if you dont travel much and dont need a portable laptop, then i would suggest the iMac

iMac gives you more bang for the buck if you dont need a laptop

Especially the new iMac. I'd say go with that one.

I fourth that opinion.

I recently purchased a Macbook Pro. It was the first time that I have ever bought an apple product, but I have used them over the years. I, like many converts to Macs, am thrilled with the choice. In my opinion, they make life altering technologies. Perhaps a little too much hyperbole, but that's how I feel.
I went with the Pro because I figured that even though I only travel once or twice a year, my vacations tend to be 4 weeks long or more. I knew I couldn't live without it.

If you do go with the Imac, and I agree that is probably what you need, definately spring for the extra bucks and get the best graphics card. When I looked at them, I assumed that as a "big serious grown-up" I wouldn't need to worry about that. Then I found the 3D virtual world Second Life......
Yeah, a fast graphics card will become more and more important I suspect.

How exciting for you! I hope you have a great time with your new Mac!

Well, I have both an iMac which I had way before I decided to purchase my MacBook Pro. I can tell you that ever since I got my MacBook Pro, I don't see a need to go back and use my iMac. I think there is no need for a person to travel a lot to purchase a laptop, but just for the convenant of being able to use your computer anywhere is enough to purchase a MacBook pro. I have the first generation of the macbook pro and have had it for almost 2 years. So far it is working great for me and I love the fact that I can take it any where (relatives houses, campings, work, parents house, to a client, etc.) and use it at any place in my house (on my bed, in the bac yard, or any where else in the house) it is just worth it to get a MacBook. I thing the speed and the drives of the MacBooks are where that it is no longer needed to get a desktop computer. I would seggest geting a MacBook or MacBook pro. Good luck!

I read recently that the new iMacs (slightly cheaper, I believe and no 17" screen) no longer have a way of telling you whether they are "off" or asleep. Mine- the white plastic half-basketball housing the important stuff - has a little light that lets me know it is napping. Is it true that this feature has disappeared? If so, why?

I have a 17" MacBook pro. Next go 'round I will probably buy and iMac AND a Macbook for about the same money as the single 17.

An iMac - fabulous!

I've got both an Apple Powerbook (predecessor to the MacBook Pro) and an iMac. I bet i spend 80% of my time on my Powerbook, simply because of its convenience. With it, I can surf anywhere in the house without being tied to my desk.