MacBook Pro for a Graphic Design student

[darkredbbb]

I posted this in the Design and Graphics section because I wanted to get the opinions of people in the same field concerning my question. I've done a lot of research on these forums trying to decide which 15" MacBook Pro should I get, and I narrowed down my option to either the entry-level 15" or the high-end 15", main difference being the additional 256MB of VRAM. I'm also going for the high-resolution anti-glare options.

I will be using this computer (my first Mac purchase btw) for at least a couple of years after I graduate (I still have about 2 years until I graduate, so in total I want it to last for about 4 years), therefore I want it to suit my needs as a student and a starting graphic designer later on.

My question is, are the 512MB of VRAM noticeably better for software as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and After Effects CS5? or are the 256MB enough?

I'd appreciate any replies

 

[Jason Beck]

I operate with an SSD which loads brushes and ultra large images really nice.
The more ram the better. Adobe will chow down on it. I would really invest in a desktop 1080p or better monitor. I use the one in my sig, and love it. As a student, the 150 bucks I spent on it was pretty affordable. 250$ for an Intel SSD and I have a pretty capable Adobe machine.

Now, I have a 2008 aluminum 2ghz Macbook even. Hooked to my 1080p monitor it handles whatever I throw at it. You should also invest in a graphics drawing tablet. I use my Magic Mouse and love it in my work.

 

[chrono1081]

I operate with an SSD which loads brushes and ultra large images really nice.
The more ram the better. Adobe will chow down on it. I would really invest in a desktop 1080p or better monitor. I use the one in my sig, and love it. As a student, the 150 bucks I spent on it was pretty affordable. 250$ for an Intel SSD and I have a pretty capable Adobe machine.

Now, I have a 2008 aluminum 2ghz Macbook even. Hooked to my 1080p monitor it handles whatever I throw at it. You should also invest in a graphics drawing tablet. I use my Magic Mouse and love it in my work.

?! 1080P is not high resolution for a monitor by any means. (A TV yes, a monitor, nope.) Id suggest a 24 inch monitor with a 1920 x 1200 resolution.

+1 for the more ram the better, and a drawing tablet. The intuos 4 wireless is amazing. Best wacom I've ever owned.

 

[drummerlondonw3]

I do a lot of design work for my masters.

my experience has been that the 17" screen is big enough to do work when mobile. My 23 display has the same amount of pixels so I cant really argue with the MBP screen size. However, if you dont need portability then you should look at the imac.

Now my course is finishing up I am going i5 imac and ipad.

Re: intel ssd. I have one and they are great, amzing really. However, it does run fine on a hard drive, especially 7200. I would try and save money though and go for the 80gb version as there are much faster drives coming later in the year.

whatever you buy though will be more than capable of running CS4/5 very well. So it comes down to preference. I would definitely get the high res screen and matte though.

D

hope this helps.

 

[darkredbbb]

well I placed my order today and I went for the i7, I figured that my parents already didn't mind paying the extra hundreds because it's for school, and when I start feeling my machine falling behind, I'll update the RAM and HDD Thanks for the replies!

 

[CW Jones]

I am a graphic design major right now as well and I am using a 15" MBP with the 2.66 processor and 4GB of ram. I have no issues running the "tools of the trade" like Illustrator, InDesin, Photoshop and many others like Maya. It is not the i7 however which would also be a nice thing to have. I would recommended getting the anti glare screen too because even if your not outside it can still have a nasty little glare.

-Collin

 

[Jonny1989]

this might be a bit off topic but if you have yet to invest in a mouse and mouse mat i would recommend getting a razer 'deathadder' and their 'mantis control' mouse mat. i use both and it is possibly the best investment i have made so far in my future in graphic design.

i am also getting the MBP but only the 15" i3 due to a student budget and the fact im getting the i7 iMac and an iPad which i dont need but i want the full package.