You've finally decided to join the dark side and get a Mac! Just kidding but a great decision nonetheless, only one problem...which one to get?? With Apple's Mac line-up you have ultimately 5 choices: iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Pro, Macbook pro, Macbook Air. So...Which one is right for you? Here we dissect the Mac line-up and help you decide which model and build is right for you.
First off, you need to figure out what you need your computer to do and what you expect from it. What are you using your computer for? Are you going to be using it just to browse the web or do more extensive processes such as render videos via Final Cut Pro? Below we take a look at the Mac line-up and what each one excels at.
First off, you need to figure out what you need your computer to do and what you expect from it. What are you using your computer for? Are you going to be using it just to browse the web or do more extensive processes such as render videos via Final Cut Pro? Below we take a look at the Mac line-up and what each one excels at.
Desktop Models
iMac: 21.5" or 27"
The iMac is the ultimate, everyday family home computer that can handle the basics and more. With a stock (basic model) iMac, you get a machine that will browse the web, make the occasional home movie, play a few games with the kids, watch movies, and much more. You can of course upgrade to get a better processor chip, more RAM, or bigger hard drive. All in all the iMac is a well-rounded machine that will get the job done at home.
Ideal iMac Owners/Scenarios
Grandma's House
Family Computer
Child's Home Computer for School, Play
Business (may need to upgrade depending on profession)
Elementary/Middle/High School
Price: 21.5":$1,099-$1,499*
27": $1,799-$1,999*
(comes with wireless keyboard and your choice of a magic mouse or trackpad)
Recommendations: The $1,099 21.5" base model is an excellent buy that will last the average computing needs for years to come. The $1,299 is worth the extra $200 because of the processor jump but not really needed for the casual browser but if you look to make occasional videos and photo editing, I would definitely give the $1,299 model a go. The 21.5" $1,499 is more for gamers and people who are looking to a little more video editing and graphic designing due to the dedicated graphics card. If you need the bigger screen, both models of the 27" are very good, but the $1,799 is the best bang for your buck.
Mac Pro
The Mac Pro is a monster, and with it comes the monster price. It's a machine for professionals or individuals who need all the computing power they can get. These folks are constantly performing strenuous tasks that push the RAM and the processor to their limits such as video rendering and heavy graphic design and development (These machines are great for professionals in the music, movie, and technology industries). Not too many people need the Mac Pro but Apple offers it to those who do or anyone who just wants to have more than enough.
Ideal Mac Pro Owners/Scenarios
Music Studios
Movie Studios
Heavy Graphic Designers
Technology firms
Anyone who just wants to show off
Price: $2,999-$3,999*
Recommendations: Like stated above, the Mac Pro is a monster that is only truly needed by few professionals. Unless you're one of these or just want to show off then I wouldn't look at the Mac Pro.
Note: Like the Mac Mini, a display will need to be purchased separately along with a keyboard and mouse/trackpad
The Mac Pro is a monster, and with it comes the monster price. It's a machine for professionals or individuals who need all the computing power they can get. These folks are constantly performing strenuous tasks that push the RAM and the processor to their limits such as video rendering and heavy graphic design and development (These machines are great for professionals in the music, movie, and technology industries). Not too many people need the Mac Pro but Apple offers it to those who do or anyone who just wants to have more than enough.
Ideal Mac Pro Owners/Scenarios
Music Studios
Movie Studios
Heavy Graphic Designers
Technology firms
Anyone who just wants to show off
Price: $2,999-$3,999*
Recommendations: Like stated above, the Mac Pro is a monster that is only truly needed by few professionals. Unless you're one of these or just want to show off then I wouldn't look at the Mac Pro.
Note: Like the Mac Mini, a display will need to be purchased separately along with a keyboard and mouse/trackpad
Mac Mini
The Mac Mini is an amazing solution to your computer needs that by far is the cheapest of the Mac line-up. Starting at $599, this machine is a great model for people who are looking to use their TV or have a few external display monitors lying around. The only downfall is the start-up costs you can encounter. You will need a monitor or screen, a mouse or trackpad, and a keyboard to use, as they are not included. All in all, a good all-around machine with the power to satisfy the average computing needs.
Ideal Mac Mini Owners/Scenarios
Same as iMac
Anyone on a budget
Small Business
Price: $599- $999*
Recommendation
The Mac Mini is one of my favorites of the Mac Line-up. This model is great for people who want to use their TV or have one or two extra external display monitors (if you don't you can find two good ones from a local Thrift store for under $50). You will need a mouse and keyboard (both can be found off Craigslist for under $60-$70) but if you already have these even better. So if you were to say, get the middle model at $799 and then get all the other components, you're still looking at under $1,000 for a desktop-grade Mac. The RAM is a bit low at 4GB but it will get the job done for the average computer user. A great solution for small businesses (they can easily take it with them back in forth between home and the office) and people on a budget.
The Mac Mini is an amazing solution to your computer needs that by far is the cheapest of the Mac line-up. Starting at $599, this machine is a great model for people who are looking to use their TV or have a few external display monitors lying around. The only downfall is the start-up costs you can encounter. You will need a monitor or screen, a mouse or trackpad, and a keyboard to use, as they are not included. All in all, a good all-around machine with the power to satisfy the average computing needs.
Ideal Mac Mini Owners/Scenarios
Same as iMac
Anyone on a budget
Small Business
Price: $599- $999*
Recommendation
The Mac Mini is one of my favorites of the Mac Line-up. This model is great for people who want to use their TV or have one or two extra external display monitors (if you don't you can find two good ones from a local Thrift store for under $50). You will need a mouse and keyboard (both can be found off Craigslist for under $60-$70) but if you already have these even better. So if you were to say, get the middle model at $799 and then get all the other components, you're still looking at under $1,000 for a desktop-grade Mac. The RAM is a bit low at 4GB but it will get the job done for the average computer user. A great solution for small businesses (they can easily take it with them back in forth between home and the office) and people on a budget.
