If you had $2500 to buy a MAC. What would you do?

The first half of the program is at the Daytona campus and the second half is at the Orlando campus. I like the Orlando Campus, but I hate Orlando, I can't stand that city. I like Daytona a lot. When its all said and done I will have a bachelors in Photography.

no no no!!! Both are there in Daytona. Don;t let them tell you otherwise. A BA is in Orlando but a BS in Daytona where they actually teach you things pertaining to photography. Orlando has like 2 classes. I know, I went there. It's more art than photography.

The iMac line is about to get updated. That said, I think the 20" or 24" iMac would serve you well. Do you shoot RAW or jpeg? If you shoot RAW, I would prioritize processor speed & HD speed. You'll want at least 2gb of RAM either way.

an ipod shuffle and $450 to home build a linux box, and $2000 on lenses.

I would get the 15 inch MacBook Pro in about a month or two concerning when the update will be released.

Citizensmith wrote in post #3212831
an ipod shuffle and $450 to home build a linux box, and $2000 on lenses.

I was running Ubuntu, but too many issues. Lightroom came out and I dumped Ubuntu. I like Linux, but I need software to run. Beside I spend my work days getting servers to run.

I'm looking at a Mac. My cube-mate just bought a Macbook Pro 17. It's nice.
I suppose a laptop would be nice to have so I can dump my CF & SD cards when they fill up.

OK, I am gunna order the pro 17.

SanDisk firewire readers on the MBP are blazin' fast.

Buy a PC and use the rest to purchase a 17" printer, calibration software, and roll paper. You might be able to squeak in a printer stand if you play your cards right. I think your spending way too much on the computing power. Of course thats me and not you.

Rumjungle wrote in post #3212323
The iMac line is about to get updated. That said, I think the 20" or 24" iMac would serve you well. Do you shoot RAW or jpeg? If you shoot RAW, I would prioritize processor speed & HD speed. You'll want at least 2gb of RAM either way.

When is the iMac line supposed to be updated?

I also went with a 24" iMac w/2gb RAM and Aperture. Very pleased with the configuration although it does make for a big 'laptop' when traveling.

Rumjungle wrote in post #3213286
SanDisk firewire readers on the MBP are blazin' fast.

I was hoping they would get updated. I just saw the regular mackbooks got a core 2 duo now. I was thinking of getting an iMac because of the speed and extra harddrive capability. I will be getting one of the Sandisk Firewire reader which ever way I go. I read about them, they are super fast. They will go nice with my Sandisk Extreme III cards. By the way, there is a big sale on them right now. www.adorama.com 1gb for $18 after rebate 2gb for @25 after rebate 4gb for $40 after rebate and 8gb for $90 after rebate and so on. All of them Extreme IIIs super fast.

Buy a PC and use the rest to purchase a 17" printer, calibration software, and roll paper. You might be able to squeak in a printer stand if you play your cards right. I think your spending way too much on the computing power. Of course thats me and not you.

I send my stuff out for printing, so I won't need that. I really want a Mac. I have had PCs all my life(actually started on a Mac)I have never bought a new computer before. Always used. My Mom jusdt bought a new Laptop and desktop for her house. Both are fast computers using Vista. Vista Blows. I had so many problems when I used her computers. Vista IMO is very Slow. I am not trying to start an argument. This is just the basis for my decision. No one will be able to change my mind.

Do you think it will run CS3? I guess thats something to consider. LMAO

producerism wrote in post #3211821
feel free to flame me for this, but for $2500 you could get two PCs, each just as good as the Mac.

I see you use PS CS3. I am looking to purchase new software. I am a new-bie just getting started. Do you like the software? Is it easy to use? What type of printer do you use?

MacBook vs. MacBook Pro.

I need all your prayers that I get a decent settlement in a month so I can. Pay off a few debts and get a computer.

EOS MAN1 wrote in post #3211074
Ok, if you had $2500 to get a Mac what would you get? How would you use the money? Would you buy a 15in Mackbook pro? Would you buy a Macbook with a Monitor? Would you buy an IMac and save some money for lenses? What would you do?

iMac 20". I got one a month ago and love it. I use LR and CS3 on it flawlessly.

That is what I have been looking at most. I can't decide whether it be that or the MacBook Pro for portability. I want the power and storage of a desktop and the portability of a laptop.