Debating between 15" macbook (used) or an iMac (new/used) help?

With my tax return I need to get a new mac. I used to have a 2008 17" macbook pro, but that died on me a little over a year ago. I loved that thing and used it for everything as I am a graphic designer and musician. I've gone over a year without a computer (I use my work computer which is a PC bleh), because I won't settle to buy a PC; i dislike them and always had problems with them, my beloved macbook was flawless until the graphics processor died and it wasn't worth the repair. I need a mac asap haha! My budget is likely between $1,000-$1,500, if i can spend less that'd be cool too, I might be able to get a decent used iMac for less. I'm probably looking at buying a used macbook OR or a new/used iMac. I loved the portability of my macbook when I had it, I regularly did work at local cafes and libraries, BUT with my said budget I'm wondering if I might get more bang for my buck with an iMac and am wondering if an iMac can be portable? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm also debating and wondering about others' experience with buying a mac on craigslist vs. ebay.
Would I be able to finance a new Macbook if I put $1,000 down, my credit isn't the best due to unpaid student loans. I tried to finance a macbook with no money down and couldn't get approved. My only worry with buying used is if it'll have a shorter lifespan.
Any advice on buying a mac with my situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
- Matt

I recommend Apple refurb store. They're practically new and have the full warranty.
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac
FYI: iMacs are not portable.

Similar Messages

I'm debating between a Macbook Air or a Macbook Pro which one would you suggest?

I'm debating between a Macbook Air (MC965LL/A) or a Macbook Pro (MD313LL/A) which one would you suggest?
I will be using this for college and taking it to class with me. My biggest fear is that I may be too hard on the Air and damage it, but I like that it is lighter and looks cooler. But which one do you believe is more logical and provides the best computer quality overall?

This is an objective comparison,
Meanwhile, we start from the price of their basic models, considering of course that could get discounts as a student in the Education Store. Required about 100 € more to buy an Air with the same screen size of this Pro and already, in some cases, may be enough to make your own choice.
Assuming a score to score, we could say: Pro 1 - 0 Air
Until recently, the beloved laptop for school purposes was the white MacBook.Orphaned "bianchino", now out of the list for some time now Apple, the Mac that is most on the economic front is approaching the Air 11 "(900 € on the edu store). Air 13 "display offers a native that could be called HiRes, identical resolution to that of Pro 15" base:
Air 11 "(16:9) 1366 x 768 = 1,049,088 pixels
Pro 13 "(16:10 format) 1280 x 800 = 1,024,000 pixels
Air 13 "(16:10 format) 1440 x 900 = 1,296,000 pixels
The comparison on the screens is not to be taken seriously. After all, is what we will see during every second of computer work.
And so the challenge back in a tie: Pro 1 - Air 1
For size and weight comparison is merciless. The Pro is a portable slim, well built and, after all, not too heavy. However, this aspect of the Air is unsurpassed. He created a new category of laptops is so small wonder. The weight is also almost halved with 1.3 kg against 2Kg. For those who are always on the go is a godsend for the university and also the difference in the shoulder is remarkable.
We update our score: Pro 1 - Air 2
The battery is offered in both cases with a duration of 7 hours. 2-Air Pro 3. Another aspect that is rather in favor of a tie on the graphics: Both models use the Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384MB of DDR3 SDRAM condivisa.Pro 3 - Air 4.
In academia, it may not feel quite the need for a Firewire port, but the fact remains that the Air does not have it.
I guess that's the case to score another point: Pro 4 - 5 Air
I scored a little more than necessary to have a complete line of Air, but for the purposes of this comparison we are interested in the value obtained from the Pro 13 'Air base and 13 "base. Both processors are dual core and, as you can see, the little guy gets along very well though with a slower clock. There is also a crucial aspect to consider: these data refer to the computing power but do not take into account the incredible speed-bump-up by SSD. Translated into monetary terms means that if the Pro 13 "is marginally faster when the CPU is under stress (such as video encoding) Air 13" is significantly more responsive in every area. By now you will present the advantages of SSD, as we talk about it constantly, and be assured that we are talking about really obvious differences in the everyday. The advantages obtained clearly outweigh the disadvantage resulting from a delay of a few seconds more in exporting an iMovie or a few seconds to compress a full-bodied zip file (which then increased the write speed scale in part). To assign a score in this area I find then a little 'in difficulty. From the viewpoint of the CPU Pro 13 "is slightly faster but we are sure you can assign an advantage when then every single operation, to start since, requires up to 8 times (the value is clearly approximate) of the time ' Air 11 "? I have no doubt to say that overall performance on the front of the Pro 13 "basis, as configured, is beaten hands down Air 13" base.
I say then: Pro 4 - Air 6 (but wait ... is not over)
Do you know where the above discussion decade? The MacBook Pro is much more expandable: add just € 77 and takes a 60GB OCZ Agility SATA3 that mounts in an instant. At that point, the bill draws on the opposite reactivity with SSD and the difference of the processor, though not so obvious, back to bite. It is also possible to realize different combinations. We have spoken of a disk of only 60GB in effect, but in the Pro can also be used as an adapter to enter the optibay the HDD of 320GB in place of the original SuperDrive. In this way we obtain the speed of the solid disc for the operating system and applications and the increased capacity of a traditional hard drive for archiving. Also, the RAM, which base is 4GB on both, on the Pro can be easily increased to 8GB. To want to do things right we should say that the added cost rises well and lose the initial assumption for which we have assigned a point to Pro for the greater economy.Furthermore, the comparison is based, only the basic models, however, the counter remains a valuable expandability, both now and in the future: if after some time you should decide to improve the performance of your Mac, is with the Aircan only change SSD (mSATA but those are expensive), while the Pro will have more flexibility.
u point for the Pro: Pro 5 - 6 Air
With the 2011 version of the MacBook Air has resumed the backlit keyboard, but still (and will) not have an Ethernet port, Superdrive and the infrared receiver. The absence of the reader / writer is a point against him, this is indisputable
equal footing Pro 6 - Air 6. As Apple moves fast towards a future where this will no longer be necessary (see installation and operating system software via the web) can still be useful today. It must be said that with less than 30 € you take an external drive efficiently (review) but this still requires to carry around another "element". On a personal level each of us will be evaluated differently this absence, there are those who do not tolerate it and who has already got used to (in extreme cases supported by the Remote Disk feature) but it is still a lack of perspective in a single complete computer , at least at present.
For this reason we say: Pro 7 - 6 Air
pull the money (or better scores ) won the pro of a single point.
i hope it can help you ti choose
Francesco

