Think I may end up getting an iMac

[Gunga Din]

Well, first I was targeting the Mac Pro to usefor Mac OS and Windows XP. (i'm looking to buy my first Mac) Would have given me the best of both worlds and to back up my PC software/games etc.

Then I looked at the Macbook Pro. Never had a notebook before and thought the portability would be nice, plus I could use my 21"CRT monitor for desk work. Still thinking Mac Pro or MBP because both could use this monitor.

So then I started waiting, like most of you, for a update. Since that time I picked up a new Dell (got a great deal that I could not pass up). So now I no longer need a Mac Pro to back up my PC needs and this allows me to get a Mac without infecting it with any Windows software.

Now it looked like the MBP would be my only target. However, since i was still waiting, I thought about my options again and started liking the iMac. I figured for the price it would be much more powerful than the MBP and a 24" Screen would let me enjoy my Mac experience more. I didnt want my first Mac experience to be on a 15" or 17" screen.

Don't u agree that the iMac is the better machine if portability isnt critical to me? I want to use it for making movies, animation, music etc. I'm no pro but I'd like to have the room if I start getting a little heavy duty. Plus I can use my CRT for more desktop space. 2 Monitors !!

So, I'm waiting for the iMac to update now lol. But at least I have my Dell to keep me busy.

 

[hydrokayak]

I's tough for me to feed answers -- but here's my life story on macs.

I bought a Macbook -- for schoolwork. I wanted a computer for just school -- nothing else. I wanted to take notes and such -- and figured the Macbook was the perfect size and weight (had a Dell i8600 -- wicked heavy).

After two weeks of using the Macbook I gathered my PC hardware -- and sold it ALL on ebay. I haven't looked back. Vista was a disappointment for me -- and the hardware issues I was having just nailed the coffin shut. Don't get me wrong -- I still have a few PCs around the house -- for LAN parties and such -- but my primary computer is now a 24" iMac. Plenty of power for whatever I want.

I'm thinking of installing bootcamp -- for the sole purpose of running Counterstrike -- but I really don't need it to be happy with my computer.

 

[Muncher]

I's tough for me to feed answers -- but here's my life story on macs.

I bought a Macbook -- for schoolwork. I wanted a computer for just school -- nothing else. I wanted to take notes and such -- and figured the Macbook was the perfect size and weight (had a Dell i8600 -- wicked heavy).

After two weeks of using the Macbook I gathered my PC hardware -- and sold it ALL on ebay. I haven't looked back. Vista was a disappointment for me -- and the hardware issues I was having just nailed the coffin shut. Don't get me wrong -- I still have a few PCs around the house -- for LAN parties and such -- but my primary computer is now a 24" iMac. Plenty of power for whatever I want.

I'm thinking of installing bootcamp -- for the sole purpose of running Counterstrike -- but I really don't need it to be happy with my computer.

If you have leopard, bootcamp should already be on there.

@Gunga Din: if money is no object, and portability isn't a problem, get a mac pro. It will do everything you'll ever need it to do and then some, and it will still be chugging years from now, if you give it some love . If you feel like you don't need that kind of power, the new MBP is faster than the current 24" imac (except 2.8Ghz C2E version), has a better graphics card, and is portable (can't beat that ). You get a Macbook Pro, hook it up to your monitor, buy a wireless keyboard + mouse, and use it in clamshell mode. Use it in good health!

EDIT: Not to turn you away from the imac. They're beautiful machines, and if you really want one, get the 24". Better monitors.

 

[YuriVoorhak]

I think the iMac has a pretty awesome bang/buck ratio. If you're only going to be dabbling in "pro" applications, it will more than accommodate you with ample ram. A Mac Pro is probably serious overkill, and if you don't need portability, why would you pay extra for it?

(Full disclosure: I hate the form factor of both the Mac Pro and the MBP, and yes, I'm goofy about things like that.)