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briantology

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 5, 2006
289
0
I know I already made a thread complaining about my situation, but I really am considering altering my comp. setup. I currently have a stock 2.66 Mac Pro and I definitely DON'T need it. Maybe in like 4 years I will, but not now for sure. I like to video edit as a hobby, so nothing too serious for now. I don't know how to use PS CS2, so I won't be using that anytime soon. I don't really 'game' on my comp. (I just play Halo on my Xbox). Let's see, what else... money isn't really a BIG matter, cause it's being paid for out of my college fund, but saving a few bucks would be nice :D . I keep considering selling my MP and maybe getting a 24" iMac. I don't want to go through the hassle of selling it though. And it seems like a vague rumor of a 'Mac Pro Mini', but does anyone know anything of this? I'm basically one of those people who are debating buying either a Mac Pro or a 24" iMac, except for I already made my purchase (though I got my MP before the 24" was released). Should I just keep my MP and shoot to have it for a long time, or sell it and get the iMac which will last me at least through college+ ?
 
A Combo

I suggest selling your Mac Pro and investing into a combo. You say that money isn't your problem or issue, so sell the MP. I suggest buying a iMac(whichever size suits you, I think the 17" or 20" is more practical for someone not using it for gaming or serious picture or video editing.) I also suggest getting the cheapest MacBook offer which is 1099. You can get upgrade according to what you want. But this way you have portability for college need and you have the powerhouse for all your music and whatnot. Just a suggestion.
 
why did you consider a mac pro in the first place? mac pros are overkill for the average college student.

you should definitely sell it and buy a macbook/pro. suits you much more and get some money back!

just to know, are the college funds you're talking about financial aid, scholarships, or your parent's money?
 
nagshay1818 said:
I suggest selling your Mac Pro and investing into a combo. You say that money isn't your problem or issue, so sell the MP. I suggest buying a iMac(whichever size suits you, I think the 17" or 20" is more practical for someone not using it for gaming or serious picture or video editing.) I also suggest getting the cheapest MacBook offer which is 1099. You can get upgrade according to what you want. But this way you have portability for college need and you have the powerhouse for all your music and whatnot. Just a suggestion.

Are you saying get an iMac and a MacBook? Cause if I were to get one or the other, that would not be enough for me. While MacBooks are cool and all, I don't truly need portability. And I do use Final Cut for making random movies, montages, and possibly professional stuff in the future for friends/family. But yea, I still don't know what to do. This sucks AND I have to write an essay for tomorrow, not to mention I'm currently very hungry.
 
vega07 said:
why did you consider a mac pro in the first place? mac pros are overkill for the average college student.

you should definitely sell it and buy a macbook/pro. suits you much more and get some money back!

just to know, are the college funds you're talking about financial aid, scholarships, or your parent's money?

'Ignorance is bliss.'

My college fund was setup a long time ago and has been invested in, so it's money already in the bank.
 
I suggest you go eat some food, write your essay, and enjoy your Mac Pro. It sounds to me like you have very little to complain about.
 
briantology said:
'Ignorance is bliss.'

My college fund was setup a long time ago and has been invested in, so it's money already in the bank.

my parents never put money in the bank for my college education...I guess they never thought about it. but lucky for me, I got a full ride which includes a stipend and a computer up to 2.5k. I'm living a very happy time in my life. :cool:

yeah, just keep your mac pro. it's a bit of trouble to sell it. the computer will last you a long while. but the extra cash from selling it is pretty nice.

I hate essays.
 
Well then, I just saw all my thoughts on the MR forums. Half saying to sell, half to keep. Then there's that little bit concerning more important things that I should be paying more attention to...
 
I'd keep it. In my opinion a MP is better value than a MBP (even though you can't walk around with it)
 
If you really wanted to save some money go get a plain ole MacBook! With the student discount it will cost $1049 and you'll get a free Nano and a free HP photo/printer/copier dealie. Upgraded to 2GB RAM this is all you need for writing essays, surfing the web, downloading er, recipes and housing music.
 
McT said:
If you really wanted to save some money go get a plain ole MacBook! With the student discount it will cost $1049 and you'll get a free Nano and a free HP photo/printer/copier dealie. Upgraded to 2GB RAM this is all you need for writing essays, surfing the web, downloading er, recipes and housing music.

Or 1199 for the 2.0Ghz one, the 1.83 one is really slow.. and a combo drive.. urgh
 
I don't want a MacBook for my main comp. But having one on the side would be cool. If I were to sell my MP, I'd prolly get an iMac (the 24" looks so divine...)
 
generik said:
Or 1199 for the 2.0Ghz one, the 1.83 one is really slow.. and a combo drive.. urgh

I don't think 170 fewer megahertz equates to a really slow computer.
 
