macbook pro for gaming or the imac

[kanshira]

hi, i am in a dilemma as i have going to get a mac soon but not sure of which one to get (macbook pro or Imac). i have been using windows for almost 15yrs now and i have decided to change to macs since uni mainly uses it. I study digital media so I will being doing alot of 3d maya, photoshop/adobe, video editing. Though they are my main purpose, i also play alot of latest games.

I am thinking about the macbook pro (15inch 2.4ghz 2gb ram 8600mgt) i am not sure if the 8600mgt is good for the latest games, is it? (games would be run in bootcamp wif win xp)

OR, is the imac's hd2600pro better for bootcamp winxp gaming? (imac with the hd2600pro graphics card)

I know that both these systems would fit my study purposes just fine (maybe the imac is a bit better) and the portability isnt really a big issue - mainly the compatibility of gaming on the 2 systems is the main concern.

 

[kanshira]

bump

 

[flopticalcube]

They are more or less the same really.

 

[aethelbert]

I would go with the iMac. I have both (each 2.4 with 2gb ram) and I can say that gaming feels better on the iMac. The bigger screen and the dedicated keyboard and mouse just make it feel more natural. Performance-wise, they are pretty much the same. Only get the macbook pro if you are really concerned about portability.

 

[e12a]

i have a 2.33 MBP and i game on it all the time. I keep all my games on an external hard drive however, so i dont get distracted at school...though one time I accidentally left my hard drive in my backpack (I wondered why it was so heavy until I remembered) when I went to school...so i ended up playing in the library with my headphones on.

Portable gaming is nice.

 

[kanshira]

Would it play games like crysis or ut3 on mid to high settings? .. cause i like my games to look pretty for the extra appeal besides gameplay haha.

I think it wouldnt really run well on high since heard it wont even work very well with max settings on like a 8800gtx etc but just want to confirm this.

(i'm also thinking off upgrading the ram to 4gb .. tho not with apple since it cost extra 1k ish which i reckon is totally not worth it.

 

[KingYaba]

The only concern you should have with playing games on the Macbook pro is, is it comfortable for you? Keep in mind the fans start to roar on the Macbook Pro, at least for me, when playing games like the Frozen Throne.

If you're looking for a gaming rig possibly consider a baseline Mac Pro and upgrade it as you go. Go the refurb route and put in the ATI card for about the same price as the 2.4ghz Macbook Pro (new).