Macbook Pro vs. iMac

I am trying to make a very important decision here. This is for my 16th birthday and its kind of a big deal. I was set on getting a laptop the moment I saw my sister with one, but then my dad said, "have you seen the new iMacs?" Yes I have and I have to say they're beautiful. I went to my local Apple boutique and checked them out and loved them. Then I got to thinking about wanting to go on my bed/couch/kitchen etc. with my laptop. From my understading, they are very similar "under the hood" so I am not concerned about that. I wouldn't be taking the MBP out of the house very much/at all. The big question, is portability worth the $700+ difference? I know with a laptop I would be sacrificing the terrific display of the iMac but the MBP is good too, no? Any advice, similar situations...anything would be appreciated.

-Cheers

I am trying to make a very important decision here. This is for my 16th birthday and its kind of a big deal. I was set on getting a laptop the moment I saw my sister with one, but then my dad said, "have you seen the new iMacs?" Yes I have and I have to say they're beautiful. I went to my local Apple boutique and checked them out and loved them. Then I got to thinking about wanting to go on my bed/couch/kitchen etc. with my laptop. From my understading, they are very similar "under the hood" so I am not concerned about that. I wouldn't be taking the MBP out of the house very much/at all. The big question, is portability worth the $700+ difference? I know with a laptop I would be sacrificing the terrific display of the iMac but the MBP is good too, no? The laptop wouldn't be taken to school at all or outside very often. I've read other forums about the matte or glossy sceen. I am most concerned about pure performance from the sceen and I have heard that the glossy does provide an extra richness in colour. I really have no idea which one I want and I think it will come down to renting each for 2 weeks and seeing which one I like more. Any advice, similar situations...anything would be appreciated.

-Cheers

arich6 said:

The big question, is portability worth the $700+ difference?

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That's all up to you.

From your post it sounds like your not going to be traveling with your computer much. If this is the case then just get the iMac.

How can anyone but yourself answer that question? I'd say get the MBP only if you need the portability. Also, you could get the iMac, and add another $400 to the $700 to get a Macbook.

Why did you have to post more than one thread about this?

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87726

iMac is much better than MBP, I have a MBP, but I really wouldn't want it to be my main computer, because the screen is just small. iMac on the other hand is great, esp the 24'' iMac, the display is awesome, MBP's screen is not as good as iMac.

*Merged duplicate threads - Do not cross-post please*

I am leaning towards the new iMac purely based on the following facts:
-Amazing display (I talked myself into the 24" model)
-More power in certain areas, I wont go into in because I am sure you already know
-The $700+ difference, student on a tight budget

arich6 said:

I am leaning towards the new iMac purely based on the following facts:
-Amazing display (I talked myself into the 24" model)
-More power in certain areas, I wont go into in because I am sure you already know
-The $700+ difference, student on a tight budget

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If that is going to benefit you more then make that purchase.

16th birthday you get a mbp? ***!

kgeier82 said:

16th birthday you get a mbp? ***!

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Some even get a car.

Eric559 said:

Some even get a car.

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My bro just turned 18 and got a car, i cant wait!

***

Lucky lucky I am 19 and I still have yet to get anything over 300 bucks from my parents and were rich (or at least they are lol). if money is'nt an issue for you get the 24 inch (the 2.8 is stellar) imac which still is portable IF YOU REALLY NEED TO move a computer around once and again round the house. The big screen is great for movies video chatting and editing stuff. also as young as you are it will probably last you longer than a laptop I have quiet a few friends who make a habit out of taking there laptops everywhere and it usually leads to cracked screens or broken drives (they also walk away sometimes). you dont need to take it anywhere just yet so get the imac. the 17 inch mbp is great too but it cost a bit to make it up to par with the imac.

in my advice get the most expensive item you can squeeze out of the folks while you can.
it sucks when you pay your own bills lol

in my advice get the most expensive item you can squeeze out of the folks while you can.

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That, my friend, is some good advice...

I think I will take your advice goobimama and get the 24"

I got a basketball for my 16th birthday and $50 for my 18th from my parents. Just depends I guess.