I am going to be buying a new Mac in the near future. I will either go with the iMac 27" 2.8ghz i7, 8gb ram, and ATI graphics, or the Macbook Pro 13" 2.66ghz, and 4gb ram. I am just wondering which is better for iPhone/iPad/Mac development. I don't care if it is portable or not. I'm just interested in getting a more powerful machine that what I have currently, as my current mac is showing its age. Which is better?
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iMac or MBP?
- Thread starter CGillFrogman
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Why would you consider a less powerful mobile workstation if you dont need it to be mobile and you want it to be powerful?
@Thread starter:
Only you can decide what's best for you, all we can do is giving arguments for each option.
The iMac gives a huge display which provides some comfort of use when developing, and it's more powerful.
The MBP is far cheaper and is good enough to xCode efficiently; plus you can code anywhere.
In my view it makes economic sense to go for the MBP, save $500 and wait until you rack in a lot of $$$ from the awesome iPhone/iPad apps you will create
.
Only you can decide what's best for you, all we can do is giving arguments for each option.
The iMac gives a huge display which provides some comfort of use when developing, and it's more powerful.
The MBP is far cheaper and is good enough to xCode efficiently; plus you can code anywhere.
In my view it makes economic sense to go for the MBP, save $500 and wait until you rack in a lot of $$$ from the awesome iPhone/iPad apps you will create
.
You cannot compare it like that.
13" MBP: 1280x800 resolution, a total of 1024000 pixels.
27" iMac: 2560x1440 resolution, a total of 3686400 pixels.
3686400/1024000 = 3.6x more pixels on the 27" iMac = 3.6x more screen estate.
It's just a slight more than 2 times. I am assuming you were referring to the display size.
Go with the i7!
To save yourself a few bucks pick up a refurb. (mine is perfect)
And DIY the RAM upgrade.
You can easily save $400US+ this way.
To save yourself a few bucks pick up a refurb. (mine is perfect)
And DIY the RAM upgrade.
You can easily save $400US+ this way.
I don't understand how so many people do not get the math: the diagonal is 2x larger on the 27" imac than the 13" macbook. But in terms of area (which is related to # of pixels, which is what matters for screen size), the screen is ~4x larger. If you hold two 13" on a diagonal, you will notice there is space for 2 more macbooks along the opposite diagonal.
Anyway, more power and more screen size definitely helps for development.
Thanks, guys, for all your replies. I was leaning more towards the iMac, but I wanted to make sure it is worth the extra money. I guess everyone seems to agree that it is. I know what I am buying now. Thanks again.
I doubt I will ever buy another desktop computer. The mobility factor is far more important to me than the power. If I need power I will get a 17in. MacBook Pro and use it as a desktop. At least then I can move it around the house.
I think it comes down to portability. I actually own both iMac and 15" MBP and they're both i7. I love both displays although I sometimes think the iMac is overkill. I can only open so many things at one time. It's so large that I have to turn my head up and down and right/left to see the different windows.
In terms of speed, there is no difference. I play computer games- Steam, Command Conquer, GTA. I also do a lot of word processing/powerpoint and there is where the iMac comes out on top. I think if you're a photo/video buff, the iMac is like an extra TV/computer display. But the MBP is no slouch.
In terms of if I had to choose one or the other, I would keep the MBP over the iMac. And I think what should weigh in your decision is that the new iMacs are around the corner with the updated speeds of the i7 + new graphic cards. They were talking about updating them in the fall which is like less than 3-4 months away. I wouldn't buy a brand new iMac that would be outdated so fast.
In terms of speed, there is no difference. I play computer games- Steam, Command Conquer, GTA. I also do a lot of word processing/powerpoint and there is where the iMac comes out on top. I think if you're a photo/video buff, the iMac is like an extra TV/computer display. But the MBP is no slouch.
In terms of if I had to choose one or the other, I would keep the MBP over the iMac. And I think what should weigh in your decision is that the new iMacs are around the corner with the updated speeds of the i7 + new graphic cards. They were talking about updating them in the fall which is like less than 3-4 months away. I wouldn't buy a brand new iMac that would be outdated so fast.
Just buy both them.
Seriously. why not?
They will both be useful in their own ways and you will love the power and functionality of the desktop and also the portability and convenience of the Macbook Pro.
You really can't go wrong with having both of them.
Seriously. why not?
They will both be useful in their own ways and you will love the power and functionality of the desktop and also the portability and convenience of the Macbook Pro.
You really can't go wrong with having both of them.
Wow
IDk how much money the OP wants to spend but this would be a freakin expensive purchase
Wow
IDk how much money the OP wants to spend but this would be a freakin expensive purchase
It does depend on budget, but it was what I personally decided to do. I am happy with the decision. I was just going to buy the iMac but decided to tack on the MBP and I actually have really been enjoying having a laptop for my personal use.
My wife uses the iPad all the time so now I have some portable internet for out on the patio or the deck.
i have the same question since i read a rumor today that the new iMac will equipped i3/i5/i7 all range. i was thinking of buying an i7 MBP 15inch+get an iPhone4, alternatively i also could choose a middle range new i5 iMac+iPad on the equivalent budget . What do you guys think.
The reason i use to thinking of i7 MBP is purely because i want to play Diablo 3 in the near future over other Apple's laptops and i think the 512 VRAM will help a bit than 256 VRAM. While i guess a middle range i5 desktop iMac will handle Diablo 3 without any problems. and i can use iPad outdoor for some light daily use.
Oh god, how can Apple make so many amazing products that i want to own them all, but do not have enough money. Therefore i have to choose some and loss the others.
The reason i use to thinking of i7 MBP is purely because i want to play Diablo 3 in the near future over other Apple's laptops and i think the 512 VRAM will help a bit than 256 VRAM. While i guess a middle range i5 desktop iMac will handle Diablo 3 without any problems. and i can use iPad outdoor for some light daily use.
Oh god, how can Apple make so many amazing products that i want to own them all, but do not have enough money. Therefore i have to choose some and loss the others.
well, thats a tough question (but one that many people wish they had!) The iPad is very cool so getting that with the (rumoured) 21.5" i5 iMac would great and serve your needs very well....but.....
The i7 MBP (actually exists) and an iPhone 4 may be the better solution because you get all the power you need to play your games and you also get the portability of the MBP. You can play the games wherever you'd like with Wi-Fi. The iPad is very cool but does not truly replace an awesome laptop like the MBP and you get the portability of the iPhone right in your pocket.