Choosing between Apple’s desktop and portable powerhouses can be a tough decision. If you’re eyeing the 2017 lineup, the question often boils down to the versatile iMac versus the ever-reliable MacBook Pro.
Each offers a distinct experience, catering to different needs and workflows. Whether you prioritize screen real estate and a fixed setup or the freedom of mobility, understanding their differences is key.
This comparison dives deep into the imac vs macbook pro 2017, helping you pinpoint which iconic Apple machine best suits your lifestyle and productivity goals.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iMac | MacBook Pro 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 7th-gen Intel Core i5/i7 | 7th-gen Intel Core i5/i7 |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 (configurable) | 8GB/16GB DDR3 (configurable) |
| Storage | 1TB HDD/Fusion Drive (configurable) | 128GB/256GB/512GB SSD (configurable) |
| Display Size | 21.5-inch or 27-inch | 13.3-inch or 15.4-inch |
| Display Resolution | 1920×1080 or 5120×2880 | 2560×1600 or 2880×1800 |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics / AMD Radeon Pro | Intel Iris Plus Graphics / AMD Radeon Pro |
| Ports | USB-A, Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) | Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) |
| Webcam | 720p FaceTime HD | 720p FaceTime HD |
| Keyboard | Included Magic Keyboard | Integrated Backlit Keyboard |
| Trackpad | Included Magic Trackpad (optional) | Integrated Force Touch Trackpad |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display Quality
- iMac: The 2017 iMac typically features a 21.5-inch or 27-inch 4K or 5K Retina display. This offers stunning clarity, vibrant colors, and excellent brightness, making it ideal for creative professionals and media consumption. The larger screen size is a significant advantage for multitasking and detailed work.
- Macbook Pro 2017: The 2017 MacBook Pro offers a 13-inch or 15-inch Retina display. While excellent in color accuracy and brightness, the smaller screen real estate can be a limitation for some tasks compared to the iMac. Its portability, however, means you get this quality display on the go.
- Winner: iMac
Portability
- iMac: The iMac is an all-in-one desktop computer, meaning it is not portable in the traditional sense. It’s designed to be set up in a fixed location. This lack of portability is its biggest drawback for users who need to work in multiple places.
- Macbook Pro 2017: The MacBook Pro 2017 excels in portability. Its slim and lightweight design, coupled with a built-in battery, allows users to work from anywhere – coffee shops, offices, or while traveling. This is its primary advantage over the iMac.
- Winner: Macbook Pro 2017
Performance (CPU & GPU)
- iMac: The 2017 iMac generally offered more powerful CPU and GPU options, especially in the 27-inch models. These machines were often configured with dedicated AMD Radeon Pro graphics cards and faster Intel processors, providing a performance edge for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
- Macbook Pro 2017: The 2017 MacBook Pro featured Intel Core i5/i7 processors and, in the 15-inch models, dedicated AMD Radeon Pro graphics. While capable for most tasks, they were typically configured with less powerful GPUs and CPUs compared to the higher-end iMacs, leading to a performance difference in extremely intensive workloads.
- Winner: iMac
Storage Options
- iMac: The 2017 iMac offered a range of storage solutions, including traditional HDDs, faster SSDs, and Apple’s Fusion Drive. Users could opt for larger capacities, which was beneficial for storing extensive media libraries or project files.
- Macbook Pro 2017: The 2017 MacBook Pro exclusively used SSD storage, which provided significantly faster boot times, application loading, and file transfers compared to HDDs. While often smaller in capacity than what was available on some iMacs, the speed of SSDs was a notable advantage for overall responsiveness.
- Winner: Macbook Pro 2017
Connectivity & Ports
- iMac: The 2017 iMac featured a good selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), USB-A, Ethernet, and an SDXC card slot. This made it a versatile hub for connecting various peripherals and external displays without needing many adapters.
- Macbook Pro 2017: The 2017 MacBook Pro controversially shifted to USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports exclusively, meaning users often needed adapters for older peripherals and displays. While Thunderbolt 3 is versatile, the lack of traditional USB-A and dedicated ports was a significant inconvenience for many.
- Winner: iMac
Keyboard & Mouse/Trackpad
- iMac: The iMac typically came bundled with the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2. These are premium peripherals offering a comfortable typing experience and a precise, gesture-enabled trackpad (Magic Trackpad 2 was an option).
- Macbook Pro 2017: The MacBook Pro 2017 integrated a full-sized backlit keyboard and a large, highly responsive Force Touch trackpad. The keyboard’s travel and feel were subjects of debate (especially the butterfly mechanism), but the trackpad was widely praised for its accuracy and multi-touch capabilities.
- Winner: Macbook Pro 2017
Upgradability & Repairability
- iMac: The 2017 iMac offered some limited internal access, with RAM being user-upgradable on most models. However, the display and other components were largely integrated, making repairs and upgrades beyond RAM challenging and expensive.
- Macbook Pro 2017: The 2017 MacBook Pro was notoriously difficult to upgrade or repair. RAM and SSDs were often soldered to the logic board, making any component upgrades impossible after purchase and repairs extremely costly and complex.
- Winner: iMac
Price & Value
- iMac: The 2017 iMac, especially the higher-end configurations, could be quite expensive. However, considering the integrated display and often more powerful hardware for the price, it offered good value for users seeking a powerful desktop workstation.
- Macbook Pro 2017: The 2017 MacBook Pro was also a premium-priced device. Its value proposition was heavily tied to its portability and the integrated Apple ecosystem. For users prioritizing mobility, the price was justified, but it was a significant investment.