Debating between 13" Macbook Air and 13" Macbook Pro

Primarilly will be using it with Adobe CS6 (AI, PS and ID). Nothing too intensive and I would be planning on upgrading to the 8gb ram. I know on the older Macbook Air there were problems running OpenGl 2.0. I could care less about the lack of optical drive on the Macbook Air. I guess what I would like to know is... is anyone here running Cs6 on the new Macbook Air and how are they finding it? Would it be a better option to go with the Macbook Pro?
Thanks!

The "graphics team" that I support for my department have two 13" MacBook Airs (Mid 2011) and they're very pleased with them, both users run CS6 on them. I know one of them will even run their machine on a 27" monitor at 1920x1200 and I've never heard a peep out of them in regards to sluggishness. I suspect the newer machines with 8GB of RAM, a faster SSD and RAM as well as an improved GPU would be even better.
One thing you can also consider doing is trying out Adobe CS6 on the new machines at an Apple Store. I frequently bring external HDs with me to the Apple Store to try programs before I'll make a petition to purchasing for upgraded units. As long as the program can run self-contained on an external drive you should be just fine. I did with with CS5 about 8 months ago.
Lastly, outside of the CPU difference, the MacBook Air has very mostly the same "under the hood" specs. The difference in CPU would be offset by the improved performance of the SSD over the standard HD, at least that's what I've noticed from my own experiences and the feedback of my users.

Does anyone know how to sync the pictures folder between a MacBook Pro and an iMac?

I want to be able to load my pictures onto one computer and have the other one(s) sync with that computer so my pictures are all there on both computers.

Sorry about that, try this link, http://osxdaily.com/2012/07/02/transfer-playlist-from-ios-to-itunes/

I am looking at mac computers, and cannot decide between the macbook air or the pro, can anyone help?

I am about to go into my senior year in high school and I need a new laptop. I like to be able to have a reliable laptop with fast speed and can get the job done for my porjects and presentations. I also like to play online games with my friends, and I wanrt to be able to know that I will not be stopped with a slow computer. Can anyone give me suggestions for the laptop I am looking for?

