What Mac To Save For? iMac or Mac Pro?
Apple December 11th, 2006After taking the plunge on a DSLR and moving to Aperture, I am demanding a machine with more power to edit my images and perform system intensive tasks such as editing video and audio content. I have a few gripes about my current setup, firstly, the RAM restriction. I can only install up to 2GB of RAM in my iMac (currently at 1.5GB). The screen is also far too limiting now I am using Aperture, 17″ just doesn’t cut it anymore, I want to move to a 1920×1200+ resolution display.
So today I decided it was time to start saving for my next workstation. I originally priced up a 24″ iMac on the NZ educational store, then I realized I could pick up a Mac Pro for a similar price. The only downside to the Mac Pro is I will need to further splash on an Apple Cinema Display, most probably the 23″ version.
The iMac with the following specs runs in at $4,236 NZD.
- 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2×1GB
- 500GB Serial ATA Drive
- NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT 256MB SDRAM
- Apple Keyboard & Mighty Mouse + Mac OS X
- 24-inch widescreen LCD
- AirPort Extreme
- Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
The Mac Pro with the following specs runs in at $4,251 NZD.
- Two 2GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon
- 1GB 667 DDR2 FB DIMM ECC - 2×512
- 500GB Serial ATA 3GB/s drive - 7200rpm
- NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT 256MB SDRAM
- 1 x SuperDrive
- Airport Extreme & Bluetooth 2.0+ERD
- Apple Keyboard & Mighty Mouse
The plusses I can see on the iMac system is not having to buy an external display, therefore saving money, and having more RAM to start with. But with the Mac Pro the advantage list is much longer. A more powerful Mac, expandability beyond my dreams, it will power up to 7 displays, and will last me much longer.
The only problem is the Mac Pro will run me in with another $1699 charge, the 23″ Apple Cinema Display. Would that be worth it for the expandability of the machine and the super long life it would last?
I wont be making the purchase until at least WWDC 07, but I like to set goals. What do you think, iMac or Mac Pro?
December 11th, 2006 at 4:02 pm
What’s really so great about the cinema display? seems like you can find one cheaper and with better specs from a company like samsung/LG, etc. Newegg has a lot that seem better and cheaper than the ACDs.
December 11th, 2006 at 4:08 pm
I think you should go for the Mac Pro. It seems to be the more sensible choice. It’s a powerful machine that will last you more than a few years. And you’ll also have a lot less upgrade restrictions. I hear you can even swap out the processor with a better, more core’d one.
One question, does the Mac Pro run OS X or OS X Server? Because I’m sure the latter doesn’t have Front Row activated by default, you have to mess around in the system folder to make it work.
December 11th, 2006 at 4:10 pm
What you say is true, Sastry, but a LG or Samsung monitor is nothing compared to the class and magnificence of an Apple Cinema Display.
December 11th, 2006 at 4:17 pm
Exactly, the Apple Cinema Display because i swear by Apple and it’s just so much more stylish than anything else.
December 11th, 2006 at 4:54 pm
Glenn,
I think you should go with the Mac Pro. If you think about it, the extra money for the display is worth it. Once you get the setup, you can slowly upgrade to a bigger display, then add displays, then you can also add more harddrives, it is just completely the right choice, but you gotta let me know which one you choose k?
December 11th, 2006 at 5:25 pm
I too suggest going for the Mac Pro. If you’re going to spend $4000+ on a new machine, might as well spend the extra $1699 for the Cinema Display since it will end up being an longer-term investment than the iMac.
Apple Cinema Displays are definitely stylish but the display panels they use are from LG and are extremely good for displaying photos. When Dell was having their deal days, I snatched one of their 20″ LCD monitors since it too used the same panels from LG. That brings up the question, what is Apple’s policy on their displays when they get dead pixels? I know some manufacturers have a policy like “if it has 3 dead pixels, we will exchange it” sorta deal.
December 11th, 2006 at 5:27 pm
Dude, honestly I would never buy an iMac in my life. I know they are great systems, but buying a 24” monitor thats ATTACHED to hardware, just doesn’t tickle my fancy.
