For the longest time I was thinking that I would make the plunge and switch from PC to MAC... having said that, I thought that it would be best to get a powerbook (as I have a laptop now, and love the freedom of a laptop)... then I thought that for showing slideshows at receptions I would maybe get an additional monitor to place on a table (connected to the laptop that woud be locked under the table).

Then today for some reason I started thinking about whether or not it would be more economical to get a 20" imac for this same reason....

the way I see it:
1) its more affordable than a powerbook with an extra monitor; and
2) its less to carry around, more of a space saver

does anyone else do something similar to this, am i being crazy in thinking of taking an imac with me to weddings?

I know of several photographers that take an iMac to weddings. That way, they can remove the mouse & keyboard once the slideshow is running. I've considered it myself. Not crazy at all.

They do make carrying bags for them even!

It probably costs a little more than an iMac, but we use the Dell M2010. It's pretty freakin awesome.

It's also the machine that runs our Studio B!'s and it's awesome for small crowd presentations. It also has great sound...unlike any other laptop I've ever heard.

cheers,
michael

While a cool idea, I wonder if it would take away any privacy or seclusion you may want while you're quickly editing your photos (ala David) before displaying them in the slideshow. If people see you hunkered down in front of a nice big iMac, you are sure to attract a crowd (which will slow you down) and likely have to field ?'s on the spot.

I think a laptop works just as well although easier to lift.

carrying bags?!?!!?

i'm intrigued!

and yes I do agree that it would be a little more obvious with me tinkering on photos with an imac rather than a laptop... but i am sure its still doable... good to know that some other photogs use imacs for receptions!