[FFTT]

Many users prefer to keep their mobile needs simple and put their serious money into
a full blown desktop workstation.

However, it's not a good idea to put all your technology eggs in one basket.

The MacBook Pro and the iMacs share nearly identical components.

For this reason I would get the ONE computer you really NEED without going nuts
and leave yourself open for the next generation of 45nm Penryn processors.

The iMac 17" 2.0 GHz, 20" 2,16 GHz and 24" 2.16 GHz give you the same C2D mobile processors as the MBP with much larger internal storage options, dedicated and upgradable VRAM ( 24") and especially with the 24" model, an exceptional large display for all those DAW work surfaces.

Bang for buck wise, as your primary workstation it's hard to beat the 24" unless you
already have a great display and go for a MacPro Tower.

Unfortunately, right now is NOT a good time to buy with certain spring season upgrades due in March/April.

The right time to buy is when you know all your options including the newest models
and the amount you'll save buying the current models on closeout.

As much as I like the current iMacs, I would hold for the Quad Core upgrade which should happen this year.

The entry level MBP with 2 GB RAM will do everything you need to do without going off the deep end. Still you'll want to leave yourself room for a good fast external HD.

However, I would still wait until Apple offers them at closeout if you can.

Just a few things to ponder.

My daughter and many of her friends at college all have Apple notebooks.
90% of the time, they leave them cable locked in their dorm.

So ask yourself if you really feel comfortable carting around a $2400.00 MBP???
And don't forget to weigh in that klutz factor and the fact that Mac laptops
are high theft targets.

It's a really a good idea to buy AppleCare with any notebook, so consider that in your
budget as well.

You might also consider buying Logic Express to learn your way around Logic and then buy the full education version of Logic 8 once it's released.

Also leave yourself some room for a great mic, cables, preamps, a good pair of nearfields and so on.

You're going to get a much better system in the iMac for less money, so the real question is whether or not you are willing to pay a substantial premium for portability.