The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Refurb SR 2.4GHZ MBP vs 24inch Imac

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by vengance_01, May 25, 2008.

  1. vengance_01

    vengance_01 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    1,062
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Well I have decided to move away from windows as my main desktop OS. I am selling my current Core 2 machine to a friend and selling off all extra parts. Here is my two path ways:

    1st. I am looking at the 24inch Imac. 2.4GHZ, 1GB ram, 320GB 7200RPM Drive, HD 2600 Pro and a fantastic 24inch H-IPS LG panel. The price is very nice at just 1399$. I will add another 2GB so I have 3GBs total. Also have a 640GB External which I will use with Time machine, media, and other misc files. I would sell my XPS 1330 and use my IBM X30 for my mobile needs. I don't have much need to be mobile now because by December of this year, I am done with college(woohoo!!) I will use my current 20inch Dell 2007 WFP in portrait mode along with the Imac.

    2nd option: 2.4GHZ MBP, 2GB ram, 200GB 5400RPM Drive, and 8600GT Mobile. Very nice machine. Fast, light, and yet still powerful. Good LED screen, but not as good as the one on the 24inch Imac. Price is 300$ more then the 24inch Imac. Again will run Dual monitors with my Dell 2007 WFP. Advantage is I can be mobile if I need to be, but I just don't see myself being that mobile.

    I leaning with option 1. I have two systems in case I have a problem with one or the other. option 1 is cheaper. Also with the money saved I can buy some extra goodies like a nice set of 2.1 speakers and a nice Blue tooth mouse. (I hate the mighty Mouse)

    But I am looking for opinions. I really love the Imac look but the MBP is a great machine. I know what ever I choose, it will be a mac and not another windows PC. ;)
     
  2. queshy

    queshy Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    203
    Messages:
    938
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    If it's going to mostly stay at home, get the iMac. You'll love the way bigger screen. Everything will be more comfortable on the iMac. It's always easier working w/ a desktop vs. laptop!
     
  3. mc511

    mc511 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    27
    Messages:
    409
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Well its up to you. I like laptops better due to mobility so if you want to take your comp with you then get the macbook pro. The imac is still a great system.
     
  4. vengance_01

    vengance_01 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    1,062
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Granted if I travel I will have my X30 for basic stuff like email, office work, and things of that nature. Also I don't want to buy a MBP and then land a job that will provide me a notebook. Man this is tough because they are equal in power.
     
  5. pukemon

    pukemon are you unplugged?

    Reputations:
    461
    Messages:
    2,551
    Likes Received:
    245
    Trophy Points:
    81
    option #1 and don't look back.
     
  6. unknowntt

    unknowntt Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    94
    Messages:
    652
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Macbook pro, but that's my opinion. Mobility is the key feature in computers. No matter what, I will NEVER go back to a desktop, unless I already have a laptop and am getting a desktop on top of it.

    Mobility, get the MBP
     
  7. vengance_01

    vengance_01 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    1,062
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    hum interesting. keep them coming.
     
  8. bigspin

    bigspin My Kind Of Place

    Reputations:
    632
    Messages:
    3,952
    Likes Received:
    566
    Trophy Points:
    181
    IMac is good for you.Larger screen is always good & you can buy extra BT mouse
     
  9. wobble987

    wobble987 Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    543
    Messages:
    2,871
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    well... you already have the x30 notebook; why get another notebook if its just going to stay at one place already; after all this is to replace your desktop (that you sell to a friend).

    which laptop are you planning to get? the 15" or the 17"? the 17" is more suited to desktop replacement.

    is this for your study room or your bedroom? for bedroom; laptops are not as space intrusive as a desktop; although the imac is not as intrusive as seperate desktop as opposed to the all-in-one design found on imac.

    the imac keyboard is slightly more comfortable to type on; coz there is more space; than the slightly smaller macbook pro; plus it gains a num pad.

    the laptop battery act as an UPS. with desktop; you need to buy an external one.

    but all-in-all i think u'll be happier with the imac; its such a gorgeous machine.
     
  10. unknowntt

    unknowntt Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    94
    Messages:
    652
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Ohh I wasn't paying attention LOL, I didn't realize you already had a notebook. Then yes, the iMac. Sorry about that!
     
  11. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    4,982
    Messages:
    34,001
    Likes Received:
    1,415
    Trophy Points:
    581
    I don't have much too add in regards to your quandary, but I saw the 24" iMac not too long ago. The screen on it was gorgeous.
     
  12. diggy

    diggy Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    193
    Messages:
    939
    Likes Received:
    35
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Get the iMac. Right now, you're pretty confident that you wont need the new machine for mobility, and you have your X30. The extra money you would save by getting the iMac can get your RAM, a wireless keyboard/mouse combo (if you dont like the Apple stuff, I highly recommend the Logitech S530).
     
  13. vengance_01

    vengance_01 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    1,062
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Diggy how do you like your 20inch?
     
  14. diggy

    diggy Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    193
    Messages:
    939
    Likes Received:
    35
    Trophy Points:
    41
    The 20inch iMac is a most excellent machine. I thought about getting the 24, but I think that would have been a bit more "desktop real estate" than I really need. Performance wise, its again, rock solid. Upgrading to 4GB of RAM (purchased thru OWC, but probably can find it cheaper on newegg) was a breeze the install is quick and easy. The only thing about it that I did not like was the mighty mouse. I know you can configure it for right clicking and such, but it was just the feel of the mouse that I didnt care for. The Logitech S530 is a great compliment to the iMac.