Apple Macbook

[NavitimerNut]

Hey guys, I need an apple laptop that I will be designing and making and editing short videos. In addition, I would be making banners for upcomming events. I am looking at the standard, white plastic laptop and have any of you had any problems with it, or should I pay more money and get the metal macbook pro? Keep in mind, this is my first job and money is tight for me, so I would rather not spend more money on options that I wouldn't need in a laptop.

How does the plastic macbook age, and how is the durrability? I am really gentle with my computers, and I try to keep them squeeky clean.

Also, I am using a PC right now, and have only used a mac for a little while. How is the transition from PC to mac?

[boomtime]

I recently got the new unibody plastic macbook and am loving it. Its basically on par with the macbook pro unless your doing hardcore video editing I'd just get the white macbook. If you have a microcenter near you they have a great deal going right now, the white macbook is $799 two hundred off the apple store price with mail in rebate.

[Prince]

Originally Posted by boomtime

I recently got the new unibody plastic macbook and am loving it. Its basically on par with the macbook pro unless your doing hardcore video editing I'd just get the white macbook...

Exactly!! I upgraded my wife's aging iBook G4 with one of these beauties. It is a dream. In addition to what you stated as an exception, I will also add that if you need FireWire, IR or a card slot, you should look at the Pro. Otherwise, save a few hundred bucks and get a sweet machine!!!

[S/SOnly]

The macbook we have is a two year old that has been very solid and stable. It has been used almost exclusively for Photo Editing (Adobe and Aperture), as well as some modest video editing and burning. Great machine, and very reliable.

I recommend Apple care however, as I like the piece of mind of the extended phone support and service to three years. This can be purchased within the original 1 year warranty period.

As far as PC to Mac, I thought it would be awkward, and loaded windows on the mac, just in case. I have not booted to Windows in over a year now, at least.

Check out this link as well, good site for deals

http://dealmac.com/categories/Comput...-Book/474.html

[moviefreak]

It is good.. if you get the macbook pro 13 inch it is the same... if you go pro up to 15 and 17 inch screens.. the big difference is DUAL VIDEO CARDS... the laptop has one independent and one integrated card... integrated for more battery life and less video usage.. or go independent for video applications..

the white macbook or the macbook pro 13 inch do not have dual cards..

Good luck.

[RebreatherDiver]

Originally Posted by moviefreak

It is good.. if you get the macbook pro 13 inch it is the same... if you go pro up to 15 and 17 inch screens.. the big difference is DUAL VIDEO CARDS... the laptop has one independent and one integrated card... integrated for more battery life and less video usage.. or go independent for video applications..

the white macbook or the macbook pro 13 inch do not have dual cards..

Good luck.

I second this, you will need the dual cards and dedicated graphics memory if you are going to be running Final Cut, Aperture, etc. It is worth the extra money and you will be much happier with the fluidity and responsiveness when running a pro program.

best of luck

[idk01]

Originally Posted by RebreatherDiver

I second this, you will need the dual cards and dedicated graphics memory if you are going to be running Final Cut, Aperture, etc. It is worth the extra money and you will be much happier with the fluidity and responsiveness when running a pro program.

best of luck

X3, Go to the top model, the extra cash spent is well worth it

[iSellJerseyShore]

Originally Posted by moviefreak

It is good.. if you get the macbook pro 13 inch it is the same... if you go pro up to 15 and 17 inch screens.. the big difference is DUAL VIDEO CARDS... the laptop has one independent and one integrated card... integrated for more battery life and less video usage.. or go independent for video applications..

the white macbook or the macbook pro 13 inch do not have dual cards..

Good luck.

Eduardo brings up an excellent point!

However, depending on how graphically intense you plan on getting, you might be able to get away with just the Macbook pro 13"...... I am in the process of launching a video production service and as my main video machine, I am using the Macbook pro 13"... I am running Final Cut Express 4 as well as Adobe After Effects with no problem. So depending on how 3D & graphic intensive you plan on getting you may require the dual video cards found in the 15 & 17" models.