I would seriously go with the Pro. I have a 2×2ghz G5 right now with dual 23” cinema displays and love it to death. The Mac Pro chassis will last you a long time, its strong and sturdy, looks AMAZING, and has awesome features.
One thing’s for sure, don’t spend a single cent upgrading thru apple, get all your upgrade components elsewhere (RAM, etc). It will save you a ton of cash in the long run.
December 11th, 2006 at 5:57 pm
@Sam: The hardware inside the Apple and Dell displays are the same, you’re right, but its Philips hardware not LG. If I hadn’t got these 23″s for free I would have bought a Dell 24″ in a heartbeat. It’s the better monitor all around. (Sorry to rain on your mac parade Glenn)
December 11th, 2006 at 7:18 pm
I would go with the mac pro, because personally I don’t like having my monitor attached to my computer. It saves you the cost of having to spend the extra money for a new monitor every single time you upgrade if you instead buy them separately once. You won’t have to buy a new one for quite awhile either, seeing as how a good monitor can last you through many many upgrades. The next time you upgrade, you will only have to focus on the computer, because you’ll already have a kickass monitor sitting on your desk.
December 11th, 2006 at 8:03 pm
Okay well im going to give you my knowledge instead of my thoughts (tho my thoughts are based around my knowledge) Over the past few days i havent been very active on your blog as i have gotten a part time job at noel leemings, i have been setting up alot of mac configurations over the past few days and been installing apps such as apreture on them to demo to customers when they come in (the store is opening in queenstown on the 14th so were just getting in stock etc) we have the default macpro configuration 2.33ghz and a almost maxxed out one out in the back wich btw has left me speechless. the difference between the 2 computers is very minimal and im also comparing the default imac too i could go into more depth but dont really want to nag on, also the other thing for you being 14 and not having full time job is getting that money, getting 4 grand is a milestone in its own yet alone trying to get 5-6grand. the iMac takes up less room and possibly looks more elegant than a macpro. From my experiences in photoshop/apreture and the ilife apps so far of use the imac is the better BANG for the BUCK even tho there inst much customization in the imac a system that powerful is going to be fine for the next few years and you forget that stuff like CS3 is said to have a majour preformance boost for current g5 chips and intel chips which is very nice to know that your not going to need to update hardware for a while.
now in the end it is up to you to decide but most of the people here haven’t used either machine and all being mac fans (you and I included) we all dream of going for a macpro. sounds really stupid and even tho its not the case macpros are meant for very intensive video/graphics processing and if your not needing every ounce of power your better of going for a more practical solution. (very exagerated but its like buying a maxed out macpro just to browse the web and email friends)
i would recommend you to go to your nearest apple reseller and just get friendly with the computers as i have and im sure you will find that the imac is your better solution and more practicle for you with what your doing (i do know apreture is a beast in its own using lots of ram and processor power but seriously a 24″ iMac has more than enuff to handle the raging bull
one last thing iv noticed is that this is what i have seen and felt from the computers, what i am getting from everyone else is that dream of owning a macpro and not actually using or knowing how the system feels
(please dont get me wrong id love a macpro but the current config you have set i wud go for the 24″) anyway thats my 2cents of an essay hope it helps and doesnt confuse you as it contradicts with what everyone else is saying
December 11th, 2006 at 8:04 pm
Mac Pro without a doubt.
Just a thought, if Aperture is your bag you might want to consider upgrading the video card that comes as standard to the ATI x1900.
Aperture uses Core Image and running it with the standard nVidia card will only leave you frustrated.
December 11th, 2006 at 11:25 pm
I wouldn’t buy the MacPro unless you put 2GB of RAM in mate, I use Aperture on mine, and Photoshop, and 1GB is not enough - you will find it painful. My MacBook with 2GB of RAM runs Photoshop quicker for a start!
Aperture runs fine with the standard graphics card though, I believe Core Image is accelerated by the graphics card, but can run using the processors too (And since the MacPro has 4 cores that’s not a problem), sorry to disagree with you AndyMac - just my thoughts.
