Top of the line MacBook Pro 15" Retina with 2 27" thunderbolt displays or top of the line 27" iMac with another 27" display?

I don't know which combination to get... The key is two have dual monitors. I'm a photographer and need the extra workspace. Would there be a noticeable difference in performance? Please help.

I agree with shldr - do you need the portability? A lot - and I mean a lot - of photographers are taking their MBPs with them on location shoots. If you're in a studio all the time, then the iMac should suit you fine. If you shoot on location and need portability then the MBP with two 27" ATDs would be my choice. If, like most photogs, your shooting is both, go with the MBP.
In the end, portability is your only concern. As an ex-pro, if I were buying a computer today, I would not get the Retina display MacBook Pro - I would get the fastest non-Retina and upgrade myself to 16GB of RAM and at least a 512GB SSD (although OWC has a 960GB SSD that looks awfully nice and the price keeps dropping).
So location or studio or both? If location or mixed, MBP. If studio only, iMac.
Pretty simple decision...
Clinton

Similar Messages

  • Should I buy the old MacBook Pro(non-Retina)

    I want to buy a new MacBook but very confused with which model to buy. I was very keen on MacBook Pro (non-retina) because of it good specs and the flexibility it provides for hardware upgrades.
    But with the launch of new MacBook Pro Retina models, I have been hearing news (rumours) that the old MacBook Pro (non-retina) will be phased out.
    Please advise me if it is still a good idea to purchase the old MacBook Pro (non-retina) model ? I am just afraid that Apple might stop supporting the product in future.

    I bought my MacbookPro 15.4'' (mid 2012) in the beginning of October and have been fully satisfied, even if it's not Retina. It has IntelCore i7 2.3 Ghz, 1600 Mhz DDR 3 and this alone let draw a conclusion that this is indeed powerfull and efficient machine one could ever wish to own and at the same time to pose a question: what else could one desire? It's definitely OK for the next 5 years and as much as I can determine to derive from it for my needs (by the way I'm convinced it would even meet the requirements of professionals such as IT specialists and the like) this Mac will give me much to benefit from its specs. Mine came with Lion 10.7.4, upgraded then to Mavericks and voila - its performance didn't dissapoint me either.  You should concern more where to buy to purchase high-quality product, of course brand new (not used/overused, damaged both internally and externally). The best choise is to buy it from an authorized reseller, a local Apple Store etc.  Believe me, an "old" Mac (is mine old??)  - speaking of the span of -2,3,4 years prior to this year is a very relative notion: it is TO SOME EXTENT if you compare to the newest models, BUT it isn't so "old" (whan saying the word our psychology distorts this making it sound like "total garbage" which IS ABSOLUTELY INCORRECT) comparing to the whole Microsoft-based stuff, even pretending to smooth quality (Windows 8 2-in-1 "tablets"). My advice - buy a 2012 model and you won't lose.

  • I have just purchased the latest macbook pro 13 retina (late 2013). I want to connect to a Dell U2713H Monitor. As the  new macbook doesn't have a cd slot, I am unable to install the monitor drivers etc. Where can I download the drivers?

    I have just purchased the latest macbook pro 13 retina (late 2013). I want to connect to a Dell U2713H Monitor. As the  new macbook doesn't have a cd slot, I am unable to install the monitor drivers etc. Where can I download the drivers?

    Thanks for your prompt reply. I'm not sure how to connect to the monitor as the only ports available on this model mac are Thunderbolt. The mini display to display cable supplied doesn't seem to work out of the TB port. Do I need to use a Thunderbolt cable + an adaptor?

  • Can I use Final Cut Studio 3 - notably FCP 7 - on the lastest MacBook Pro (non Retina) (Z0MV-27-4GB-512-HRA Apple 15" MacBook Pro/2.7GHz Quadcore Intel Core i7/8 GB) running OS 10.8?

    Can I use Final Cut Studio 3 - notably FCP 7 - on the lastest MacBook Pro (non Retina) (Z0MV-27-4GB-512-HRA Apple 15" MacBook Pro/2.7GHz Quadcore Intel Core i7/8 GB) running OS 10.8?  If not, is there a work-around if I have to revisit work done in FCS 3?

