Buyers dilemma - iMac 17" or MacBook 2.0GHZ

[macmatt]

Hi guys and girls (are there any?)

I bought a MacBook Core 2 Duo exactly 2 weeks ago, and although there is no way I can complain about the quality, I just feel that somehow I could get a *lot* more for my £890 than a 13.3" screen, 80GB 5400rpm hdd and *integrated* Intel grafix.

The iMac 17" just has SO SO much for bang for the buck, side by side with MacBook, and to be honest, I do not need the portability of MacBook, nearly as much as I had assumed initially. The store I bought from, sell iMac 17" 2.0GHZ C2Duo model for £57 *cheaper* than the price I paid for the MacBook, and I just feel I should return the MacBook, and do an exchange. This is where you guys come in:

I just need some reassurance - the real estate on the screen, feels *okay*, but I feel cheated space wise. I want to squeeze *maximum* value for my purchase...

Here are the specs for both machines:

iMac - I am wanting to get the higher specced 17 inch model (2.0GHZ):

http://www.apple.com/imac/specs.html

MacBook (mine is the 2.0ghz Core 2 Duo model @ £879):

http://www.apple.com/macbook/specs.html

If anyone would care to comment, I would greatly appreciate your feedback - I am off to make the switch tomorrow, so all opinions are valued!!.

:mrgreen:

[Super King]

Well, the Macbook is of lesser value because it's portable (smaller components cost more than larger ones). Do you need a laptop? If you find yourself mostly just using it while sitting on a desk than you may as well get the iMac.

[macmatt]

As asked, I use it at a desk 99% of the time. I really feel I could get a *lot* more bang for my bucks (or £££ as the case is!! lol) and I will have some change from the swap, in the way of around £70!!.

Also - call me fussy, but I kinda want a perfect TFT screen - the MacBook flickers, if the viewing angle is anything but EXACTLY zero degrees, looking head on. This flicker happens if the screen is @ 50% brightness or less, and to be frank, I don't want to be staring at a screen that is as bright as the sun, for hours upon end!!.

Just feel I can squeeze that little bit extra out of my £££, is all!.

[Alfa989]

I'd do it!

Go for it, if you use your MacBook on a desk 99% of the time, you should go for the iMac...:)

[Donnut]

I got a 2Ghz macbook, but I'd go with an iMac if you're gonna sit it at a desk. As far as in between the macbook and macbook pro? That all depends if ya want the gamer laptop or, ehat I bought it for, a portable workhorse. The macbook pro costs considerably more, and the only advantages I can see are the Smokin video card, and the 17" screen option.
It all depends on what you wanna do with it!

[macmatt]

Ahhh! :D

finally settled on this little (BIGGG) beauty!...
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h48/unlokia/20-inch-iMac/DSCF0108.jpg

[fuscia]

too bad apple couldn't throw in a new desk. just kidding. that desk has a 'favorite old sweatshirt' look to it. enjoy your new machine.

[macmatt]

Yeah its a tad scruffy, but *extremely* valuable, both financially and as an item of family heritage. I think the scruffiness is way more attractive than that "bought from IKEA" clinical new look.

Offers taken, if you wish to purchase me a new one! ;)

[Macintosh Sauce]

Ahhh! :D
finally settled on this little (BIGGG) beauty!
Congratulations on your new purchase. You will enjoy the iMac much more since you do most of your computing at a desk. You should strip and restain and varnish your desk - I would if it was an old family desk.

I plan on getting a Mac Book (black) in the near future for when I will be teaching Mathematics classes.

Since you are a Mac user, grab these Apple logo Desktop pictures I made - http://www.macintoshsauce.com/html/desktops1.html Spread the word! ;)

[Kateikyoushi]

Why did you buy a notebook in the first place if use it infront of a desk ?
Could you share your experiences with us ? I am curious about the fan noise, how silent is the machine ?

[macmatt]

Congratulations on your new purchase. You will enjoy the iMac much more since you do most of your computing at a desk. You should strip and restain and varnish your desk - I would if it was an old family desk.

I plan on getting a Mac Book (black) in the near future for when I will be teaching Mathematics classes.

Since you are a Mac user, grab these Apple logo Desktop pictures I made - http://www.macintoshsauce.com/html/desktops1.html Spread the word! ;)

Uhhhm thanks for the woodwork lesson, LOL!. I prefer to leave it as-is, because the desk is not mine. Those wallpapers you link to are rather dull/acquired taste I'd say, but thanks. Maybe create some more wallpapers with textures/glass effects etc - they're very boring looking, and extremely sameish.

[macmatt]

Why did you buy a notebook in the first place if use it infront of a desk ?
Could you share your experiences with us ? I am curious about the fan noise, how silent is the machine ?

I have attached a zipped MP3 of me speaking into iMac mic - obviously the fan/hdd hum you can hear are greatly amplified, because the mic is built into the screen surround (top) of iMac, so it picks up every whisper of the iMac, whereas a separate mic would pick up less ambient noise from iMac.

This machine is fantastic - cost me £927 (got a discount - RRP is £999!) and it flies like donkey doo off a shovel :D

{edit} Just noticed that I double posted - very sorry guys!.

[brickbat]

Well I just bought a macbook for my wife. She will be using it exclusively on her desk. I couldn't get an imac because she said she didn't want it to sit on the desk permanently. Now, she can stick the macbook in a draw when she's not using it.

[macmatt]

Nothing at all wrong with MacBooks - I had one, but I found the screen a tad small for my liking - that's all. They are _amazingly_ delicious machines - take note Sony/Dhell etc, you could do with some lessons in industrial design ;)

[Kateikyoushi]

Thanks for the recording macmatt.
We ordered a macbook they had 30% discount for the old Core Duo configs in the apple store, under 1000USD it would have been a sin not to buy it.