Feel free to PM to further discuss.


-Frankie

[rickyslam]

I bought a white one about 2 years ago, now I've upgraded to the top of the line 15". I love it. Never looked back. You'll probably love it too.

[gettocard]

Yes...buy a Macbook and hate it like I do !!

[dalip]

GO the macbook pro...top model 15"...it's what I have and the video work you can do is awesome....you will not regret it!!!

[zippaul]

We only run Macs in my household. From 2 desktops (24" and 20") to two MacBooks. You will not be disappointed in any way shape or form. I made the transition about 5 years ago and would not go back. The plastic (polycarbonate) version is an excellent choice and I doubt you will need anything more. I would upgrade the RAM as video editing in general will require more, the max is 4 gigs. The MacBook Pro (metal version) if necessary can go to 8 gigs. The other difference is the MacBook Pro has a firewire port which you may want. I would also spend the extra money on Apple Care, it is well worth it. I could tell you a longish story that includes a lightening strike but to cut to the chase, Apple stepped up in a very big way. A ton of great software will already come with whatever you choose and it will surprise you at how good it is. In addition, I would recommend signing up for Apple's "Mobile Me" program. Too hard to go into detail here, just ask them about it. It will cost you $69.00 or so. Go to Apple's website, you can learn a lot. Keep in mind that if necessary these machines can also run Windows software. I have never found a reason to do so but you may, ask them how and what you will need. Good luck, there is no wrong choice where the machines are concerned, you will be very pleased either way. By the way if you happen to use an Iphone you can link all your contacts, mail etc., automatically.

[Dan Pierce]

Converted to a MacBook 15 Pro last November and I'm very satisfied. My son partitioned my hard drive so I can run Windows programs for work.
dP

[CL65AMG]

I love my MacBook Pro...It is definitely worth the extra money.

[mck22]

What models come with photoshop installed?

[Naples09]

Originally Posted by mck22

What models come with photoshop installed?

none, but it does include iPhoto. Photoshop is extra if you want it installed.

[STEELINOX]

We are an Apple house too.
No transitional issues; happy campers here !
We have an iMac, MacBook and a Mini.

[azone5]

WE have Mac Mini, iMac, and Mac BookPro. Love all of them. Made the switch 3 years ago and got rid of all my Windows and Norton problems!!! Yee hawwwwww

[zippaul]

None of the models come with Adobe Photoshop but it does come with Iphoto which is excellent for cataloging pictures. It is not a program designed to alter or enhance (has a little of this) as it's primary function. They do sell Adobe Photoshop for the Mac if you need it. There is plenty of Photo editing software out there for the Mac so don't worry.

[Atl]

Originally Posted by NavitimerNut

Hey guys, I need an apple laptop that I will be designing and making and editing short videos. In addition, I would be making banners for upcomming events. I am looking at the standard, white plastic laptop and have any of you had any problems with it, or should I pay more money and get the metal macbook pro? Keep in mind, this is my first job and money is tight for me, so I would rather not spend more money on options that I wouldn't need in a laptop.

How does the plastic macbook age, and how is the durrability? I am really gentle with my computers, and I try to keep them squeeky clean.

Also, I am using a PC right now, and have only used a mac for a little while. How is the transition from PC to mac?

Mine is six years old, still like new. I do lust for the Mac Air though.

As to your other statement, I am NOT gentle with mine, throw it on the couch, falls on the floor, throw it on the bed, throw it in the car. No worries, in fact at the Mac store, to demonstrate the technology, the Mac Book has an accelerator sensor, and if it senses it is falling it locks up the hard drive spindle, that reads the disk or disks, so it does not crash onto the hard drive disk. Then automatically unlocks. He dropped a Mac Book from 3 feet onto a wood table in the store, no damage. Pretty cool!

[Speed]

I need to upgrade to a new 13 inch MacBook Pro. The old Black MacBook is getting old.

However.... I am a bit concerned about scratching my watch AND MacBook wrist rest. The all aluminum body may present some challenges!!!!