If you're doing nothing more than web browsing, email, some light photo processing, and your standard Microsoft Office Stuff, I'd get the MacBook Air 13" with 4GB RAM and the largest SSD drive you can afford. It's light, and fast.
If you're going to edit movies and use Photoshop with lots of plug-ins, do substantial graphics, play 3D games, then get the fastest MacBook Pro with the largest screen, biggest HD and most RAM you can afford.
The thing is, the MacBook Pro is more like a desktop that's portable. The MacBook Air is still a powerful computer (it's not just an iPad with keyboard like a lot of people claim), but you basically are stuck with what you got. It really can't do a lot of heavy computer lifting.
I'm a MacBook Pro guy.

Which Mac suits my needs: MacBook Pro 15-inch, iMac 21-inch or iMac 27-inch?

I am looking to switch from a PC desktop.
I like the MacBook Pro 15-inch because of the medium-sized screen and the optional anti-glare display.
But, I like the iMac 21-inch because I have used a 21-inch running Snow Leopard (mostly for iMovie) and loved it. Also, portability is not a big concern although I would appreciate it.
The only reason I consider the 27-inch is because of the high specs. I love iMovie '11 and I am considering using that a lot and also playing games on the Mac.
I keep jumping between the MacBook Pro and the iMac. However, I can only recall the reasons I jump to the MacBook Pro from the iMac.
1: I can use it on an airplane and around the house.
2: If I had a MBP, I would not need a desk (which would create more space)
3: If I want to film and then edit the video in iMovie soon afterwards, a MBP would be much better.
The only thing I have never liked about notebooks is that in Google Maps I cannot use the scroll wheel to zoom in and out.

I think your advice on making a final decision on whether or not I want portability is very good. Thank you.
I would usually use the Mac for general use, but as I said, I am starting to get into video editing so it would be good to have that work well.
It depends. I only play three games on my PC. One of them has a weird disc so it can be played on PCs and Macs. That game's modifications are also not important to me.
The second game is an online download game which there is an OSX version of. That game's mods should not be a problem.
Now, the third game is what causes problems in this situation. I have many modifications and a multiplayer client currently installed for the third game. The third game is available for OSX but only through the Mac App Store, which makes me suspicious that I won't be able to mod the third game. But, I think it will be fine if I install a Windows partition with BootCamp to play it.
About what you said on deciding whether or not I want portability, I will have a think about that.
Thank you.

Can I transfer docs between a MacBook with a Intel processor and a iMac with a PowerPC processor by using a usb cord?

Can I transfer docs/folders between a MacBook with a Intel processor and a iMAC with a PowerPC processor using a usb cord? Or by loading from the MacBook to a external drive and then to the Imac.

You need to use an external drive, FireWire cable, Ethernet cable, or wireless connection.
(73713)

HT4783 I cannot AirDrop files between my MacBook Pro & iMac.

I cannot AirDrop files between my MacBook Pro & iMac even though they both recognize each other when AirDrop is open. When I open a file & choose AirDrop it doesn't allow me to click send. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
You can only write in NTFS drives in Windows, not OS X or Linux or any other UNIX-based system. If you want to write in NTFS drives, you have to use a third-party application as Paragon NTFS.
Another possibility you have is to format the external drive in a format that OS X can read and write in it, like HFS+ (Mac OS Extended (Journaled)), FAT32 (MS-DOS (FAT)) or exFAT, but this is longer and you need a lot of time to back up your external drive files

I'm debating between the 15" and 17" MacBook Pro. Any suggestions?

I'm debating between the 15" and 17" MacBook Pro. Any suggestions?

It appears that is up to me to pick up the mantel and defend the 17" MBP (As an owner of two of them).
Yes it is heavier that the 15" model, and by an enormous 16 ounces! Not a day goes by that I contemplate acquiring a fork lift to move that obese beast.
Oh that 17' screen, the Cinemascope of laptops. The extra space adds to the efficiency of use and has an edge when viewing DVDs or when converted to a HD TV. (I will grudgingly acknowledge eww's recommendation to check out the high resolution properties prior to purchase)
It has a express card slot that allows for eSata connections (No mere SD card slot). Most useful when one has to transfer large file to and from external drives. In addition it has three USB ports rather than just two (I probably should not let it be known that I have yet to use all of the simultaneously).
Off my soap box.
Is it worth an extra $300? That becomes an individual choice. Either way the final decision is going to be a good one.
Ciao.

