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MacBook or HP Pavilion?

C

classof2011

macrumors regular
Original poster
Dec 2, 2006
209
0
Flying with American Airlines
I am really needing a new laptop right now as the VAIO I'm currently using isn't enough for movie editing. I now am stuck between 3 choices.

Apple MacBook [white]
2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Superdrive
1GB RAM
120GB HD
[basically the middle selection on Apple's store]


Then I have 2 HP Pavilion choices:


HP Pavilion dv9548us
1.66GHz 2xAMD Athlon x64bit processor
17" widescreen display
HP Radiance Imprint + Camera + Microphone
DVD-RW/CD-RW w/LightScribe
200GB HD
2GB RAM


--or--

HP Pavilion tx1219us
12.1" rotating touchscreen
2xAMD Athlon TL-58 processors [dual-core, 64bit]
160GB HD
2GB RAM
HP Imprint Finish [I think]



Which one would be better for movie editing?
 
It all depends on software. iMovie is 1,000x better then Windows Movie Maker, and you get iDVD, so if your not going to buy any software anytime soon get a mac. If you already have windows software, thats good, you might want like final cut express on mac. DO you have money for upgrading software? If not get a pc. Macs are better, though :) You know?


My post seems a little confusing :)
 
Just as a caution, I'll tell you that I bought an HP Pavilion last year in order to wait longer for new Macs, and I've had several problems with it. Something went wrong with the sound output and it was actually very annoying to fix, the CD drive randomly stopped working and I had to reinstall Windows after a whole ordeal with the Geek Squad. And, the battery life is very unimpressive. This HP has only strengthened my resolve to get a Mac and never purchase another PC again.

Go with the MacBook. I suggest white.
 
I have a hard time recommending either. Personally, I've had some bad luck with HP notebooks, and my Macbook was nothing but trouble.

If you're thinking Mac, I'd go for a Macbook Pro. I have a lot more faith in the aluminum casing than the Macbook plastics.
 
I have had lots of macs, and lots of HP's. Done video on both. Thats why I am wondering what programs the OP is wishing to use on both platforms. But for lack of info, also at risk of echoing the rest of the posters, Macs are the way to go. Of the three you listed, the Macbook is the best equipped IMO.
 
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 4.01; Windows CE; Sprint:pPC-6700; PPC; 240x320))

macbook, definitely. can you save about a hundred bucks via refurb or edu, and get 2gb of ram (3rd party)? it'd be very helpful.
 
I used to have an HP laptop, and although they've improved, they are essentially second-class computers. They have problems and are simply not as good looking as Macs. Don't cave in and buy the HP. The macbook will be a much wiser choice.
 
Just remember to buy a external hardrive for the scratch disk, and perhaps bump up the ram by buying some more from a third party supplier?
 
Errr, you do realise you are asking this question in an Apple forum right? In any case Mac's are generally preferred for Media purposes. However, since you mentioned video editing, a MBP would be a better choice than a Macbook thanks to its dedicated graphics card. Thats not to say that the Macbook would not suffice (add more RAM ;) ), but MBP's generally do it better. Consider the price since a low end MBP would cost you atleast $700 more than a high end MB.

Oh and once you go Mac, you never go Bac(k)! :D
 
I just want to say, my answer is hardly biased at all (unlike others who post here)

I had used a 15'' HP pavilion for the last year at school. It had a 1.83 ghz amd x2 processor, 120 gig hard drive, 2 gigs of ram, built in 1.3mp web cam, vista, etc...

Here's what I can tell you: HP MAKES TERRIBLE LAPTOPS. I am not generalizing. They really do suck.

In september my previous HP laptop died, and after numerous attempts to have it repaired, I decided it was time for a new one. I was willing to give HP another chance, so I bought a brand new top of the line Pavilion. After 6 months of light usage (mostly just downloading music and taking notes in class) the battery life went downhill. The wireless internet began to falter. The laptop would slow unexpectedly. So, because I dished out an extra 400+ dollars for a 2 year best buy warranty, I figured they should take a look at it. My laptop has been in repair for 51 DAYS NOW! 9 more days and they have to replace the entire laptop! Apparently it needed a new motherboard... but that was according to the geek squad retard crew at best buy. They know as much about computers as my dead great grandfather.

