iMac vs Mac Pro?

[brian]

I'm looking to move away from Windows and not end up on Vista, so my next PC choice would either be an Apple or a Linux running Ubuntu or similar.

If I go for a Mac, then I can run Boot Camp and migrate from Windows XP gradually...

Question is, looking at the Apple Macs, I'm having difficulty deciding on specs alone between the iMac and Mac Pro:

Apple - iMac
Apple - Mac Pro

On the one hand, the iMac looks like a basic functional PC, but its low RAM is off-putting.

However, the Mac Pro has better specs, but doesn't seem to come with a monitor even at that price.

Overall, the Apple's don't seem very price competitive compared to a PC, so I guess the iMac looks the better deal.

Question is, is 1GB RAM really going to work on an Apple, especially when I'm looking to do media (music/film) editing?

[Gav]

Personally, I would choose the iMac unless you have a large budget.

The iMac is far better value than the Mac Pro (which I expect will be refreshed soon).

As for the memory, I don't think 1gb is enough, especially with Leopard, but you can buy more memory very cheaply. £25 for a 1GB stick?

Apple overcharge for adding memory at the time of order, and you can save a bundle buy doing it yourself (VERY easy)

The iMac is a good value system at the moment, and can do a lot and should manage all but the most complex video editing with ease. Maybe even, dare I say it, gaming?

[Romulus]

I'm in agreement with GAV, and I would invest in extra memory from the outset. A minimum of 3Gb recommended for heavier workloads - thus, the more memory installed - the better.

[brian873]

Hi Brian,

I have been using MAC's for about 5 years now and recently just got a MacBook Pro.

I do not think you can compare the memory like for like with a PC as Apple control the standards far tighter so a 1gb system is fine for photo video editing using the standard tools that come with OS x. Although more RAM is never a bad thing.

If you plan to edit using Final Cut or any of the pro packages (although photoshop is fine for home editing with 1gb) I would get the mac pro. If you are using the OS x built in tools (that are very good) stick with the Imac.

In general your memory stretches a lot further in a mac than a PC.

Hope this helps

brian

[January_King]

I have only recently acquired an iMac and it takes what's thrown at it very well. This from a PC person since the original IBM came out! Additional memory is cheap as well - I got a 2GB SODIMM from Crucial for around £32 delivered. I have used it for video editing using iMovie and it couldn't be easier
After the initial learning curve I am finding the truth is that 'they just work' as he ads say. Unfortunately I've got to stick with the clunky PC for most of my sat stuff (Skystar etc).
JK

[encheres01100]

Originally Posted by brian

Question is, is 1GB RAM really going to work on an Apple, especially when I'm looking to do media (music/film) editing?

yes it's enough for film editing, but 2gb are better ;-)

[Gaffer]

I really have to recomment Crucial, brilliant service and really good value!

[Sonya_Blade]

I would recomend the Mac Pro if your looking to edit video/music - I've had an iMac and they're not as powerful as i'd want them to be so i upgraded cuz i do a lot of video editing of upto 4 hour length projects. Also make sure you get a big hard drive. that's one of the problems i've had with saving large video projects. i bought the 23inch apple monitor too but you can use any monitor...

[Sonya_Blade]

Originally Posted by brian873

If you plan to edit using Final Cut or any of the pro packages (although photoshop is fine for home editing with 1gb) I would get the mac pro. If you are using the OS x built in tools (that are very good) stick with the Imac.

i agree - if u want to use the pro packages go with Mac Pro