I want to share files between my MacBook Pro and G5, I am using an AirPort

I want to share files between my MacBook Pro and G5, I am using an AirPort Extreme Base Station. I can see the MacBook Pro on the G5 and vice versa, I have file sharing turned on both, as well as Screen Sharing. I currently am sharing using Target Disk Mode, I want to know what other wireless options are available to me?
I want to have the 2 computers able to see each other and be able to share files be drag and dropping, I also have another G4 on using Tiger I want to be a part of this happy Apple sharing family. Can someone please tell me how to accomplish my goal?
Thanks in advance for reading and replying to my post,
Sebastian

The mac help is: Finder window/Help/Mac Help. It provides answers to a lot of common questions, including file sharing.
As for the ethernet cable, you can either buy another one (inexpensive and available in many places including Walmart), or just unplug it from your modem temporarily and plug it back in when you're done.
As for Target disk mode, take a look at this Apple article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58583
Apple online support pages are also a great way to find out how to do things.
As I mentioned, I prefer using the ethernet/file sharing method if I need to copy a lot of files; however, there is another way around if you have an external drive and just want to copy one or two files. Just plug the external into one computer, copy the file onto it, unplug, plug into the other computer and copy.

Another device on the network is using your computer IP address.. Every time my macbook pro and my Imac are on line at the same time i get this message any help..??

I have tried to turn off my modem and after that i turned on each machine individually it worked for a while giving my macbook pro and my Imac different IP address.. but the problem came back again and im here with 2 similar IP addresses on each machine and once that happen i lose the internet on both of them.. and I get an exclamation mark on my Airoport symbol.
how can i change my IP address and where can i get a new 1.. should i just make it up..??
TY

sirioluce wrote:
I have tried to turn off my modem and after that i turned on each machine individually it worked for a while giving my macbook pro and my Imac different IP address.. but the problem came back again and im here with 2 similar IP addresses on each machine and once that happen i lose the internet on both of them.. and I get an exclamation mark on my Airoport symbol.
how can i change my IP address and where can i get a new 1.. should i just make it up..??
TY
What router are you using?

I would like to sync Notes between my MacBook Air and the IPhone and/or IPad. I used to tick a box in Itunes (info), but for some reason it is no longer there. How do I go about doing the sync?

I would like to sync Notes between my MacBook Air and the IPhone and/or IPad. I used to tick a box in Itunes (info), but for some reason it is no longer there. How do I go about doing the sync?

The only way to sync Notes is through a mail server. If you don't want to use iCloud, you'll have to use some other mail account, or run your own mail server under OS X Server. The latter is a job for advanced users only.

ICHAT using macbook to connect to imac at home

Hi, I think a pretty basic question but for some reason couldnt get it to work!..Recently been away & tried to get in touch with the kiddies through ichat using my macbook (i have an imac at home)...do i have to have different a/c's or is there any other solution that i am missing?...many thanks

Hi,
I See you have linked or replied to my post.
I was trying to find out if the names were linked to your current MobileMe account.
A Trial MobileMe Account will not work in iChat if the Trial has run out. (@mac.com ones do)
At the MobileMe change from the .Mac (@mac.com name issue) you could decide to keep an @Mac.com name for your MobileMe Account.
Therefore you could have a MobileMe Account that has two working email IDs but they will not work in iChat (It is the same as if [email protected] was adding the Buddy [email protected] and trying to Video to "themselves")
I think Defcom has made it clear where you should be going for the New Account.
8:26 PM Thursday; December 3, 2009
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

HT4889 If I use this migration by ethernet from a macbook pro to an imac will the original macbook pro still have the original data

If I use this migration by ethernet from a macbook pro to an imac will the original macbook pro still have the original data

Yes.

Can data be migrated between Macbooks using firewire to thunderbolt?

Can data be transferred using 'migration assistant' via a firewire to thunderbolt link between a Macbook Pro (W80190Z2AGV) and Macbook Pro Retina (C02JC08BF51R)? Both have OSX 10.8.4. Or is there a better/faster alternative to transfer data?

The only thing faster would be Gigabit Ethernet, using the Thunderbolt to Ethernet adaptor. But there's not much in it (800 vs 1000). You'd need a Cat6 cable as well.

Debating between 15" macbook (used) or an iMac (new/used) help?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for