    I have it running on the latest NON-Retina MBP. And a good friend of mine has it running on his Retina model. Works fine.
    Henry English wrote:
    What if I have to revisit any one of them?  What if I try FCP X and find I prefer FCS 3?
    If you need to revisit them...that's why you install FCS3.  That's really the only reason I have that on my system, to revisit old projects, and to deal with clients who still use FCP 7.
    You really should look at moving on though...not sticking with FCP7. It's 4 years old...two years since it was EOL.  Adobe Premiere Pro CC is a very good FCP replacement...although I don't like their "rental" method of paying a subscription to use it.  Or you can buy Adobe CS6...but that just lacks enough to make it not quite tempting for me.  Premiere CC is spot on...but **** if I don't hate that subscription model.  But there's also Avid Media Composer.  But that doesn't do a lot of things that I used FCP and Adobe for...

  • About how many years would the integrated macbook pro w/retina batteries last before they required replacement service?

    About how many years would the integrated macbook pro w/retina batteries last before they required replacement service?

    It is entirely dependent upon how the batteries are used ( with a little bit of luck).  There is no specific time period that any one can provide.
    Here you will find some detailed information on Apple batteries and their care:
    http://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro/batteries_power/
    Ciao.

  • I have a Seagate Slim Portable 500 GB USB 3.0 external hard drive that worked great with my Macbook Pro 13" Retina but gets ejected and won't show files on any iMac.

    I have a Seagate Slim Portable 500 GB USB 3.0 external hard drive that worked great with my Macbook Pro 13" Retina but gets ejected and won't show files on any iMac. My Macbook Pro and the two different iMacs I tried it on were all using Mountain Lion, so the only difference was the iMac versus Macbook Pro.

    I just tried this, no luck...
    I connected a different USB cable, still the same problem. Tried both cables with the problematic hard drive on two different computers, still the same problem.
    At this point I assume I'll probably need professional help in saving the files, thanks for the assistance.

  • I just got the new macbook pro about 2 weeks ago, it has lion. When the new mountain lion comes this summer, can i just update it on my macbook pro since it isn't so old? And if i can update it, do i have to pay, or is it a free update?

    I just got the new macbook pro about 2 weeks ago, it has lion. When the new mountain lion comes this summer, can i just update it on my macbook pro since it isn't so old? And if i can update it, do i have to pay, or is it a free update?

    I'm in the same position, the store said they didn't know of any new release, so i bought my macbook pro to find out about mountain lion. I really hope that i'm not going to pay for the upgrade. New to apple, also last month bought my Ipad 3, really thought that Airplay would have been on my book pro, nope, waste of time.........need that update to use it. Back i the box then, get the windows 7 ultimate pro back out until then.

  • What is the difference between the new 13" MacBook Pros and the previous version of the 13" MacBook Pro?  I purchased an "old" one from Best Buy the day before the announcement of the new models.

    What is the difference between the new 13" MacBook Pros and the previous version of the 13" MacBook Pro?  I purchased an "old" one from Best Buy the day before the announcement of the new models.

    See the specs:
    Compare Notebooks - Apple Store (U.S.)
    Compare with your model. If you are within 14 days of purchase you can exchange for the new model for the difference in price, if any. Be sure to have all the original packaging and your receipt.

  • HT1338 After migration from MacBook 13' running OSX 10.6.8 to MacBook Pro 15' Retina OSX 10.8.2 using Migration assistant, the Bluetooth assistant mentions "name not available" and it cannot detect my Magic trackpad. There is no mention of any mishap.

    I just migrated from MacBook 13' OSX 10.6.8 to MacBook Pro 15' Retina OSX 10.8.2 with the use of Migration Assistant. When attempting to install my Magic Trackpad, the Bluetooth Assistant mentions "name not available" so that the device cannot be detected.  In have disconnected the firewall.Thanks for assistance.

    Create a new, temporary admin account and see if you can set it up in that account.

  • Does the 13" MacBook Pro non-retina have soldered RAM?

    I want to purchase a 13" MacBook Pro without retina. I was wondering if the RAM/HDD are soldered in there.

    Here is the "how to":
    http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2012+RAM/ 10374/1

  • Does the 13" MacBook Pro **NO** Retina, come with Mountain Lion??

    Ordered mine from Best Buy last week, according to their website, as well as Apple's website it should have Mountain Lion OS on it. It only has Lion 10.7.5 on it.
    Is that how it should be?

