iMac VS Macbook Pro

If any of you were in the market for a new Mac which would you choose, iMac (i7 quad-core version) or Macbook Pro (15" w/ quad-core) .

Obviously the draws for the iMac are it being about 1/2 the price, bigger screen and a little more processor speed .

My main draw for the Macbook Pro is the portability (and having a back up for my Serato Macbook if she ever craps out on me) . I've noticed some of you guys use double monitors w/ them so I could just get a bigger 2nd monitor as well .

I'm going to be using whatever I get strictly for music / recording and I'm not into graphic design so having a huge screen w/ massive pixels isn't an issue w/ me .

I think I'm pretty much spelling it out for myself but I'd like to hear some opinions .

Edit : I was also considering the MacMini after the discussion in the OT area but I've heard those things overheat badly .

I had this exact same choice not too long ago. The problem I always had with the Macbook is the price. I really don't think they're worth that amount if I'm honest. Also if it's going to stay in the one room the iMac is much tidier with cables. I hate it when things are sticking out the side of laptops. I'd check the connectivity too, I'm sure the Macbook has less USB ports?

If you've already got a Macbook too I'd probably stick with that one until it really has run itself into the ground.

I have a new quad-iMac and I was given an offer of magic mouse or trackpad. But the mouse is already in the box, so if that offer is already on choose the trackpad and you'll have both. BAM.

The other thing I like about the iMac is the whole wireless thing. I thought it was a bit of a gimmic at first having moved from a laptop, but it's actually quite nice to watch a film in bed or whatever without setting myself on fire from laptop heat. The screen is fantastic, although it's quite reflective which can be a pain sometimes. Also the fact that it's seperate from the keyboard means I've been able to mount it slightly higher so when I do have to spend a long time at the screen everything is at a comfortable height.

Last thing, the magic mouse is f*cking sick. I've always preferred using a mouse over a trackpad anyway, but this one is supreme. I can get some rapid workflow in Ableton just because of how accurate and responsive it is. The swipe to scroll thing is fantastic.

Downside of the iMac:

1. Screen glare
2. Battery life of wireless bits

Actually, Im looking at this exact dilemma right now. Ive done quite a bit of research and found that the 2.8 GHz Dual i7 13" performs better under speed testing than the 15"2.2 Quad core i7 in every aspect except graphics. Im no graphic designer, so Im not too worried about how crispy the waveform edit screen looks in Pro Tools.
I think Im going to roll the 13" with an external monitor at home. The antiglare on the 15" is the biggest selling point for me, if I were to go 15", but a 13" w/apple care is cheaper than the base price of the 15"!

It really depends- personally, it would be cool to have an extra laptop like you said, in case the one you use for dj'ing craps out, but I wouldn't want to use a laptop at home for music all the time (external monitor or not).

If you do get a macbook pro, I'd recommend waiting until the next revision comes out and then cop the previous model when it's on clearance in the apple store. I saved a grand when I bought mine that way. (thought I would suggest this with whatever format you go with)

I went the imac route when first starting out and while the new ones are WAY better than the old model I've got, I don't think I'll get another one. I was really considering saving up that extra dough for my next computer and getting the base model mac pro, but after seeing the new server mac mini, I'm sold on that. Imac's are cool and all, but in my new space, I need a larger monitor- going to use a tv actually. This is only because the screen will be pullin' double duty- computer monitor when I'm working on music, and ps3 duty when I'm sittin' in the back of the room.

....well...if you don't need a big screen...

the choice is always clear....the lap top...

i got three mac books....one for the stage....one for the studio...and one to go...

and what can i say......they're too expansive?...i don't think so....
it's a pro machine....and if you want an equal pro machine like that as a pc....you spent almost the same money.....
and if you want a real equal pro machine with a real pro os and that rocksolid....
you got no other choice....

on fixed audio workstations, windows can do the job in many cases, too....but i'm a logic user since ages....and ages ago windows just could'nt compete in any way....
so here we go....always on macbook pro....

but wait a second.....the brand new computer you buy today is always the old crap of tomorrow....that's not new but right now it's really worth to wait for the next generation....big step...once the macbook pros get i7 chips....and that's soon to come...
or do it like me and think about an macbook air...the small one with higher screenresolution.....and i7!!! already in there.....that one is really really small...and huge at the same time...and almost undestroyable.....with it's ssd hard drive and this small metal chassis....

if you can live with thunderbolt and two usb slots...that's the one!

