MPB vs. iMac?

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Level 4

2,651 points

MPB vs. iMac?

Hey everyone. Being that I'm migrating from many years of Windows, I know that Windows laptops don't compare to Windows desktops in any way, shape, or kind. Windows laptops are just generally much slower than any desktop, and often get slower by the minute. I was wondering, is this the same situation with Apple laptops, specifically the MacBook Pro? How does the MacBook Pro with, let's say, 1.5 GB of RAM, and 2 GHz processor compare to an iMac with the same. As you can see (via my signature), I'm currently on the 20" iMac (2 GHz, 1.5 GB of RAM). Is the MBP anywhere near the performance of an iMac, or any Apple desktop for that matter? Thank you in advance.

 20" iMac (Intel Core Duo) 2 GHz 250 GB HD, 1.5 GB RAM & 128 MB vRAM, Dual-boot, Mac OS X (10.4.6),  30 GB Black iPod with video, .Mac account - anthonykid@mac.com, Male

Posted on Apr 12, 2006 6:41 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 12, 2006 6:58 AM in response to Masna

If you get comparable configurations, specifically a 7200 RPM disk on the MacBook Pro and the same amount of RAM, then yes, they'll exhibit comparable performance. They both have essentially the same hardware for all the key computing elements (CPU, FSB, ICH, MCH). The real reason these are some of the fastest machines available in consumer computing equipment is the 667 MHz Front-Side Bus (FSB). That's shared by both designs. And, of course, they have comparable CPU speeds and are both dual core.

Randall Schulz

iMac 20" Core Duo; MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.6)

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Answer 2

tribe

Level 4

1,255 points

Apr 12, 2006 7:04 AM in response to Masna

I believe Randy is spot-on. I could guess the iMac would run somewhat cooler due to bigger enclosure (and probable larger fans? )

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Answer 3

Apr 12, 2006 9:18 AM in response to Masna

Just get both!

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Answer 4

Apr 12, 2006 10:05 AM in response to Randall Schulz

The biggest difference is the size of the hard drive. Other than than it would be a personal decision between portablility and bigger screen and storage.

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Answer 5

Apr 12, 2006 11:41 AM in response to Peter Moyer

also, the imac performs better in most games 1-2 fps whn it has the 256 MB video card, because iMacs have a desktop version of the x1600 than the MBP, but its not a big difference

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