Advice on an Apple Purchase

[dicecca112]

So I'm going to be doing a far amount of XML work, and prepping for MS Certs (MSCA, MSCE, MCP training using Parallels to run Windows) and I need something with a bigger screen than my 15" MacBook Pro, and of course I'm going the Mac route.

I've had a couple thoughts and I'm curious what you guys think. If possible, I'm going to buy these at the Apple Store.

1. 27" iMac - Wouldn't need the Quad Core (1699)
Pros
- All in One Solution, more desk space
- Get the new Mouse
- Separate Computer from Personal Laptop
- Most Storage

Cons
- Price

2. 30" Cinema HD Display that would attach to my MacBook (1799)
Pros
- Larger Area to work

Cons
- Price
- No Separate System

3. Mac Mini with 24" Cinema Display (599 + 899 = 1498)
Pros
- Separate System

Cons
- Less storage (160GB)
- Takes up more space on Desk

[InspectahACE]

well...I was going to say get the HD display, but that costs as much as option #1. Plus it seems like maybe you want a separate system, so I say go for the 27"" iMac..almost as big as the 30 inch, but for the price of that, you at least get a separate system minus 3 inches on the monitor

[DeusEx]

just out of curiosity... Why are you getting a mac?

[dicecca112]

I've used everything windows Linux and now mac. I find there stuff just works no matter how much I tinker with it. I don't have the patience or time to build a system or tinker with. I just like mac. I don't game and it does everything the way I want it to.

[stopthekilling77]

Out of all those options, I think that #1 would be the best value. What happens if your laptop gets stolen or broken? You'll have your iMac. Only 3" difference from that 30" monitor you were talking about, but costs less. Theres my $0.02 then

[Zertz]

#2 with a much cheaper Dell or Samsung panel instead? Not sure why you'd even consider the Apple display for anything other than aesthetics

[dicecca112]

Because a LED Panel equivalent to the ones listed here would cost upwards of 2000$ You should do some research, I used to think the same until I did my research and saw them for myself. Everyone comments how crisp clear and true to color my laptop screen is. Apple Panels have some of the truest colors. There is a reason graphic artists and photographers a lot of times use apple products.

Just a warning to all Apple Haters (Not saying you are one Zertz), I like Apple get over it. Don't true to tell me otherwise, I'll delete your comment from this thread as not relevant. Those are the options for this thread take it or leave it.

[XstollieX]

Hmm didn't know that about the apple displays. My thought would be to go with option 3. Reason being if the computer fails it is much cheaper and easier to replace that if the imac computer fails. I am not a fan of all in one for that reason primarily. Now I used to say apples don't seem to fail but I have 2 dead 14" ibooks sitting here

[dicecca112]

I always buy the AppleCare Plan so if it fails, I can have it replaced. I never keep my components past three years for two reasons, for one I'm a tech geek there is always something better, and two after three years the resale value is almost gone, so I sell it.

[XstollieX]

I always buy the AppleCare Plan so if it fails, I can have it replaced. I never keep my components past three years for two reasons, for one I'm a tech geek there is always something better, and two after three years the resale value is almost gone, so I sell it.

Very true. With that said it is cheaper to upgrade if you only want to upgrade the computer and not the monitor.

[dicecca112]

Lets put it this way. I owned a quad core for 2 days, and decided I didn't need all the performance. Spending 1700$ on a desktop every three years, I can deal with that. Like I said in the original post, I'm not a tinkerer anymore, just want it to turn on when I tell it to. And if it doesn't I want to go somewhere and say fix it or replace and I walk out with a working computer.

[XstollieX]

Well in that case I would be torn between the Imac and the mac mini. I would probably lean toward the Imac since it has a bit more display. It would be a touch call though. I suppose thats why you asked for opinions on here . I think the Imac may be your best bet.

[Apoptosis]

yeah I would think the 27" iMac would make the most sense in the long run.

[Calamar]

The mini.
You can always use a separated display. You will always be able to use the mini as HTPC (by far the best platform: silent, powerful, integrated). I have an old mini which came with a coreduo core, I change it to a T7600, and is still my best htpc in home. I would pick up the mini just for that point of versatility.

[DMB2000uk]

It sadens me to know that I'm falling into the same camp as you Matt
(I've not broken down to using a mac desktop at home, but I have done a bit of using my MBP on my 22" monitor)

Apart from the couple of reviews I've done in the last month or so, I've not touched my desktop for using my MBP instead :D

I'd say go with the new imac's (and let us know how that magic mouse works for you). The mac mini represents the worst bang for the buck in the mac lineup (aside for maybe the apple tv thing). And as the imac's are new out they'll have better hardware that will age better for you.

Dan

[dicecca112]

It sadens me to know that I'm falling into the same camp as you Matt
(I've not broken down to using a mac desktop at home, but I have done a bit of using my MBP on my 22" monitor)

Apart from the couple of reviews I've done in the last month or so, I've not touched my desktop for using my MBP instead :D

I'd say go with the new imac's (and let us know how that magic mouse works for you). The mac mini represents the worst bang for the buck in the mac lineup (aside for maybe the apple tv thing). And as the imac's are new out they'll have better hardware that will age better for you.

Dan

Yeah the Magic Mouse is definitely something I want to play with. I want to take a look at some of the tear-downs of the new iMacs, I want to know if someone with some ingenuity can upgrade the HDD and definitely want to know if I can upgrade the memory, because 4GB is good, but 8GB is better

[DMB2000uk]

Trust you're aware of the ifixit teardowns.

Looks kinda scary taking that glass screen off to replace the HDD.

Dan

[ViPeR.Ja]

i used the 24" imac in my college's comp lab and i must say i have grown to love them and would definitely get one if i had the money plus its an all in one so its more convenient

[w00fd06]

Laptop + screen seems very, very awkward.

The mac mini has always been a bit of an annoyance to me... for whatever reason... i remember some sort of failed "iCube" everytime i see it.

So I have to say go for the iMac, all-in-one solutions are always a plus, 27 inches is very doable to me, and as you said, you could get one of those new-fangled magic mice :3

Clean. Large. Pretty. All-in-one. 'Nuff said.

[dicecca112]

Ended up ordering and receiving today the iMac 27" and damn this thing is big, dare I say too big for the desk. But its nice to work on. And I really like the magic mouse, doesn't have the issues like the Mighty Mouse were I didn't click to the side enough to do the right click. And the swipe motion is really nice to scroll.