MBP vs. Mac Pro

[jjong]

I'll be a first time Mac user once I purchase a Mac within the next month or two. The main reason I'm switching to a Mac is to use it for video editing purposes. I'm debating between a 15 inch MBP and the Mac Pro, both in similar price ranges. With the MBP, it's more portable since I'll be attending college this fall, but I don't know if I'll actually need to take it to any of my classes. On the other hand, the Mac Pro seems to be a lot more powerful, and since I'll be using it for mostly video editing in the long run, there seems to be more options as far as adding things on goes. What do you guys think? Advice and opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[FFTT]

You'll be spending quite a bit of time just learning how to use all the capabilities
of your A/V applications, so it may be a while before you actually need a true workstation of your own.

I would speak with your instructor and get a firm idea of how much computer you
really need.

I imagine that you may be better off with a MacBook loaded with RAM for starters, then 2 years down the road, save your money for that Quad Core WorkStation.

 

[extraextra]

I don't know how well a Macbook would work for video editing, but I agree with the above poster. You can get the mid-range MBP (since it has a 256MB video card) and an external screen if needed.

 

[ckeck]

My vote would go towards the MacBook Pro...good sized screen and a good amount of CPU power for video editing, plus the portability is a more important factor then you may think!

 

[adamyoshida]

I'd say get the Mac Pro, and then pick up a used Apple laptop for mobility (a G4 TiBook, though I'd recommend a Pismo, simply since I love them so).

Frankly, I think people carrying a $2500 notebook around a college campus are nuts.

 

[MIDI_EVIL]

I am a Digital Filmmaker/Video Artist, and i also went to college.

My PowerBook got me through fine (specs in sig)

I think you will be fine with the MacBook Pro as it's much more powerful than my PowerBook, it's portable, which will prove to be invaluable.

Just get a good sized, fast external harddrive, FireWire 400 (unfortunately the 15" MacBook Pro doesn't come with FireWire 800 any longer) and use that as a scratch disk.

Good luck entering the Mac world, you'll love it!

Rich.

 

[MIDI_EVIL]

I'd say get the Mac Pro, and then pick up a used Apple laptop for mobility (a G4 TiBook, though I'd recommend a Pismo, simply since I love them so).

Frankly, I think people carrying a $2500 notebook around a college campus are nuts.

Hmmm, that is also a good point.

You might need a good locking mechanism, or a good hiding place. e.g a safe.

Rich.