You have very smart parents. Be like them. Sell your machine to someone who really NEEDS it and can't afford the brand new price. Get a machine that fufils YOUR needs. Conserve. The money will come in handy more likely than a Mac Pro.

Hope this helps.
 
manosaurus said:
You have very smart parents. Be like them. Sell your machine to someone who really NEEDS it and can't afford the brand new price. Get a machine that fufils YOUR needs. Conserve. The money will come in handy more likely than a Mac Pro.

Hope this helps.

I agree with this too
 
uh, your MP is brand new and much much more awesome than any imac out there. Keep it. Don't even think about not keeping it.
 
generik said:
Or 1199 for the 2.0Ghz one, the 1.83 one is really slow.. and a combo drive.. urgh

Oh no you didn't :eek: :p

And combo drive is just fine. Nobody burns DVDs anymore :cool:

briantology, why would you rather have an iMac then a brand new MacPro?
 
McT said:
Oh no you didn't :eek: :p

And combo drive is just fine. Nobody burns DVDs anymore :cool:

briantology, why would you rather have an iMac then a brand new MacPro?

because it's the most recent. I think he likes new things...:rolleyes:
 
You are in college. You seem to have an interest in video. As you expand your knowledge and skills, who knows where that might lead you? Right now, the job market is saturated with video editors. There is a big demand for animators, game designers, motion graphic professionals. You are fortunate to have one of the finest workstations in the world. You have few restrictions holding you back from being to able to express yourself in visual and audio media. You have it made.

Today I just ordered my 3rd PM. I need more HP for rendering and compressing. And, this is just my hobby. If your 2-3 year vision is not to use this computer's resources, then selling it for less technology may make sense. If that is in doubt, keeping it may make more sense.

It seems like yesterday when I bought my first PM. It is a 2.0 x 2 G5. It was the 'cat's meow' at that time. And you know something, it really was not that long ago. Last Fall I bought the G5 Quad, same story. In a couple years there will be 4/8 core processors with new bus technology. Our new PM's will seem like they are antiques. That is how fast things evolve in technology nowadays. This might be something you should (if you have not) consider.
 
Okay, I thank you all for your input. Now time for me to say some more stuff. I'd rather have the iMac simply because I think the screen would be better than my two ViewSonics (one has a problem of adding some red to black text or purple to blue text). Next, I don't need the power of the Mac Pro at this point in time and I also could save money. In the future if I were to need something equivalent to today's Mac Pro, there might be something better to get down the road when I need it. It's basically just an issue of screen and saving money.

Edit: And if I were to sell it, would it be better to sell it locally, post ads, etc.? Or where would be a good place to sell it online, ebay? I'd rather sell it locally, much easier by far... if I sell it at all...

Screw it. I'm going to indulge in my purchase and keep my MP. After all, it's only money...
 
Without having said it explicity briantology, I think what you are expressing is an embarrassment of riches. It's probably uncomfortable so you might not even be aware of it.

It's a common and natural feeling to have in a world with such extremes. I have experienced it myself.

Yes, your family bought you a very expensive machine, which is more than you need. But just think of it as being an extremely reliable machine which you can take good care of and use for a long time. Don't focus on the past. Just think of the good you can do for the world in your position, and that your Mac Pro is one of those tools.

Bob Dylan said:

"a hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom"

freedom in your case could mean riches/mac pro :)

You can get a part-time job and pay for your own new LCD to go with it (it sounds like you're using older monitors that don't work so well?) and buy it with your own money. You won't feel the same guilt.
 
If it bothers you that much buy an iMac and a MacBook (both at once), the MP can pay for both i think. I'm actually battling this decision as well except i havent bought anything yet. I would get an iMac but i hate the chin as it raises the screen higher. Longevity of the imac is also at question, with a macpro, you can just upgrade the machine and keep the display, with an iMac, you have to get rid of everything which isnt really practical.
 
generik said:
Or 1199 for the 2.0Ghz one, the 1.83 one is really slow.. and a combo drive.. urgh

My goodness, you're constantly negative.


The 1.83 one is really slow but the 2.00 isn't? What evidence are you basing that on?
 
Keep the Mac Pro. Even if it's overkill for your needs, you already have it. As for the argument that you have infinite cash, you still don't have infinite time, and life's too short to worry that you may have a computer that's too good.
 
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