My Ideal setup would be involve 2X 27" Thunderbolt Screens with the MacBook Pro docked in a Henge Dock.Originally Posted by Sockmonkey
While the iMac is pretty powerful I have heard people having issues with it, Grimspoon had such an issue. Plus the MacBook Pro is almost as powerful as a desktop plus it has mobility.
Well that settles the imac vs MBP conundrum, I was struggling to choose because I've already got a great screen and although it will be in a permanent set up its great to have the optional portability offered by the MBP. I want those henge docks so badly, I can see how it will go well with my 47" LED TV.
Just be aware all new Macs use a thunderbolt port instead of DVI/AVI/HDMI ports. You can still connect to an external device via an adapter but any multi-screen setup that doesn't involve Thunderbolt displays will require jerry-rigging. So while you can connect 1 external screen via an adapter like this one, a second external screen would need a usb adapter. Which is why I want the thunderbolts (you can daisy-chain 7 or something thunderbolt devices together that connects to your MBP with 1 port.) and they look AMAZING. If you have an Apple TV Box you can use airplay to mirror the display of you MBP on your TV wirelessly.
I highly recommend you get a few "Mac Guide" magazines or check out websites. I did about 4 months of research before finally buying my MBP. Also keep an eye out the Early-2012 update can't be far off, mine is the late-2011 model.
I have to do a lot of reading seeing as I will be using it mainly for video editing I need to make sure everything is compatible, from cables to connectors,software, external monitors, external drives are just some of the things that I need to think about.
That is exactly what I'm doing, I've got about 8 "buyers guide" tabs open as I'm typing this. Its a big investment (for someone earning in rands) so making the right choice is crucial. I've also got my eye on this rumour site, they seem to be on top of things when it comes to the upcoming 2012 refresh.
Trust me its a big investment even if your earn £. I know alot of video editing people use macs but yeah. Check out all the info you can, it sometimes helps reading a few of threads on different forums even if it turns into Mac vs PC.
Once you go Mac...
...you never go back.
Though Mac's, especially MBPs, don't depreciate in value as much as PCs. You can sell a year old MBP that originally cost you about £1500 for about £1000. So what most mac earners do is when it does come time for a new one you sell the old one and buy a new one. Trying to sell a 1 or 2 year old Laptop and you will be lucky to get half of what you paid back for it.Being in Advertising, I've worked a 10+ hour day on a Mac and a 7+ hour night on a PC specced for video editing for the last 13 years or so. In my experience, OS X has shown more overall stability than Windows, however, I prefer working on a PC because hardware and software upgrades are more appropriately supported and financially feasible. When you purchase a new Mac, you can't really strip it down and pimp it out like you can a PC (at cost). If you're a big earner who can afford to replace your machine for each upgrade, buying a Mac would be feasible.
But yes its ture MBP and even MacPros can't really be updated like PCs. Although I am not that familiar with the MacPros. I know iMacs can't be upgraded. I upgraded the Memory in my MBP and will soon update the HHD of it.
im going to get macbook air around junehope we can share some interest together....
i always dream to get apple stuff.....
Not really too much I can add to what has already been said. Macs are awesome. I love mine.
I have a Macbook and I HAD a iMac, but the screen failed on me and I got a refund. I may consider the iMac again when they sort out their screen issues. Until then I will stick with PC for gaming and my Macbook for emailing, graphics, movies, photos etc etc.
One thing you will notice with a Macbook / Macbook pro is they tend to last for years and years. Where friends of mine have replaced their Laptops at least twice, I am still running my Macbook and it feels the same as the day I got it.
As for upgrading, yes an iMac is not upgradeable other than the HDD and RAM. If you are into tinkering with your hardware and upgrading, don't buy a iMac, you won't get any satisfaction out of it.
As for the Macbooks, yeah you can upgrade to an SSD and more RAM and you will have one very fast machine.
Last edited by Grimspoon; 26-03-2012 at 03:59 PM.
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