Hey guys, im buying a mac and have my heart set on this one:

Code:

Price:2799.00

Brand/Model: Apple MacBook Pro 15.4" with Retina Display MGXA2X-A

Processor: 2.2GHZ i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.4GHz

Memory: 16GB of 1600MHz DDR3L onboard memory

Disk Drive: 256GB PCIe-based flash storage

Display: 15.4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2880-by-1800 resolution at 220 pixels per inch with support for millions of colours.

Webcam: FaceTime HD Camera

Connections/Ports: MagSafe 2 power port, Two Thunderbolt 2 ports (up to 20Gbps), Two USB 3 ports (up to 5Gbps), HDMI port, Headphone port, SDXC card slot

Software: OS X Mavericks

Warranty: 12 Months

Graphics: Intel Iris Pro Graphics, Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on up to two external displays, both in millions of colours 

My main purpose will be for music producing in Logic and i will use a 1tb vst 3 external for my samples and a vst3 usb hub for my midikeyboad when using at home.

But then i found this one for $1000 less and was wondering out of the 2 what would you pick and why?

Code:

Price:1949.00 (i could get a 27 inch screen version for 2749)

Apple 21.5" iMac 2.7Ghz

1920 x 1080 resolution with support for millions of colors

SIZE & WEIGHT
Height: 17.7 inches (45.0 cm)
Width: 20.8 inches (52.8 cm)
Stand depth: 6.9 inches (17.5 cm)
Weight: 12.5 pounds (5.68 kg)

PROCESSOR
2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz) with 4MB L3 cache

OS
OS X Mavericks

WIRELESS
Wi-Fi
802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compatible
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology

STORAGE
1TB (5400-rpm) hard drive
IN THE BOX
iMac
Apple Wireless Keyboard
Apple Magic Mouse
Power cord

AUDIO
Stereo speakers
Dual microphones
Headphone port
Headphone/optical digital audio output (minijack)
Support for Apple iPhone headset with microphone
MEMORY
8GB (two 4GB) of 1600MHz DDR3 memory

GRAPHICS
Intel Iris Pro graphics
ELECTRICAL & OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
Line voltage: 100-240V AC
Frequency: 50Hz to 60Hz, single phase
Operating temperature: 50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C)
Relative humidity: 5% to 95% noncondensing
Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet

INPUT
Apple Wireless Keyboard
Full-size keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted “T” arrangement)
Magic Mouse
Smooth, seamless Multi-Touch surface with support for simple gestures (scrolling and swiping). Click and double-click anywhere. Ambidextrous construction accommodates left- and right-handed users.
Magic Trackpad (sold separately)
Glass Multi-Touch trackpad for precise cursor control; supports inertial scrolling, pinch and expand, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, rotate, screen zoom, scroll, click and drag, click drag and lock, secondary click A and B.

VIDEO SUPPORT AND CAMERA
FaceTime HD camera
Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to a 30-inch display (2560 x 1600 pixels) on an external display
Support for extended desktop and video mirroring modes
Support for Target Display Mode via the Thunderbolt port using a Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt cable (sold separately)

CONNECTIONS AND EXPANSIONS
SDXC card slot
Four USB 3 ports (compatible with USB 2)
Two Thunderbolt ports
Mini DisplayPort output with support for DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI (adapters sold separately)
10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
Kensington lock slot

 

for me, computers are always an example of something I learn a lot about for a short time (like when I'm in the market for one), and then as soon as I make the purchase, I forget everything... then I'll do it all over again the next time. Its kinda like those infomercials where the dude keeps stating a recurring catch-phrase, "Set IT!! and FORGET IT!" That what I do with my "skull" with some sets of info that I need only access on rare occasions (like changing the timing belt on my old '96 Honda Accord some years ago). If I don't literally work with the info on a daily basis, then it is just a "waste of room" in my brains RAM, and just gets "archived" away on a harddrive in Siberia.

