Apple Mac Book Pro or iMac?

[njsweetP]

We went to the Apple store last night checking out laptops for my daughter
to take to college. She will be getting the MacBook Pro but I noticed the iMac for comparable price for me. I am in the market for a new computer as well and was planning on getting the laptop but the desktop is the same price (roughly). My problem is now I don't know which one to get. I know this isn't a budget friendly topic, but if this computer lasts me more than any windows machine I've had - it is money well spent. The laptop is 13.5 inches vs. the desktop at 21.5". Other than that I am kind of confused and would like some input from those who have both/or either one. Pros and cons of lap vs. desk top. I've been using a laptop for forever, but that desktop is very nice. Thanks!

 

[kiki02]

We went to the Apple store last night checking out laptops for my daughter
to take to college. She will be getting the MacBook Pro but I noticed the iMac for comparable price for me. I am in the market for a new computer as well and was planning on getting the laptop but the desktop is the same price (roughly). My problem is now I don't know which one to get. I know this isn't a budget friendly topic, but if this computer lasts me more than any windows machine I've had - it is money well spent. The laptop is 13.5 inches vs. the desktop at 21.5". Other than that I am kind of confused and would like some input from those who have both/or either one. Pros and cons of lap vs. desk top. I've been using a laptop for forever, but that desktop is very nice. Thanks!

Imho - Macbook Pro for her.

 

[kerplop]

I agree, Macbook Pro for her for sure. Now for you, if you don't honestly use your laptop away from home or move around the house much with it and you have a place to set up a desktop then I'd say an iMac for at home.

 

[dawnhaze]

I used to work in an Apple Store. College kids want laptops, no question.

I personally use an iMac at home. I do a lot of photo/video/audio editing, and also some online gaming, so the bigger screen and better specs were worth it to me. I have an iPad and iPhone that I use when I travel (also some accessories like a hotspot, wireless hard drive, etc), and I also have an inexpensive Windows 8 laptop that I can take places if I absolutely have to.

Questions to consider: How often do you take your current laptop places? Do you move it around your house regularly? Would you miss the ability to do that, if so? Do you own other mobile devices that could take the place of the laptop in that regard?

It's basically a matter of how you primarily use your computer.

 

[abmitch01]

I love my Macbook. I used to keep a desktop, too thinking it was necessary but after a few years with my macbook, I got rid of the desktop. My mac book is at least 5 yrs old. I had to replace the hard drive for $100, otherwise smooth sailing. I hate being chained to a deal. I have the 13 in screen and it's plenty, I watch movies on it.

 

[newdeal]

The two computers couldnt be any more dis-similar. What do you want in a computer? The iMac has no DVD drive, does that matter to you? Do you want it to feel really fast or are you ok with it not feeling blazing fast? Are you planning on buying AppleCare extended warranty? Do you prefer a mouse or a trackpad? Do you value portability? Do you ever plan to upgrade the system? What software will you run?

 

[OKW Lover]

I like the MBP (or the MBA) for around the house. I'm not tethered to one place for my computing that way. If I want to do something at the kitchen table, it works there. If I want to look at something while on the couch, it works there. If I want to take it with me out into the yard, it works there.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

LOVE my iMac! I enjoy having a desk with a desktop computer to pay bills, do more researching, emailing, etc. when needed. When I'm lounging on the couch I rely on my iPad (or even my iPhone) but I prefer the iMac for more detailed things. I love my wireless keyboard and mouse and I've had my iMac for at least five years and no trouble at all and I have no regrets and would absolutely buy another one if I had to. I do recommend the Apple Care as I've called them when I needed help figuring out something and they are always wonderful.

I don't think you can make a bad decision and it really just depends on what you prefer and what you think you might need the most.

Heather

 

[luvdisney00]

LOVE my iMac! I enjoy having a desk with a desktop computer to pay bills, do more researching, emailing, etc. when needed. When I'm lounging on the couch I rely on my iPad (or even my iPhone) but I prefer the iMac for more detailed things. I love my wireless keyboard and mouse and I've had my iMac for at least five years and no trouble at all and I have no regrets and would absolutely buy another one if I had to. I do recommend the Apple Care as I've called them when I needed help figuring out something and they are always wonderful.

I don't think you can make a bad decision and it really just depends on what you prefer and what you think you might need the most.

Heather

My thoughts exactly! I've had my iMac for 3 years though and I also bought DD who is going into sophomore year of college a MBP last year and she loves it too.
In my opinion you can't go wrong with apple. There products are pricier but worth it.

 

[abmitch01]

In our family we have multiple iPhones, iPads, iPods, laptops, an iMac and I've never bought Applecare. I've had phones replaced for free after the warranty just expired. Same with an iPod. I've called for tech advice and gotten it even though I didn't have Apple care. The Genius bar has fixed any problem I threw at them. I will be a loyal customer for life.

 

[AquaDame]

Both are strong, reliable machines it just depends on what you want to do with it. If you aren't used to a small screen the 13" won't be large enough but a larger notebook won't be as portable. Personally, I take my computer places so I will always have a notebook, but I like a large screen so I plug it into a larger monitor which means more $$$. If you don't need it to be portable I'd stick with the iMac. If you are the sort who buys the extended warranty I'm pretty sure AppleCare for the iMac is cheaper than for the MacBook Pro as well.

In our family we have multiple iPhones, iPads, iPods, laptops, an iMac and I've never bought Applecare. I've had phones replaced for free after the warranty just expired. Same with an iPod. I've called for tech advice and gotten it even though I didn't have Apple care. The Genius bar has fixed any problem I threw at them. I will be a loyal customer for life.

Thats great you haven't personally had a problem, but I make a living repairing Macs. They DO fail, and I would not recommend going without the warranty if you don't want a sudden bill - these machines are not cheap to fix. If you use it even one time in those two extended years it will be cheaper to have the warranty. Phone support is often free, and advice in store absolutely is. In the last two years the number of overrides the stores have been allowed has gone down - lucky you that someone chose you to be special and replace the phone when they shouldn't have. This is the same kind of problem with people spreading stories of 'Pixie Dust' - yes it happens, but you CANNOT count on it.

 

[wnissen]

The new cheap iMac has a slow processor, slower in many ways than the MacBook Pro. I don't think it's a good deal, all things considered. I would get the MacBook Pro and an external monitor if you feel like you'll need one.

 

[newdeal]

The new cheap iMac has a slow processor, slower in many ways than the MacBook Pro. I don't think it's a good deal, all things considered. I would get the MacBook Pro and an external monitor if you feel like you'll need one.

First of all, the macbook pro has a much older generation processor so I would bet that the difference in speed isn't much at all in spite of the GHz number being much different. Secondly 99% of tasks these days aren't limited by CPU speed so unless you are doing a bunch of video transcoding it makes no difference. The thing that would make your computer feel blazing fast would be to put in a SSD (Solid state drive) or a Fusion drive (if buying from Apple). The slower iMac is a great deal for the average user because spending the money to upgrade to a fusion drive is far better than spending money on a little more processor speed that you will never use. Everything is MUCH faster with a SSD or Fusion drive. I am talking like the difference is a regular hard drive boots the computer in a minute and the SSD boots the computer in 8 seconds type difference