Key Takeaways
- Form Factor: iMac is a desktop computer with an all-in-one design, while MacBook Pro is a portable laptop.
- Portability: iMac is stationary and requires a dedicated workspace, while MacBook Pro is highly portable and can be used anywhere.
- Performance and Expandability: iMac offers more powerful hardware options and greater expandability, while MacBook Pro sacrifices some performance and expandability for its portability.
What is iMac?
iMac is a line of all-in-one desktop computers designed and manufactured by Apple Inc. It was first introduced in 1998 and has since gone through various iterations with updated hardware, software, and design.
iMacs are known for their sleek, minimalist design and integration of the computer’s internal components into the display. They include a large high-resolution screen, a keyboard, and a mouse or trackpad. iMacs run on macOS, Apple’s operating system, and are powered by Intel or Apple’s processors.
What is MacBook Pro?
MacBook Pro is a line of high-performance laptop computers designed and manufactured by Apple Inc. It was first introduced in 2006 and has since gone through several generations with updated hardware, software, and design.
MacBook Pro laptops are known for their sleek, lightweight design, powerful performance, and advanced features. They are more expensive than other laptops in the market, reflecting the product’s premium quality. MacBook Pro models feature high-resolution Retina displays, fast processors, large amounts of memory, and fast solid-state storage.
Difference Between iMac and MacBook Pro
- iMac is an all-in-one desktop computer, which means the components are integrated into the display, while MacBook Pro is a laptop computer.
- MacBook Pro is highly portable and easily carried around, while iMac is not designed to be moved around frequently due to its larger size and fixed position.
- MacBook Pro models offer high-performance processors and graphics cards, making them suitable for demanding tasks such as video editing and gaming. While iMac models are also powerful, they may not be as portable as MacBook Pro models and may offer slightly less performance than the highest-end MacBook Pro models.
- iMac models come with larger displays than MacBook Pro models, with sizes ranging from 21.5 inches to 27 inches. MacBook Pro models come with smaller displays, with sizes ranging from 13 inches to 16 inches.
- iMac models are easier to upgrade than MacBook Pro models. With an iMac, users can upgrade the RAM and hard drive, while with a MacBook Pro, many components, such as the RAM and storage, are soldered to the motherboard, making them more difficult or impossible to upgrade.
Comparison Between iMac and MacBook Pro
| Parameters of Comparison | iMac | MacBook Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | All-in-one desktop computer | Laptop computer |
| Portability | Not very portable | Highly portable |
| Performance | Powerful processors and graphics cards | High-performance processors and graphics cards |
| Display | Larger displays (21.5 inches to 27 inches) | Smaller displays (13 inches to 16 inches) |
| Upgradeability | RAM and hard drives are more easily upgradeable | Some components, such as RAM and storage, are soldered to the motherboard, making them less upgradeable. |
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/904895/
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/288235.288256
Last Updated : 14 October, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
