Hardware difference

[mknabster]

I'm going to get a MacBook Pro with 2 GBs of RAM, and i'm trying to figure if i should pay the extra $300 to get an upgrade to the processor and graphics card. The 2.16Ghz with 128MBs of graphics is $2000, and the 2.33GHz with 256MBs for $2300. *This is all estimated and includes the college discount. I'm going to be using the system for designing graphics, editing and processing photos, and creating DVDs, w/ menus and animation. Should i spend the extra $300, or just stay with the base $2000? Like what would the benefits of the upgrade be?

 

[mknabster]

28 Views and no response?

 

[Kash]

For starters, the extra 170MHz is rather negligible. The performance boost isn't worth the amount of money you have to pay for it.

Now for the video card. The extra RAM is only useful for applications that can actually use it, such as 3D modeling and 3D games. If all you'll be doing is 2D graphics work with very little 3D modeling, then 128MB is more than enough. Then again, if you're doing heavy 3D modeling work, you wouldn't be looking at a laptop

The only reason you might want to go for the upgrade is if you have the spare cash and to stave off your future upgrade a little longer.

 

[mknabster]

I'll be using it mainly for Adobe CS3, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Soundbooth, and Encore DVD. Like burning DVDs with animation, designing graphics, editing pictures, that sort of thing.

 

[kgeier82]

well if u upgrade to the faster cpu, u get the 2gb ram bundled in. ive been happy with my 2.16 and 128mb x1600. i bought 1gbx2 off newegg for less than 100$

 

[Kash]

Looks like all you're doing is 2D modeling. So the extra video RAM is useless to you.

So as it stands, there's really no need for you to spend the extra money. Just go with the $2,000 model and you'll be more than happy with your purchase

 

[core20]

but why would you tell this person not to get the ram upgrade, isn't the ram amount what helps your computer run more efficiently?? since the memory can be eaten up rather quickly if you have a couple of programs running at the same time ?? I payed for the extra ram, but it would be much cheaper to buy the ram and do it yourself...

--

 

[Kash]

We're not telling him not to get RAM, we're telling him not to get VIDEO RAM, which is an entirely different beast.

I totally encourage the OP to upgrade to 2GB of system RAM. Though I would suggest buying it from a third-party retailer to save more money

 

[ibookclamman300]

This is a similar question to one I happened to just answer. Take a look at this:

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/laptops/...ks-are-in-how-much-faster-are-they-212823.php

 

[ibookclamman300]

We're not telling him not to get RAM, we're telling him not to get VIDEO RAM, which is an entirely different beast.

I totally encourage the OP to upgrade to 2GB of system RAM. Though I would suggest buying it from a third-party retailer to save more money

Yeah, while normal RAM is almost always better when there is more, video ram is usually overblown as far as its importance to performance.

 

[core20]

thanks for the clarification
--gracias

 

[mknabster]

About how much would i be saving if i bought the base system w/ 1 GB of RAM, then getting an upgrade from a 3rd party site?

 

[kgeier82]

u can get a refurb (baseline) for 1599

400$ if u go that route, and compare it to the 2499 price of the upper mbp.

thats almost 1k$

oh lord