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imac or macbook pro?
I am in great need of owning a mac for my personal projects. I have a killer set up at work, but like I said…it’s a work. I do a lot of freelance stuff, but I have to use premiere pro, and after using FCP, premiere just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Portability isn’t an issue as the system will stay at home (cost is an issue), so I’m debating between a 20″ imac with the upgraded 256 graphic card and a mac book pro. I’d save money on the imac, so that’s ideal, but is that a bad descision?Are there any benefits to having the mac book pro over the imac? any input is appreciated. thanks!
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9 Replies
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Well… there’s that express card slot on the MacBook Pro… which allows for expansion where the iMac really doesn’t… You could eventually add a fast enough drive array to do HD with the Laptop… also the laptop will drive a second display where the iMac won’t. Other than that…
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer
Author: “Jerry Hofmann on Final Cut Pro 4” Click here
Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D
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wait…I thought the imacs WILL drive a second monitor? I was under the impression that they could.
that would be a huge factor in my descision. As for HD, I really don’t need to be able to edit HD. I am pretty much entirely DV for now (and probably for the life of the computer) -
My bad… there is that “mini port” on them that will allow for a second monitor…
So the big difference then would be the portability of course, and the expansion. The laptop will allow for a second FW or esata card which might be necessary. However if you buy the right FW drive for expansion you might not need the second bus…
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer
Author: “Jerry Hofmann on Final Cut Pro 4” Click here
Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D
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Go for the 24″ iMac not only biger screen but it also has firewire 800
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I’d get the laptop. The 17″ do have Fw800 if you need that connectivity, if not get a card.
My laptop has become my sketch book. You’ll find if you have it, you will sketch at home/on the plane/library/any chance you get when you aren’t at home and then bring your projects to work.
If cost really is an issue, you wouldn’t be weighing an iMac to MBP anyway you’d be getting an iMac.
Jeremy
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Specs-wise, I would personally only consider the 24″ iMac as it has the FW800 port which will be important to try to expand storage while maintain your ability to injest footage.
OTOH, the MBP will give you the most flexibility for freelancing. I use a MBP and it goes everywhere with me and I could not live without the flexibility. I also plan to add a MacPro (already have PC workstations) for the edit suite but, honestly the only reason is for expansion as the MBP is a really solid performer. Motion is more fluid running on the MBP than my previous dual G5.
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[George Loch] “Specs-wise, I would personally only consider the 24″ iMac as it has the FW800 port which will be important to try to expand storage while maintain your ability to injest footage.”
Lest everyone forget, the 17″ MBP has fw800 BUILT IN. if you are editing on a laptop, you want as much screen real estate as possible. Get the 17.
Just want to clarify.
Jeremy
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Yeah, I know that option is there but I find the portability of the 17″ to be awkward. It’s not too heavy for a 17″ but it’s just big – dimensionally speaking. I carry mine around too much for that and place it in tight spots. The 15″ slips into almost any bag I have (with a sleeve on it of course) and is no bigger than the sketch pad I carry.
My bias probably dose not apply here however as Brian clearly mentioned it being pretty stationary. In that case, I would certainly look into a desktop solution. for the price of the 17″ you could get a Macpro and a monitor…or a well decked out 24″ iMac.
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Thanks boys. That is all good info. The Firewire800 would definately be something I need. I’m either going to go with the MBP or the 24″ imac. I’m going to head to the good old apple store and play around with them before making my descision.
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