So, the logical choice was to buy the best piece of hardware (in terms of portability)... the Macbook Pro :apple:. I love this computer. I cant say enough good things about it. Now it just has to last.
 
This forum is horribly biased. Buy based on the software you plan/prefer to use and your budget. Macs aren't made in some special factory where they are sprinkled with the "never have issues" dust.

For everyone here saying "HPs sucks" I can find someone who thinks the same about Macs. I am sure there are some in this forum, in fact maybe even in this thread. And, yes saying "HP makes terrible laptops" is a generalization. Just like "Apple makes overpriced shiny products" which I am sure some of you would object to.

Try to be more objective and inquire the OPs needs, familiarity and budget before saying "Macbook is the best" or "Only Macs for video editing." Because Macs are not for everyone and their are tons of professional people making great video on alternative platforms.
 
suneohair said:
This forum is horribly biased. Buy based on the software you plan/prefer to use and your budget. Macs aren't made in some special factory where they are sprinkled with the "never have issues" dust.

For everyone here saying "HPs sucks" I can find someone who thinks the same about Macs. I am sure there are some in this forum, in fact maybe even in this thread. And, yes saying "HP makes terrible laptops" is a generalization. Just like "Apple makes overpriced shiny products" which I am sure some of you would object to.

Try to be more objective and inquire the OPs needs, familiarity and budget before saying "Macbook is the best" or "Only Macs for video editing." Because Macs are not for everyone and their are tons of professional people making great video on alternative platforms.
Click to expand...

If they do have "never have issues dust", they must have skipped over my Macbook on the production line.
 
OP can we get prices on these? If they are the same, the 17" would be a great deal and much better real estate wise for video editing.
 
Well, the reason why I narrowed my choices down between a Macbook and an HP is because my younger brother has a Pavilion dv2000 that he claims is great.

After using it today, I totally disagree. It constantly hangs up and I remember that the first time he turned it on, there was so much stuff HP had him sign up for, programs that required registration, things Windows needed to do, etc. And the battery plain sucks, and causes the laptop to become really hot. It proved the point that Macs really are ready, right out of the box.

In any case, I'm going with the MacBook. It's specs really go with the price. Plus, I originally intended on getting a notebook that I can pick up at a store; our nearest Apple Store is 2-3 hours away and CircuitCity is half an hour away [but only has PC notebooks]. But after talking to my mom, she said if I got the money in hand for the MacBook, she'll take me to an Apple Store to pick one up! :D


Now all I need to know is, what configurations do the Apple Stores sell?
 
suneohair said:
And you're getting the Macbook why? Can you get the 17" with a C2D?
Click to expand...

Actually, I just re-checked CircuitCity's page and noticed that it did have a C2D processor. I kept thinking it had an AMD in there. Now I'm tempted to get that, though my mind is really looking towards a MacBook.


Plus, I'm looking for portability. Even my 15.4" VAIO is a pain to carry around. I can't imagine a 17" notebook. Actually, I can. My MBP I had was very easy and fun to carry, though my DELL was really horrible. Apple keeps their notebooks lightweight, where as PC notebook manufacturers don't seem to. Especially seeing as HP offers a 400GB HD, that might be making it too heavy.

The HP 17" is actually considered a desktop replacement.



Also, I'm leaning towards a MB because so many people use them for video editing. Even Disney does!


I'll be paying a visit to CircuitCity tomorrow. I'll try out the HP while I'm there.


EDIT: I just noticed that this thread is in the wrong Forum. Could a mod please move it to the Buying Tips, Advice and Discussion forum?
 
Above and beyond anything, you get OSX with a Mac. I don't know about others, but after using OSX (since the last 2 months), i just CANNOT see myself going to back to XP (don't even talk about Vista!!!).

For this reason alone, i'd get the Macbook.
 
The MacBook for sure. You'll even be able to run something like Final Cut Express on it no problem with extra RAM.
 
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