Need help deciding between iMac and iPad.

[Aarktik]

Hello everyone,

I really need help deciding between an iMac and an iPad. I can currently only pick one or the other.

I'm currently in school for a bachelors in animation and so I figured I could get an iMac to do some work at home. (Don't want a Mac Pro) I don't own any computer at all but I do live with my aunt and she has a fairly old computer. However, my school has a huge computer lab open almost all year and almost 24/7 each day. All the computers have CS4, Maya, and all the programs I could ever need installed. Also the school is 5 minutes from where I live.

I'd like an iPad as well because I like the idea of having an always connected device. (Stuck for another year with a dumbphone so no iPhone for me yet) Aside from from my school work and personal projects, an iPad does everything I would use a computer for.

So my question is: Do I buy an iMac to have my own computer where I live or do I buy an iPad to have an always connected device to take with me everywhere?

Thanks so much for any help! And I look forward to being a part of the community here at Mac Rumors. I've been a lurker for too long :]

 

[jonnymo5]

Get the iMac. The iPad is a supplemental device, not a desktop substitute.

 

[roland.g]

Doesn't sound like you have a sufficient computer to hook the iPad to. You will need a computer and it doesn't look like your Aunt's old computer will work for setup and any syncing. While you would be able to download straight to iPad any iTunes, Apps, iBooks, etc over WiFi or 3G, you will need a computer for setup, backup, and any software updates (and I'm not just talking 4.0, and 3.2.x or 3.x updates that fix any bugs. Based on all that I would recommend the iMac.

 

[MNkid]

iMac. Who wants to go to the lab at 12:30 at night? Go to school, graduate and
make enough money to have an iPad in each room.

 

[gwynne]

I'm currently in school for a bachelors in animation and so I figured I could get an iMac to do some work at home.

I think this is your answer. Unless by 'work' you mean light text editing, it sounds like you need a desktop or a good laptop.

 

[mobilehavoc]

Sorry but the fact that you would even compare the two boggles my mind.

 

[Aarktik]

You guys are right. I guess I was just trying to convince myself I could live off of an iPad. And that's what worries me about the iPad... What if I need to do something and I can't do it? I was thinking I can just use the school computers but I'm sick of carrying all of my data on portable HDD's. I guess it would make more sense to get the iMac first then the iPad later.

Thanks

 

[hakuryuu]

Mac Pro! But yeah, as stated the iMac is the only answer for your situation. It isn't the best option when compared to a Mac Pro or other windows/linux based workstation but it is sufficient for the time being.

 

[Nausicaa]

Considering your field, you should probably go with the iMac. If you didn't require heavy processing power, I would say go with a MacBook and 16gb iPad.

 

[Spankey]

I would go with a Macbook Pro. You get the horsepower you need for graphics/animation work and portability in case you ever need to take it to class, the lab, or anywhere else for help with work.

 

[idunn]

Neither

Unless wishing to always use the school's computer lab for 'school work and personal projects,' do not opt for the iPad. It lacks many of the basic capabilities of even the low-end MacBook, with the most expensive version costing nearly as much. If having the money, an iPad would be a great device for a student, but not as one's sole computer. In time, with cloud computing, its interface could be used for any computing task, but that day is not here.

In consequence the consideration how much you value portability, if the iPad out. There is a lot to be said for mobility, particularly at school. Despite the greater capability for the price, in retrospect an iMac may prove a poor choice in always tying you down to one spot. The better option, at about the same price, a laptop such as the MacBook Pro. Or somewhat less money, the MacBook, being a quite able computer. If money is a serious issue, with a new iPad (lowest end) at but $500 tempting, then seriously consider purchasing a used laptop instead.

As lovely as it may be, for some tasks you may well the need the iPad will prove an inadequate frustration.

 

[mikethebigo]

I would go with a Macbook Pro. You get the horsepower you need for graphics/animation work and portability in case you ever need to take it to class, the lab, or anywhere else for help with work.

I agree, why not the best of both worlds with a Macbook Pro?

 

[mullman]

I agree, why not the best of both worlds with a Macbook Pro?

+1

IF I could only have one Mac, it would be a MacBook Pro.