Well I was thinkin about the 24" as a good starting mac and once I upgrade after that I can put the 24" in a kitchen or else where as a secondary computer...
Seems like a good idea?
If I get a mac-pro Ill need a new monitor since mine is basically shot. I just cant afford a monitor on top of the computer's price...
If you are like the majority of serious gamers you'll want to keep your options open with regards to the graphics card. It's the single most upgraded component in a gamers machine.
iMacs are great if you plan to use the software that came with the machine for the next 36 months. But if you need to run the latest and greatest software as soon as it comes out the iMac will date very quickly indeed.
The Mac Pro is a killer machine to start off with. Once you factor in the 16GB of RAM, four SATA HDs (including some impressive RAID capabilities right out the box), two optical drives and the ability to install some kick-ass graphics cards ? you end up with a machine that has some serious headroom.
I'm recommending the 24" iMac to most people right now ? but I think you'd be better with the Mac Pro...
Get the Mac Pro, because it's a purchase that's virtually impossible to regret.
Until you get the bill for the second mortage needed to buy it.
sgtpeper, I really don't know what to say. I'm struggling with the same question. I suspect what you really want is a Core 2 Duo (Conroe) variant of the Mac Pro. Apple is great with the high end professionals and those who want simplicity, style, something different, or any combination of those three. They really don?t get those who agree with what they?re trying to do on the operating system front, but have more conservative tastes when it comes to computer design.
The iMac is good power for the price, but it is more for those who just want something they can set up and use. For all intents and purposes, it?s not all that more upgradeable than the Mac Mini. If you want a card reader, second hard drive, or an DVD-burner that won?t take a week to get its job done, you?re going to need an Army of external devices and probably a USB2.0 hub eventually. If you need more RAM, it?s going to cost you since it only has two slots and they?re already in use in a dual channel configuration.
The Mac Pro is much more expandable and you?re not stuck with a built-in display. However, it has its drawbacks as well. There is no front row option, bluetooth and airport will add another $80 to the already pricy total, there?s no mid-range card option, the server FB-DIMMS aren?t exactly cheap either, and for you?re uses the second Xeon with its two cores probably are never going to be used at all.
Really what it comes down to is what trade offs you?re willing to make and what you?re willing to spend. They?re both good systems, I just don?t know if either is really a good fit.
I am actually at the Apple store typing on a 24" iMac as we speak ha.
Im still leaning toward this as it should fill my needs for the next 2-3 years - which is all I expect out of a computer anyway. After that it will make a great secondary computer for a den or kitchen I figure.
Would I LOVE a mac-pro? Yes! But to get one thats really worth it means paying more than I can afford right now - and not having a monitor to go with it - which I do need currently...
You have me second guessing which to get just a lil bit I suppose....
Would I be better off stayin with PCs?
Also, remember this - Im not a HEAVY gamer. I play Counter-strike and sometimes battlefield 2 - and a lot of poker. None of which require any really crazy video card...... Someone I spoke with can play counter-strike on their macbook pro at 100fps - thats fine by me!!
Don't forget that Mac resale values are very high - usually enough to get half the purchase price or more back. I have even seen resale Macs on eBay going for more than the retail price of a new machine.
So instead of thinking of upgrading and replacing and graphics cards and all that nonsense, just spend the same money for the difference between selling your current system and buying the new system. Makes even more sense if your new system will be a refurbished.
I think you've already made your mind up and you're looking for reassurance. I would say go for the iMac purely because it will be more than enough for your specific needs. Upgrade the graphics memory and RAM and you'll be fine.
If you play poker just get 2 20" monitors for multi-tabling. That is usually cheaper than one 24" monitor and you get twice the screen estate. DONT BUY WIDESCREEN monitors
For gaming you need a Mac Pro to able to take advantage of the native resolution on your monitors. For poker the iMac would be ideal with a companion 20" monitor.
Comments
Seems like a good idea?
If I get a mac-pro Ill need a new monitor since mine is basically shot. I just cant afford a monitor on top of the computer's price...
If you are like the majority of serious gamers you'll want to keep your options open with regards to the graphics card. It's the single most upgraded component in a gamers machine.
iMacs are great if you plan to use the software that came with the machine for the next 36 months. But if you need to run the latest and greatest software as soon as it comes out the iMac will date very quickly indeed.
The Mac Pro is a killer machine to start off with. Once you factor in the 16GB of RAM, four SATA HDs (including some impressive RAID capabilities right out the box), two optical drives and the ability to install some kick-ass graphics cards ? you end up with a machine that has some serious headroom.
I'm recommending the 24" iMac to most people right now ? but I think you'd be better with the Mac Pro...
Get the Mac Pro, because it's a purchase that's virtually impossible to regret.
Until you get the bill for the second mortage needed to buy it.
sgtpeper, I really don't know what to say. I'm struggling with the same question. I suspect what you really want is a Core 2 Duo (Conroe) variant of the Mac Pro. Apple is great with the high end professionals and those who want simplicity, style, something different, or any combination of those three. They really don?t get those who agree with what they?re trying to do on the operating system front, but have more conservative tastes when it comes to computer design.
The iMac is good power for the price, but it is more for those who just want something they can set up and use. For all intents and purposes, it?s not all that more upgradeable than the Mac Mini. If you want a card reader, second hard drive, or an DVD-burner that won?t take a week to get its job done, you?re going to need an Army of external devices and probably a USB2.0 hub eventually. If you need more RAM, it?s going to cost you since it only has two slots and they?re already in use in a dual channel configuration.
The Mac Pro is much more expandable and you?re not stuck with a built-in display. However, it has its drawbacks as well. There is no front row option, bluetooth and airport will add another $80 to the already pricy total, there?s no mid-range card option, the server FB-DIMMS aren?t exactly cheap either, and for you?re uses the second Xeon with its two cores probably are never going to be used at all.
Really what it comes down to is what trade offs you?re willing to make and what you?re willing to spend. They?re both good systems, I just don?t know if either is really a good fit.
I am actually at the Apple store typing on a 24" iMac as we speak ha.
Im still leaning toward this as it should fill my needs for the next 2-3 years - which is all I expect out of a computer anyway. After that it will make a great secondary computer for a den or kitchen I figure.
Would I LOVE a mac-pro? Yes! But to get one thats really worth it means paying more than I can afford right now - and not having a monitor to go with it - which I do need currently...
You have me second guessing which to get just a lil bit I suppose....
Would I be better off stayin with PCs?
Also, remember this - Im not a HEAVY gamer. I play Counter-strike and sometimes battlefield 2 - and a lot of poker. None of which require any really crazy video card...... Someone I spoke with can play counter-strike on their macbook pro at 100fps - thats fine by me!!
You all got me thinking tho
More thoughts? I appreciate them all!
Thanks,
Jeff
So instead of thinking of upgrading and replacing and graphics cards and all that nonsense, just spend the same money for the difference between selling your current system and buying the new system. Makes even more sense if your new system will be a refurbished.
I don't think you'll regret it.
Enjoy your (Soon to be) new iMac !
For gaming you need a Mac Pro to able to take advantage of the native resolution on your monitors. For poker the iMac would be ideal with a companion 20" monitor.