- Winner: iMac
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Portability | MacBook Pro 2017 |
| Display Size Options | iMac |
| All-in-One Design | iMac |
| Built-in Keyboard/Trackpad | MacBook Pro 2017 |
| Storage Flexibility (HDD/Fusion) | iMac |
| Connectivity (Variety of Ports) | iMac (due to USB-A) |
What They Have in Common
- Processor Generation: Both the iMac and the 2017 MacBook Pro utilize Intel’s 7th generation Kaby Lake processors, offering a similar level of core processing power for everyday tasks and more demanding applications. This means you can expect comparable performance in terms of speed and efficiency for general computing.
- Display Quality: While differing in size and resolution options, both devices boast Apple’s Retina displays. This ensures sharp text, vibrant colors, and excellent pixel density, making them suitable for creative work and general viewing pleasure.
- Operating System: Both machines run macOS, providing a consistent and familiar user experience. This means access to the same ecosystem of applications, features, and updates, ensuring seamless integration if you switch between devices.
- Webcam and Audio: Both the iMac and MacBook Pro 2017 feature integrated 720p FaceTime HD cameras for video calls and built-in speakers for audio playback. While the audio quality might vary slightly due to enclosure design, both offer convenient multimedia capabilities.
- Connectivity Standards: Both devices support the latest Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2 standards, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connectivity for networking and peripheral devices.
Imac Vs Macbook Pro 2017 Buying Guide
Who is the iMac 2017 for?
The 2017 iMac is an excellent choice for users who prioritize a large, high-resolution display and a powerful, all-in-one desktop experience. It’s ideal for creative professionals like graphic designers, video editors, and photographers who need ample screen real estate and robust performance for demanding tasks. Home users seeking a premium, clutter-free setup for general productivity, media consumption, and light creative work will also find the iMac compelling. (See Also: Clarity Skin Care Vs Dermalogica )
Who is the MacBook Pro 2017 for?
The 2017 MacBook Pro is designed for professionals and students who require portability and flexibility. Its compact form factor and long battery life make it perfect for those who work on the go, travel frequently, or need to switch between different locations. Content creators, developers, and business professionals who value the ability to work anywhere without compromising on performance will find the MacBook Pro to be a superior option.
Performance Considerations
When comparing performance, the iMac 2017 generally offered more powerful configurations, especially in its higher-end models, making it suitable for sustained, intensive workloads. The MacBook Pro 2017, while still capable, prioritized a balance between performance and power efficiency for its portable design. For raw processing power and graphics-intensive tasks that don’t require mobility, the iMac often held an edge. However, for everyday tasks and even moderately demanding creative work, the MacBook Pro could more than suffice.
Value and Future-Proofing
In terms of value, the iMac 2017 offered a complete package with a built-in stunning display, making it a cost-effective solution if you didn’t already own a monitor. The MacBook Pro 2017, being a portable device, came with a higher price tag due to its integrated screen, battery, and compact engineering. For future-proofing, both models utilized capable processors for their time, but the iMac’s potential for more powerful internal components might have offered a longer useful lifespan for the most demanding users. However, the MacBook Pro’s upgradeability limitations mean its longevity is more tied to its initial configuration. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Nintendo Lite )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iMac If…
- You prefer a desktop setup and don’t need portability.
- You want a larger, more immersive display for work and entertainment.
- You value the simplicity of an all-in-one design with fewer cables.
- You might need more storage options, especially if opting for larger Fusion Drives.
Buy MacBook Pro 2017 If…
- Portability is a primary concern for your workflow.
- You need to work from different locations or travel frequently.
- You prefer the tactile feel of a built-in keyboard and trackpad.
- You want the option of a more compact form factor for tight spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM on the 2017 iMac?
Yes, the 2017 iMac models offered user-upgradable RAM, allowing you to increase the memory capacity after purchase. This provides a significant advantage for users who might underestimate their future RAM needs or wish to extend the lifespan of their machine. It’s a crucial factor for those running memory-intensive applications.
Is the 2017 MacBook Pro suitable for gaming?
While the 2017 MacBook Pro could handle some less demanding games, it was not primarily designed for serious gaming. Its integrated graphics were sufficient for everyday tasks and creative work but lacked the power and dedicated cooling needed for high-fidelity gaming experiences. For gaming, a dedicated desktop or a gaming laptop would be a much better choice.
Which model has a better display: iMac 2017 or MacBook Pro 2017?
Both the 2017 iMac and MacBook Pro featured excellent Retina displays known for their color accuracy and sharpness. However, the iMac typically offered a larger screen size, which is a significant advantage for visual tasks like photo editing and video production where more screen real estate is beneficial. The MacBook Pro’s display was still top-tier for its size and portability. (See Also: Wingstop Tenders Vs Boneless Wings )
What are the key differences in ports between the two?
The 2017 iMac offered a decent selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 3, USB-A, Ethernet, and an SDXC card slot, providing good connectivity for peripherals. The 2017 MacBook Pro, particularly the Touch Bar models, famously transitioned to mostly Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, requiring adapters for many older peripherals. The non-Touch Bar model offered a more balanced port selection with USB-A.
Which is better for video editing: iMac 2017 or MacBook Pro 2017?
For serious video editing, the 2017 iMac, especially with upgraded configurations, often held an advantage due to its larger display and potentially more powerful internal components allowing for smoother playback and faster rendering times. However, a well-specced 2017 MacBook Pro could still handle moderate video editing tasks effectively, especially for those who needed the portability to work on projects in different locations.
Final Verdict
For users prioritizing a dedicated workstation with a stunning, large display and maximum power for demanding tasks, the 2017 iMac stands out. Its all-in-one design simplifies setup, and it offered more robust configurations for sustained performance. The 2017 MacBook Pro excels in portability, offering flexibility for users who need to work on the go, but at the cost of screen size and potentially raw processing power for the most intensive workloads.
Winner: iMac