New Computer

[fuentecigar]

I am considering buying a new computer in the next week or so. I am looking at both the iMac and a MacBook. There is nothing wrong with my Mini but, I am thinking of semi-retiring it to HTPC duty. I don't really "need" a new computer but, I am at an age where a new toy every now and then is nice. The iMac is probably the best buy, and even though portability is not an issue; I find I am fascinated by the MacBook. Any thoughts or comments are welcome.
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Mac Book 2.1 Ghz (Penryn) 10.6.7 4Gb DDR2
Mac Mini 1.66 Ghz 10.6.7 2Gb DDR2
KF5EYR

[Cypher]

I have an iMac and a Macbook Pro. I much prefer using the iMac, but the macbook pro gives me the portability the iMac could never achieve. Since buying the MBP though I do find myself switching between the two. Every night I start off in the dining room on the iMac but I nearly always end up on the MBP sat in the living room watching TV.

I don't think I would like using a laptop 24/7 though, the trackpad annoys me, and I definitely prefer to use a real mouse. The 13" screen on the Macbook would also be a big deal for me which was why I went the MBP route for a larger screen.

If I only had a Macbook I would definitely buy a separate mouse keyboard and monitor. It’s a real shame Apple don't make a docking station. I also have to use a Dell windows laptop for work but I rarely use it as a conventional laptop. I have a docking station at home and one at work and just carry it between them, so 95% of the time I working with a standard keyboard mouse and monitor, ethernet, printer etc without ever having to connect a lead.

So if I was in your position I would probably get the iMac, but if Apple had a docking option then it would definitely be the Macbook.
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Phil

Mac Mini 2.53GHz - iMac 2.0Ghz - Macbook Pro 2.4GHz - iPad 1 32GB 3G
6TB Netgear Ready NAS NV+ - 6TB Drobo S

[fuentecigar]

I have thought of adding a screen, mouse, etc. and making my own quasi-MacBook station. My niece has a late '07 MacBook and I do remember wishing it a little less cramped.
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Mac Book 2.1 Ghz (Penryn) 10.6.7 4Gb DDR2
Mac Mini 1.66 Ghz 10.6.7 2Gb DDR2
KF5EYR

[Ben Tex]

[fuentecigar]

I have looked at the glossy screen issue. It is hard to form an opinion on that with the glare of the store's fluorescent lighting. My niece's notebook is old enough that it came with a matte screen. So, I don't know if I could ever get a real accurate feeling for it. I know some that are just 180° against glossy. I am still undecided on that particular issue. If I end up around the $2000.00 level I am going with the 24" iMac rather than the Pro. I have looked on the Mac Mall site (where I bought the Mini) and they have some Book's and iMac's on close out. But, I am thinking that these do not have the Penryn processor. That was the only difference I could find in the descriptions. Am I correct in assuming that Penryn is the latest processor?
_________________
Mac Book 2.1 Ghz (Penryn) 10.6.7 4Gb DDR2
Mac Mini 1.66 Ghz 10.6.7 2Gb DDR2
KF5EYR

[Ben Tex]

[fuentecigar]

[Ben Tex]

[fuentecigar]

I will go for the latest. Hopefully, one that has been there no longer than 15 minutes.
_________________
Mac Book 2.1 Ghz (Penryn) 10.6.7 4Gb DDR2
Mac Mini 1.66 Ghz 10.6.7 2Gb DDR2
KF5EYR

[Ben Tex]

[fuentecigar]

I guess there will always be a better one "just around the corner". In my admittedly brief computing career I have settled on the idea that; about every 2 years, or thereabouts, I will get a newer model. My Mini will be at the 2 year mark, come October. So, I am about on schedule.
_________________
Mac Book 2.1 Ghz (Penryn) 10.6.7 4Gb DDR2
Mac Mini 1.66 Ghz 10.6.7 2Gb DDR2
KF5EYR