How "portable" is an iMac?

An [iLugger|http://www.ilugger.com> would make it a little easier and help to protect it!

Hi Michael,

A 24"er is pretty good sized and I'd think it would be rather clumsy. The only reasonably safe way to carry it around would be in its original packing box with all the styrofoam protection left in to secure it. A good way to find out how it would be to lug around would be to go to an Apple dealer and try hauling the computer around the store in its shipping box. You could also ask them if there are any carrying bags available (I doubt it) from them or third party vendors. I wouldn't try transporting mine (which is only a 17"er) without the original box and I recall that even it weighed in at about 20 pounds and was pretty clumsy as well.

Rick

Here's a 15" [Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo|http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?np lm=FA895LL/A] for a bill less then the 24" iMac.

Or a new 15" [MacBook Pro 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo|http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nn mm=browse&mco=7B723642&node=home/shop mac/family/macbookpro] for 2 bills more.

Richard Segedi wrote:
Hi Michael,

A 24"er is pretty good sized and I'd think it would be rather clumsy. The only reasonably safe way to carry it around would be in its original packing box with all the styrofoam protection left in to secure it. A good way to find out how it would be to lug around would be to go to an Apple dealer and try hauling the computer around the store in its shipping box. You could also ask them if there are any carrying bags available (I doubt it) from them or third party vendors. I wouldn't try transporting mine (which is only a 17"er) without the original box and I recall that even it weighed in at about 20 pounds and was pretty clumsy as well.

Rick

The bad part about lugging it in it's original box is the top flap doesn't lock very well unless it's taped down with packaging tape. I know this because I took mine to my office this way. The flap would not keep down when holding onto the handle.

The iLugger is the best way if you plan on carrying an iMac often. If your not then the original box with some good tape or a couple Lan Party straps would be best for once and a while trips.

den.thed wrote:
Here's a 15" [Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo| http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nplm=FA 895LL/A ] for a bill less then the 24" iMac.

Or a new 15" [MacBook Pro 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo| http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=br owse&mco=7B723642&node=home/shop mac/family/macbookpro] for 2 bills more.

The problem here is the tag for the Cinema display. The macbook pro might be a tad cheaper when it's refurbished but you still have to (based on your original post OP) get the cinema display.

Hi KKat

Yes you are correct about the original box not re-closing all that well. It wouldn't make a very good "lugger" for a 24" iMac. I'd hate to have to carry one of THOSE around very much in its original container. I'm surprized to learn, though, that there still is a third party solution for this problem. I used to carry my original 128K Mac around in a special bag fitted for it. There were compartments for the computer, mouse, keyboard, extra floppy drive, cables and floppy disks and you could carry it or wear it like a backpack. Fully packed it weighed in at around 25 pounds or so as I remember. Can't imagine what one of those new bags with a 24" iMac and accessories would weigh these days. I'm glad I no longer have reason to lug my stuff around anymore. 🙂

Cheers, Rick

I'm actually thinking of getting this for my 24".

To and from office, I agree it isn't that bad. If you plan on going through customs, your better off leaving it at home.

It is big, heavy? Not for short bursts, standing in line you'd prolly turn to jello.

If your worried about portability and plan to do a lot of travel even constant short runs, I would go with the macbook pro and cinema display if you can fork over the mula.

I've seen the iLugger up close and it is a very nice product. Your iMac is pretty well protected.

Again though, the final choice is yours.

I would think it would be very heavy, lugging that 24" iMac around.
Is it okay to do that sort of thing with the hard drive?
How about a portable Mac book- much lighter and less trouble.
I wouldn't wanna lug around my 17" iMac and it's only, what 7 pounds.

Just being doing a video shoot/edit on location with a chum who took his 20" iMac along in the back of the car. To my mind so much nicer than using a laptop - plus the client absolutely loved it!

There was another guy there who brought along a 2-screen PC running Premier. Looked liked a dogs dinner in comparison.

The only problem, as mentioned earlier, is the fact that the case doesn't really close that well and it'll soon start to look very tatty.

Paul