Personally if you like being able to have features such as RAID, are thinking of doing some batch processing on images, or doing some video/audio editing the MacPro is for you.
Otherwise, I would recommend the 24″ iMac, it has plenty of power, and you can almost max it out for the price of a MacPro (Or totally max it out if you include the cost of the screen).
December 12th, 2006 at 2:01 am
I was in the same situation you are in. I decided to go with the Mac Pro just because I can upgrade it to my hearts content. By the way I am 16, I had to save up my paychecks for months!
December 12th, 2006 at 3:21 am
iMac 24”
I think the price is the top argument.
Do you really need the power of a mac pro?
Do you do much video editing?
December 12th, 2006 at 4:41 am
iMac 24″
I’m with Yannic on this one. Price is everything, plus its a lovely machine
December 12th, 2006 at 5:18 am
I’ve got a 20″ Intel Core Duo iMac and there’s nothing like the pucker factor of getting a DVD that refuses to eject no matter what, or the time when my external display was preventing the thing from booting.
I love my iMac, but I just don’t know if I can subject myself to the worry of having an all in one again. At least in a tower, I’m capable of upgrading the memory and/or HDDs. With the iMac, too many things can go wrong with DIY.
I’m right on the fence with you, brother. But look at it for the long haul — if you think a Mac Pro can last you 3—4 years with intermittent upgrades, then go with it. The iMac is more of a one shot deal.
December 12th, 2006 at 6:02 am
I’ve followed this blog since July, well done on a slick site.
I am in the exact same situation as yourself. I just replaced my ailing Powerbook with new Core Duo2 Macbook w/ 2 GB RAM and a 20″ 2.16GHz w/ 2 GB RAM also.
I recently became quite active in my family’s banking business however and I feel I’m maxing out the power of my set up. With bucket loads of Uni work, banking work and photo editing etc the iMac/Macbook team are struggling to get by.
I’ve now decided to start saving more actively for a 15″ 2.33GHz MBP, 30″ Cinema Display and wireless keyboard/mouse setup. I feel this will meet the demands of my workload easily and stylishly to boot.
I’ll keep the macbook for surfing the web, syncing the iPod, basic word processing etc.
Good luck with your choice.
December 12th, 2006 at 7:32 am
I would take the iMac as I love it´s design and it does not need so much space like a PowerMac + ACD…
December 12th, 2006 at 12:09 pm
Hmm…this is indeed a toughy Glenn. I guess I would say go with the iMac. The all in one design can not be beat and it would save you a lot of money on the extra display which you could use to expand the RAM or something along those lines. Plus you would get a 24″ screen vs. 23″ with the Mac Pro. Just my two cents, but I would go for the 24″ iMac. Let us know what you decide and good luck with the purchase. :)
December 12th, 2006 at 2:33 pm
My uncle has a Mac Pro with a 23″ Cinema Display his workplace. This machine is great but as yannic said, if you don’t do a lot of movie editing or 3D animation, you don’t really need the power of a Mac Pro. The money you’ll save by not buying the Cinema Display could be used to uprade the iMac, like Caitlyn said.
December 12th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
Your friend Cody gives good advice. You *don’t* need a Mac Pro unless you really are a professional Glenn. The 24″ iMac would cut it.
