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iMac & macbook OR macbook pro

J

jus407

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 25, 2008
97
0
I am going off to college will use the computer for essays/internet/music (love my music)/youtube/email/surfing the internet


with that said what should i buy?

I want to take a laptop with me to class thats why i will get a macbook along with my iMac if i get it, or just a macbook pro if i choose that what would you recommend?

would the macbook pro suffice as a desktop replacement and still be portable enough to take to class, or would i be better off with a macbook and imac?
 
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In my experience having 2 computers can be useful and I think the MacBook is both a better build quality and more suited to your needs than the Pro.
 
do you know about the battery life of the macbook? i have tried to find somewhere where they benchmarked the macbook's battery life but only find macbook pro benchmarks.

edit: and sorry for posting another which should i get thread

edit: and how's the screen size for usability?
 
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My MacBook lasts 4.5 hours on battery using wifi, safari and a messenger app.

I thought the screen wouldn't be big enough originally, however if is, and I use spaces anyway to split my apps up.
 
I have a MBP and can say that it is a reasonable desktop replacement that also has portability. However, I would love an iMac too.

I would say that if you can keep the two computers in sync to get a macbook and the iMac. The macbook will suit your needs just fine and the iMac will make a nice companion in your room.

2 computers are better than 1.
 
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.Mac, although a little pricey (though cheaper with a mac purchase), will keep the important files in sync across both macs.
 
thanks for the info, I think i will buy a macbook when they update them,

(i can wait for the next update, i am hoping they will have LED screen and penyrn to help out the battery life as thats a huge thing for me with laptops)

and then i will buy an iMac if needed/wanted after that.
 
A desktop AND laptop? an imac only nice, but what if you need to take it around campus, so, imac isn't good. macbook nice, can be small though if its going to be the main computer. macbook and imac, overwhelming for a college student whose home is far away, its unnecessary, your basically going to live on the campus, a macbook and imac? i dont think so. imac and mbp? get out

I think ONE MacBook Pro is the right choice, when they get updated, I say shoot for the middle model, and you'll have a desktop when you need it, and a laptop too. I can just imagine how powerful a macbook pro is to be a pretty good desktop and take on the mobile world. Some people also bring along displays with their mbp's to college to really get the desktop feel

the imac is if you ONLY need it in your dorm, and you know that for sure, but i don't believe that, macbook only, can get crampy, both, i dont think so, and again, an imac and mbp is just too much.

So it basically leads down to a macbook pro, a perfect college companion, its a powerful* LITTLE** thing.

*Denotes Desktop power

**Denotes portability
 
I love having an iMac and a laptop (albeit a cheap Compaq laptop). It's great having all of my important files on the iMac, and then when I just want to lay in bed and browse the web or take the laptop to school to present a powerpoint or something. I personally don't like the MBP keyboard, the new style is much nicer to type on. But it all depends on what you like. Carrying a $2000 laptop around campus that can easily dent... ehhh not something I would be happy about. The MacBook's can scratch... but which do you prefer? Dents or scratches?
 
what i meant was i would get either an iMac and a macbook or just the macbook pro i would NOT get a macbook pro and an imac as i understand that yes that is too much but i dont know if i should get an imac to keep in my room and a simple macbook to carry around or just a macbook pro as my only computer
 
Mikebuzzsaw said:
imac + mba....
:D
Click to expand...

yes but a little more than i want to pay plus the mba doesnt have any speakers and i love my music, no speakers on a laptop is a big no-no (and headphones start to irritate my ears after a while of listening to them)
 
jus407 said:
yes but a little more than i want to pay plus the mba doesnt have any speakers and i love my music, no speakers on a laptop is a big no-no (and headphones start to irritate my ears after a while of listening to them)
Click to expand...

They do have speakers, mono, they're not that bad, they were actually pretty good when i tried them

jus407 said:
i never thought of this combination but this would be a good idea too just get a bluetooth keyboard and mouse...
Click to expand...

Did anyone read my first post in this thread? I mean i did mention that!!!
 
bluedoggiant said:
They do have speakers, mono, they're not that bad, they were actually pretty good when i tried them



Did anyone read my first post in this thread? I mean i did mention that!!!
Click to expand...

Obviously not...

But the MacBook Pro + Cinema Display (or whatever you prefer) is a good idea. That way, you can have a large display, bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and the MBP to take with you wherever you go. Wait a couple of weeks though, the new MBP supposedly coming out within that time frame.
 
ryannel2003 said:
Obviously not...

But the MacBook Pro + Cinema Display (or whatever you prefer) is a good idea. That way, you can have a large display, bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and the MBP to take with you wherever you go. Wait a couple of weeks though, the new MBP supposedly coming out within that time frame.
Click to expand...

Uhh, I think so...

bluedoggiant said:
A desktop AND laptop? an imac only nice, but what if you need to take it around campus, so, imac isn't good. macbook nice, can be small though if its going to be the main computer. macbook and imac, overwhelming for a college student whose home is far away, its unnecessary, your basically going to live on the campus, a macbook and imac? i dont think so. imac and mbp? get out

I think ONE MacBook Pro is the right choice, when they get updated, I say shoot for the middle model, and you'll have a desktop when you need it, and a laptop too. I can just imagine how powerful a macbook pro is to be a pretty good desktop and take on the mobile world. Some people also bring along displays with their mbp's to college to really get the desktop feel

the imac is if you ONLY need it in your dorm, and you know that for sure, but i don't believe that, macbook only, can get crampy, both, i dont think so, and again, an imac and mbp is just too much.

So it basically leads down to a macbook pro, a perfect college companion, its a powerful* LITTLE** thing.

*Denotes Desktop power

**Denotes portability
Click to expand...
 
You obviously don't need the power of a macbook pro. So if that's the case then don't buy one over a macbook as they will perform basically the same. For about $300 you could get a display (19-20") plus a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. There you have a desktop set up if you need it. Or if you want more desktop power you can get the iMac. But I would go against that. Just because you have money doesn't mean that you have to spend it all.
 
arnette said:
What he said. Why do you need a Macbook Pro over a regular Macbook?
Click to expand...

I know it sounds bad but it looks cool, and it has the faster processors which (hopefully) would last me a little longer, bigger screen, but if i get the macbook + external display then i guess i could get a macbook, plus my uncle told me to go ahead and get the pro (he buys the macbook pro's, i guess its his personal preference)
 
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