I am going to engineering school and need a laptop that will last about 5 years. It is possible I will be doing some big graphics but I really am not sure. If you recommend the MBP, which of the 15" should i get? Thanks for the input!
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Macbook or Macbook Pro?
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games, big-scale video editing, etc. Photoshop and related programs don't (currently) use the GPU for much.
How important is speed?
How important is a big display?
Do you need FW800?
if they are all important, you need a MBP.
I say get a Macbook and in 2.5 years time, get another Macbook (if they still call it that). Having a computer for 5 years is a really long time. Especially when you'll be doing alot more work in 3-5 years time than right now.
Im going into Materials Engineering in the fall and will be working with 3d crystal structure programs, and I have tried them out with the Macbook and they run fine. I myself however am leaning towords the Macbook Pro, just because of all of the extras that you get. But the Macbook can handle those 3d graphics that you would use for engineering, especially when they get an updated graphics card.
Depends on what type of engineering you are going into.
Since I did chemical and had to run process for plants, I'm choosing the MBP becuase the real-estate is something that I really want. I know that a MB will be fine for me, I just don't like small screens and large excel sheets.
If you are going into Mechanical engineering, Aerospace, or any type of structural, definitely get the MBP, I don't think that the MB can run Pro E or some of the other 3-d structural software.
Since I did chemical and had to run process for plants, I'm choosing the MBP becuase the real-estate is something that I really want. I know that a MB will be fine for me, I just don't like small screens and large excel sheets.
If you are going into Mechanical engineering, Aerospace, or any type of structural, definitely get the MBP, I don't think that the MB can run Pro E or some of the other 3-d structural software.
I did chem eng as well, and all I can say is - get as much screen real estate as you can afford and cope with. This doesn't just apply to chem eng, all engineering requires engineering drawings of some sort.
Also check with your eng school what programs they use/support as this will also be important in determining what you get. You may think that you may be able to use something different now, but the ability to use the schools large (and expensive) printers is exteremly useful
Also check with your eng school what programs they use/support as this will also be important in determining what you get. You may think that you may be able to use something different now, but the ability to use the schools large (and expensive) printers is exteremly useful
If you plan on keeping a computer for more than 3 years, you should get the fastest processor you can afford. It's one of the few things, in a laptop, that affects performance that you can't upgrade.
MBP all the way
I have both macbooks and macbook pros, it's pro all the way. Screen, looks, back lit keyboard, option of glossy screen or not. I hate glossy, it personally gives me a headache.
I rarely use my macbook, however I am always on my 17", I dont use the 15" mbp's anymore.
I have both macbooks and macbook pros, it's pro all the way. Screen, looks, back lit keyboard, option of glossy screen or not. I hate glossy, it personally gives me a headache.
I rarely use my macbook, however I am always on my 17", I dont use the 15" mbp's anymore.
I always tend to overbuy, and I know I did when I just ordered my first Mac ever (a MBP; I literally just placed the order online). I don't do graphic-intensive work, but I still like the idea of a dedicated graphics card, plus I actually prefer the larger screen precisely for when I travel (that 13" MB screen is just too smal for me when watching movies). If you can afford to spend the extra ~$700 USD, I say get the MBP. If I were on a tight budget, I know I wouldn't hesitate to get a MB...
Using the same computer for 5+ years is pushing it. You may want to consider getting a cheaper computer now and then selling it and buying another cheaper computer in 2-3 years from now. I know some people keep their computers for super long times, but they definitely show some age around the 3-4 year mark. You could always buy a used/refurbished MacBook for now and see how demanding the programs you'll be using are. Then upgrade to a MacBook Pro if/when you need to. Mac hold their resale value quite well.
The best advice anyone can give is to always buy the absolute best you can afford at the time, especially if the computer is going to have to last you 5 years.
Or, conversely, spend as little as you can on something that is capable of running the programs you are using now on the grounds that:
1. You can put the cash saved towards upgrading sooner, when the technology will be that much more capable.*
2. People who feel they will be getting into Video Editing/3D apps/<Insert program that requires top spec machine here> at some point in the future often don't (Not the case here, perhaps). If they do, the technology required to run said program has often moved on by the time they get round to doing so.
3. A laptop stands a good chance of being damaged/lost/stolen - especially on campus. Unless you're going to shell out for all manner of insurance and apple care (more cost), you'll feel a lot happier losing a cheap computer than an expensive one.
I'm not contradicting Slumbercub. - I think the two philosophies are equally valid.
* as long as you don't spend that money on beer.