Apple MacBook vs Apple 24 inch iMac? for a 12 year old boy?

Question

well, he currently has a sony vaio desktop xp media center edition thats about 3 years old, he'll be getting a new computer wen leopard comes out, its either we'll replace his desktop with an imac or get him a macbook, which would be better for him? i dont want to hear about free offers, or that he shudnt have one or nething like that, i just want an answer with sum explanation, this is important, if he gets the macbook, he'll still keep his desktop, or shud i get him both, but thats unlikely, i also wud not like to hear macs suck

I SAID I DONT WANT TO HEAR ABOUT FREE OFFERS!!!!

Answer 1

As a diehard Mac lover, and 16-year old gamer, I'd say it depends on what he does.
Let me explain.

Since he already has a desktop that runs windows, no doubt he can play whatever PC games he might be playing. If so, a laptop would be good if he's on-the-go with friends/family and does a lot of homework/home videos.

If you consider replacing with the Desktop, you can get Bootcamp or Parallels and still be able to use his old stuff. If space is an issue, this would be the way to go.

From a teen to a pre-teen, it might be best if he got the desktop. Here's a few reasons:
1. Doesn't take up space
2. Can run Windows
3. Won't be misplaced/lost
4. You would know where he is
5. Cheaper
6. Easier to upgrade with a Hard Drive, RAM, graphics, etc
7. Power cord is ALWAYS there
8. One computer isn't valued over another, so buying the Mac wouldn't be wasted money if he hardly used it.
(I.E. He didn't use the laptop becuase he preferred the Sony Desktop and the Mac is rarely touched, so money was wasted)

If you end up with a Laptop, here's a few Pro's as well:
1. Won't fry in a power storm if unconnected and
2. Won't be unuseable if power is out and something was due at school next day (take it there, print it off, go home happy!)
3. Versatle and movable
4. Can take on trips for homework
5. Can take to friend's for gaming

But in the long run, the iMac has more functioning abilities and opportunities, which allows you more for less $.

As a note (you can ignore this for now), Apple is unpredictable. I'd wait about computers until AFTER Leopard is out for 3 reasons:
1. New Technology
2. Price Drops
3. The designs might not exist, so one might still be standing and the other won't, and if you chose the loser, you've put yourself in the wrong mood.

So all in all, go for an iMac if he's stationary, but a Laptop if he's always at his friends.

Hope this helps, and I hope all this info doesn't hurt you.

--------------Edited area!----------
NOT RELATED TO THE QUESTION BUT TO CONSIDER AS AN ALTERNATIVE MAC!!!
One other thing not to consider if money is an issue (this is entirely opinion and can be ignored, and isn't connected to what I wrote above) is to get a Mac Pro.

The reason is that becuase we're in a world of advancing science and competing companies for the best hardware, the Mac Pro can be upgraded when a new 'sha-bang' ends up at your feet. So when time comes to upgrade, you don't have to throw away the computer and buy something new, but instead, just pay a tenth and replace the old with the new. The only flaws are price, the inability to change processors when faster ones come out, and you have to buy monitors.

That's my two cents!

Answer 2

a imac as it's specs is higher than macbook and since he is only 12 it is not very safe to let him use a laptop in case he drop it or somehow damaged it. A desktop also enables you to control the time he spends on the computer.

Answer 3

Depending on what he does, you'll have to make the decision based on that. For example: If he likes gaming, get him the iMac. If he just wants a basic computer for doing little tasks such as homework and internet stuff, go with the Macbook. I hope that helps.

Good luck!

Answer 4

a new apple macbook or imac 24' for a 12 year old ? how about a cheap one off of ebay or refurb store that it wont matter if he does sumthing 2 it. i would go with the macbook, but he is only 12 i would wait a while until he matures.