Hi all!

Now APPLE have lauched 3 new Macbook pro.

I'm between the 13-inch: 2.53GHz and the 15-inch: 2.66GHz. I'm tempted to buy the 13'' one as it's not so small, AND with the difference of $$$ I'll buy a 26 inch TV/MONITOR so I can plug in when at home, and work in a big screen. On-the-go I'll have a compact and still poweful macbook pro

I know the 15'' has 2 graphic cards and it's 2.66Ghz, and this is my main concern, if this could REALLY make the difference while working... The 15'' screen is nice, but not the main. I like the idea to have a compact one to ccarry with me on the backpack, but don't want to miss productivity because of this....

Guys, let me know your thoughs, and any other ideas, please, so I can decide!

honestly, if you're editing, don't torture yourself with a 13" and get something that has some real processing power. Go 15"+ (yes sounds wrong, but don't even think about it...)

Don't think too much of the concept of portability.. really... if you're goign to edit, get it for the power otherwise you'll be one miserable mac user..
I have both a mac and PC and my experience is.. Get a powerful computer no matter what.

Your a filmmaker. You are not a consumer, so portability should not even be in your criteria.

Go with a 15 or 17 inch. A 17 inch is your best bet since it has a flash port, and the 15inch only has a useless memory card reader.

sorry meant to say you lose your express card slot. Which is alot more usefullt han the 15inch SD slot.

Thanks, guys...

I would go for the 15'' then, for a matter of PRICE... Just a bit woprrried about the SD/Express issue. It's controversial.
I have an external Hard Disk to use on it, that requires firewire... A WD one. Would be ok to use on the 15'' MBP?

http://theappleblog.com/2009/0...rilliant-or-blunder/

WD external hdd are fine. I have one myself and it works great. If you really want the top ones, go for La Cie or G-tech (i think that's what it's called).
I worked with several professional cinematographers and they swear by it so I wouldn't doubt them.

If you are worried about slots and such, there are always ways around it. So get something as high as your budget can offer at the best price. a 17" mbp is also great but it woulnd't be a big deal if you shell out the money for a 2nd monitor to do editing with.. (that's just me), but yeah, 15-17" are your best bet. don't forget just because it's not there anymore does not mean it can not be compensated with in terms of peripherals.
good luck

Thanks, Mike_V

Great advice.

I agree with you. The difference I'd pay in a 17'' macbook I would buy a TV/MONITOR, maybe a Samsung one. Worths more.

Need to buy one first though.

:P

Well no.


yes and if you want a trunk of peripherals thats cool. But then you might as well get a mac tower as a 15 inch glossy screen serves no purpos but in a dimly lit room. Plus spending money on a moniter in the college level is fine.....but you might as well stick with a complete package and move up to a acutall editing monitor wich cost upwards of 1500, anyway.

OR use ur school monitors...for the cheapest scenario.

Im just saying since you can get an anti glare screen with the 17". So you dont have to go out and get peripherals (as much as the 15").

OR get an nice HP tower and use avid to edit. Boom even mor emoney saved......kinda.

cschu011: that would work but I believe his original criteria is that he wanted mobility. so That would force him into laptops. the mbp or a high end windows laptop are all fine ones. My opinion is to get whatever is the best deal you can get your hands on. If you do Avid, you are more flexible and you can use both macs and PCs in this case. If you're a final cut person, then your only choice is the mbp 15 or 17 inch and finally if you're a premiere pro, then you're stuck w/ windows. take your pick, but as i said peripherals are not that big of a deal. at this day and age there are adapters for nearly everything.

The 15" are actually quite portable, and not significantly heavier than the 13". I know plenty of people who carry 15" macbook pros around in their backpacks without complaint. The main problem with portability actually comes with the physical size of the laptop - the 17", for example, is actually rather difficult to use on your lap, whereas the 15" seems to strike a nice balance.

Hi Cinemtaical.

Thanks.

Yeah, it's 99% what I will do when have the money... 17'' it's kind of TOO MUCH when you have the possibility to buy a big monitor/tv to use at home...

THe ONLY thing I'm still thinking is the CARD READER stuff, but at the same time I reckon is SO USELESS that I even should not consider to use it onw day.

I have an external drive...

ANd WTF... At the end, if you have a good footage and you are a good filmmaker, WHY BOTHER?

well there you go. My personal experience is that 15" is the perfect balance for me, but i mentioned the 17" for those who like bigger screens. Usually it's not that bad to attach a 2nd monitor as an extension of the screen rather than a replacement of the laptop screen itself.