on is a pro system to them.

This whole classification of pro needs to stop. It 8-cores enough? Why do they have 12-core processors then? Why an 18-core CPU coming out soon? WAIT. What about a 20-core processor already out? https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0G6-01MZ-00007

Why are there systems that have TWO CPUs? Is a system NEVER a pro system unless it has 128GB of RAM? What about systems that support 256 or 512GB of RAM like this - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157350

Is a GTX 1080 pro for CUDA? Why not get a Quadro? Why just get one? Is NOTHING ever pro unless it has triple SLI Quadro video cards running $6,000 in just GPU alone?

Is 1TB pro enough for storage? What about 10TB? Why not build a massive server that has 80TB then? Is NOTHING ever pro unless it has 80TB somehow attached to it (NAS, SAN, whatever).

What gives people here the right to classify what is considered a professional computer? Does it NEED triple Quadro video cards, 256GB of RAM, 10TB of internal storage with another 50TB+ externally with two 12-core CPUs?

Frankly, I find it insulting that so many people here claim you are not doing professional work unless you record at 8K, or some arbitrary criteria. There are MANY MANY MANY types of professionals in the world. A computer, even a $200 one, can satisfy some professionals. While others need that 20-core CPU, or 128GB of RAM, or several Quadro video cards, or 80 TB. Not EVERY SINGLE PROFESSIONAL TASK needs this.

 

[rkuo]

We are not talking about cameras here. So you are saying someone just shooting 1080p footage NEEDS these 8K cameras just because?

As I said, someone who just makes digital content 720p and 1080p (no cameras even), how are they not considered Pro? Is only recording at 8K considered Pro? Why not 16K? But wait, why not 18K? Someone buying a $200 Dell to write books on is a pro system to them.

This whole classification of pro needs to stop. It 8-cores enough? Why do they have 12-core processors then? Why an 18-core CPU coming out soon? WAIT. What about a 20-core processor already out? https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0G6-01MZ-00007

Why are there systems that have TWO CPUs? Is a system NEVER a pro system unless it has 128GB of RAM? What about systems that support 256 or 512GB of RAM like this - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157350

Is a GTX 1080 pro for CUDA? Why not get a Quadro? Why just get one? Is NOTHING ever pro unless it has triple SLI Quadro video cards running $6,000 in just GPU alone?

Is 1TB pro enough for storage? What about 10TB? Why not build a massive server that has 80TB then? Is NOTHING ever pro unless it has 80TB somehow attached to it (NAS, SAN, whatever).

What gives people here the right to classify what is considered a professional computer? Does it NEED triple Quadro video cards, 256GB of RAM, 10TB of internal storage with another 50TB+ externally with two 12-core CPUs?

Frankly, I find it insulting that so many people here claim you are not doing professional work unless you record at 8K, or some arbitrary criteria. There are MANY MANY MANY types of professionals in the world. A computer, even a $200 one, can satisfy some professionals. While others need that 20-core CPU, or 128GB of RAM, or several Quadro video cards, or 80 TB. Not EVERY SINGLE PROFESSIONAL TASK needs this.

As I said, one can be a professional using low end equipment, but that doesn't make the equipment pro equipment. That also doesn't mean the person is not a professional, so don't take it as an insult.

 

[Ethosik]

As I said, one can be a professional using low end equipment, but that doesn't make the equipment pro equipment. That also doesn't mean the person is not a professional.

Again, what is a professional computer? Only one that costs $20,000? $30,000? $50,000?

Similarly, would you consider a 4K camera a professional camera? How about to those that shoot 8K or 16K. To them, 4K cameras are NOT professional cameras.

You use the equipment you need. When did this "X is not professional" become a thing?

How is a 4K camera professional if there are 16K cameras? What about 18K cameras?

 

[MacStu09]

Most proffessionals working with media use macs,and among still photographers,the MacBook Pro is widely used.
Guess the Mac is a proffessional machine,as the only thing where windows is better is for gaming.

This is not correct at all... Most professionals with any graphics intensive applications have been forced to abandon Macs altogether. There is no current Mac available that even comes close to high-end PC workstations in graphics capabilities. The mobile graphics in recent iMacs are okay, but it's very easy to reach their limits.