[JBat]

Originally Posted by Speed

I need to upgrade to a new 13 inch MacBook Pro. The old Black MacBook is getting old.

However.... I am a bit concerned about scratching my watch AND MacBook wrist rest. The all aluminum body may present some challenges!!!!

Spoken like a true WIS, Bill!

[jajo63]

I also own Mac book Pro 15" the first generation. I have upgraded hard drive myself twice I am now running a 500g HD. But I told myself the next upgrade will be a new Mac. But this one still performs great since 2006. Not many PCs out there running for that long with happy owners. Buy one be patient with yourself while you are learning how to navigate the OS. Also recommend at least subscribing to a good magazine that has some monthly tips and tricks so you can maximize its short cut potential. Or buying a book on some keyboard shortcuts etc. You will be amazed at what how much more you will get out of your Mac. Enjoy

[JimC]

I'm a "switcher"... Bought a 12" G4 PowerBook in 2004 and haven't looked back. Since then, added a Dual 2.5GHz G5 (that still functions great as my main machine), a 20" G5 iMac, a 15" MBP, a 17" MBP, and a Mac Mini Server.

The Intel Macs are great, since you can also run Windows (or other OS) via VMware (or Parallels). I carry the 17" MBP in the same bag as my "work" Dell D420 every day.

Most any of the modern MB, or (better yet) MBP (if you want FireWire peripherals) will work fine for what you want to do.

Good luck!

[vh_bu98]

Originally Posted by NavitimerNut

Hey guys, I need an apple laptop that I will be designing and making and editing short videos. In addition, I would be making banners for upcomming events. I am looking at the standard, white plastic laptop and have any of you had any problems with it, or should I pay more money and get the metal macbook pro? Keep in mind, this is my first job and money is tight for me, so I would rather not spend more money on options that I wouldn't need in a laptop.

How does the plastic macbook age, and how is the durrability? I am really gentle with my computers, and I try to keep them squeeky clean.

Also, I am using a PC right now, and have only used a mac for a little while. How is the transition from PC to mac?

First off, why do you "need" an Apple laptop? What do you think you will gain from an Apple laptop compare to a laptop with Windows or Linux? That question also applies to PhotoShop as well. PhotoShop is a very powerful and expensive photo editing program. If photo editing will be your bread and butter, then invest the money. If not (since you mention video editing), there are less expensive programs out there that can probably accomplish what you need.

The reason why I ask is if money is tight, you have to weigh your needs and wants.

I bought a Dell 15" laptop for my wife with the exact same specs as the current high end 15" MacBook Pro for about $780 including taxes and shipping. The MacBook Pro would have cost over $2200. The Dell runs as fast and as capable as the Apple. That $1400 savings can be used to buy software like PhotoShop, a hardware calibrator for your screen and a nice large quality LCD to attach to the laptop. You really don't want to do any video editing or print work off of a 13" or 15" screen.

If you still insist on an Apple laptop, get the 15" MacBook Pro since you will want the dedicated video card and firewire 800.

By the way, I own a 15" MacBook Pro myself so I'm not a Mac hater.

[Atl]

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

First off, why do you "need" an Apple laptop? What do you think you will gain from an Apple laptop compare to a laptop with Windows or Linux? That question also applies to PhotoShop as well. PhotoShop is a very powerful and expensive photo editing program. If photo editing will be your bread and butter, then invest the money. If not (since you mention video editing), there are less expensive programs out there that can probably accomplish what you need.

The reason why I ask is if money is tight, you have to weigh your needs and wants.

I bought a Dell 15" laptop for my wife with the exact same specs as the current high end 15" MacBook Pro for about $780 including taxes and shipping. The MacBook Pro would have cost over $2200. The Dell runs as fast and as capable as the Apple. That $1400 savings can be used to buy software like PhotoShop, a hardware calibrator for your screen and a nice large quality LCD to attach to the laptop. You really don't want to do any video editing or print work off of a 13" or 15" screen.