December 13th, 2006 at 6:18 am
Most computers will last you 10 years (with some minor fixes) if you want them to. True, you won’t be able to run the latest MacHiest software and your browser may not render some pages correctly. Nevertheless, all the software you bought when the computer was new will still work the same way and you’ll still be able to do your work. If you buy a mac-pro, you’ll probably find that after 2 years, upgrades will look very expensive compared to apple’s newest and uber-cool touch-screen/wifix/omg-im-in-hevn machine that will catch your eye…
I think I’m too old to be reading this stuff. Back to revising and working to pay rent/food. One less RSS subscriber :P
December 13th, 2006 at 9:40 am
hey glenn just thought i would let you know one minor misteak with this is you have excluded the screen price with the macpro, for the extra cahs the screen costs you can pimp up the imac to these settings and still save 200 buxs
NZ$ 5,719.87
# 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
# 3GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 1×2GB, 1×1GB
# 500GB Serial ATA Drive
# NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT 256MB SDRAM
# Apple Wireless Keyboard & Wireless Mighty Mouse + Mac OS X
# 24-inch widescreen LCD
# AirPort Extreme
# Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
compared to
NZ$ 5,950.74
* Two 2GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon
* 1GB 667 DDR2 FB DIMM ECC - 2×512
* 500GB Serial ATA 3GB/s drive - 7200rpm
* NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT 256MB SDRAM
* Apple Cinema HD Display (23″ flat panel)
* 1 x SuperDrive
* Airport Extreme & Bluetooth 2.0+ERD
* Apple Keyboard & Mighty Mouse
December 13th, 2006 at 9:48 am
Codie, you’ve used both machines, which do you feel is more responsive in common apps (Mail, iTunes, Pages) and apps such as Aperture and Final Cut Express? is the difference very noticeable.
December 14th, 2006 at 4:35 am
I think either will be more than adequate, so it’s more a question of which you can afford, and if that’s not a question, then it’s just which one you want.
However, you will want to upgrade in 2-3 years: “fast” memory now will seem sluggish for the apps you “have” to use; the screen will be “too small”, whatever. I’d agree with James that upgrading an old macpro won’t be as sexy as getting the latest and greatest from Apple.
As well you’d probably notice more of a difference getting the imac and putting the savings into lenses ;)
btw, I average somewhere around 1500 photos a month (vacations tend to be 300-400 daily), and since May 06, I’ve done *all* of my editing on my 2GB 2Ghz macbook. somehow I’ve managed …
December 18th, 2006 at 4:59 am
I think I’d go for the iMac. For at least the next year, two years, it will work fine for you. When those two years are up, it will be like the one you have now. You will want something new, and if you’d chosen the Mac Pro you’d want a new Mac Pro–instead of just upgrading. I always want the latest and greatest from Apple, so that’s why I don’t worry about getting an all-in-one. And, if you buy that 23” cinema display, you are locked into that. That’s a lot of money to spend on a single monitor, a single piece of hardware. Are you making the choice that it will be towers from now on? I’d rather just go with the iMac x Macbook combination. Besides, there is a difference between using Aperture and some video work and being a professional and demanding high, intense applications all the time.
December 28th, 2006 at 11:35 am
I can think of 5 reasons not to get a Mac Pro.
1. Your 14.
2. You only take photos.
3. You don’t know how to use Aperture.
4. Your current set up is fine for looking at your god damn pictures and heaven forbid porn.
5. Your a noob.
December 28th, 2006 at 11:43 am
That pretty blunt Nick.
1. I’m 14? So what, where does my age come into a decision like this?
2. I take photos, you are correct. But I also make photos.
3. How would you know that? I know Aperture very well (as you will find out in the upcoming months).
4. Have you used my current setup, with my Aperture library to do my work? Nope, didn’t think so.
5. I’m a noob? To each and his own, that’s just your opinion. I dont think noobs write for magazines, do they?
December 28th, 2006 at 12:13 pm
Yes maybe that was too blunt and harsh.. seeing as your a mac user..
I just find it rather odd that a 14 year old is looking into a macpro already… to be honest I would invest in what you think will make you better, and evaluate the pro’s and con’s of your current system.
December 28th, 2006 at 12:21 pm
Nick: I feel to see where age comes into this at all. I am fourteen, and I’d love to expand my Mac setup primarily because it is what I depend on to make money, and therefore would like to have the best for my occupation.
December 28th, 2006 at 12:22 pm
Fail *
December 28th, 2006 at 12:24 pm
Age comes heavily come into any decision.
“depend on to make money”?!
Shouldn’t you be at highschool?!
December 28th, 2006 at 12:28 pm
Nick: first of all, I am at high school for six out of 24 hours in my day. I have homework for about 2.5 hours a night. That leaves a lot of extra time, squeezing in family and friends. I bought a Macbook because it is best for what I do, but if what I did (or asipred to do) required a Mac (and I could afford it) then I would jump on it quickly.
