Macbook Pro or Custom Built PC

[Kritonios]

Hello, I am planning to buy a computer and I'm in a big dilemma between a Macbook Pro and a Windows PC. First of all, I need a computer to program, edit (pictures, videos, music) and probably (if possible) a little gaming. On one hand, I can get a Windows PC much cheaper than a macbook pro with better specs which will be able to do all these I mentioned above. On the other hand, the macbook pro will offer me portability and all I mentioned above except from gaming. Also, portability matters because I'm moving frequently and I don't feel like it's a good choice to get a windows laptop as long it has 5400 rpm hard drive and I want to try the mac os which I think it's better for laptops. Finally, keep in mind that if I buy the Pc it will have these specs;
i5 4460
gtx 960 2gb
1tb 7200rpm hard drive
8 gb of ram
550 watt psu
asrock z97 extreme 3 mobo

If I buy the macbook;
13 inch retina display
i5 @ 2,7 ghz
integrated graphics(iris 6100)
256 gb ssd.
If the extra money is worth it I will give it for the macbook

 

[bjsm]

There is no discussion here: Custom built pc all the way. With the money buy yourself a cheap laptop you can carry around. Thats my advice to you without knowing exactly your transportation needs.

 

[martinch]

Personally, I'd lean towards a custom-built PC, because (1) I know what's in it, (2) it's cheaper, and (3) I don't get on with OS X. If you're worried about portability, then have a look at some of the BitFenix mini-ITX cases - they're very small, so I would imagine would be a good compromise (and you can get mini-ITX GTX 970/960's...).

Apple's laptops feel nicely constructed, and have a good spec, but you do pay for it a bit.

 

[ToxicFantom]

There is no discussion here: Custom built pc all the way. With the money buy yourself a cheap laptop you can carry around. Thats my advice to you without knowing exactly your transportation needs.

+1. took the words from my mouth.

 

[velo3100]

The desktop is a better choice as you will be able to upgrade it or fix it if something breaks, unlike the mac.

 

[Kritonios]

Ok thank you guys, as I can see you all believe that the desktop is a better choice so I will go with that

 

[Gene Razak]

Well, I know you've already picked a solution and all things being equal I'd generally prefer a desktop solution as well. However, if you're really moving around a lot you'll want to think very carefully about choosing a desktop over a laptop.

Self-example: I spent over a decade having to move at least once a year. With little help other than hirelings I was glad not having to lug a desktop PC around on top of everything else.* Tower (even mini) + Screen + all the not so little bits add up very quickly. Instead I have been using mid- or upper range laptops (Thinkpad T530 at the moment, rather 'up' ) which have served me exceptionally well (even with quite a bit of gaming). More expensive than a desktop for sure, but they disappear into a bag at a moment's notice and are perfectly safe in there. Being able to take them with me on travel was also a nice perk and maybe that might be useful to you, too.

Consider carefully:
- How often you expect to be moving
- How easy it is for you to move (E.g. with limited car-space a desktop PC might be difficult to acommodate)
- Whether you can afford regular replacements for a laptop (Few well-used laptops outlive their warranty by much, after which repairs are prohibitively expensive. Expect replacements maybe every 3-5 years. A good warranty is probably the most important factor when choosing a laptop that's meant to last)

If you ask around here maybe people can recommend some other notebooks that are more affordable than the macbook but still have adeuquate specs (and warranty) for your needs. I have no idea how 'good' a macbook really is but based on a very quick price check you should be able to get decent laptop for the same money or less. Maybe it'll help your decision if you have some cheaper notebook alternatives to choose from as well.

*Moving day was my personal hell and money spent to make it easier was always a good investment.