Imac v Macbook Pro

For desktop replacement which would be better?
-I already have PC laptop already for school
-Already have 22 inch monitor

Macbook Pro- 2.2 version
v
Imac- 2.0 version
v
Imac- 2.4 version

How they would be used:
- I wanna try leopard, (Vista is kinda annoying)
- I do NOT game
Habits:
- Lots of programs running (Itunes, Web, Chat, widgets).
- Video- ( main concern here) I watch a lot of videos, but skip through them a lot, and skip to the next one in a play list. Honestly, I love WMP11 layout for this, better then PC Quicktime. But, WMP11, always stalls and has trouble sometimes going to the next file on the play list . Is Macs media player different/better than itunes or quicktime, or they the same as their PC versions? Do macs handle a large playlist of videos with constant skipping fast forward, and the such?
Is this a video card issue, or is this CPU,RAM,HDD issue? Or software? If Video card is not an issue maybe I might just go for the macbook and add a gig. Thoughts?
Main question, which would be better Imac, which one? or Mac book pro?

 

You can get a lot of software for OS X and Windows for watching videos. Don't limit yourself. I typically use Media Player Classic, but other popular choices are VLC, MPlayer, Zoom Player, and Xine. When using OS X I use VLC.

 

I would say neither . Since you have a notebook already, and you also have a 22-inch display, and you also noted you don't plan to game on it, why don't you look at getting a Mac Mini or MacBook and hooking it up to the 22-inch? Graphics card on the MacBook for connecting to the display and watching video will not be a problem. And as Ken Wind said, you don't have to limit yourself to what is bundled with the OS, in terms of video applications . There's lots of free third party applications out there.

 

I would get a low end macbook if I were you, it is easier to upgrade the ram, specially with your habit of having a lot of things opened, the new macbooks can take up to 4gb of ram and can be easily installed, as well as the hd. Which is more than I can say about the mac mini. You can hook up your macbook to your monitor as well, and the price difference will only be a couple of hundred dollars.

 

Don't get a Mac Mini, as Sam said. It simply isn't worth the money. I'd get the low end MacBook (or, if you need a DVD Burner, the midrange one) and then get an extra 2GB RAM module (dirt cheap, maybe $45 now) and put it in for a total of 2.5GB of memory. That should be pretty solid for what you will be doing.

 

I wouldn't say it's that hard to upgrade a Mini. All you need is a thin putty knife and a little know how. I just got the cheap Mini with the 1.66GHz Core Duo. I threw in a 7200RPM drive and 2GB of memory. It runs like a charm. Since the OP already a laptop and the MacBook costs at least twice as much, I'd say the Mini is at least worth considering.

 

Thanks for the advice.
But, my biggest concern with both the mini and base macbook is the graphics. How will they handle video?
Does the base mini have enough processing power?
I was kinda bouncing back and forth between a powerful PC desktop, then I thought I want an apple. the specs dont seem that different between the iMac and the macbook pro.


Outside of gaming, does the macbook pro offer any advantage over the imac/macbook/mini outside screen real estate?

 

Well, the MacBook Pro has an LED-backlit display, for one thing. Also, lots of little things like a backlit keyboard and sleeker, lighter design are also benefits of the MBP.

 

If you aren't moving it around, the iMac will offer the best multimedia experience because of the larger display, better ergonomics, and nicer speakers. The Macbook Pro is built for mobility, but it will offer a good multimedia experience for a notebook.

The Macbook Pro is better than the Macbook in most respects, such as the louder speakers, superior display, more connectivity options, backlit keyboard, and other things. You will be fine with a Macbook though. Perhaps you can go to an Apple store to try play videos on each of these computers? You can try them all out then, and make sure they can handle what you want.

 

Yeah, I hear ya about the imac.
I currently have a laptop, and wireless keyboard and mouse.
Sweet speakers and 22 monitor.
If I went mac mini or imac i'd keep my laptop.
If I went macbook (pro) I' would sell my current laptop.
I need a mobile pc for law school.

See I was planing on buying a $1200 dell desktop. Then thought maybe I go mac.
imac would keep my current laptop, pro id sell it.
So basically the cost would be the same, only difference would by having one or two computers.
If a macbook pro was a good desktop replacement I'd seriously consider that.

I hesitate over that graphics card on the macbook, even though I dont game.

 

The MacBook will play video on a 22-inch display fine, if that's what you're worried about. I think that's the best idea...get a MacBook and connect it to the 22-inch display.

 

Get an iMac. I was in the exact same situation as you last week, stuck whether to get a MBP or the new iMac. I'm a Windows user and wanted something as a desktop replacement just like you...

I was almost certain or getting a MBP until i went to the Apple store and seen the iMac in person, its absolutely STUNNING! beautiful !

So i ordered a 24" one (500HD, 2.8 Ghz, 2GB Ram) It arrives next week, i simply can't wait!

 

My mom has an older iMac, and I love it. Remember that you still sacrifice some of the connectivity and upgradeability that comes with a traditional desktop, and it is not as portable as a notebook. It is a great all-in-one solution though. If you don't play games or demand a lot of power from your PC, then an iMac might be perfect for you.

 

How about a ThinkPad or a Latitude with a docking station. Then you could plug it into the docking station and use the monitor and peripherals, then unplug it and go when needed. You can get either with XP if you don't like Vista.

 

I am fairly sure I am going to
return my 22inch monitor and use that money toward an
iMac.
I think I am going with the 2.4 20inch iMac.
Two questions
How important is the extended apple care?
I know laptop I would always get it.
Desktop I normally would not.
But, the Imac is kind in between.
are they less susceptible to problems?

What kinda RAM do I get for the iMac from like newegg?
and am I able to install that myself?

 

I would get AppleCare. The iMac is an all-in-one and all-in-ones are unfortunately, rather hard to service by yourself (as opposed to a normal desktop).

As for RAM, its notebook RAM (PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz SODIMM), and yes you can install it yourself. Its really easy as well.

This one's a pretty nice price, and its the type of RAM for the iMac:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220208

And its basically this category of RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1052910525+1309221136&name=DDR2+667+(PC2+5300)

 

I wouldn't get Applecare for an iMac, but I wouldn't be afraid to open it up. The most common component to fail in a desktop is the hard drive. Since you can easily replace that, an extended warranty isn't really necessary. It would be nice for peace of mind though, and Applecare is relatively cheap for iMacs if I remember correctly.