MacBook Pro vs iMac 4K 2019

[MrMister111]

MacBook Pro 2019 vs iMac 4K 2019. Looking at the base 1.4GHz with boost to 3.9GHz boost 4.1GHz, 16Gb RAM, 256Gb SSD MacBook, and the 3GHz 6 core iMac, with 16Gb RAM, 256Gb SSD.

Or is it (always is isn’t it!) a bad buy to get a MacBook Pro at the moment with the keyboard issues (fixed now with 3rd gen?), reported overheating etc?

How much performance will the, presumably, faster iMac be over the MacBook Pro? I did think about the Air 2019, but think that will be a lot slower. I want this to last for years to come.

You might ask why get a MacBook if thinking of an iMac, just think will use more if I’m not stuck on a desk out of the way at home, but want to make sure the MacBook is future proofed and capable as the iMac.

 

[Velin]

How much performance will the, presumably, faster iMac be over the MacBook Pro? I did think about the Air 2019, but think that will be a lot slower. I want this to last for years to come.

I'd say it will be noticeable, iMac simply does not have the compromises a 13-inch notebook needs to make. But if you are going to get a desktop, see if you can fit the 27-inch 5k iMac into your budget. It's a really sweet machine, the monitor is second-to-none. Also, if you do wind up with the 21.5 inch iMac, make sure to upgrade to the Radeon GPU, don't settle for Intel Iris (though it may be 4k iMacs automatically come with a Radeon GPU, as the Intel junk can't drive 4k).

Whatever you get, make sure it is an SSD, as your post indicates. Do not get a Fusion drive, they are not great and you absolutely will notice the performance hit.

Before you get a MBook Air, better look at one in person. I found the Air's screen too dim; it's noticeably dimmer and less vibrant than a Macbook Pro in a side-by-side comparison.

 

[MrMister111]

Thanks, I don’t thing will get an Air, as dual-core and wanting this too last.

I maybe, not straight away, get a 4K monitor for a desk later if needed for a MacBook Pro.

The iMac 4K come with a Radeon card anyway as standard, as you say maybe for the 4K driving off the screen. However the MBP only comes with Intel Iris and they can drive 2 4K external monitors.

Reason looking at MBP is convenience factor, being able to not be stuck in one place in house.

I don’t play games, well not lasted tones anyway, so think the graphics will be fine.

I’m just hoping that spec wise the MBP will last as long as an iMac.

As you say this time definitely going for an SSD, ridiculous that not standard on iMac anyway, had a fusion and was fine, just wonder how fast could be with SSD.

Also thinking of going 16Gb RAM to try and future proof as well.

 

[Velin]

Reason looking at MBP is convenience factor, being able to not be stuck in one place in house.

If the only reason is to move around the house, def. get the iMac. Much more screen real estate, and a more powerful machine with a vastly superior keyboard of your choice, plus full-size mouse. 13-inch screen becomes tiring and limiting after a short while, as does the small keyboard and trackpad.

 

[MrMister111]

If the only reason is to move around the house, def. get the iMac. Much more screen real estate, and a more powerful machine with a vastly superior keyboard of your choice, plus full-size mouse. 13-inch screen becomes tiring and limiting after a short while, as does the small keyboard and trackpad.

True but maybe was thinking if do struggle with smaller screen to get a USB-C monitor and use that. You might say well just get an iMac if doing that, but with a MacBook obviously have best of both worlds, whereas iMac you’re stuck.

 

[ignatius345]

MacBook Pro 2019 vs iMac 4K 2019. Looking at the base 1.4GHz with boost to 3.9GHz boost 4.1GHz, 16Gb RAM, 256Gb SSD MacBook, and the 3GHz 6 core iMac, with 16Gb RAM, 256Gb SSD.

Or is it (always is isn’t it!) a bad buy to get a MacBook Pro at the moment with the keyboard issues (fixed now with 3rd gen?), reported overheating etc?

How much performance will the, presumably, faster iMac be over the MacBook Pro? I did think about the Air 2019, but think that will be a lot slower. I want this to last for years to come.

You might ask why get a MacBook if thinking of an iMac, just think will use more if I’m not stuck on a desk out of the way at home, but want to make sure the MacBook is future proofed and capable as the iMac.

Literally the only thing the MacBook wins for is portability. If you have to have that, get the MacBook.

But by every other measure -- ergonomics, ease of peripheral use, thermal performance, display real estate, etc etc -- the iMac wins.

It's also one of the only remaining Macs you can easily install your own RAM in, which means if your demands for that go up, you can open a little door in the back and fix that problem very easily and without paying Apple RAM prices. The MacBook is a sealed unit, and you have to order as much RAM as you'll ever want right when you buy it, and pay Apple's price for that.

I find that having a big, capable desktop also lets me use a much less powerful Mac laptop around the house or out and about, knowing that for any heavy lifting there's my iMac ready to go.

 

[MrMister111]

Literally the only thing the MacBook wins for is portability. If you have to have that, get the MacBook.

But by every other measure -- ergonomics, ease of peripheral use, thermal performance, display real estate, etc etc -- the iMac wins.

It's also one of the only remaining Macs you can easily install your own RAM in, which means if your demands for that go up, you can open a little door in the back and fix that problem very easily and without paying Apple RAM prices. The MacBook is a sealed unit, and you have to order as much RAM as you'll ever want right when you buy it, and pay Apple's price for that.

