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General discussion

iMac vs. Macbook!

Mar 3, 2007 6:29AM PST

I'm a to-be college student and I can't decide between the Macbook and the iMac!

Before I thought it was a no-brainer, I was dead set on the black macbook with 2GB RAM (Taking it back to the original price with sudent discount) although I took a look at the 20" iMac G5 and I'm beginning to wonder whether it'd be a better choice.

I'd like to say I'm choosing the Macbook because I'm going to be carrying it around; although truth is I probably won't; I'm far too scared of having it stolen/broken. I probably will be using wireless networking away from home, though.

My main question is this: am I putting myself at a disadvantage by purchasing a laptop over a desktop? Such as carbon footprint or cost of maintainance, problems or ?

I currently run a laptop (all be it not very good) and I have problems with the fan; one problem which I don't see in desktops. Also, for the same ~

Discussion is locked

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The G5 would be a non-option to me.
Mar 3, 2007 6:53AM PST
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depends....
Mar 3, 2007 8:17PM PST

You can get some high end insurance and you wont have to worry about theft, accidental damage etc.

Choosing between an iMac and MB depends on your needs, on what work you will be doing. If you are a light user, then I recommend the Macbook, it is almost as powerful as an iMac but in graphic intense tasks it fails pretty bad.
BTW it would be better if you bought an iMac with an Intel proc because the G5 is pretty old an the Intel puts it to shame in Universal Apps.

If you dont mind the lcak of mobility and want to keep things cheap, then it would be ebtter to go for an iMac.

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iMac
Mar 3, 2007 8:50PM PST

By iMac I meant the newest one (available on http://www.apple.com/uk), I'm not even sure if G5 is the newest one, I think I read it somewhere :\.

I just can't decide whether I'd be better of with an iMac over the MB..

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I couldn't find a G5 on that site.
Mar 3, 2007 10:06PM PST

The transition to Intel Core 2 Duo looks complete.

Bob

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Apple no longe sells
Mar 3, 2007 10:20PM PST

any machine with a G5 processor.
As Bob mentioned, the change to the Intel processor is complete, has been for a while, and even in refurbished store (UK) there was not a G5 for sale.

So, now your choices are the laptop or the iMac, with both of them having an Intel processor.
BTW, prices for the Intel iMac are actually less than they were for the G5 iMac.

P

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Okay
Mar 3, 2007 11:47PM PST

I accept, my mistake! From now on the newest iMac shall be referred to as "iMac" funnily enough, and it's been the one I've been talking about; sorry people.

Is there any truth in the 15.4" MacBook in April/May or updates to the iMac range? I'm very worried about something new coming out months after a possible purchase :\ although I hold little trust in the speculation.

Buying a new system really is a very involved process, isn't it.

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No way to overcome that issue.
Mar 3, 2007 11:54PM PST

Apple is always mum about updates on the hardware. You do see that OS update in the pipe but if Apple has plans for hardware updates it's a well kept secret.

There isn't much to write except to ask yourself if what you're buying is what you want.

Bob

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So if..
Mar 4, 2007 1:33AM PST

I was to buy a macbook/Macbook pro when Leopard comes out, do you reckon I'd be deadling myself a hospital pass or is it a safe bet that there won't be anything much better for a while yet?

Thanks for all the replies by the way.

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Let's look to the past.
Mar 4, 2007 2:36AM PST

So given the 3 to 4 months between product updates I think you're right. Maybe you shouldn't look after purchase to save yourself the anguish?

Bob

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Right
Mar 4, 2007 2:57AM PST

Let's put it this way - as soon as leopard is shipped pre-installed on apple computers I will be buying one [And hoping any major updates don't arrive/are a long time in coming], how major can they be anyway? :\ </sarcasm>

So it's boiled down to this: after a lot of deliberation.. Do I go for:

i. Macbook in black, 2GHz Core 2 Duo, 120GB HDD, 2GB RAM + Standard, or
ii. Macbook Pro base model - 1GB RAM but a 2.16GHz GHz Core 2 Duo, the decent screen size, better gaphics card and backlit keyboard, albeit for a greater price.

