Apple Mac-Intel Simplified Buying Guide
By David Walker |
May 17th, 2006
Comments (3)
Windows users know deep down that they want an Apple. They are stylish and beautifully crafted. Until recently, Windows users have had to look on with jealous eyes as games and business applications forced them to stick with XP, in the hopes that Vista would bring the promise of a Mac-like interface to the PC. Apple’s recent release of BootCamp, however, has changed the game and now Windows users no longer have a reason to stay in the traditional beige box of old. It’s time to get Mac-Intel’d, and being a long-time Windows user, I say Hallelujah. That said, which model should a Windows user go for? With 4 different Windows-capable Apple computers here now, the decision can be frustrating. This simplified guide is here to help.
Audio and Video Editing Types
First off, if you are an audio/video editing user and you are using Windows, you may be beyond help. However, forgiveness is a virtue, and being highly virtuous, we’ll still help you get into the right Mac for you. At first glance, you may think that any of the 4 Macs will work and in truth, any of them will. However, this guide is about getting you the best Mac for your circumstances and the reality is, if you’re doing audio/video editing, you’ll need to consider your options a little more thoughtfully.
If you work primarily out of an office and never need to bring your Mac with you, then the iMac is your best bet. The Mac mini, while smaller and less expensive, presents a few problems. For one, the integrated Intel graphics chipset is underpowered for video editing whereas the iMac’s ATI Radeon X1600 graphics card with 128MB (upgradeable to 256MB) of memory is ideal for video editing. Additionally, the Mac mini maxes out at 120GB of storage, while the iMac has the option of going up to 500GB. If you’re working with audio and video, you’re going to need all the storage you can get. Finally, the mini’s fastest processor is the 1.66Ghz Core Duo while the iMac base processor is 1.83Ghz. Video and Audio editing will need as much horsepower as you can afford.
If you’re going to be mobile, however, the iMac obviously doesn’t travel quite as well. Between the new MacBook and the MacBook Pro, however, the choice is clear. You’re going to need the MacBook Pro. Not coincidentally, the reasoning is similar to why the iMac trumps the mini. The Pro gives you a faster processor and a much better video card. The Pro will also afford you more screen real estate with it’s larger screens. Your storage options between the two will be identical, so either way, you’ll probably want to get an external Firewire or USB2.0 drive to store your video and audio on.
Whichever option you go with, you’ll probably want to upgrade your memory to at least 1GB. Video and audio editing, as you no doubt know, can be very processor and memory intensive. If you can afford it, 2GB would be ideal. Storage is also critical, so if the money is there, get as much hard drive space as you can.
Business Pros
You, the business pro, are an odd one. Your choices are not so much dependent on hardware needs as they are on cost and travel needs. If you’re traveling, your two options present you with a bit of confusion. Do you need the Pro with it’s bigger screen and more horsepower or will the ultra portable MacBook fit your billing?
Tough question - but the bottom line could be the bottom line. If you’re looking to be frugal, the MacBook is a great deal. For less than $1500, you can have a dual-booting, Office ready laptop that is perfect for hitting the road. However, if frugal is a cuss word to you, then the MacBook Pro is a very nice option as well. It’s not quite as road friendly, though it is certainly not a beast to tote around (less you choose the 17 inch model). Both MacBooks have all the wireless connectivity you’ll need so that you can surf the web while downing your favorite uber-flavored coffee at Starbucks. And in the end, isn’t that what matters most?
College Students
Don’t worry my Ramen noodle eating friends, I haven’t forgotten about you. This guide is geared towards you especially. Why try to make a decision when you have finals to study for? So, which Mac fits your life best? Well, no doubt, you want to be on the move. Your life is too spastic to sit down at one place for more than an hour and we get that. So, you can scratch the iMac or the Mac mini off your list. MacBook or MacBook Pro - that is the question. It really comes down to 2 questions now. Do you do the media thing and what can you afford?
Well, if you’re eating Ramen noodles every night and it’s not because of a strict new-age diet you read about in Vogue magazine, you’re probably in the market for the MacBook, but don’t feel like you’re getting cheated. With an Intel Core Duo, slot-loading DVD burning and integrated Bluetooth and WiFi, you’re definitely not getting ripped off. It can also handle media fine, although the Pro will probably do a better job at that.
However, if you’re the offspring of a wealthy hotel chain owner or are created in that same image, you may opt for the MacBook Pro. It’s still ultra sleek and mobile, but with a few extra perks like a faster processor, better video capabilities, bigger screen and an available PC card slot.
What’s that you say? You’re having a hard time affording the Ramen noodles, much less an uber cool Apple laptop? Well, your only other option would be the Mac mini. While the Intel Core Solo processor on the $599 unit won’t impress your friends, it will suffice. Add a cheap monitor, keyboard and mouse and you could be Appleized for less than that $800 text book you had to buy for Chemistry II.
Casual Users
If you’ve been caught saying “I need to buy the Internet,” you’re a casual user. Don’t worry - it’s not a sin, even if your friends silently mock you in geek pride. There is a right Apple for you as well.
If you’re considering using your new “Internet” anywhere other than at home, take a long, hard look at the new MacBook. At a starting price of $1099, you get alot of bang for your buck. It can even run Windows, although, you’ll probably want to enlist the help of a techie friend to get that working for you.
If all you want to do is surf the web and read email from the comfort of your home, then the Mac mini is made just for you. It’s the perfect combination of pleasing aesthetics, price and performance. You won’t be playing Quake IV at high resolutions on the mini, but that’s ok, you probably don’t even know what Quake IV is at this point.
Gamers
You’re kidding, right? OK - maybe you’re not. Even though the Apple lineup can now run Windows, it is still not the ideal gaming platform. For one, Apple Mac-Intel systems are still closed systems. You can upgrade memory and hard drives, but that’s it. The video is off limits and that is the heart of modern PC gaming.
If you are still considering making the move, though, then you really only have 2 options. Need mobility? Then you need the MacBook Pro. Stationary is cool with you? Then opt for the iMac. The reason is simple. The integrated Intel graphics processor in the MacBook and the Mac mini are just way too underpowered to run any game other than Solitaire. The Radeon X1600 is a decent video card and can definitely get you gaming, but it’s not the top-dog in the video card market. Either way, opt for the 256MB version of the Radeon, whether you go for the MacBook Pro or the iMac. Also, games can be demanding, so you should probably look at having a minimum of 1GB of memory in the system as well.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you found yourself somewhere in this mini-guide. Big purchases can be overwhelming, especially now that there are multiple options to be had. There are a few extra things to consider, no matter what model Mac-Intel you decide to go with.
For starters, if you plan on running BootCamp and Windows XP, you’ll want to have as much hard drive storage as possible. On top of that, if you can afford it, opt for 1GB of RAM (or more) as Windows XP will run far smoother with it. Also, the Core Duo is a much nicer option than the Core Solo processors, so if you can afford to make the jump, do so. Being able to web surf while also creating your very first DVD is a powerful thing, indeed.
Finally, if you have any suggestions or corrections for what’s been written here, let us know by posting feedback in the forums. We would love to hear what you have to say.
May 17th, 2006 at 9:47 am
Again!
(btw, posted from the apple store)
May 17th, 2006 at 10:06 am
any idea when the g5-replacement intel desktop will be offered by apple?
May 17th, 2006 at 11:06 am
If you want to run Aperture, you will want either a iMac (Core Duo) or Macbook Pro. The Mac mini isn’t going to cut it, and I don’t think the Macbook (non-Pro) has the graphics ability to run it either.