    If your Macbook Pro comes with Lion then it's not the latest revision. The last Macbook Pro to ship with Lion has the Model identifier 9.2 released in June 2012. The lasted revision has the Model identifier 10.2 released in Oct 2012 and ships with Mountain Lion

  • Should I get the 13in MacBook Air or the 13in MacBook Pro(non retina)

    I will be starting college soon and need a computer that will serve as my main and only computer but I also want good mobility as I travel a lot and also want to take it to class everyday also I plan on starting price for both so no upgrades. I like the MacBook Air for its mobility and longer battery life, but it only comes with 128 GB, while the MacBook Pro comes with 500 GB hard drive and also can take disks. Its 128 GB enough for the average user? Also can you guys tell my what other  advantages each computer has over the other thanks

    defenatly get the 13 inch macbook air,It is super light and it's battery life is some what ok,but if you are concerned on storage space you can always buy an external device they will save you a ton of money in the long run.You always have the option of buying an external optical disk to.The best part of the Macbook air is it's flash storage its 9 times faster storage transfer than the non retina macbook pro.The macbook pros with retina display do not have a cd drive ether.I have the macbook air 13 inch and its great 2 years old and works and looks like its brand new [except for the battery life].

  • What should I get, the 21.5" iMac or the 15" MacBook Pro (Non-retina)?

    Im 14 and I know it's a lot of money to be spent on me at my age by my parents but they don't mind getting me it. Also I'm not looking to get the MacBook Pro to show off to my friends I like it because of its probability. So maybe could you list a few pros and cons for me so I can see what one would suit me bet?
    P.S. I know the iMac is cheaper but money is not a problem so don't put that down as a con for the MacBook pro please?
    Thanks

    "Pron" looks better bigger, so I vote for the iMac.....
    Yeah, right, "I'm pure & chaste and only surf the Disney channels" my azz.....

  • Whats should be the start up timing and turn off timing in the new macbook pro non retina display?

    i brought a macbook pro last week!
    15.4"
    2.6ghz
    8gb ram
    750 hd
    ITS 2012 EDITION !!
    I JUST WANTED TO KNOW THE STARTUP AND THE TURN OFF TIMING !!!
    PLZ HELP ME !!!

    thiva xD wrote:
    can i turn off my mbp every day??
    can i use it plugged even if shows 100%
    Yes you can shutdown as many times per day as you like
    Yes you can use it plugged in even if the battery shows 100%, as per Apple guide on batteries here: http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html
    They recommend you use the battery and allow it to drain to below 40% of capacity atleast once a month to in their words 'keep the juices flowing' and for longterm storage where you won't be using the device, they recommend you unplug it and let it drain to about 50% before shutting it down and not using it for a long period of time ie: 6 months
    Cheers
    Sidonsoft.

  • MacBook pro 15" Retina - connecting to Thunderbolt display issue

    Hi
    Is everyone else have trouble connecting the thunderbolt to the MacBook Pro with Retina? With my air it was plug and play (nomatter if the MBA were asleep or awake - it would just wake up when I uesed the wirless mouse or keyboard), but now I have to restart my Mac everytime I connect it to the thunderbolt display.
    It simply will not "wake" when I connect the thunderbolt cable. I have to open the screen and the restart..
    Also there is a lot of "flickering" . almost like it is "trying" to work.. but have to be reastartet everytime.

    Mine is even worse...after connecting it the display flickers and turns black...the mainboard of the display was changed but the symptoms returned after some few hours of usage...

Maybe you are looking for

  • Access Message Wait Activity from PAPI-WS

    Hi, I am trying to access BPM Studio Message Wait activity using PAPI-WS. Am sending object as an argument but the argument values are not available in BPM. MessageWait1 - Activity Name In - Argument Set Name Arguments - Contains object values. Insta

  • How can I import my music files from my other computer

    I got a a new laptop, and I would like to import the music files from my older PC. How can I do this? Best regards.

  • Create Error log table

    I am supposed to insert the records that are not uploaded to the main table into a error log table and email the users about the error records that was not inserted into the table. How am is supposed to do it ? I have few more questions. What is the

  • Redness in retina display

    I had issues with my macbook pro putting a "read mask" over many images and menus.MSWord and Pages looked positively pink. I did some searching on the intertubes and in the forums and found nothing but lots of complaints about color on Macbook pros.

  • Do I have to receive all emails?

    I have my BB so I can get work emails when I'm NOT at work...  Is there a way I can change some settings or something so I don't have to get them all.  I'm sitting at my desk answering emails on my computer and my BB is buzzing telling me I have the