[Nana]

I've been planning on getting either the 24inch iMac computer or the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro

I'd love to get the notebook but I really don't understand all the differences between the two. I do a lot of Photoshoping, photography and burning movies and music, so that would be what I'd mainly use it for. I don't know the slightest bit about computers so I'd really appreciate anyones input on this.

LINKs
15.4-inch MacBook Pro & 24-inch iMac

Other than the obvious size difference I have no idea what a Intel Core Duo is or how much memory it takes to run Photoshop.

I'd appreciate any help or input I can get. Thanks in advance.

[DKYang]

You should get at least 1024MB ram, too bad most of the macs notebooks don't have it unless you upgrade it. Intel core duo is the processor. I recommend getting the Intel core 2 duo because it's more future proof, it'll cost more, but I don't think it'll make much of a difference since the softwares your using doesn't need the 64 bit thing, for now.

Here's a question for you. Do you want a laptop? Either yes or no because there is no major difference between the two except size, ram(I recommend getting 1024MB), processor(like before, wouldn't make much of a difference unless you want a "future proof" computer), and portability. Answer this and you'll get your answer.

I would get the iMac simply because I want a new desktop right now.

[awdark]

I take it that you know all the limitations of the apple software in comparison to windows already. Like clubbox and that stuff won't work, although you will have the apple bootcamp option to run windows as well.

Ill give you the benefit of the doubt that you know all about it and you're not just getting it because they look nice.

15.4" mac book would be nice because im addicted to laptops right now.
But a 24" lcd would be %&*(#$%$'ing beautiful. So it all depends on how you use it. If not for the fact that its 24" I would tell you to get the laptop... so the best thing to do would probably be to go to the store and take a look at them and just check it out and see how you like the feel of them and try to envision how you would use it.

[Trungy]

As far as specifications and your usage goes, there really isn't much of a difference between the two besides having a desktop or a notebook. The new intel duo core just means there is a new chip that makes the computer go faster (some would debate it, but I'm not that person).

As far as RAM goes (which is listed or described as 'memory' on apple.com), both the iMac and Macbook Pro offers the same amount. To run photoshop, you can get by with 1gb, but it is usually suggested that the more the merrier. 2gb of memory is very nice, so I'd suggest that if you're looking to use photoshop.

To be honest, apple's Macbook Pro is very capable of doing the very same things that an iMac can do. You can't go very wrong with either. It is a matter of preference of whether you'd like to have a desktop or a laptop.

It is always my suggestion to use Apple.com to purchase their computers, especially if you are a student (there is a student discount option-- not a drastic discount, but it is always great to save a hundred or so!). It is a no hassle order with free (and fast) shipping, and the great part is that Apple's customer service is amazing (voted and rated as having one of the best customer service amongst computer distributors).