Entire Mac comparison, which Mac out of all of them!?

[lu0s3r322]

Ok I was originally planning to wait for a new MBP rev. to come out, but now im having second thoughts. I don't have any idea which mac to buy now. Portability to me is as important as desktop power so they are both equally important. Also, screens are important. So now I've narrowed it down to 6 equally priced choices (w/ education discount). My limit is $1800.

1. Default low-end MBP = $1799

2. Custom Macbook Mid-range Macbook w/ 2GB RAM & 100 GB HD = $1784

3. Semi-custom default Macbook w/80GB HD + 20" Apple Cinema Display = $1793

4. Customized high-end iMac w/ 1GB RAM and 256VRAM = $1757

5. Customized High-end Mac Mini w/ 1GB RAM and 120GB HD + 20" ACD = $1681

6. Customized low-end Mac Mini w/ 80GB HD and SuperDrive + 23" ACD = $1768

As you can see, I am kinda leaning toward notebooks, but if i get the MBP i plan to wait for the next rev.

 

[Keebler]

Ok I was originally planning to wait for a new MBP rev. to come out, but now im having second thoughts. I don't have any idea which mac to buy now. Portability to me is as important as desktop power so they are both equally important. Also, screens are important. So now I've narrowed it down to 6 equally priced choices (w/ education discount). My limit is $1800.

1. Default low-end MBP = $1799

2. Custom Macbook Mid-range Macbook w/ 2GB RAM & 100 GB HD = $1784

3. Semi-custom default Macbook w/80GB HD + 20" Apple Cinema Display = $1793

4. Customized high-end iMac w/ 1GB RAM and 256VRAM = $1757

5. Customized High-end Mac Mini w/ 1GB RAM and 120GB HD + 20" ACD = $1681

6. Customized low-end Mac Mini w/ 80GB HD and SuperDrive + 23" ACD = $1768

As you can see, I am kinda leaning toward notebooks, but if i get the MBP i plan to wait for the next rev.

my question would be: what will you be doing with your new spanky machine?
email? video games? connecting to a home stereo? video editing?

that would drive us closer to helping you out.

 

[lu0s3r322]

well mainly i'll be doing the basic, iLife, word processing, internet stuff. But on my dell i currently use photoshop often and im trying to learn cinema 4d, i only use that spareingly. I guess that eliminates the last two. Im also planning to install Boot Camp and playing a few simple games nothing serious.

 

[dejo]

Entire Mac comparison?

 

[lu0s3r322]

lol mods, take that word out

 

[mark!]

OMG a MacBook + 20" Apple Cinema display would be amazing.

One day I will get a 20" Apple Cinema display to go out with my MacBook Pro.
I would LOVE to see my MacBook Pro in the clamshell position.

I think MacBook + 20" is the best deal for the price, speed, durability, etc.

 

[Wickens]

How come nobody chse the Mac Mini/?

I'm in the market for a new Mac as well. Currently have an iMac g3 400 Mhz maxed out, and an iBook G4 1Ghz max RAM, both on latest OS. I've been tasked at work with learning to use Photoshop and DreamWeaver. Later I'll be learning Flash and Illustrator and InDesign. I have a budget of $2K for hardware and can get the Educataion Discount. I already have an external hard drive and two Wacom tablets. So that puts a few things within reach like iMacs and Mac Minis with 20" or 23" Displays. Portability isn't something of great value at this point. And I don't want to buy technology I won't be using right way.

Thanks for your opinions!

 

[eXan]

I'm in the market for a new Mac as well. Currently have an iMac g3 400 Mhz maxed out, and an iBook G4 1Ghz max RAM, both on latest OS. I've been tasked at work with learning to use Photoshop and DreamWeaver. Later I'll be learning Flash and Illustrator and InDesign. I have a budget of $2K for hardware and can get the Educataion Discount. I already have an external hard drive and two Wacom tablets. So that puts a few things within reach like iMacs and Mac Minis with 20" or 23" Displays. Portability isn't something of great value at this point. And I don't want to buy technology I won't be using right way.

Thanks for your opinions!

If you plan to use Adobe apps intensively, I'd suggest you get a G5-based Mac. Otherwise, iMac Core Duo is the way to go!

As for OP, I guess you'll be fine with a Macbook+display, as you will have no problems dealing with integrated graphics. Just dont get RAM from Apple!

 

[dmw007]

I would go for a MacBook Pro.

 

[truz]

iMac is going to give you more computer for your money. I would go with an imac now unless you need a laptop, if graphics is not a major issue for yourself I would go with a macbook and purchase a new ACD once they are released (should be soon with the Mac Pro). If you plan on messing with photoshop and other graphic programs I would go with a macbookpro and the dedicated video card will help. I'm holding off for a macbook pro 13" or a macbook with dedicated video card.

 

[QCassidy352]

IMO minis are not a good deal right now. Add the fact that you want portability and I think a mb/mbp is the right choice.

If it were me, I'd wait for the new mbp and jump on that. I'm not a big fan of plugging and unplugging my laptop in to an external display (and other peripherals).

 

[slackersonly]

my question to these post is always, what do you mean by portability?

a. take it around with you often to different places - go with laptop
b. take with you from time to time for extended periods of time - iMac

 

[Topono]

I say get an iMac. They have enough power to run the programs you mention, and they aren't that expensive.

 

[lu0s3r322]

by portability i mean taking my mac around at least three times a month. in about a year when im a junior ill probably be driving and bringing my mac around everyday

i would definately not lug an iMac around with a keyboard and mouse

i think either a MBP or MB will do fine. can the GMA900 run photoshop?

if i choose a mb + 20" acd do you think i could get a 24" $700 Dell Widescreen instead?

 

[xfiftyfour]

can the GMA900 run photoshop?

yes, and well!

 

[j26]

How about stock mid range MacBook, buy external hd and ram yourself, and a cheaper monitor?