CS4 - Macbook or Macbook Pro?

[delsutton]

Hi

I'm nearly ready to spend some money and get myself a laptop.

However, I was wondering if there is any perceptible difference in performance when running Adobe CS4 Design Suite on the MB and the MBP? Obviously I don't want to spend any more than is necessary. Then again, I wouldn't want to have a machine that would struggle with a future update to CS. Any thoughts from current users?

Also, if I do opt for a laptop can I connect an external monitor and a full keyboard and mouse to it as well? I want to use this to replace my ageing G5 so while at home would like to be able to connect it to my existing monitor and have perhaps a wireless mouse and keyboard, if poss?

Cheers
Del

 

[pigoo3]

Obviously there can be many many levels of complexity to the projects that can be done with Adobe CS4...so it's hard to say exactly what sort of demands your projects will put on the computer.

From the CPU speed perspective...I would say you would be fine with either a MacBook or a MacBook Pro. But where the differences may show up (depending on the complexity of your CS4 projects)...will be with the graphics hardware on the laptop you choose.

The integrated 9400M graphics hardware on the MacBook will most likely be fine for most CS4 users with less complex projects...but if you feel that your CS4 projects will be fairly complex...then you may be better off with one of the MacBook Pro's with dedicated graphics hardware.

Be aware that the whole MacBook Pro line has the same integrated 9400M graphics as the MacBook...and your going to have to spend an extra $1000 US to get a MacBook Pro with the dedicated 9600M graphics hardware!

Here's a recent MacWorld review of the newest MacBook with the 9400M graphics.

http://www.macworld.com/article/138752/2009/02/2ghz_macbook_9400m.html

And yes you can connect an external monitor (with appropriate adapter), full sized keyboard, and mouse to all Apple laptops.

Hope this helps,

- Nick

 

[delsutton]

Obviously there can be many many levels of complexity to the projects that can be done with Adobe CS4...so it's hard to say exactly what sort of demands your projects will put on the computer.

From the CPU speed perspective...I would say you would be fine with either a MacBook or a MacBook Pro. But where the differences may show up (depending on the complexity of your CS4 projects)...will be with the graphics hardware on the laptop you choose.

The integrated 9400M graphics hardware on the MacBook will most likely be fine for most CS4 users with less complex projects...but if you feel that your CS4 projects will be fairly complex...then you may be better off with one of the MacBook Pro's with dedicated graphics hardware.

Be aware that the whole MacBook Pro line has the same integrated 9400M graphics as the MacBook...and your going to have to spend an extra $1000 US to get a MacBook Pro with the dedicated 9600M graphics hardware!

Here's a recent MacWorld review of the newest MacBook with the 9400M graphics.

Review: White MacBook 2GHz with Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics Review | Laptop | Macworld

And yes you can connect an external monitor (with appropriate adapter), full sized keyboard, and mouse to all Apple laptops.

Hope this helps,

- Nick

Fab. Thanks Nick. I think it probably is better, on reflection, to consider the pro, in that case. At least that way I'm more surely injecting longevity into my hardware. And it is good news that i could use use it as a virtual desktop, and still cart it around for those moments where portability is necessary

D.