Laptop/Portable Models
MacBook Air
The MacBook Air is an amazing, lightweight machine that still manages to pack a punch. This machine is the lightest, complete solution offered by Apple, weighing in at 2.38 lbs (11" model). The MacBook Air has come a long way from its humble beginnings, computing-wise, but a great solution for people constantly on the go who just need to perform simple computing tasks.
Ideal MacBook Air Owners/Scenarios
Writers/Journalists
Average College Student (Writing papers, browsing web, iTunes, etc.)
Professionals who travel a lot
Price: 11": $899-$1,099*
13": $999-$1,199*
Recommendations
First things first. The MacBook Air has narrowed the gap between itself and the MacBook Pro in the past few years in terms of computing power. However, with the Pro now weighing under 3 1/2 pounds and having the most value for your money, I would recommend the MacBook Pro base model starting at $1,299. You get a machine that will last you a lot longer and now have the awesome retina screen (Not on the MacBook Air). However, if you travel a whole lot, prefer a smaller 11-inch screen or have an iMac for home and want a MacBook on the go, then the MacBook Air is definitely a look.
The MacBook Air is an amazing, lightweight machine that still manages to pack a punch. This machine is the lightest, complete solution offered by Apple, weighing in at 2.38 lbs (11" model). The MacBook Air has come a long way from its humble beginnings, computing-wise, but a great solution for people constantly on the go who just need to perform simple computing tasks.
Ideal MacBook Air Owners/Scenarios
Writers/Journalists
Average College Student (Writing papers, browsing web, iTunes, etc.)
Professionals who travel a lot
Price: 11": $899-$1,099*
13": $999-$1,199*
Recommendations
First things first. The MacBook Air has narrowed the gap between itself and the MacBook Pro in the past few years in terms of computing power. However, with the Pro now weighing under 3 1/2 pounds and having the most value for your money, I would recommend the MacBook Pro base model starting at $1,299. You get a machine that will last you a lot longer and now have the awesome retina screen (Not on the MacBook Air). However, if you travel a whole lot, prefer a smaller 11-inch screen or have an iMac for home and want a MacBook on the go, then the MacBook Air is definitely a look.
MacBook Pro
MacBook Pro is an all-around workhorse that is my favorite machine in the Mac family. With a MacBook Pro, you get a machine that will last you years to come, can perform pretty much all you'll throw at it, and yet is still portable. Now branded with a retina screen, the MacBook Pro has also shed some weight within the last years (From just under 5 lbs. to now under 3 1/2 lbs.). With a standard 8 GB of RAM and flash storage now standard, there hasn't been a better time to purchase a MacBook Pro.
Ideal MacBook Pro Owners/Scenarios
High School/College Students (this computer will most likely last you throughout college)
Business Professionals
All-Around Good Machine for Anyone
Price: 13" $1.099-$1,499*
15" $1,999-$2,499*
Recommendation
The best value for the money out of these is the base Retina Model. For $1,299 you get a 2.6 GHz processor with 8 GB of RAM and, of course, the Retina Screen. The downside to these newer models is the inability to upgrade your machine as you wish, as well as the lack of a disc drive.. Up to the 2012 model, you could personally upgrade your RAM and your hard drive. However, now with these components being soldered on and harder to get to, its much harder and not recommended for beginners. The 2012 model is still available, so if you need the ability to upgrade and a disc drive, the option is still there for you. With most software being accessible online, the disc drive seems obsolete but you can always purchase a Super Drive or use another Mac's disc drive.
MacBook Pro is an all-around workhorse that is my favorite machine in the Mac family. With a MacBook Pro, you get a machine that will last you years to come, can perform pretty much all you'll throw at it, and yet is still portable. Now branded with a retina screen, the MacBook Pro has also shed some weight within the last years (From just under 5 lbs. to now under 3 1/2 lbs.). With a standard 8 GB of RAM and flash storage now standard, there hasn't been a better time to purchase a MacBook Pro.
Ideal MacBook Pro Owners/Scenarios
High School/College Students (this computer will most likely last you throughout college)
Business Professionals
All-Around Good Machine for Anyone
Price: 13" $1.099-$1,499*
15" $1,999-$2,499*
Recommendation
The best value for the money out of these is the base Retina Model. For $1,299 you get a 2.6 GHz processor with 8 GB of RAM and, of course, the Retina Screen. The downside to these newer models is the inability to upgrade your machine as you wish, as well as the lack of a disc drive.. Up to the 2012 model, you could personally upgrade your RAM and your hard drive. However, now with these components being soldered on and harder to get to, its much harder and not recommended for beginners. The 2012 model is still available, so if you need the ability to upgrade and a disc drive, the option is still there for you. With most software being accessible online, the disc drive seems obsolete but you can always purchase a Super Drive or use another Mac's disc drive.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the Mac Line-up has something for everyone. From College Students to Music Producers, the Mac family has a model for everyone to get the job done and last for years to come. An amazing line-up that somehow seems to get better and better as time goes by. Whatever Mac you do decide upon, one thing is for sure...you'll embark on an experience second to none and be absolutely satisfied with your purchase of one of Apple's Macintosh Computers.
* (custom options can fluctuate price)
At the end of the day, the Mac Line-up has something for everyone. From College Students to Music Producers, the Mac family has a model for everyone to get the job done and last for years to come. An amazing line-up that somehow seems to get better and better as time goes by. Whatever Mac you do decide upon, one thing is for sure...you'll embark on an experience second to none and be absolutely satisfied with your purchase of one of Apple's Macintosh Computers.
* (custom options can fluctuate price)