imac or macpro

[Check 6]

I asked a similar question on the MacPro page. Switching back to Apple after many years of windows (and before) got a macbook pro in September and love it but want a bigger format etc. Was ready to get a MacPro but I'm starting to step back for two reasons. One most likely overkill for what I do and second the space it takes up. So to the imac. Looking at a 2.8 extreme with 4 gig of RAM a 500 gig hard drive and the better graphics card. I am only looking at the 24 inch screen. Now the questions to the knowledgeable

I do all the normal computer stuff, word processing, spreadsheets, web searches, e-mail plus some photo editing with both Photoshop CS3 and Lightroom..... mabe a game or two. I'm retired so it is a hobby. Will I be happy with the imac? s the power supply have the capacity to power usb devices that do not have their own supplies? What about the glossy rather than matt screen ? My eyes are developing a problem that will only get worse. I do plan to keep an external hard drive hooked to is as well as a printer. I will have an external (powered USB hub) and from time to time use a scanner. This purchase is planned for at least a 5 year life cycle. Thanks in advance for the help

 

[skubish]

I would get the iMac.
But some things to consider:
1. The Mac Pro has more power and upgradeablility to last 5 years.
2. You can get an external monitor if you don't like the screen on the iMac. Having dual monitors is nice anyway.
3. There is no graphics card upgrade option on the iMac.

You may also want to consider adding an external monitor, keyboard and mouse to the MBP. It would be a cheaper option and the MBP is about equal in performance as the iMac. I believe you can even use a MBP with the screen closed.

 

[Kovacs]

I use my iMac 24" for all the stuff you mention above, plus web development. I am extremely happy with it. I came from a MacBook Pro which belonged to my previous employer, so I had to get a new machine a few months ago.

For me the Mac Pro is an object of desire but not something I can afford, so I went for the stock 24" 2.4Ghz and only added an extra 2GB RAM chip (bought from a much cheaper store than Apple).

The glossiness of the screen should not pose a problem for your eyes, but you should maybe check it out in a store first (if you haven't)? I can only say that I am in love with my iMac and the screen is fantastic. It is very different from the MacBook glossy screen (my wife has one and while it is a fantastic machine, the screen is glossy in a very different way). The iMac has a glass surface rather than a glossy overlay, so that may be the difference.

You probably wouldn't be disappointed with a Mac Pro but the alu iMac is a wonder of a machine.

Whether it will last 5 years is anyone's guess...

Edit: As for USB-powered devices I use an audio card and a MIDI keyboard in addition to the Mac keyboard and mouse and have no power problems.

 

[AlexisV]

I would get the iMac, especially since the Mac Pro is due to be updated in the New Year I expect.

However, your iMac specs seem a bit overkill. Save money and go for the 2.4Ghz processor. 4 gigs of RAM is pretty mad as well, especially if you're paying through the nose for Apple to fit it. Buying another gig from another supplier and fitting it yourself would be wiser, and 2gigs is enough for what you want to do.

Speccing it up in the hope it will last 5 years isn't quite how it works I'm afraid. Any computer will be very outdated in 4 or 5 years time, so save your money now and spend it on your next machine in 3 or so years.

 

[Check 6]

All good suggestions and I thank each of you. Speed is an ego thing and I guess I have it. Flew fast airplanes for a living and while I drive a fast car, I drive the speed limit which my adult children do not understand. Anyway I think it will be a imac. I do like the all in one concept and the alum finish (I realize cosmetics is not the issue) Thanks again and keep the comments coming. You can never have too much information.

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

I vote iMac here.

I would also buy RAM third party. http://ramseeker.com.

 

[Hmac]

I recently switched back too, faced the same dilemma. I was persuaded to make the switch after sitting down at a friend's iMac and was sure that that was what I wanted. Lot's of investigating and I went Mac Pro. The more I use it, the more convinced I have become that locking myself into a form-factor with a machine that isn't upgrade-friendly would have been a mistake for me.

I'm a believer in the concept that you should buy the most computer you can afford. I've seen a lot of people regret buying a computer that was too small or too slow, I've never seen anyone regret buying one that was too powerful.

 

[MacHiavelli]

I would get the iMac, especially since the Mac Pro is due to be updated in the New Year I expect.

However, your iMac specs seem a bit overkill. Save money and go for the 2.4Ghz processor. 4 gigs of RAM is pretty mad as well, especially if you're paying through the nose for Apple to fit it. Buying another gig from another supplier and fitting it yourself would be wiser, and 2gigs is enough for what you want to do.

Speccing it up in the hope it will last 5 years isn't quite how it works I'm afraid. Any computer will be very outdated in 4 or 5 years time, so save your money now and spend it on your next machine in 3 or so years.

Will the Imac be updated in the New Year to the penryn processors? A revamp in Jan?

 

[AlexisV]

Very very unlikely.
The Mac Pro will get Penryn architecture first, in the New Year. The rest of line up will probably hav to wait until August 08.