Many of my friends who are switching over to Apple have asked my advice about which Mac to buy.
It is a tough decision – and it will vary for each person.
At the very basic level, the choice comes down to desktop vs laptop – iMac or MacBook Pro.
Obviously, each style of computer will have it’s pros and cons.
iMac
The Apple iMac is a powerful desktop computer. The newest models have a fast processor, beautiful graphics, lots of memory, and a big hard drive.
The biggest advantage, however, is the large amount of screen real estate. The 27 inch model has a HUGE screen. It is perfect for working with pictures and video and for having several apps open at once.
The bigger the screen – the better, in my opinion.
But the downside to the iMac is that it really isn’t portable. That beautiful 27 inch screen will not fit in your backpack.
MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro line offers gorgeous laptop computers that are equally powerful – in their own right.
They come in three different screen sizes – 13 inch, 15 inch, and 17 inch. But by the time you get up to the 17 inch model – you are paying a big premium for that laptop, and you are cutting down on portability. Even though the 17 inch is a laptop – it is probably better classified as a desktop replacement.
MacBook Air
This handy little computer comes in both an 11 inch model and a 13 inch model. This laptop is lightweight and extremely portable – but I would not choose it as my main computer. It is a great complement to an iMac but it does not have enough power or storage capacity for what I need.
The Specs
You can delve into the specs for all the models at Apple.com – but for the average user the decision of which Mac to buy will generally come down to usage. All of the models are generally powerful enough to handle most tasks and apps.
So do you need something that you can take along with you or do you do most of your computing at home – in one location?
If you do most tasks at home – then an Apple iMac is a great value.
- You get a lot more computer for your buck.
- An AppleCare insurance policy is cheaper on an iMac than on a MacBook Pro. This is because a laptop gets carried around and is more likely to become damaged than a desktop.
- You get a great big screen.
If you don’t want to sacrifice portability – then a MacBook Pro might be right for you. But keep these things in mind:
- Even though you can take a MacBook Pro on the road – you will still need a wifi connection via hotspot or tethering to get internet.
- You can use an external drive for a Time Machine backup or an external monitor for a bigger screen or even a wireless mouse with the laptop – but this does cut down on portability, because no matter how easy it is – it is still a pain to connect and disconnect everything. You could end up using your laptop like a desktop.
- Obviously – if you need to use your computer in several different locations then these points do not apply but if portability is just something that is “nice to have” then you might consider an iPad instead of a laptop for your “on the go” needs.
How did you decide which Mac to buy?
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