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- Aug 4, 2008
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I'm looking into getting a MacBook. I'm tired of relying on my college campus' Mac lab to be open when I need to work on video projects or photoshop. If the lab tech doesn't show (constantly) or leaves early (just about every time they DO show up), we're screwed.
So, mainly, I'd want to use this for Final Cut (Express, I assume is what I'll wind up getting as an add-on), Garage Band/Soundtrack Pro, and Photoshop of some kind (might look into a freeware-version or free spinoff). I am into filmmaking and music, so mainly I'd be using this to edit video and do soundtrack/audio work with film projects and bands.
I was considering the mid-level MacBook. 2GB of RAM, 160GB of harddrive space (I have several large external harddrives I use to edit video already, so paying a few hundred more for the 90GB upgrade doesn't make much sense), Dual-layer burner (kinda pointless it edit video when you can't do anything with it afterwards). My original intention was to use this MacBook where ever I needed, then I realized the small screen might get a bit annoying to edit on. So, I thought about an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, so that, when I'm home and stationary, I can use it like a desktop and edit on a larger screen.
Is it possible to hook these up to a MacBook? If so, can I use generic hardware, or do I have to buy a name-brand monitor and keyboard? This is my summer savings and the next semester is starting, so "save some more money" isn't really an option.
Would I just be better off with a standard desktop iMac of similar specs? I realise the MacBook is the trendy way to go, but I'm not really the type to drag my laptop everywhere with me just to be seen with it, or risk taking it to a party and running my iTunes through the stereo and all that crap. However, I admit it might be nice to have at work, but if it'd be more efficient to just run from a desktop...
What do you guys think?
So, mainly, I'd want to use this for Final Cut (Express, I assume is what I'll wind up getting as an add-on), Garage Band/Soundtrack Pro, and Photoshop of some kind (might look into a freeware-version or free spinoff). I am into filmmaking and music, so mainly I'd be using this to edit video and do soundtrack/audio work with film projects and bands.
I was considering the mid-level MacBook. 2GB of RAM, 160GB of harddrive space (I have several large external harddrives I use to edit video already, so paying a few hundred more for the 90GB upgrade doesn't make much sense), Dual-layer burner (kinda pointless it edit video when you can't do anything with it afterwards). My original intention was to use this MacBook where ever I needed, then I realized the small screen might get a bit annoying to edit on. So, I thought about an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, so that, when I'm home and stationary, I can use it like a desktop and edit on a larger screen.
Is it possible to hook these up to a MacBook? If so, can I use generic hardware, or do I have to buy a name-brand monitor and keyboard? This is my summer savings and the next semester is starting, so "save some more money" isn't really an option.
Would I just be better off with a standard desktop iMac of similar specs? I realise the MacBook is the trendy way to go, but I'm not really the type to drag my laptop everywhere with me just to be seen with it, or risk taking it to a party and running my iTunes through the stereo and all that crap. However, I admit it might be nice to have at work, but if it'd be more efficient to just run from a desktop...
What do you guys think?