Will a C2D (not SR) MBP suffice for media work?

[NickD]

As many of you probably are aware, I am trying to trade my iMac in for a MBP for media work in Final Cut Express and CS3. I've been looking at many different options, and am now looking at the possibility of getting a last gen C2D MBP for cheaper than a SR.

Would a 2.16 or a 2.33 MBP with 3GB of RAM work well for these afore mentioned tasks or would the SR boost as well as the upgradeable to 4GB of RAM provide a large enough difference that I should spend the extra money?

NickD

 

[Siouxsie]

Seeing as people praised the last gen of MBPs before this gen arrived, I don't think it'd be a problem. They're just as great as they were three months ago..

 

[miniConvert]

Yeah, I think the last gen MBP will certainly suffice. The ability of the new MBP to carry 4GB RAM does make it more future-proof, though, for media work.

 

[NickD]

I'm just voicing my thoughts, and looking for some opinions, but I'm wondering if it might be good to consider the current gen of MacBook. It'll recognize 3.3GB of RAM (more than the last gen MBP), and is more portable, which is good for me because I'm a student.

I wouldn't be able to get 2.33 or 2.4 GHz, and would lose the dedicated graphics, but would it matter all that much? Also, I'd save a good amount of money.

NickD

 

[caffeeneaddict]

losing the independent graphics isn't terrible IMO but losing all the video memory is.(if that makes sense) I have done alot of media work in this past year or so and i have tried a MB and MBP and the MBP did video editing much more easily than the MB. I would reccomend the MBP

 

[NickD]

That's what I figured. Oh well. Gotta check out all the options.

 

[creator2456]

The portability difference between a Macbook and the MBP 15" is next to nothing when you compare the benefits of the MBP. A larger screen and dedicated graphics are good to have for any kind of video work.

Also, I have a first gen MBP (2.16GHz 17") with the RAM upgraded to 2GB and it handles Final Cut Pro 5.0 (running as PPC) and CS3 without any downsides.

I've tried to kill my MBP by opening EVERY single app I have on it and then running processes in most of them. It slowed down on the more intensive stuff, but it didn't die and still got the job done.

Think I rambled there towards the end, so hope it helps.

 

[Anthony8720]

As many of you probably are aware, I am trying to trade my iMac in for a MBP for media work in Final Cut Express and CS3. I've been looking at many different options, and am now looking at the possibility of getting a last gen C2D MBP for cheaper than a SR.

Would a 2.16 or a 2.33 MBP with 3GB of RAM work well for these afore mentioned tasks or would the SR boost as well as the upgradeable to 4GB of RAM provide a large enough difference that I should spend the extra money?

NickD

I have a C2D 2.16, and it will do anything and everything that you listed flawlessly....and i only have 1gig of ram...but I would suggest getting more. This computer is a flat out powerhouse. You'll love it. LED backlights and the SR chipset are overrated imho. Maybe you should look up some benchmarks to make yourself feel better about your decision. I think you'll see the difference doesn't justify the price increase.