I had a few sony notebooks I was statisfied with the design, my TR5 was white silver looked almost like an ibook built in webcam dvdRW just 10" and 1.2kg we had two of these. Personally I like minimalist design besiddes portability so I consider the X505 one of the most beautiful notebooks ever made.

[macmatt]

:o Oh no - you ordered a Core Duo model?? :o

BAD *BAD* idea!. These are 1st generation MacBooks and had a *LOT* of issues - I would cancel asap mate. Take my word for it, or google it, just DO NOT BUY ONE!

Buy Core 2 Duo and NEVER Core Duo!!

[mustang]

:o Oh no - you ordered a Core Duo model?? :o

BAD *BAD* idea!. These are 1st generation MacBooks and had a *LOT* of issues - I would cancel asap mate. Take my word for it, or google it, just DO NOT BUY ONE!

Buy Core 2 Duo and NEVER Core Duo!!

Erm....what "issues" are you referring to? I bought a first generation macbook four weeks ago and everything works perfectly fine.

[Kateikyoushi]

I am also curious about the issues, I just expected ot to be slower with a bit shorter battery life than the new ones, my girlfriend is going to use it I doubt she could tell the difference even if she gets the C2D.

I won't cancel for sure even if we won't like it, I can sell it for more in the nearest secondhand store.
Saw C2D for the same prize if we subscribe to fiber to home but that's bit of a hassle.

[macmatt]

There's a wonderful site named "Google". Use it and find out - overheating...whining fans... yellowing/peeling plastic laminate... slower processors... bulging/possibly exploding batteries... MacBook randomly shutting down... I mean come *ON* - need I continue?. Don't buy one mate - take my word for it as a Mac user, I have researched EVERY avenue before making Mac purchases. If you still go ahead, you must be crazy, but hey its your cash ya wasting!.

Look >> http://www.appledefects.com/wiki/index.php?title=MacBook

...and you *REALLY* want to go ahead?. I had a second generation MacBook, and all was perfect, but first gen products are bound to have teething problems; this product had LOTS!!

Seriously - spend the extra and buy it properly with Core 2 Duo - madness if you don't.

[Kateikyoushi]

Impressive list of problems, thanks for the link and the warning.
Well we have two weeks to decide to keep it or not so will see it is one of the later models so some problems are already fixed but I really don't want her to be disappointed in it so we might get that fiber net in the end.

Thanks again.

[macmatt]

Impressive list of problems, thanks for the link and the warning.
Well we have two weeks to decide to keep it or not so will see it is one of the later models so some problems are already fixed but I really don't want her to be disappointed in it so we might get that fiber net in the end.

Thanks again.


Just do the right thing mate. She's gonna be a whole lot MORE disappointed, if you buy a DUD!. Think Core *2* Duo - never Core Duo with MacBooks - heed the warning - SERIOUSLY!. Look online and see for yourself mate - the extra £££/$$$ is going to save you all the hassle of a disappointed lady *and* expensive repairs (possibly).

I cannot stress this warning to you, enough. Period. Don't buy First generation MacBook mate - just *DON'T*, and don't be tempted by $$$/£££ savings - that's a major distraction from the points I have made, but think about it.

I wish you all the best

Regards, Matt.

[Kateikyoushi]

It's in the mail it comes with a powerbook, just slapped it to that, if it is no good will send it back or sell it.

Thanks again for the warning.

[mustang]

Just do the right thing mate. She's gonna be a whole lot MORE disappointed, if you buy a DUD!. Think Core *2* Duo - never Core Duo with MacBooks - heed the warning - SERIOUSLY!. Look online and see for yourself mate - the extra £££/$$$ is going to save you all the hassle of a disappointed lady *and* expensive repairs (possibly).

I cannot stress this warning to you, enough. Period. Don't buy First generation MacBook mate - just *DON'T*, and don't be tempted by $$$/£££ savings - that's a major distraction from the points I have made, but think about it.

I wish you all the best

Regards, Matt.

No offense but honestly you're coming off as some sort of mac spokesperson. I had *none* of those problems listed in the website. Apple has taken care of the vast majority of those issues either through firmware updates or revised versions.

Seriously - spend the extra and buy it properly with Core 2 Duo - madness if you don't.

This is the quote of the century. If you elect to buy a first generation macbook, you must be mad. There's simply no other explanation.

[macmatt]

Yes okay I appreciate you comments, and I am not trying to sound like I know it all. However, having called Apple themselves AND a very reputable Apple dealership whom my service contract is with (and whom I bought it from) they *both* categorically admit that the first generation MacBooks should be avoided like the plague.

Were I dishonest person, I'd have said go ahead and get it. Count your blessings - at least Apple are humble enough to accept their faults and fix them on second generation machines, and to re-manufacture them as Core 2 Duos!. If you don't want my advice then that's fine by me, but I was being HONEST, not bossy or in any way trying to advertise that Apple are by any means perfect. :confused:. Some people value my opinion because they are kind enough to tell me they respect it, because I research thoroughly when making decisions, and am against telling people what they "want to hear" just to keep them quiet.

Any person is free to buy whatever hardware they wish - I just feel it fair to make people aware of the possibility of buying a dud. Just because a great deal of 1st Gen machines were faulty, not all of them will turn bad obviously, but I felt it fair and just to warn this guy. My advice is free of charge and I don't guarantee it. However, I do guarantee my honesty and that I am proud of.