Wow.. I love my iMac.

[ToM-RSC]

This is a bit strange but, well, things are strange.

I've been using a MacBook since early 2008, and 2 days ago (Thursday) it went to Apple for repair (The fan had died), and so I began to use my iMac properly -- over the past 2 years or so I've had it (It's a 1.7gHz White C2D), it's been rarely used, only as a backup computer for when something doesn't work right (I'm a developer, so I like to use multiple environments for testing and debugging, too), or for use by other family members.

But since this is the only other Mac I have, I now realise how much I actually love this iMac, and has made me seriously consider my next purchase to be a 27" (Or possible refresh-equivalent) iMac, instead of a new MBP 15".

I think because I originally started on my MacBook, I was grown to it, and never really wanted to leave that environment I had setup for casual usage, however now that I am using my iMac, it actually feels a lot more comfortable to use (I sit at a desk with my MacBook anyhow).

Has anyone else switched from MBP to iMac as their primary computer, and what are the pros and cons in the long term usage?

Thanks

 

[bolen]

I'm looking to replace my MBP with the upcoming iMac, perhaps not right at the refresh.. but eventually. The main reason is that my situation has changed quite a bit since I bought the MBP.. and now it's sitting on my desk 99% of the time. Having the laptop compromises when not utilizing its benefits is just a waste.

So, replacing the 15"+20" setup with a 27"+20" setup will be nice, getting more power and less noise when under stress. Looking forward to the iMac refresh! Just hoping to see any of eSATA/USB3/FW3200 or a simpler (warranty proof) way to exchange the internal disk.

 

[Zelnaga]

Originally had a MBP 15inch. Had it for about 7 months before I decided it wasn't for me and I always went back to my desktop (PC) which has VM with OSX. I personally wasn't a laptop user, and I'm defiantly getting the new imac when refreshed.

 

[Gregintosh]

I would say the desktop experience is far superior. Unless you are a road warrior due to work, that hardly spends time at home, a desktop makes more sense.

Not only do you get far more bang for your buck in terms of specs, you also get a much nicer screen (larger and better quality).

It makes no sense to sacrifice a beautiful large screen (21.5 or 27 inch versus 13, 15, or 17 which is borderline not portable anymore anyway) and so much speed/specs for the 80% or 90% of the time you use the computer just to accommodate the 10% or 20% you are on the go.

I use an iPad for on the go computing. I find with iWork I can quickly take notes at meetings, edit and e-mail out documents, and even surf the net. It is much better than a netbook and even lighter to and easier to travel with than a Macbook or Macbook Pro.

While not always ideal, I am willing to hassle myself during the rare occasion I need to do work on the go for the luxury of having a beautiful system at home, where I am 90% of the time and get 99% of my serious work done.

I think even if I did not have the iPad, I would rather buy a $199 netbook on the go if I absolutely MUST have a computer with me at all times (which no one really does, unless your job calls for it) and keep my iMac rather than sacrifice my iMac and be doomed to a 13 inch screen.