If you still insist on an Apple laptop, get the 15" MacBook Pro since you will want the dedicated video card and firewire 800.

By the way, I own a 15" MacBook Pro myself so I'm not a Mac hater.

But will your Dell be even running in 6 years?? Doubt it. Your Apple will. As With Rolex, you get what you pay for. There is a reason the Dell is cheaper, same as a Chevy is cheaper than a Toyota, but which will last longer, so you get your moneys worth in the long run?

BTY Apple has Aperture which is as good or better than Photoshop, but honestly the iPhoto installed free on every Apple is pretty damn powerful.

[vh_bu98]

Originally Posted by Atl

But will your Dell be even running in 6 years?? Doubt it. Your Apple will. As With Rolex, you get what you pay for. There is a reason the Dell is cheaper, same as a Chevy is cheaper than a Toyota, but which will last longer, so you get your moneys worth in the long run?

BTY Apple has Aperture which is as good or better than Photoshop, but honestly the iPhoto installed free on every Apple is pretty damn powerful.

6 Years? My friend has a Dell that is 10 years old and it's still running. My wife's previous Dell laptop was 4 years old and it was running fine and I upgraded it because she got tired of the weight of the 17", but I'm sure that it would have made it to 6 years.

Don't fool yourself in believing that an Apple will last longer just because it cost more. Apples and PCs pretty much share identical hardware components these days and any one of those can fail on either system at any time. If you don't believe me, read the Apple forums. The new 27" iMacs are having monitor issues to the point where Apple will give you 15% of the purchase price if you return it due to multiple problems. And if you want to talk about Apple laptop issues, look up MacBook Pro and video card problems. I bought the 3 year Apple Care protection for my MacBook Pro for a reason.

It's like how people say LaCie LCDs are so great and for the price they should be. Of course they are just rebranded NECs most of the time which you can buy for a lot less money for the same quality if not better.

Toyota is dealing with a massive recall...one of the biggest in auto history. I've own a Toyota in the past and may in the future if they came out with something I like.

Rolexes have their flaws as well and the reality is that there are better quality watches out there for less money.

I try to educate people and tell people to keep an open mind. There's nothing wrong with buying anything as long as you know the real reason why you're buying it.

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

6 Years? My friend has a Dell that is 10 years old and it's still running. My wife's previous Dell laptop was 4 years old and it was running fine and I upgraded it because she got tired of the weight of the 17", but I'm sure that it would have made it to 6 years.

Don't fool yourself in believing that an Apple will last longer just because it cost more. Apples and PCs pretty much share identical hardware components these days and any one of those can fail on either system at any time. If you don't believe me, read the Apple forums. The new 27" iMacs are having monitor issues to the point where Apple will give you 15% of the purchase price if you return it due to multiple problems. And if you want to talk about Apple laptop issues, look up MacBook Pro and video card problems. I bought the 3 year Apple Care protection for my MacBook Pro for a reason.

I try to educate people and tell people to keep an open mind. There's nothing wrong with buying anything as long as you know the real reason why you're buying it.

Exactly. I have one such Dell. Laptops don't need to be made of metal (although the lid on my Thinkpad is). It actually came in handy on the Amtrak a few months back - some dope in front of me reclined and his seat caught the lid. All I heard was crunching sounds. Zero damage aside from a small area where the paint came off the metal on the lid of my Thinkpad. The crunching was the plastic parts moving against each other. What a tank - and a proper tool for travel and business.

[Speed]

I build high-end gaming PCs so Windows and I are friends of convenience. The Mac is NOT a gaming platform. If it were not for the foregoing, I would go no where near a PC. Oh, I suppose work would be an exception.

Using a Mac, like wearing a Rolex, provides in my view differences in user experience which cannot be fully explained. I just prefer interacting with a Mac Vs. PC just like I prefer my Rolex to my Omega...

[TheDude]

If the video editing requirement is a big thing, you should consider a quad core laptop.


These aren't very common, but they exist. Many of the video editing plugins need or could greatly benefit from quad core and lots of RAM.