2.2 or 2.4, that is the question

[paul.b.davis]

I currently own a PowerBook G4 and am looking to get myself a MBP within the next couple of weeks (aka when I pay off enough headroom on my credit card).

Anyway, my question is this. Is it worth the extra money to get the 2.4 gHz processor and the 256 Mb graphics? I do a lot of stuff with recording and photo editing on my PBG4 and plan on getting Logic Studio and Photoshop Elements soon after I purchase it.

Can anyone here who uses their MBP in a similar manner give me some advice?

Thanks


p.s. I am new, great to be here.

 

[deadpixels]

Logic Studio and your recordings won't benefit from the extra video memory, i would get the 2.2 Ghz and max the RAM (that will help a lot for what you're doing).

 

[KingYaba]

Go with the 2.2 model.

 

[SoLibertyDies]

agreed, you probably won't see much of a difference, I'd use the extra money towards ram.

ps- how much cheaper is elements than just normal photoshop cs3?

because Photoshop Elements kinda...sucks.

pps- welcome to the forums

 

[paul.b.davis]

photoshop elements is under $100 whereas CS3 is over $900

for what I do, elements is enough.

thanks for the advice you guys, much appreciated

one more question, is it much cheaper to upgrade the ram myself after I get it?
what would be the best kind to use?

thanks again

 

[MacinDoc]

one more question, is it much cheaper to upgrade the ram myself after I get it?
what would be the best kind to use?

thanks again

Yes.

Any kind from a reputable dealer would be fine.

Will save you 50%-75%.

 

[paul.b.davis]

thanks everyone, now if I could just get over the nagging feeling that the MBP's are going to be upgraded the week after I buy one, I should have one soon!

 

[phungy]

Another vote for the 2.2

 

[TheStu]

I have heard really great things about Pixelmator, so you may want to give them a look before you spend any money. IIRC, they are cheaper than PS Elements, and fuller featured.

Sure, you can also get The GIMP, which is free, but unless I am really in a spot, and don't have photoshop or pixelmator will I use GIMP.

 

[paul.b.davis]

thanks for the advice stu

ill check it out

 

[paul.b.davis]

just downloaded the demo, and it is pretty good for what i need and the pricetag is great too.

one question though... since pixlemator uses the gpu for image editing, would the 128 Mb card be enough for me? right now it runs kinda slow on my PBG4, but this has only 64 Mb of Vram

thanks

 

[Glenn Wolsey]

Why not look out for a refurb 2.4Ghz model? Either that, or buy the 2.2Ghz and bump the RAM to 4GB day one.

 

[paul.b.davis]

I had thought about that (buying the refurb) but for some reason I just don't feel comfortable doing it. I know they are refurbed by apple and certified and whatnot, but for some reason I just feel like I want mine to be brand new.

maybe I am just crazy

edit: plus with the education discount, I only save about 100 on a refurb MBP

 

[teerexx52]

I had thought about that (buying the refurb) but for some reason I just don't feel comfortable doing it. I know they are refurbed by apple and certified and whatnot, but for some reason I just feel like I want mine to be brand new.

maybe I am just crazy

edit: plus with the education discount, I only save about 100 on a refurb MBP

I thought about a refurb myself. I originally had a 2.4 several months ago but returned it do to the 1/3 bottom yellowing issue. I bought a new macbook 2.16 and just sold it yesterday. I went with a new 2.2 and honestly I think its a much better value than the 2.4. I really wanted new not a refurb. Good luck

 

[bmcgrath]

2.2 and get yerself loadsa ram! Like LOOOADS
Best thing you can do to gain speed is ram.