considering buying an iMac, have a few questions...

[maclook]

i own a 2006 macbook but as i grow to use more advanced, professional computer programs, i realize the macbook won't be up to the task. although the new macbook pros are beautiful and amazing, since my macbook probably wont have much resale value, i have been considering keeping my macbook as my notebook and buying an iMac as my more powerful computer (rather than upgrading to a new notebook, rendering my 2006macbook useless).

so i just want some opinions on the following subjects...
1. Can the monitor be used with my macbook, or is it restricted to the iMac?
2. Do you expect an LED equipped iMac in under a year?
3. Comparing the 13" Macbook Pro and any sized iMac, would you agree that the iMacs have a considerably more bang for the buck?
4. Is the Nvidia Geforce 120 a big step up from the 9400M? i will be using 3d rendering software (and maybe some gaming from time to time, but thats not essential to me)

 

[SOLLERBOY]

I have a 20" imac that I got in march 08 ( it's the 07 version) it's a 2.0ghz core 2 duo with the ati 2400HD graphics chip and 3GB RAM. I use all the cs4 apps like photoshop without any fuss and final cut works good too. The imac is a powerful machine, my macbook could be slightly faster but that's because it's much new with more ram, faster processor etc etc. I think the new imacs outrun the macbooks and low end macbook pros.

EDIT : I'm sure the top end imacs will be an even match for the higher end macbook pro.

 

[MTI]

so i just want some opinions on the following subjects...
1. Can the monitor be used with my macbook, or is it restricted to the iMac?

There's 3rd party software that support this;

2. Do you expect an LED equipped iMac in under a year?

Unlikely

3. Comparing the 13" Macbook Pro and any sized iMac, would you agree that the iMacs have a considerably more bang for the buck?

It's not quite the sexy beast hauling an iMac out of a carry case and plugging into a wall socket at Starbucks . .