 

[iPadified]

Strange that some things can be more or less professional. Either a device can be used for work (that is: used in a PROfession) or it cannot. A device can however be more or less powerful. A key signature of a professional is that he/she uses the tool that fits the task.

 

[SaSaSushi]

There is no current Mac available that even comes close to high-end PC workstations in graphics capabilities. The mobile graphics in recent iMacs are okay, but it's very easy to reach their limits.

I'm surprised someone of your clear expertise doesn't realize that the new iMac now uses desktop-class GPUs.

Just because an iMac might not be a computer of choice for a niche application like enterprise graphics workstations does not make it any less of a professional computer since there are a lot of professions using computers out there, particularly working with media.

 

[bopajuice]

Most of the comments here are right on mark. I blame Apple for throwing out the "Pro" monicker so casually on just about anything new they come out with. A "Pro iPad" what does that even mean? A faster iPad that checks your calendar twice as fast as the amateur version?

Almost seems like its more about raising the price, and not so much about real world use.

 

[rkuo]

Again, what is a professional computer? Only one that costs $20,000? $30,000? $50,000?

Similarly, would you consider a 4K camera a professional camera? How about to those that shoot 8K or 16K. To them, 4K cameras are NOT professional cameras.

You use the equipment you need. When did this "X is not professional" become a thing?

How is a 4K camera professional if there are 16K cameras? What about 18K cameras?

OK, let's say you're going to shoot a 50 million dollar movie. Are you going to go out and buy a "4K" camera for that? Maybe tell the guys to pick something up at Best Buy? Surely you must realize there's more to it, yes?

Fixating on resolution or price is really missing the point. A diamond encrusted computer will probably not be pro. But, in the vast majority of cases, a real "pro" component will cost much more than a mainstream consumer will be willing to pay.

I'm surprised someone of your clear expertise doesn't realize that the new iMac now uses desktop-class GPUs.

Just because an iMac might not be a computer of choice for a niche application like enterprise graphics workstations does not make it any less of a professional computer since there are a lot of professions using computers out there, particularly working with media.

Come on. The mid range GPU in the 2017 iMac 5K can best be described as "thank god we didn't get a complete piece of crap this time". It's still less than half the performance of the top end graphics cards.

 

[SaSaSushi]

Come on. The mid range GPU in the 2017 iMac 5K can best be described as "thank god we didn't get a complete piece of crap this time". It's still less than half the performance of the top end graphics cards.

I wasn't arguing that iMacs had "top-end" graphics cards, just pointing out the fact that they are no longer using mobile GPUs. There are many professional applications in advanced graphics development for which the current iMac line will serve admirably.

 

[Ethosik]

OK, let's say you're going to shoot a 50 million dollar movie. Are you going to go out and buy a "4K" camera for that? Maybe tell the guys to pick something up at Best Buy? Surely you must realize there's more to it, yes?

Fixating on resolution or price is really missing the point. A diamond encrusted computer will probably not be pro. But, in the vast majority of cases, a real "pro" component will cost much more than a mainstream consumer will be willing to pay.

Come on. The mid range GPU in the 2017 iMac 5K can best be described as "thank god we didn't get a complete piece of crap this time". It's still less than half the performance of the top end graphics cards.

So only those that shoot 50 million dollar movies are professionals?

Then get that camera that fits your needs! Seriously, what is going on here? Nothing is professional unless it fits your specific use cases? Really?

This is seriously like complaining a hammer is not a good tool instead of using a screwdriver. Different tools for a different task. I do not need the same computing power as someone doing heavy 3D modeling. I DON'T! Doesn't make the system I use any less of a professional system.

I have said it before and I will say it again, ANY equipment.....ANYTHING is a professional tool. $200 desktop or a $20,000 workstation. YOU....GET....WHAT....YOU....NEED. THAT IS ALL. If I am a professional just creating some web advertisements for a company on their website, why would I need a 4K camera when a 1080p one will do and be cheaper for the company? YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED. And how am I any less of a professional, or my job is not professional, if I use a computer with average specs?

Saying "Well X is not pro because it does not have desktop GPUs in it". A) they do and B) like what I have been saying all along, GET WHAT YOU NEED. If you need a Quadro instead of AMD's pro line, GET A WINDOWS PC. If you need a GTX 1080 or a Titan class video card, GET A WINDOWS PC. Not everyone NEEDS these things. But in no way are these computers any less professional than a $20,000 Windows PC. Just different tools for a different job.

