Ok, I've seen a bunch of threads on this since the Apple product line refresh, so I apologize in advance for posting yet another thread, but I feel my situation is unique. At this point in time I am relying on my old Powerbook 1.67ghz G4 as my primary computer. It works beautifully sometimes, but it is really beginning to show its age. I was dreaming of a sub $2000 single processor Mac Pro or a mid range tower with these updates. Since nothing of the sort was released its back to the same question I've been asking myself ever since Apple switched to Intel: what to buy?
I am a moderate PC gamer who wants to run TF2 and L4D in bootcamp at 1900x1200 with smooth frame rates. I do a lot of h.264 work. I am also student who does not have much time for games these days, so I am willing to compromise more than I ever have been before. I really am dependent on OSX. I would hate to be forced back to windows and am willing to sacrifice as a result.
Options: (prices reflect dev. discounting)
~$700 Mac Mini for use for everything but gaming.
Problem: I HATE the idea of spending this much on what is essentially a laptop, especially since I could never game on it. I would have to build a windows PC for h.264 work and games, so the net cost would be about $2000. I would run the windows machine mostly through remote desktop, switching the display input to the windows box for gaming.
~$1900 24" iMac, 2.93 or 3.06 ghz, Mobility HD 4850
Would get me a dual monitor setup
Problem: less power, I do video encodes regularly, so I really want the power of a desktop (ideally quad core!) Plus the life of this computer would be shorter for me than a desktop. Not sure how well this build would hold up for gaming either. Mac Pro is only $500 more.
~$2,400 Mac Pro, 1x 2.66ghz with HD 4870
Problems: oh my... soo expensive. Even though I would only have one monitor, this seems like the right option, but I am having a REALLY hard time with the price. I can build an i7 windows machine for $1000!
Yes, i know, hackintosh. I just don't think it will work for me. I need a reliable computer for schoolwork, and I really don't have time to fool with fixing my OS whenever there is an update. I also want to be sure that I can run Snow Leopard.
Ok, responses will be much appreciated! I have literally been debating over which Intel mac to buy for 2 years now, and I'm no closer to a decision than I was when I started! Enlighten me with your experiences!
I am a moderate PC gamer who wants to run TF2 and L4D in bootcamp at 1900x1200 with smooth frame rates. I do a lot of h.264 work. I am also student who does not have much time for games these days, so I am willing to compromise more than I ever have been before. I really am dependent on OSX. I would hate to be forced back to windows and am willing to sacrifice as a result.
Options: (prices reflect dev. discounting)
~$700 Mac Mini for use for everything but gaming.
Problem: I HATE the idea of spending this much on what is essentially a laptop, especially since I could never game on it. I would have to build a windows PC for h.264 work and games, so the net cost would be about $2000. I would run the windows machine mostly through remote desktop, switching the display input to the windows box for gaming.
~$1900 24" iMac, 2.93 or 3.06 ghz, Mobility HD 4850
Would get me a dual monitor setup
Problem: less power, I do video encodes regularly, so I really want the power of a desktop (ideally quad core!) Plus the life of this computer would be shorter for me than a desktop. Not sure how well this build would hold up for gaming either. Mac Pro is only $500 more.
~$2,400 Mac Pro, 1x 2.66ghz with HD 4870
Problems: oh my... soo expensive. Even though I would only have one monitor, this seems like the right option, but I am having a REALLY hard time with the price. I can build an i7 windows machine for $1000!
Yes, i know, hackintosh. I just don't think it will work for me. I need a reliable computer for schoolwork, and I really don't have time to fool with fixing my OS whenever there is an update. I also want to be sure that I can run Snow Leopard.
Ok, responses will be much appreciated! I have literally been debating over which Intel mac to buy for 2 years now, and I'm no closer to a decision than I was when I started! Enlighten me with your experiences!