However, I had bought a Macbook Pro in May (MD101LL/A... or some shit like that), and it has a "puny" i5... and it was way better than my Dell XPS 8500's i7-4770k... which straight fuckn astounded me to tell ya' the truth.
So the MBP you listed with the i7 willbe better than mine (which is totally great for me... plus you'd have the retina, which I dont).. BUT, my model was last model built which allows Us to upgrade later on... something which allowed me to spend less & at the time, knowing eventually I can upgrade... but the one you listed cant be upgraded (but I didnt see how much RAM you listed)
From what I remeber, Copyl3ft3r has same one as me *yes*
As far as iMacs are concerned
I'll tell ya' "next time"

Although, I really like having something small like a laptop for a studio computer... Despite what people will piss n' moan in regard to the Airs... This dude I respect on Gearslutz named EDGEK8D, bought the Macbook Air with an i7 just for dickin' around with beats away from home; and was f'n amazed that he was easily able to load ENTIRE projects w/ U-he Divas and Zebras loaded (amongst other CPU killin "virtuals") and that thing didnt flinch so..

btw... by "respect", I mean the dude has tracks that sound great, and has skills etc.

Good luck mate... I probably didnt offer that much help, but I still wanted to throw in my .025 cents

Edit: hmm... 16Gb of DDR3?.. your fuckn set with that... no need to worry about RAM upgrades... now that I "recall" some things, that Macbook looks like a beast and should be totally dope, though I dont know your exact uses... I'm assuming more of the "electronic" thing?. and not recording many audio tracks at same time?.. I think thats the thing that takes "resources" with all this computer music shit...

obviously waitin for the others to weigh-in though.

 

I'd go with macbook, i have a mac mini myself and everytime i want to produce outside or elsewhere i can't and this hurts me all the time.. it depends what you wanna do btw, if you feel that you need to move sometimes or just wanna make a solid studio.
anyway the price is in euros? in my country the same macbook costs 2200 euros

 

I would go for a MAC c series with 2 sdxc processor PPX HD ultra fast latest generation (30 sds not 29.9sds) about ram would go for the FFST 99 and nothing else, that can load faster lots of plugs and never crash, screen 9th vision with the latest retina filament and spatial vision installed.
you can't go wrong with this one, a music hit is 100% guaranteed ;)

 

If you're going for a MBP wait for the Broadwell version.

 

Main thing to ask, to decide between the two particular models cites: Do you want a Macbook Pro, or an iMac?
Or: portable, or desktop?
!5" or 21" display?
An external second monitor/display might come in handy, especially for the MBP.
The 16GB of RAM on the MBP, combined with the SSD, should be great for running Logic.
Check to see if that model of iMac might accommodate more than 8GB of RAM. 8GB can be enough, but 16GB would make a difference.
If you get the iMac, its HDD can be replaced with an SSD; the HDD can be moved to where the optical drive resides.
(You can read from the SSD and write to the HDD, in that configuration.)
Either machine should suffice for the next few years.

 

A Big Mac

 

I have that Retina display model. This thing is a beast. It allows me to work with shorter latencies, and not have to be freezing my tracks because of how powerful it is. Only reason i freeze tracks now is when re-sampling haven't had to freeze a track since i bought it. No complains here. If you are a serious or hardcore producers is definitely a great buy. N for the trolls out there yes you do not need all this power to make great music, we get it.

 

If you want a Mac for Production at home, you might be better off building a Hackintosh with the Specs you need. If you want to use the Mac as well for live performance or djing, i reckon you'll be best off with the MBP.
There are several good sites where you get all that you need to know to build your Hackintosh. http://www.tonymacx86.com/
There is also a good UK based Hackintosh Builder, wich makes custom built Hackintoshs for Studios. http://www.esseffcomputers.com/pro1.html
Most of my friends have gone the Hackintosh way and are having no troubles afik.
For the price of the IMac you can build yourself a Hackintosh with the specs of a 8 Core Mac Pro, 250gb ssd, 16/32 Gb Ram etc. and you still have some bucks to spare. On top of that you can uprade it to fit your needs.
I was also looking for a new machine and i hoped that Apple would come out with a Mac Mini Broadwell Quad CPU like the late 2012 Mini i7 Quad on Haswell CPU. Nothing but dual core CPU for the last range of Mini's and their performence is behind the 2012 i7 quad Mini's. Apple wants the homestudiowners to buy their overpriced Mac Pro.

