imac 27 inch vs 15 inch MBP

[hcho3]

I cannot decide. Please help!

They almost cost the same. I already have 11.6 MBA and I use that as a primary machine. I kind of want to have powerful CPU/GPU for video editing and gaming.

Which one would be the best?

My main question is...

Does anyone think 27 inch iMac is too big?

 

[chrmjenkins]

I cannot decide. Please help!

They almost cost the same. I already have 11.6 MBA and I use that as a primary machine. I kind of want to have powerful CPU/GPU for video editing and gaming.

Which one would be the best?

My main question is...

Does anyone think 27 inch iMac is too big?

The 27 inch is definitely more powerful, but the problem is that it's driving a much higher resolution. If you don't mind playing at non-native res (which can look very bad on a LCD), the iMac is the clear winner. If not, compare benchmarks.

 

[karsten]

The 27 inch is definitely more powerful, but the problem is that it's driving a much higher resolution. If you don't mind playing at non-native res (which can look very bad on a LCD), the iMac is the clear winner. If not, compare benchmarks.

1920x1080 is a common game resolution and it doesnt look too bad on the 27" screen since it's the same aspect ratio

 

[skiltrip]

It's been said before butnit really is ultimately a power vs portability thing.

I have a 13" MBP I just sold.

My options were upgrade to a 15" dual i7 or an iMac quad i7.

I want portability, but in the end I NEED power. So the iMac won.

 

[PatriotInvasion]

If you're keeping the MBA, than 110% go with the 27" iMac Quad-Core i5 for power. It's an absolute beast and that quad-core processor will future proof you a bit.

If you're selling the MBA, and absolutely need portability, than the MBP is probably your best bet.

Portability is not a big deal to me (especially with an iPhone 4 in my pocket), so I'm in love with my 27" iMac. And no, it's not too big. It'll look really big when you first get it, but once you get used to it, it feels like it "shrinks" in size.

 

[panzer06]

I don't think I could ever go back to only having a laptop as my primary system (even with an external monitor). I really like the power and screen real estate of the iMac.

Cheers,