hey guys, im going into 9th grade, and im going to a high school based on science, technology, mathmatics, and engineering.
and my dad's gift for me for getting into this high school was $2000 to spend on whatever i want
*i currently have a Dell XPS M1330, 120gb hd, which is full and i constantly have to delete stuff to make room for my ever-increasing iTunes library.
so i was wondering, would it be better to get an iMac+iPad with remote desktop running from a dell mini hackintosh, or a 1700 macbook pro?
other notes: i have a 14" monitor with a usb hub and dvi+vga input.
i do alot of word composing, and i will probably have to run windows also.
at the school, they give you a laptop to use but im pretty sure you dont get to take it home.
the dell mini, well i dont know the specs but i can leave it running in my room 24/7 if needed, and have it so the computer does nothing when i close it.
if i want an iMac, i don't want a 27" one, i dont need that kind of screen.
the lowest end 21.5" iMac with no upgrades is more than enough
i have 15+ GB in media, and maybe 2 gb in pics.
i am also getting an iPod Touch 32gb, but i plan on waiting for a camera (facetime hopefully also)
i also don't mind spending 30$ on apps to make the iPad better.
-i also have a bluetooth mouse and keyboard for my laptop.

It seems like there are a lot of people cutting out the middle man and going with a desktop + iPad. I'd go with the iMac + iPad over a macbook pro.

Get all 3

I think the desktop combo, especially the iMac is a good choice with the iPad. People usually ask if an iPad is a good choice instead of a notebook or desktop. I always reccomend that someone needs a computer, then get an iPad to complete the package, because it's a wonderful addition but for practical purposes such as school or work, you still need a full on computer. Having both is just right

I don't see the point in spending money on ANOTHER laptop. Just get an external hard drive. I saw a 1TB on slickdeals.net for like 69 bucks. Spend the money on the iPad, and then spend the rest on something you can actually use or need.

Get all three.... Apple rules!! You will love them!!

Is your family interested in adopting anyone at this time?

I have all 3. Now, with that said - I am a Graduate student & I bring the iPad to class w/me. The iMac is my main workhorse when @ home. The MBP hardly leaves its case since I got the iPad. Trust me - go w/ the iMac & iPad! It's a winning combo!

Just get the 13" MacBook Pro and a 32GB 3G iPad.

It depends if you need the portability of a Laptop. If the iPad will cover your portable needs then go iMac and iPad. But if you need the portability in a Macbook then get it and the iPad.

+1 - sold my 5 month old MacBook for an iPad, I use the iPad in conjunction with my dual screen 24" iMac.

hmm.. nobody has said anything about running remote desktop from a hackintosh.
whadya guys think?
or i could run remote desktop iMac->iPad, which makes the hackintosh basically useless...
any ideas?

and also, i think i was edging towards the iMac + iPad+hackintosh because i want a good processor, my xps m1330 has 1.8 ghz -.- and she has the 15" mbp, and its kinda heavy and bulky, and my brother has the late 2007 20" iMac, and i love it =D
its super fast, never freezes, my mom's mbp does sometimes, and i love how you can fit like 3 things all in a decent size on the screen
actual mulittasking =D

also, for future posters-> i don't want a macbook pro and iPad because i would like to have a little leftover money for a 360. =D

and alot of people seem to be saying get all 3.
why would i do that if i clould run remote desktop on the iPad from the iMac?