I find that having a big, capable desktop also lets me use a much less powerful Mac laptop around the house or out and about, knowing that for any heavy lifting there's my iMac ready to go.

Very valid points. However I would get the 21.5” and so you can’t, stupidly in my opinion, upgrade the RAM. So in this way it’s the sand as MacBook, nothing on iMac or MacBook can be upgraded after purchase.

I wish could afford an iMac and MacBook but can’t really, and couldn’t justify it as well for what I use it for.

If went MacBook, I would maybe get a monitor on the desk where iMac is now, so probably be a bigger screen than 21.5” of the iMac anyway. Can also then use a wireless keyboard and mouse.

Regarding portability, it’s just more flexible, rather than being portable as well though, if want to use in another room, where others are, I can with MacBook, whereas iMac you are stuck.

Ergonomics is a good point again, but maybe I could do short times on it, and still get same amount of time where I would on iMac as wouldn’t have to go in another room, and have people moaning I’m not there!?!

 

[ignatius345]

If went MacBook, I would maybe get a monitor on the desk where iMac is now, so probably be a bigger screen than 21.5” of the iMac anyway. Can also then use a wireless keyboard and mouse.

I used to have a setup like this for years -- docking the laptop to external drives and such. It's definitely the best of both worlds, but I found it a little messy and irritating, plugging and unplugging things all the time. My usage pattern for the desktop is a lot more for dedicated freelance work where I'm AT the computer for long stretches, so that made sense for me.

On the other hand, devices have come a long way since I was doing the laptop docking thing, and I think you can just plug a single cord into the MacBook and connect to everything (including power) in one go. And as you say, that lets you use a better keyboard and mouse and set things up with better ergonomics than just hunching over a laptop to work.

 

[MrMister111]

On the other hand, devices have come a long way since I was doing the laptop docking thing, and I think you can just plug a single cord into the MacBook and connect to everything (including power) in one go. And as you say, that lets you use a better keyboard and mouse and set things up with better ergonomics than just hunching over a laptop to work.

Yes with USB-C on MBP and monitor it’s one cable, the monitor can also charge the MBP at same time. Also can have say a USB-C or USB3 plugged into monitor, for TM etc, and then they all connect once the MBP is connected by single cable to the monitor. A great solution I think as agree it’s messy otherwise.

I don’t use the iMac, and wouldn’t the MBP, for work, d so shouldn’t be on it for hours really. And I’m thinking probably better short stints on a MBP would be better, and I’m more likely to if a MBP than going to an iMac.

 

[DoM-i-NiC]

MrMister111,


If you are deciding on a 13" MBP - $1699 (excl. Sales Tax), you may also have to factor in:

• the cost of the external monitor (which uses Thunderbolt/USB-C)
• possibly - a docking station (even to use USB 3.1 ports, SD cards, ethernet etc)
• the inability to upgrade the RAM after purchase
• your own keyboard and mouse (for a desktop environment)
• AppleCare + is $269

If you are deciding on the iMac, would you consider getting a refurb model of the 27inch iMac?

This would allow you to get:

• a bigger screen [27" v 21.5"]
• the ability to upgrade RAM yourself later
• better GPU specs
• same CPU - better cooling/thermal headroom because of its larger size
• AppleCare + is $169 - $100 cheaper than the MBP

The 21" iMac with the specs you listed is $1799 (excl. Sales Tax)

The baseline 27" iMac (6 core CPU, 8GB RAM and upgraded to 256GB SSD) is $100 more at full retail price ($1899).

If you waited until Black Friday/Cyber Monday or were to shop around Microcenter, B&H etc, you may find an even better price for the iMac.

The cheaper price may enough for you to upgrade the RAM yourself later - even on Black Friday/Cyber Monday, or after Christmas - eg from 8GB to 24GB.

==================================================================

If portability is key, the laptop is obviously the best choice.

Another proposition is - to use your own previously bought iPad (if you have one) with Remote Desktop access to the proposed iMac to give you the best of both worlds.

If you can wait until Black Friday/Cyber Monday to get the best deals of whatever you choose, you should get some benefit from it - maybe even a few upgrades eg. Doubling your storage to 512GB SSD.

Good luck in your decision and bargaining,

Dom

 

[MrMister111]

Wouldn’t mind if buying a refurb, have before and been brilliant. Look new.

Portability isn’t the big decision, as in being able to take out and about for anything, as my iPad is enough for me for this. However I wouldn’t mind the portability around the house if that makes sense rather than being stuck out of the way with an iMac.

The screen if have to buy extra would be a Xmas pressy I think. The dock if get is £20 for the ports if need so not that expensive.

I’m in UK also so deals aren’t really around, tbh, although we do have Black Friday

mmmm

 

[DoM-i-NiC]

Hi,

Apple usually give gift cards on Black Friday/Cyber Monday in the UK (I'm from NI).

Curry's/PC World, John Lewis and other retailers give bigger discounts - Amazon may be harder to track.

Some of Last Year's Deals
Telegraph (Newspaper) Link
TechRadar Link
Independent (Newspaper) Link

This year
Radio Times Link

It would be better to look at the other retailers listed in the links above for better deals - and try to match the minimum specs that you are looking for - 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD etc. The above deals do not seem to show the latest iMac at the time (last year etc).

Browsing Curry's website today - for the iMac, they only have the standard HDD or Fusion drive within your price range. For the 13" MBP, they do not offer the 16GB model on their website.

Good Luck,

Dom