iMac 2019 base model vs MacBook Pro 2019 specced out

[Imposture]

Hi,

I'd like to hear your opinion between two 2019 Apple devices. My main concern is about performance as well as future proofing and longevity.


iMac 2019 27" base model :
i5 3,0ghz
8gb ram (I would add 16gb)
512ssd
Radeaon 570X 4gb

versus

Macbook Pro 13" specced out :
i5 2,5 ghz
16gb ram
512 ssd
Intel Iris graphic

They're both around the same price and each offers pros and cons, which os why I'm debating. In one hand the iMac seems more powerful and has a gorgeous display (which also uses more power and graphic, right ?), in the other hand the Macbook pro is a laptop and can be moved around.

I mainly use my laptop at home with the occasional trips here and there and I would obviously get a bigger screen if I went with the MBP. Other than usability, could you tell me about performance and longevity ?

 

[tehStickMan]

• If you get a bigger screen with the MBP you're gonna need to shell out some serious money for a 4K/5K screen, or lose the 'retina'ness of it.
• MBP has known audio issues which Apple isn't gonna fix
• MBP has known faulty keyboard so I suppose 4yrs (length of the repair program) you're safe for.

I'd get the iMac unless you have a really compelling requirement to have a portable laptop.

 

[Imposture]

I agreed the iMac seems like a better value in my case.
One question though, I heard the i5 in the iMac doesn’t have hyper threading whereas apparently even the entry level MacBook Pro and its 1.4ghz processor has it.
How is it possible ? And does it mean the MBP processor would be almost better than the iMac one ?

 

[SecuritySteve]

I agreed the iMac seems like a better value in my case.
One question though, I heard the i5 in the iMac doesn’t have hyper threading whereas apparently even the entry level MacBook Pro and its 1.4ghz processor has it.
How is it possible ? And does it mean the MBP processor would be almost better than the iMac one ?

In general and with very few exceptions, all i5s do not have hyper threading. i7s and i9s have hyper threading. This is an intel processor naming quirk so that you know the quality of the processor.

In general intel processors work like this:

i3 - Bargain Bin, but gets the job done
i5 - Good single core, no hyper threading so lacking multicore
i7 - Good single core, hyper threading for multicore
i9 - Best enthusiast chip. Maximum performance.
Xeon - Server grade. Streamlined for specific server tasks at high performance levels. Lower single core performance than an i9, but better multicore performance.

 

[Imposture]

In general and with very few exceptions, all i5s do not have hyper threading. i7s and i9s have hyper threading. This is an intel processor naming quirk so that you know the quality of the processor.

In general intel processors work like this:

i3 - Bargain Bin, but gets the job done
i5 - Good single core, no hyper threading so lacking multicore
i7 - Good single core, hyper threading for multicore
i9 - Best enthusiast chip. Maximum performance.
Xeon - Server grade. Streamlined for specific server tasks at high performance levels. Lower single core performance than an i9, but better multicore performance.

I get that, thanks for the info, but it's still weird that iMac 8th gen i5 doesn't have hyper threading and MBP 8th gen i5 has it.

 

[tehStickMan]

Because the MBP i5 is 4 cores 8 threads, with lower clocks.

The iMac chip is 6 core 6 thread, with higher clocks, which will be faster in a bench than the MBP.

 

[Glockworkorange]

Hi,

I'd like to hear your opinion between two 2019 Apple devices. My main concern is about performance as well as future proofing and longevity.


iMac 2019 27" base model :
i5 3,0ghz
8gb ram (I would add 16gb)
512ssd
Radeaon 570X 4gb

versus

Macbook Pro 13" specced out :
i5 2,5 ghz
16gb ram
512 ssd
Intel Iris graphic

They're both around the same price and each offers pros and cons, which os why I'm debating. In one hand the iMac seems more powerful and has a gorgeous display (which also uses more power and graphic, right ?), in the other hand the Macbook pro is a laptop and can be moved around.

I mainly use my laptop at home with the occasional trips here and there and I would obviously get a bigger screen if I went with the MBP. Other than usability, could you tell me about performance and longevity ?

It depends on how much you value a 27 inch 5K screen and how little you need to travel with a machine. If you travel with the machine infrequently and mostly use it on a desk, buy the iMac. I have a loaded 2017 model—by far the best computer I’ve ever owned, at least until the next iMac.

 

[mmomega]

there will never be future proofing with computers, ever. there is only slightly pro-longing the time between the next purchase.

As for your reliability question. All I can answer with is personal experience.
I have a late 2009 iMac 27" and a late 2009 15" MacBook Pro. Both are still in use today so both right at a decade of use.

You'll have to make your own decision to have a portable vs a not portable machine.

Enjoy it.