I went with a 17" quad MBP last year with the anti- glare screen, and so far it has been fantastic as my main music, internet and everything else computer.

My main issues are...

1. Fan noise.

Heavy projects can obviously cause the fan to kick in, but while typing this message it has gone from silent to 'taking off' back to near silent again. It's annoying, especially coming from a dedicated audio PC that was virtually silent the whole time.

2. Battery life.

In the space of just under a year I have gone from the quoted 7+ hours to way, way less. The battery health appears to still be at 100%, so maybe it's Lion that's raping it so quick? I'm also not sure if the battery is classed as a user replaceable part, but within a year or two it could be a pricey but necessary job.

3. Heat.

This thing kicks out a lot of heat. If you want to slow cook your balls it's great, but it can get a bit too hot!

4. Price.

Almost too obvious really, but MBP's have a serious price tag. It was worth it for me because I can have a project with triple figure track counts, and it handles it with ease. Having that power/portability was exactly what I wanted, but in a few years I will probably be taking a serious look at a Mac Pro.

I agree...'scpecially with the heat!

My HD is making noise now too...would like to swap it out soon.

Good lookin' out on the feedback, fella's . Another strong point for me getting a Macbook Pro is the option to swap out the DVD drive for a 2nd hard drive (maybe even an SSD) .

I already know if I get one the 1st thing I'm gonna do it crack it open and max out everything (only problem is that that might make Applecare useless) .

And that adds another con to the iMac, they're a b!tch to do home improvement maneuvers on besides adding RAM .

I've been waiting on the Mac Pro refresh to replace my current one but it's taking forever, so I'm now looking to add MBP or iMac also. New iMacs are due to be coming out soon. So whatever you decide, you may want to wait, if that matters. Thunderbolt is a significant factor for me even though any Thunderbolt peripherals I buy will have to have at least one of the other port types on it (Firewire, USB, eSata). That said I'm leaning toward the larger iMacs since they have two vs the single port on the MBP. You'll have to get the 17" MBP and use the ExpressCard if you wanted to expand to use more Thunderbolt/PCIe typed stuff later, without daisy-chaining and it will look like your laptop has tentacles. The only way I'll go with the MBP is if I decide to keep my current computer as my desktop and to add it on for mobile use.

W. Steele wrote:Good lookin' out on the feedback, fella's . Another strong point for me getting a Macbook Pro is the option to swap out the DVD drive for a 2nd hard drive (maybe even an SSD) .

I already know if I get one the 1st thing I'm gonna do it crack it open and max out everything (only problem is that that might make Applecare useless) .

And that adds another con to the iMac, they're a b!tch to do home improvement maneuvers on besides adding RAM .

^^^If you need warranty service, just repalce the original ram and drives, etc.. before you take it in.

Other than RAM, there isnt too much you can upgrade other than the HDD anyways.

no contest macbook pro. ITS A STUDIO IN A LAPTOP! same damn parts as the imac only in a smaller package... you might as well get a 32" LCD hd screen and an hdmi cable and CALL IT A WRAP!!!!

i got that plus a small rack with my audio interface and some gear. so i can setup anywhere or just post up.

pretty d said so.

messy from a session, but this is my home setup. you can see the laptop on top of the rack. i can pack it up and go anywhere and work from the laptop and some headphones.. if i needed to.

my point is don't limit your options when you're spending this kind of money. unless you sit and do serious azz video project$ in a studio i don't see why you'd want an imac. literally the exact same product just one is portable.

plus you could use an hdmi cable to plug in to anyones tv. maybe some huge crazy studio lets you record there and they have a big screen you can plug in to? you gunna roll up with your imac in the box you bought it in? just playing devils advocate. as you can see on the table i am hi

If I had to do it all over again, I'd get another 15" MBP.

when I got my imac I started regretting not getting mbp instead, next chance I got traded imac for mbp and never looked back

since I gave that mbp away I'll be getting another mbp no questions



trees

I'm running Logic PRO 9 on a late 2007 13" macbook and couldn't be happier! The things I've done to it:
* 4gigs of ram (got when i purchased it)
* 1tb hd (latest upgrade a month ago)

I've once had to change the battery as it swelled up.

So based on my experience: get a laptop and run it with an external screen. You'll never feel restricted