You act as if it’s impossible to make money when you’re 14. I did buy my own Macbook with 2gb of RAM, after all.
December 28th, 2006 at 12:38 pm
Not at all. I remember when I was 14 i was churning in £330 per month. Which was ample for my age… so no i dont think its impossible to make money at your age.
It was simply how you phrased it, that it seemed you were trying to make yourself out to be something different.
Anyway! It dosen’t matter regardless. You have a mac, we should be rejoicing not arguing!
Take Care.
December 28th, 2006 at 12:41 pm
I agree I phrased it badly, I was even confused when I reread it :-P. I think it’s easier to say my ambitions require a decent Mac, and that’s why I’d get one. The best Mac for me was the one I bought, so that’s good. You take care, too.
December 28th, 2006 at 12:46 pm
Exactly. At the end of the day it comes down to what you use it for.. I have a friend who still does graphic design on a powermac g4 quicksilver edition!
Wierd huh!
December 28th, 2006 at 12:48 pm
Well in my case I made sure to buy a computer that would last me at least three years, if need be. So that will be me in three years ;)
December 28th, 2006 at 12:50 pm
haha really?
Im one of those complete Apple Whores … aka when something new comes out with a pretty apple logo on it… i’ve already clicked buy!
You got iChat dude?
December 28th, 2006 at 12:51 pm
AIM: pierrelourens1
December 28th, 2006 at 6:41 pm
Glenn, ignore comments like that. It’s pointless to reply. If you’re a noob, I wonder what Nick is, since he can hardly speak English. “Your a noob.” No, you’re a newbie. ;-)
I think it’s perfectly fine for a 14 year old to be writing for a magazine, earning money and spending it on what he wants. I was writing for local newspapers, and I even won a national photography contest when I was 14.
March 1st, 2007 at 7:43 pm
It’s a terrible situation to be in Glenn. I’m in it right now and found your site trying to decide actually! LOL. My issue is I HAVE the 24″ monitor on my PC and I’ll simply swap it onto the MacPro, but honestly as said earlier i’ll always want the biggest and best bla bla bla. I’ve got 4×1gb on my PC and I’m up in arms about it. I’m getting a 2gb Macbook and probably will end up getting a 24″iMac. And I “am” a professional. i am on the computer a good 8hrs a day doing design work. Honestly, get yourself the iMac, despite how good you are you really won’t even come close to touching what the MacPro can do. I rarely even do on my PC unless I start working with 24×36″ posters for promotional material. And if my PC can cut it doing that then believe me a iMac will do just fine. Unless your doing GIANT and I mean GIANT work on that MacPro you’re not going to notice a difference. I’d Max out the iMac before considering the MacPro. You’ll be happier in the long run and have less cords and crap to deal with. It’s hard for me to give up on the MacPro myself but when my iMac isn’t good enough anymore I’ll probably be looking to get a new Mac anyways.
March 1st, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Also. Keep at it. Being 14 is tough when your good at what you do, i’ve been there and 10 years later it’s still just as tough. There will always be people older than you and you’ll always have to prove yourself. Go get yourself the book “Its not how good you are, it’s how good you want to be.” Read it over and over again everyday and don’t forget it. :)
March 1st, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Hi David, thanks for your thoughts and comments. I’ve pretty much decided on purchasing a 24″ iMac once they are shipping with Leopard.
This way I can get a maxed out iMac, sell in 18 months, and buy another maxed out iMac (or equivalent) without major loss of money. It’s the best way for me to keep up with the latest and greatest, at an affordable price.
July 12th, 2008 at 3:39 am
Hah. Nick Hardy, shut the fudge up. I just bought a Mac Pro and I’m a software developer. I’m just 14. So err, if he makes the money which I believe he has he can. http://www.youtube.com/CharlieKirkFilm check out the unboxing video.
@Glenn:
Well done Glenn. Im glad you got the Mac Pro and 30″ acd, and also slightly befuddled about why you went for the MBP, but your choice:)