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adamfishercox · Dec 13, 2007, 09:00 PM

I currently have an iMac Core Duo (sig) that is just beginning to show it's age. I am going to replace it within the year, but there are various options for me and I'm torn. help me decide. The setup I want is a laptop/desktop setup where I can take the laptop with me for email and web, etc., but still also do email and web on my desktop without having to manually sync my mail folders every single time I connect.

Option No.1:

I buy an older MacBook, either a Core Duo or the earlier Core 2 version, and use that for my email and web browsing, cleaning out my iMac Core Duo for solely Final Cut and bigger projects.

My problem with this option is that I would still have older machines, and also, I would still want to have some things on both comoputers, such as my email files and my iPhoto library, and I really don't know of a great way to keep them synced in only those areas.

Option No. 2:

I buy an older MacBook, either a Core Duo or the earlier Core 2 version, and use that for my email and web browsing, and later in the year buy an Aluminum iMac for the big projects and web browsing. I sell my current iMac Core Duo

My problem is the same as above, the problem with keeping the files in sync.

Option No. 3:

I buy a refurbished MacBook Pro (15") and a 23/24" screen. I sell my iMac Core Duo.

My problem with this one is the price.

What do you guys think? I'm leaning towards option number 2 myself for the combo of horsepower and cost efficiency, but the MBP is so tempting because of the fact that everything would be on it, and there wouldn't be 2 computers I would have to keep in sync.

Related question: for those of you who have a desktop and a laptop, what is your strategy for syncing important files?

mdc · Dec 13, 2007, 09:36 PM

I have a new MacBook and a 24" monitor that I plug in when I want to do web design and 'serious' stuff. I close the MacBook, plug in the monitor, and wake it with my bluetooth keyboard and mouse. That way I only have one 1920x1200 monitor, since I dislike dual monitors.

You're looking at around $1,800 for this setup.

adamfishercox · Dec 13, 2007, 09:38 PM

the only reason i didn't include that setup in my options is the macbook's one fault: the darn graphics card. I use Motion and Final Cut and the MB just can't fly with that, unfortunately...

Mastrap · Dec 13, 2007, 10:12 PM

I would keep the iMac you've currently got. The difference in performance you'd be getting from any of the other set-ups you're contemplating is negligible IMO.

Laminar · Dec 13, 2007, 10:33 PM

As far as email goes, I use IMAP through Mail.app with Gmail, so all of my mail is accessible from anywhere.

adamfishercox · Dec 14, 2007, 05:39 AM

Mastrap: I have a 2 GHz Core Duo with a 2 GB RAM ceiling. I think I'd see a diff with a Core 2 Duo and 4 GBs RAM?

Laminar, thats what I do to, but what I'm saying is that when I delete messages on my laptop, i don't want to receive them again on my desktop, but I do want to have any I've kept.

Mastrap · Dec 14, 2007, 05:57 AM

Many of the Macs you're referencing don't support 4GB of RAM, except the new iMacs. An older Macbook certainly won't, thus my comment.

alligator · Dec 14, 2007, 07:28 AM

You may want to consider IMAP for e-mail and Chronosync for files.

MacosNerd · Dec 14, 2007, 07:53 AM

You didn't say what your budget is but based on your options, it sounds like its limited.

I'd go for a new or refurb MacBook Pro and then pick up a larger monitor (new/refurb). You'll have a more powerful GPU then the MB and possibly the iMacs and with the monitor you have the best of both worlds. Portability and yet a good desktop setup.

f1000 · Dec 14, 2007, 11:10 AM

1) iMac + iPhone.
2) Mac mini + iPhone.

A Mac mini plus Apple BT mouse & keyboard, by the way, is small enough to be used as a portable solution when staying at hotels with flat panel TVs with PC inputs.

MacosNerd · Dec 14, 2007, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by adamfishercox

the only reason i didn't include that setup in my options is the macbook's one fault: the darn graphics card. I use Motion and Final Cut and the MB just can't fly with that, unfortunately...

Originally Posted by f1000

2) Mac mini + iPhone.

The mini has the same issues with the GPU as does the MB. under-powered.

the iPhone would be great provided the OP doesn't need to use his applications while on the go. If its just light surfing and checking his email. Plus if the monthly expense for the service doesn't bust his budget either.

IceEnclosure · Dec 14, 2007, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by f1000

1) iMac + iPhone.
2) Mac mini + iPhone.

A Mac mini plus Apple BT mouse & keyboard, by the way, is small enough to be used as a portable solution when staying at hotels with flat panel TVs with PC inputs.

mac mini? c'mon, read the thread dude.

I say refurb MBP, and a 24" Dell monitor(or similar, price/performance-wise)
Then when you're ready, sell the iMac and get whatever you want for home. As for the email situation, I don't have an answer because the same thing frustrates me.

Laminar · Dec 14, 2007, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by adamfishercox

Laminar, thats what I do to, but what I'm saying is that when I delete messages on my laptop, i don't want to receive them again on my desktop, but I do want to have any I've kept.

That's what IMAP does. It keeps a master copy of your email on the server and adjusts it based on what you do within your client. If I get an email at work and delete it, it doesn't show up when I get home.

f1000 · 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by MacosNerd

The mini has the same issues with the GPU as does the MB. under-powered.

the iPhone would be great provided the OP doesn't need to use his applications while on the go. If its just light surfing and checking his email. Plus if the monthly expense for the service doesn't bust his budget either.

I've never had a problem with my Mac mini's GPU, but then again I don't play video games or do professional level graphics work. For what I need a GPU for, mostly playing back HD videos, the Mac mini's been great.

f1000 · Dec 14, 2007, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by IceEnclosure

mac mini? c'mon, read the thread dude.

Oops, I didn't read adam's second post.

imitchellg5 · Dec 14, 2007, 10:24 PM

All of those Macs that you listed are pretty much just as old as your current Mac. Just get a new MBP. As for syncing between lappy and desktops, I just leave most of my school stuff (Word docs, photos, edited videos) on my PowerBook and use the G6 for the intensive stuff (editing, etc.) I use my iPod touch for email.

adamfishercox · Dec 14, 2007, 10:39 PM

Alright, thanks all.

My decision is to buy a MacBook Pro (right now I'm looking refurbished, but the HD size is pretty bad...) but that may change after MacWorld depending on what changes are announced there. Then I will get a 22"-24" dispaly shortly thereafter- again depending on Macworld.

imitchellg5 · Dec 15, 2007, 09:24 AM

If HD size is really a very important factor, you could always downgrade to a MacBook but add the 250 Gb drive.

Laminar · Dec 15, 2007, 10:22 AM

I, too, won't acknowledge your need for a graphics card and suggest you get a MacBook.

adamfishercox · Dec 15, 2007, 12:24 PM

haha, thanks.

imitchellg5 · Dec 15, 2007, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by Laminar

I, too, won't acknowledge your need for a graphics card and suggest you get a MacBook.

Yeah, Motion doesn't really use graphics at all. Final Cut is fine on the MacBook, but you would get tired of 13" really fast, so you'd need an external display. Or just keep the iMac.