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Hello I'm new to the forum.
I need a PC for my university work which requires me to use some graphics-intensive software (both Mac and Windows), It would also need to be good enough to play modern PC games. I've been considering getting a 17 inch Macbook Pro (with a couple of upgrades) for a few months now however the recent updates to the Mac Mini and Macbook Air line have given me an alternative. I'll outline the considerations:
Macbook Pro 17 inch
Macbook Pro - £2099
+ RAM Upgrade - £160
Total: £2259
Pros:
-One system that I can take with me to other locations easily so I can access all my programs whenever without compromise.
-The Quad-core CPU and GPU mean its more future proof than the alternatives.
Cons:
-One system means if something goes wrong, I'm left without a computer.
-A 17 inch Macbook Pro isn't something I would take with me for general use, only when I needed access to specific programs would I take it with me.
-Slower hard drive.
Macbook Air
Mac Mini (high-end model) - £699
+ CPU upgrade to dual core i7 - £80
+ RAM upgrade - £160
+ 750GB Hard Drive - £120
Macbook Air (high-end 11 inch) - £999
External Superdrive - £66
Total: £2124
Pros:
-Two separate systems meaning if one needs repairs I still have another.
-The Macbook Air is a far more portable system for general use, I would take it with me far more often than I would the Macbook Pro.
- The Mac Mini has a faster hard drive.
Cons:
- The Mac Mini's CPU and GPU is not as good as the Macbook Pro's, it should be enough for what I need right now but what if future programs and PC games start using Quad-core processors more than they currently do?
- The Macbook Air is only good for general use, I couldn't take any of my university specific programs with me on campus, I could only use them when at home (though I still live at home I don't like having to travel there from campus more than once a day). Bringing the Mac Mini isn't out of the question but I would need access to a screen. (not sure if I could use the Macbook Air for that purpose).
- Both require the SuperDrive.
Note: To give context, I already own a high-res monitor, mouse and keyboard.
You see I've thought about this thoroughly but its still a tough one.
Any help will be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.
I need a PC for my university work which requires me to use some graphics-intensive software (both Mac and Windows), It would also need to be good enough to play modern PC games. I've been considering getting a 17 inch Macbook Pro (with a couple of upgrades) for a few months now however the recent updates to the Mac Mini and Macbook Air line have given me an alternative. I'll outline the considerations:
Macbook Pro 17 inch
Macbook Pro - £2099
+ RAM Upgrade - £160
Total: £2259
Pros:
-One system that I can take with me to other locations easily so I can access all my programs whenever without compromise.
-The Quad-core CPU and GPU mean its more future proof than the alternatives.
Cons:
-One system means if something goes wrong, I'm left without a computer.
-A 17 inch Macbook Pro isn't something I would take with me for general use, only when I needed access to specific programs would I take it with me.
-Slower hard drive.
Macbook Air
Mac Mini (high-end model) - £699
+ CPU upgrade to dual core i7 - £80
+ RAM upgrade - £160
+ 750GB Hard Drive - £120
Macbook Air (high-end 11 inch) - £999
External Superdrive - £66
Total: £2124
Pros:
-Two separate systems meaning if one needs repairs I still have another.
-The Macbook Air is a far more portable system for general use, I would take it with me far more often than I would the Macbook Pro.
- The Mac Mini has a faster hard drive.
Cons:
- The Mac Mini's CPU and GPU is not as good as the Macbook Pro's, it should be enough for what I need right now but what if future programs and PC games start using Quad-core processors more than they currently do?
- The Macbook Air is only good for general use, I couldn't take any of my university specific programs with me on campus, I could only use them when at home (though I still live at home I don't like having to travel there from campus more than once a day). Bringing the Mac Mini isn't out of the question but I would need access to a screen. (not sure if I could use the Macbook Air for that purpose).
- Both require the SuperDrive.
Note: To give context, I already own a high-res monitor, mouse and keyboard.
You see I've thought about this thoroughly but its still a tough one.
Any help will be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.