It seems like overkill for a student who doesn't game or use labour-intensive programmes but I want a quality PC that will last and hold me in good stead. I can't decide which processer/RAM configuration would be better :\.

Thanks for the help.

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I'm in a similar wait cycle.
Mar 4, 2007 3:05AM PST

I posted about Parallel's Coherence feature and will want the new OS and that. But I won't fret that in 3 or 4 months time a new uptick in the hardware can occur. Should Apple stop innovating just because I bought a machine?

Bob

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No but..
Mar 5, 2007 1:53AM PST

I wouldn't mind if they told us hardware release dates Happy

I know it's not feasible due to profit loss, but it would be nice.

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Do you recall "The Osbourne Effect"?
Mar 5, 2007 2:01AM PST

I'm sure it's been the death of a few companies.

Bob

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Umm.
Mar 5, 2007 2:12AM PST

No, however Wikipedia does so I'm knowledgeable on it now

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portables are better for a college student
Mar 6, 2007 7:27AM PST

I am a college junior, and had to make the same tough decision when I went to school. I eventually purchased a 12" iBook G4, and it has been the best decision I have ever made! A majority of students have notebooks, and when studying in groups or going to the library, it is SO much easier to take your computer with you and have all of the information at your fingertips. I even found it convenient in the dorm that if I needed a quiet place to do work, that I could take my computer and go, rather than argue with my roomates about the noise level. The one problem with such a small computer is with writing papers and lab reports. It can be straining to have to either read/type small or have to zoom in and scroll for days to find the section of the paper that you want. You can always buy a lock or insurance, but for the most part if you dont leave your computer sitting alone in a public place (which I would hope you would be smart enough to not do) it will be just as safe as if it were sitting at home on your desk. As for dropping it, in 3 years I have never come close to dropping mine (I treat it like an infant). Make sure to keep in in a soft case and a secure bag when you are transporting it and you should be fine! Good luck with your decision!

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Just thought I'd share this handy piece of info...
Mar 7, 2007 8:05AM PST
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It's easy. Buy a MacBook.
Mar 8, 2007 8:55PM PST

Don't get too enamored by the clock speed ... an extra GB of RAM in the MacBook is worth a lot more than the speed bump of the processor in the iMac. And if you buy the white 2.0GHz MacBook, you'll save enough to buy an add-on keyboard and mouse, and be well on the way to buying an add-on LCD monitor for your dorm room.

I've done exactly this and it serves me well. Desktop comfort at home base, an a portable computer when I'm on the go ... the best of both worlds.

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iMac good for outdoor use
Mar 8, 2007 10:32PM PST

I have a new 24" iMac, and seldom use my 17" PowerBook anymore. The iMac isn't small enough for casual trips, but it's actually quite handy to tote to select events. I use it in the backyard all the time, and it's astounding how bright the display is anytime of day -- even in direct sunlight! The PowerBook display looks very dark in comparison. I also purchased an iLugger which makes the iMac and associated hardware handier to transport. So getting an iMac won't keep you indoors on a nice day like most desktops would.

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As a Student I Recommend the MacBook
Mar 9, 2007 11:54PM PST

First let me say that you always get more for your money buying a desktop. Larger screen, larger hard drive, faster processor, etc. So if performance is your top concern, you may want to go with the desktop. Second, laptops have thousands of miniaturized parts that heat up and tend to break slightly more often than desktops. (Much more often if you drop them.) If you choose the laptop, I require you to purchase AppleCare. That way any non-abuse repairs are covered for 3 years. There's a good chance you won't need it but it'll more than pay for itself if you need even one repair. Plus it gives you free phone support for 3 years. A laptop can be made just as hard to steal as a desktop by keeping it locked down with a cable lock. I love laptops for college because their much easier to move and you're going to probably move out and back in at least twice a year. I also like the laptop lifestyle, I don't always want to study at my desk, sometimes I want to check my email on my bed instead. Even if you don't think you'll take the laptop around with you to classes, you still may take it out for study groups or to the library. (Check with your college to see how much of the campus is covered by wireless internet, since that will be a big factor in how often you take it out.)