Desktop or Laptop?

For quite a while, desktop computer sales have been declining in favor of laptops.

The current crop of iMacs feature quad processors, 4GB of RAM, 500GB or 1TB hard disks, SuperDrives, Airport Extreme wireless networking, gigabit ethernet, BlueTooth, built-in 21.5″ or 27″ color-accurate, LED backlit screens, wireless keyboards, your choice of the Apple Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad, and superb video hardware that supports an additional external display up to 30″ in size. Prices start at $1199.

The current crop of MacBook Pro 15″ and 17″ models also feature quad processors, 4GB of RAM, 500GB or 750GB hard disks, SuperDrives, Airport Extreme wireless networking, gigabit ethernet, BlueTooth, the built-in 15″ or 17″ screen, the built-in keyboard and trackpad, and uperb video hardware that supports an additional external display.

Should you get a desktop computer like the iMac, or a laptop computer like the MacBook Pro? We think a lot of people who really don’t need portability still choose a laptops because laptops are hot right now.

Buying a laptop when you don’t need the portability is throwing away money, and we’ll prove it by comparing the prices and features of the base model iMac with the base model 15″ MacBook Pro.

What’s the same

  • Both have Intel quad-core processors
  • Both have 4GB of RAM
  • Both have 500GB hard disks
  • Both have the slot-loading SuperDrive
  • Both have BlueTooth
  • Both have gigabyte ethernet and wireless networking
  • Both suport external displays

What’s different

  • The iMac’s processor is 2.5GHz (Intel Core i5) and the MacBook Pro’s processor is 2.0GHz (Intel Core i7). The MacBook Pro will be slightly slower than the iMac
  • The iMac’s video circuitry supports external displays up to 30″, the MacBook Pro supports smaller external displays
  • The iMac comes with a 21.5″ screen, the Apple Wireless Keyboard, and the Apple Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad, the MacBook Pro comes with a 15″ screen and its built-in keyboard and trackpad.

Cost difference
iMac: $1199. MacBook Pro: $1799. A difference of $600

The MacBook Pro’s portability costs an extra $600, delivers a slower processor, smaller screen, and less comfortable keyboard and trackpad than the iMac. And if you want to add an external screen, keyboard, and mouse (which makes the MacBook Pro as comfortable to use as the iMac when at your desk), that will cost you at least $300 more.

The bottom line is that when you buy your computer, it’s wise to think about whether you need the portability of a laptop. If you don’t, you’ll get more computer for less money with a desktop model. The extra cost of a laptop is well worth it if you need portability.

Darryl Lewis