I am looking to buy a new mac laptop after using a friends and being completely sold. I do a lot of photoshop stuff and want to start recording music too. I would like to get a MBP but I still don't know if the cost of it is worth it for me. I am just wondering if it would be worth it to buy the MBP or would the MB be enough to handle photoshop? Also what are the benefits to the MBP besides the processor and display?
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new to macs, buy question
- Thread starter christheeskimo
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Do you do a lot of photoshop? If so I assume that the video card would help out significantly, but I can't really tell since I don't use the program. Advantages the MBP has over the MB is the ability to not be glossy (I prefer glossy), express card, video card, 15 inches of glory, aluminum enclosure (I prefer the plastic of the macbook though), and built in DVI (so you don't need a converter). I'm not too sure about anything else, but I think if your life depends upon your photoshop creations, the MBP would be a better choice.
If Photoshop is really important wait til Adobe releases the Universal version to buy a Mac. Not to mention by waiting you'll also get Leopard and iLife '07.
Either machine would do the trick, but
your interest in audio recording warrants more attention to the MBP for connectivity and increased multitrack performance.
You'll need to run 2 GB RAM for now to counteract Rosetta's RAM requirements
but once Adobe releases CS3, you're system will be more than fast enough.
I would hold off through the Paris Expo to see what happens with any possible
processor upgrades.
To get the most computer for your money, I'd strongly consider a refurb 2.0 MBP
your interest in audio recording warrants more attention to the MBP for connectivity and increased multitrack performance.
You'll need to run 2 GB RAM for now to counteract Rosetta's RAM requirements
but once Adobe releases CS3, you're system will be more than fast enough.
I would hold off through the Paris Expo to see what happens with any possible
processor upgrades.
To get the most computer for your money, I'd strongly consider a refurb 2.0 MBP
FFTT said:
i totally agree with that. I have a 1ghz iBook and with 1.25GB of RAM and it runs CS wonderfully, except when the file sizes get out of hand. But when it comes to audio recording it sucks. I would go with the MBP and not think twice about it.
if you use Photoshop A LOT, definitely MBP! get as much RAM as you can afford, like Voltes V suggested. it's worth it. 
if Apple's RAM is too much for you, you can purchase third-party stuff and install it yourself. there are a ton of threads here on the best kind and I'm sure some people could offer their suggestions to you!
if Apple's RAM is too much for you, you can purchase third-party stuff and install it yourself. there are a ton of threads here on the best kind and I'm sure some people could offer their suggestions to you!
If you use photoshop a lot, you most likely already have a Windows version. A MacBook with Windows installed in Bootcamp, or Parallels would be fine. I can't see you wanting to spring for a new version of Photoshop as well as a computer. You could get CS3 when it comes out as Universal. The integrated graphics will not hurt it as Photoshop is processor intensive, not graphics intensive.
As fo audio, I don't know, but I gather a 7,200 rpm drive would be important.
As fo audio, I don't know, but I gather a 7,200 rpm drive would be important.
This really is a case where Adobe needs to get it's butt in gear.
They need to release updates for Vista and Leopard SOON!
You can easily transfer your
Adobe XP Pro license over to a Mac OSX version, but you may have to pay a nominal shipping fee for the CD's.
They need to release updates for Vista and Leopard SOON!
You can easily transfer your
Adobe XP Pro license over to a Mac OSX version, but you may have to pay a nominal shipping fee for the CD's.
thanks for the help...you mention that getting a refurb mbp would be a great value...what is the difference between those and buying a brand new one...does it still come with all the original stuff and is it possible that there are scratches and stuff on it?
christheeskimo said:
Refurbs of any current model generally comes to you in pristine condition.
Many were returned new with some minor issue that has been repaired and bench tested.
The only difference you'll notice is the brown shipping box and a new refurbished serial number.
You get all the customary DVD's cables and connectors that you would
with any new system.
You have the full factory warranty and can still go to any Apple Store in the event you need service for any reason.
Half the time you may also receive your machine with any extras that the original customer ordered at no cost.
That means you may get either additonal RAM or a larger HD or both in some cases.
My daughter's 12" 1.33 GHz iBook arrived in perfect condition and I'm buying 2 MacBook refurbs for her two sisters.
okay i think i've decided on the 15in mbp 1.83ghz refurb. would it be wise for me to wait for leapord and maybe for the specs on the refurbs to go up? also does this particular model have the glossy screen?
If you buy a current MBP refurb you'll be running Tiger 10.4.7 like the rest of us
until Apple releases Leopard next spring.
If Apple sticks to their normal major OS update pricing, then the upgrade to Leopard will run you $129.00
If you buy your system within a month or two of the Leopard release, Apple will probably allow you to upgrade for much less or free depending on the time frame.
Each refurb of the MBP will list the glossy screen or no mention if it comes with
the matte display.
The 1.83 GHz model won't be any faster than a standard MacBook, but you'll
have a larger display, backlit KB, better connectivity for A/V and better graphics.
I would still hold out just a bit longer until we see the what does or does not happen with processor upgrades.
until Apple releases Leopard next spring.
If Apple sticks to their normal major OS update pricing, then the upgrade to Leopard will run you $129.00
If you buy your system within a month or two of the Leopard release, Apple will probably allow you to upgrade for much less or free depending on the time frame.
Each refurb of the MBP will list the glossy screen or no mention if it comes with
the matte display.
The 1.83 GHz model won't be any faster than a standard MacBook, but you'll
have a larger display, backlit KB, better connectivity for A/V and better graphics.
I would still hold out just a bit longer until we see the what does or does not happen with processor upgrades.