 

If you want a real Big, buy this...
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/dell-m6700

 

I have the Macbook Pro Retina with 16gb ram, the top end model. I tried logic pro x (had 64bit problems) so switched to FL studio. I have spent 3,400$ on just the Macbook itself and I Regret it, The Performance is very bad. 16GB Ram is not enough? I Use a lot of synthesizers and effects. It gets heated up so quickly. If you're in a cold climate, then don't worry. If Logic Pro is must, i have no idea. If not, then try ailenware or razor, if you use windows compatibility DAW.

 

Why not look at a Hackintosh instead of these?

 

Why not do what Mr Psanter said. Plus, with the extra money going towards a pc it could really be a serious machine. Multi processor's 64gigs of RAM etc... if you build your own system and you will also have the best of both worlds available to work with... just a thought for you to consider.

 

Thanks for your reply, and yea it would be for electronic music..

Thanks fro you reply, The price is Nzd witch right now is 1,904.47 Euros.

No idea what your talking about lol, but will look into it. Thanks for your reply.

Yea I would defiantly consider it but I have no idea of a release date

Thanks for your reply, Yea after reading all the reply's here so far im still leaning towards the MBP as I currently use a windows laptop for music (only a i3 with 4gb ram)and love the portability of it for when I don't want to be stuck in a room all day and then when I am in the room been able to hook it up to a second monitor and interface..

Would save me a lot of money..

Yea I know but I started using logic on my hackintosh and got hooked on it, I just prefer the workflow compared to other Daws. I always told my self I would never buy a mac as I herd a lot of the time you are just paying for the name, but im willing to make the sacrifice of getting one for the sole purpose of music.

Yea I thought of that but their are several reasons I think I couldn't do that. 1 being that it took me about 4 days just to get this duel boot hackintosh laptop up and running with nerish and then things don't work like they should, get kext panics ect and don't know when you boot it up if it's actually going to reach to Maverick's os
, you cant update without taking the risk of crashing your whole system etc and all the time you take setting it up and fixing the errors it throws at you, clicks with my audio interface, imo you could of got a lot of music done.. im looking for something more reliable I think..

looking for a mac, but thanks.

You kind of got me worried with that statement, I live in New Zealand so it's not that hot here so it should be fine. Im currently using 4gb ram so I think 8 to 16gb would be plenty enough.. and yea buying it for logic..

Reason explained above, thanks.

I dont know about 64gb ram, maybe 32 and it's something I really considered but with the reasons above I cant see myself swaying to the hackontosh side
..

 

No. Hackintosh is full of troubleshooting. You'll end up troubleshooting rest of your life's. Buy Your Choice from store if it's needed. No hackintosh.

 

Logic has track freezing?.. not sure why I gavent looked for that function... i keep bouncing things down instead... do the frozen tracks still look the same (i away from computer for awhile), cant stand how Ableton's freeze function turns tracks blue... that shits annoying.

P.S. shit man... I forgot that I could take my dell xps 8500 (w/ 12 Gb ddr3, i7-4770k) and go the Hackintosh route.. right?.. I can do that?.. i dont have to buy anyother things to do that?

 

I'll Give you a clear idea. Are you a person; ready to spend at least 300-500$ if you have an issue with your apple product? if yes, then go ahead and buy. if no, then listen up. Apple Products vary, and sometimes you may have luck, sometimes not. If you're short in money, Think. I Know, I Made you little confused but if you need this gear. GO AHEAD AND BUY But Remember "Never Give up" ; Call Apple's Customer care if you're having an trouble, take it to genius bar if needed. If no luck? Remember "Never Give up" , Apple states telephone supports ends on prior 90days from the macbook's activation. But will apple hang up when u call after 90days? No, They wouldn't. Try to contact an another store. Go Out and give a demo on the store & decide. Good Luck Buddy.

 

Thanks for your advice, i just ordered it in with a 3 year warranty. Get it some time next week. Thanks to everyone for their input .

 

I was just joking ;)
good luck with the new monster mac