iMac 27" i7 vs Macbook Pro 17" 3.06

[jr.dsgn]

What's good macrumors. I am an architecture student very interested and ready to purchase my first mac. I have been running an HP desktop the past few years. I am not sure which model would be the best and would like your help. I run intensive modeling/rendering programs, many times simultaneously; McNeel Rhinoceros/Grasshopper, Maxwell Render, Revit, some AutoCAD, as well as, Photoshop/Illustrator for presentations and need something that can efficiently/quickly produce. The Mac Pro is too much for me right now so that is not an option. Thanks again in advance.

Also, which storage unit is prefered - Time Capsul or Lacie...any comments from experience. Thanks.

 

[richard.mac]

dont choose the Mac based on GHz, look up the quad core Core i5 & i7 in the iMac and the dual core Core 2 Duo in the iMac and MacBook Pro.

if you want portability theres only one option in your choices, then choose the screen size you want on the MacBook Pro.

for AutoCAD i would suggest getting the best graphics available in your choices which is the ATI Radeon 4850 on the iMac. the MacBook Pro has an Nvidia 9600M GT which is less powerful (and also has a 9600M for power saving).

 

[mtnDewFTW]

iMac definitely.
Look at the benchmarks. It sounds like the perfect computer for you.
A large display, 2TB of memory, and a REALLY fast processor for rendering whatever you need.

If you ask me, I'd say that sounds right about perfect for you.

 

[jr.dsgn]

Thanks again for all of the advice.

I am leaning towards the iMac as of now, but I do need portability. With my HP, I'd pack up everything (screen, tower, speakers, etc) and carry to the studio - at least with the iMac its all in one if I needed to carry. Eventually I'd like to have both, but I keep reading posts about a new Macbook Pro coming out, but I'd have to save a few months to get the other.

 

[itommyboy]

I do need portability.

There's your answer then you obviously need the top of the line MBP. Apple told us a couple weeks ago that their "holiday lineup is all set" meaning no more new machines or updates will be out this year so if you need it now get it now. If you don't need it now and can wait the latest and greatest MBP (most likely i5s and i7s) will drop around February/March 2010 or so.

 

[fruitpunch.ben]

Thanks again for all of the advice.

I am leaning towards the iMac as of now, but I do need portability. With my HP, I'd pack up everything (screen, tower, speakers, etc) and carry to the studio - at least with the iMac its all in one if I needed to carry. Eventually I'd like to have both, but I keep reading posts about a new Macbook Pro coming out, but I'd have to save a few months to get the other.

The iMac is extremely heavy to carry around, ~20kg or so in the box.
But the performance boost from a MBP to an i7 will be very significant, so you'll just have to make the decision whether you want to sacrifice ease of portability for a faster computer.
Get the wireless keyboard and mouse and the iMac is very simple to cart around, its just big and heavy. But possible if you would like the performance benefits.