To imac or not to imac thats the ??

I am buying a macbook pro in feb. and am a photographer. so I would be using photo editing software alot. Would it be foolish to get an imac 24 inch 2.8ghz for the bigger screen and processing power or would i be fine with macbook pro 17 inch 2.6 ghz?

I just dont want a computer That isnt neccisary or not used.

(money isnt a big issue im in the U.S.A.F. no girlfriend payed off car so on. just my iphone bill)

Furthermore if i were to get the imac as well is it easy to swap files and the such between the macs? Ive never done any of that before so would it be a difficult setup? Do you need airport or is it possible between the two computers without it?

AirPort is built in, it's just the name of the wireless. So you'll have it on both computers. That's all you need to transfer, as long as you set up a network. You might be able to connect 2 computers via bluetooth, I've never done it but I can't see why not.

Personally, I wouldn't bother getting both. The Macbook Pro has enough power to do all you want with editing software, I'm buying one next year to use at college - I'm doing graphic design. I have an iMac at the moment, but it's a couple of years old and a little sluggish - I still manage to get a lot of stuff done on it.

You don't need the iMac, the MBP is more than enough =)

What kind of computer do you have at the moment? Your mac specs say Powerbook, but don't mention which one. Cause if it has enough of horsepower, then the iMac would be ideal. The iMac is a great machine and is really powerful as well. However, if you need something on the move, like many photographers, you should get a MBP (unless your PB is good enough for mobile use). Remember, the resolution that you will get with a MBP 17" can be the same as on the 24" iMac...

As for swapping files between macs and PCs, it's the easiest thing (as long as your PC is properly setup, and preferably XP)

the specs are irrelevant it met its match when my cousin got drunk and used it as a coaster for his redstripe (which spilled and made it a powerbrick).

So i had to get my emachine out of my closet and dust it off

And im getting the mbp regardless i just dont know if i need a imac. I like them but i dont want a big paperweight that bonuses as a mac (you know) by that i mean if i would just be using the mbp.

I've never found a need for more than one computer.
If you're main usage will be for photography, I would stick with the MBP and get a second monitor for desk use. I would spend a grand on a really nice graphics monitor and get the MBP than to have a MBP and an iMac.
The .2GHz difference will not be noticed when photo editing. Save the $250, get the 2.4GHz and put 4GB of RAM in it instead.

so the 2.6 GHZ isnt worth the money?

bryphotoguy said:

The .2GHz difference will not be noticed when photo editing.

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Not really.

bryphotoguy gave the best advice. Get the MBP and a good monitor.

Ok what monitors are recommended and whats the highest resolution and size that the 17inch hi def support?

I am clueless about monitors i use books so any help would be appreciated gents an gals.

All of the current MBP's will support up to a 30" monitor or max resolution of 2560x1600 (I am pretty sure that's the 30" monitor rez).
As for a good graphics monitor, Apple makes good monitor. If I had the $, I would get an Eizo.
At work, we have a 24" Eizo next to a 23" Apple display. The Apple display is a year old so it probably doesn't look at nice as it once did (they're display monitors so they're on 9+ hrs a day) and the Eizo totally blows it out of the water. I was researching prices yesterday. I saw a nice 20.1" for $1000. I think they are coming out with a new 30" soon for $2700. I would check out their website and go from there.
I like the Eizo ColorEdge CE210W.

well. The Apple Cinema displays are nice, but there are probably some photographers on here with some other good choices.

I work for a high end photo retailer and we sell Apple, Eizo, and LaCie LCD's. Any would be sufficient but I'd go with Eizo or LaCie.

love you guys all help is greatly appreciated any other photgraphers with advice?

Im new to apple imaging software and hardware(for imaging). So pass on some knowledge.

We're here to help. Thanks for the rep!

Until they make a small light laptop with a full size keyboard and 24" screen I'll stick to my imac. Loving it more each day!!

Sawday said:

Until they make a small light laptop with a full size keyboard and 24" screen I'll stick to my imac. Loving it more each day!!

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ROFL!! i want dubs with mine!! ;D

Maybe buy one of those bag things for the imac, thats what i#ll be doing next year