 

[tuxon86]

When it comes to personnal computers, the term "Pro" is more indicative of which software package you are using then which computer you use to run said software. The only distinction that I do is when it come to workstation class computers like the Mac Pro or HP Zxxx serie, which are especially geared toward the industry and not the general public and sold as such. They use hardware that isn't common in general personnal computers like ECC ram and certified GPUs like the Quadro and Firepro.

So, IMOHO, the iMac can be use professionaly by running professional applications like FCP or Autocad, but it isn't a professional computer since it's hardware is more geared toward the general public. It is also of note that the iMac is a poor choice for some pro software and task if said task implies that the computer has to run at full capacity for an extended period of time, like rendering, due to heat constraint.

 

[bopajuice]

With all this arguing about what is pro the OPs question is getting lost.

Let's all agree "Pro" is a subjective term and move on.

 

[MacStu09]

I'm surprised someone of your clear expertise doesn't realize that the new iMac now uses desktop-class GPUs.

Just because an iMac might not be a computer of choice for a niche application like enterprise graphics workstations does not make it any less of a professional computer since there are a lot of professions using computers out there, particularly working with media.

You may want to look at performance of those "desktop-class GPU's". They're about on par with $149-$199 cards from a year or two ago. It's a step in the right direction, but it's still not even a close comparison.

 

[Seed101]

I'm sat at work watching a six minute HD animation render on a 2013 iMac....so yes, they can!

 

[rkuo]

So only those that shoot 50 million dollar movies are professionals?

Then get that camera that fits your needs! Seriously, what is going on here? Nothing is professional unless it fits your specific use cases? Really?

This is seriously like complaining a hammer is not a good tool instead of using a screwdriver. Different tools for a different task. I do not need the same computing power as someone doing heavy 3D modeling. I DON'T! Doesn't make the system I use any less of a professional system.

I have said it before and I will say it again, ANY equipment.....ANYTHING is a professional tool. $200 desktop or a $20,000 workstation. YOU....GET....WHAT....YOU....NEED. THAT IS ALL. If I am a professional just creating some web advertisements for a company on their website, why would I need a 4K camera when a 1080p one will do and be cheaper for the company? YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED. And how am I any less of a professional, or my job is not professional, if I use a computer with average specs?

Saying "Well X is not pro because it does not have desktop GPUs in it". A) they do and B) like what I have been saying all along, GET WHAT YOU NEED. If you need a Quadro instead of AMD's pro line, GET A WINDOWS PC. If you need a GTX 1080 or a Titan class video card, GET A WINDOWS PC. Not everyone NEEDS these things. But in no way are these computers any less professional than a $20,000 Windows PC. Just different tools for a different job.

I didn't say that only those who shoot 50 million dollar movies are professionals. In fact I said the exact opposite, and you just read whatever you want to read. We're going in circles.

 

[Ethosik]

I didn't say that only those who shoot 50 million dollar movies are professionals. In fact I said the exact opposite, and you just read whatever you want to read. We're going in circles.

So if you are saying the opposite, you are saying the same thing I am. So why did you even bring it up? Did I claim anywhere that a 50 million dollar movie company can get by with a 4K camera from best buy? I have said MANY MANY times that you get the correct equipment for the job. There are some professionals that COULD be fine with a camera from Best Buy and it will fit their needs just fine.

Please read what I said, you are the one not reading what I am writing. I have said from MANY times a $200 computer to a $20,000 workstation, they can ALL be used for professional uses. Someone that just makes a living writing online stories in PDF format can get by with a $200 system. Someone that need HEAVY 3D modeling, or Pixar like movie production, or statistical analysis, or data analysis, or any other highly specialized areas might need around $20,000 workstations.

So my SAME argument is the same as yours, Pixar cannot get by with a $200 computer. But some professionals CAN.

 

[SaSaSushi]

You may want to look at performance of those "desktop-class GPU's". They're about on par with $149-$199 cards from a year or two ago. It's a step in the right direction, but it's still not even a close comparison.

It's not a close comparison to what?