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Written by Rowan

Compare the MacBook to the iMac

Comparing a MacBook to an iMac is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. Which one is suitable for you really depends on how and where you want to use it. The biggest difference is that you can take your MacBook with you anywhere, while your iMac stays at a fixed workplace. Want to know what the differences are and which Apple computer is best for your usage situation? Read it in this article

MacBook vs iMac

MacBook Pro and MacBook Air

Apple MacBook

  • A MacBook is easy to take with you thanks to its compact size.
  • With the most powerful MacBook, everything from basic tasks to 8K video editing and 3D design is possible.
  • A MacBook has up to 3 USB-C ports.
  • If you often use your computer in the same place, we recommend the Apple iMac.
iMac 24 inches 2021

Apple iMac

  • An iMac is a powerful all-in-one PC that you use at a fixed workplace.
  • With an iMac, you can perform basic tasks and edit raw photo and 4K video files.
  • An iMac has up to 4 USB-C ports.
  • You can't edit 8K video files.
  • If you want to take your computer with you every day, we recommend a MacBook.

MacBook and iMac comparison

Apple MacBook Apple iMac
Model Laptop All-in-one PC
Size 13, 14, 15, and 16 inches 21.5 and 24 inches
Processor M1, M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max, M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max M1 or M3
RAM Up to 64GB Up to 16GB
Storage Up to 2TB Up to 512GB
Battery life Up to 22 hours Permanently connected to mains electricity
Color Blue, gold, gray, or silver Blue, silver, green, purple, pink, yellow, or orange
Connectors Up to 3 USB-C ports, an HDMI connector, a memory card reader, and a headphone connector Up to 4 USB-C ports, a headphone connector, and a network connector

Usage situation

Apple MacBook on lap

MacBook: ideal for on the go

A MacBook is a laptop, so it's made to take with you. You can choose between different screen sizes and configurations based on your usage situation. Thanks to its light weight and slim 13 or 15-inch design, the MacBook Air is ideal for on the go. The MacBook Pro is a bit heavier, but it's also more powerful. With the MacBook Pro, you can choose from 13, 14, and 16 inches.

iMac in use

iMac: suitable for a fixed workplace

An iMac is an all-in-one (all-in-one) computer. This means that all the hardware is in the screen and you no longer need space for a separate computer cabinet. This slim desktop has a 24-inch screen. And the thin screen edges make it suitable for any workplace.

Graphics power

Processor MacBook

MacBook: from basic tasks to 8K video editing and 3D design

The 13-inch MacBook Pro and the 13 and 15-inch MacBook Air have the M2 chip. With this chip, you can perform all your general tasks and edit photos and light videos. Want a 14 or 16 inch MacBook Pro? Choose from an M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max chip. With an M3 Pro chip, you can edit raw photo and 8K video files. With the most powerful M3 Max chip, everything from 8K video editing and 3D design to app development is possible.

Processor iMac

iMac: basic tasks and photo and light video editing

The 24-inch Apple iMac has an M3 or M1 chip. This chip allows you to perform all your basic tasks and edit photos and light videos. Want to perform demanding tasks with the M3 Pro or M3 Max, just like with a MacBook? Choose the Mac Studio. This is a powerful mini PC that you can easily connect to a monitor.

Connectors

MacBook connectors

MacBook: few connectors due to the slim design

The Apple MacBook has fewer connectors than the iMac. That's necessary to make them as thin as possible. In addition, the 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air only have Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) connectors. The Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches and the Apple MacBook Pro 16 inches have more options. To connect your old mouse or monitor, you need a docking station.

iMac connectors

iMac: enough connectors for all your peripherals

The 24-inch model has 2 Thunderbolt 4 connectors that support multiple cables. Which converters you need to connect peripherals like a monitor differs per model. The older 21.5-inch iMac has an SDXC card slot, 4 standard USB-A inputs, 2 Thunderbolt 3 connectors, and an internet connector.

Conclusion

The MacBook and iMac are available in different models, sizes, and configurations. Which one suits you best depends on your intended use. Do you want to work on the go a lot? Choose an MacBook. Do you have a fixed workplace and do you want a lot of screen space? in that case, the iMac is the best choice.

Rowan
Article by:
Rowan Apple Expert.
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