Macbook & FCP

[abavisg]

Hi all,

I am looking into buying a macbook. Basically the reason is Final Cut Pro. I am a new media student working mostly in all adobe applications, maya & 3dsmax but on a pc as I own a quite powerfull desktop. I decided to go for a macbook as I want to use FCP and mostly Motion and at the same time have a portable machine which can take with me whenever I go away but need access to my projects.
But I read in article that the intel graphics card doesn't support FCP.
Could you please tell me if it is true.
In the past I was able to run all 3d applications (3dsmax, maya, lightwave) on windows based sony laptops with the same or similar intel card and had no problems(of course it didn't perform brilliant but it was ok).
I know that with a mbp I won't have any problems but the difference in price (+ 300 to 350 pounds) is way to much for just a graphics card(all other specs om macbook are ok for me + I like the white colour and the smaller size more).
Could you please let me know if you know anything about working FCP (whole package in a macbook 2.16 GHz with 2 GB ram?

I appreciate any help

regards

GA

 

[LightMast]

Motion requires a dedicated GPU, so it will not run on a MB (integrated graphics), you'll Need a MBP.

 

[Igantius]

'Kay - well there's a few threads about this... true some people don't know what they're talking about, but you'll find it useful - esp. when people are sharing their experiences.

Have a look here:
http://creativemac.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=43717

It was rating FCS 1, rather than 2, but it will give you an idea.

Motion is slow on MBs but usable (according to user reports) - Color is more problematic.

Here's the official line from Apple:

Final Cut Studio is not supported on MacBook
If you have a MacBook, the Final Cut Studio (Universal) crossgrade Installer does not prohibit you from installing the pro applications, but this configuration does not meet the minimum system requirements for Final Cut Studio.

See the Final Cut Studio system requirements for complete requirements.

Note: The integrated graphics processor in the MacBook does not permit float processing in Motion and will result in degraded performance and other issues in Motion and other Final Cut Studio applications.

Note it doesn't say anything about you can't run it on MBs.

If you're using Motion a lot, you might to think about getting a MBP - I'm in a bit of a rush now, but might have more benchmarks.

 

[LightMast]

Apparently my info is bad.....

As the post above me stated though, motion is GPU hungry, so if your primary use is going to be motion, the MBP may be a better choice.

 

[Igantius]

Apparently my info is bad.....

As the post above me stated though, motion is GPU hungry, so if your primary use is going to be motion, the MBP may be a better choice.

You're certainly not the first - and you certainly won't be the last. BTW I was writing my post before I saw your one, so I wasn't passing any comments about what you said!

Certainly, if Motion is going to be used heavily, it would be worth biting the bullet and going for the MBP.

Here's another benchmark for Motion, comparing the laptops for the OP:

http://www.barefeats.com/rosa02.html

 

[abavisg]

thanks

Thank to all,

I think I will go for the macbook for now and see what happens next year (I might pass it to my girlfirend and get a better one). See this is my intro to mac and although I want to use motion I am not sure If I will do as at the time I am focusing in web developing.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Igantius]

Assume you mean getting a better laptop, rather than girlfriend

A MB should serve you well - I would recommend an external monitor though.