I'm going through the decision process in my head, and maybe some of you can help me think this through.
I have the chance to get either two Einstein 640 units, or two Profoto Compact monolights (600 w/s each).
The Einsteins are like new, the Profotos have some wear but work well. Both are at almost the same price, the Einsteins being slightly more expensive.
These will be used for commercial work, i.e., corporate headshot, location portraits, and they'll travel somewhat.
I use mostly soft boxes, reflectors and grids.

Einstein:
  • compact, portable
  • advanced electronics
  • modifiers and accessories are inexpensive
  • can be used anywhere in the world with a minimum of fuss (of least importance, but a nice feature, nonetheless).
  • customer support


Profoto:
  • high-quality build and light source
  • simpler electronics
  • more consistent colour output


I owned a few Alien Bees heads until recently, and while they were compact and practical, the quality left a little to be desired (build quality and quality of light).
But I'd use them again if I had to, and I'm hoping someone will tell me the Einstein is vastly superior to the Alien Bees.

With that in mind, do they come out more or less equal, or do you think one is a better buy than the other?

Thanks for your thoughts.