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trudd

macrumors regular
Original poster
May 27, 2004
206
0
Texas
Just need some quick advice. I'm in the process of unloading my 1.67ghz Powerbook and have two options when it comes to my next computer.

A buddy of mine is selling his nearly new MBP Core Duo. Specs:
2.16 Core Duo
2gb RAM
100gb HD
256mb upgraded video card
Price: $1500

However, I'm fond of the new Macbook C2Ds. I would buy a white 2.0ghz macbook and upgrade the RAM to 2gb, running me around $1300-1350 after educational discount. internal HD space isn't that vital since I have 1TB of scratch space.

What I do: I'm a film student/photographer and work exclusively in Final Cut Studio and Photoshop. I edit only SD footage right now. I'll be taking classes that emphasize the use of Motion and DVD studio pro next semester.

My situation: I do 98% of my editing in clamshell mode - plugged into my 20" 2005fpw. So screen size isn't a huge issue.

My problems...
1) I don't like the idea of buying 1st gen computers. The MBP was purchased just weeks before the C2D were announced, so it has the most recent logic board and I don't think it has any mooing problems. I'm sure it gets hot, but so does my PB.
2) What is better? A CD MBP with a dedicated graphics card? Or a C2D macbook with integrated graphics?

In short, is the C2D such a leap ahead that it is worth forsaking a graphics card? Or should I stick with my professional grade laptops?

Hope this makes sense - I'm between classes and in a bit of a rush.
 
The MBP CD looks to be a steal at $1500. You will not notice a big difference in speed CD vs C2D in most app's.

Go for the MBP CD and never look back!
 
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