My 7-year old iMac just keeps on working, but it really struggles with large
image files, etc. My dilemma is not whether to buy a new computer - that is a
given. My dilemma is about what to buy.
Note: I am well aware that I can certainly find cheaper alternatives than those
discussed below. However, I have had enough experience with MS-DOS and Windows
systems over the last few decades to be 100% certain that I have zero interest
in going that route. And within the Apple lineup, the Mac Mini, tricked out and
paired with the 27" Thunderbolt Display, is about what I would get in an iMac
all-in-one for about the same price. With some sacrifice in expansion ports
with the Mini. So the Mini is not off the table, but pushed well to the side
while I look at other options.
Specifically, short version:
a. all-in-one (iMac) vs. desktop Mac Pro + display.
b. If desktop+monitor, then Apple Thunderbolt display vs. other good
display vs. display with wide (Adobe RGB) color gamut.
WRT the monitor - I have read several magazine articles and blog comments and
other material (including this interesting piece from EIZO:
http://www.eizo.com/global/library/basics/lcd_monitor_color_gamut/ ) and I am
not sure what I would gain from a wide-gamut display. If web images and
printers are stuck with sRGB, then for me to see a "better" image on my desktop
isn't really going to do anything except to further increase the load on my
credit card.
And if the iMac or Apple Thunderbolt style monitor is good enough, then do I
need a desktop at all?
A current quad-core iMac with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M GPU with 4GB graphic
memory plus some system memory and drive upgrades would be about $2900.
The quad-core base version of the new Mac Pro will start at $3000, including 2
AMD FirePro D300 GPU's with 2GB on each. Some TBD added cost of memory
upgrades, cables, etc.
So, is there sufficient value added with the desktop and its option to go for a
wide gamut display? Am I gaining other intangible benefits from the (to me)
inscrutable differences in processor and GPUs between the iMac and Mac Pro?
Should I save some money on the computer system and buy a 20-40 lens?
I welcome any comments or opinions, informed or otherwise.
stan
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