Looking to upgrade my 15.4" Macbook Pro (2007) = What should I buy?

[life4eva]

When I used to travel and work on the road this computer saved my life, but when I started working from home I bought an iMac (2010) and I had no real use for my 2.2ghz MBP anymore.


Now it looks like I will be traveling on the road and constantly working as an Video Editor and will have to buy a new MacBook Pro. Since I have been out of the loop for a minute what is considered the best performance to cost MBP now?


Thanks for any help regarding this topic.

 

[RavingMac]

When I used to travel and work on the road this computer saved my life, but when I started working from home I bought an iMac (2010) and I had no real use for my 2.2ghz MBP anymore.


Now it looks like I will be traveling on the road and constantly working as an Video Editor and will have to buy a new MacBook Pro. Since I have been out of the loop for a minute what is considered the best performance to cost MBP now?


Thanks for any help regarding this topic.

Probably the latest 15in MBP, since as a Video Editor you will probably benefit from having the Graphics Card as opposed to Integrated Graphics on the 13 inch models.

 

[Dysfunction]

Probably the latest 15in MBP, since as a Video Editor you will probably benefit from having the Graphics Card as opposed to Integrated Graphics on the 13 inch models.

I'd agree with this. The increase in performance from my 2008 15" MBP to my 2011 is HUGE. Weight's about the same, but the machine itself is thinner.. which is nice.

 

[life4eva]

Contrary to popular belief Video editing doesn't really use the GPU and relies more heavily on CPU , DISK & RAM.


Was wondering how a MBP 13" would perform based on processor speed alone compared to the 15". Secondly I could also place an SSD in the 13", max out the ram and I always work with an External Hard Drive anyways.

Just really want to know outside of the graphics card what advantage the 15" newer MPB has over the 13". I also know that the 13" MBP 2010 model came with a graphics card, but like I said that is really not required for Final Cut Pro & Photoshop as far as I can remember.

 

[pigoo3]

Now it looks like I will be traveling on the road and constantly working as an Video Editor and will have to buy a new MacBook Pro. Since I have been out of the loop for a minute what is considered the best performance to cost MBP now?

Is your 2007 MBP DEFINITELY incapable of getting the job done? Just asking since no need spending a bunch of bucks if you don't need to.

- Nick

 

[Dysfunction]

Contrary to popular belief Video editing doesn't really use the GPU and relies more heavily on CPU , DISK & RAM.

You are correct which is why.... I still say the 15. In any case, you should upgrade to the faster rotational drive, or go to SSD. Keep in mind, that on long writes/reads SSD and rotational rates are about the same. It's only in short ops that you see SSD's really take off.

 

[Dysfunction]

FWIW, if Apple had a discrete 13" with an optional matte panel, I'd have been ALL over it.

 

[life4eva]

Is your 2007 MBP DEFINITELY incapable of getting the job done? Just asking since no need spending a bunch of bucks if you don't need to.

- Nick

It's too slow when it comes to cpu work. Rendering files and compressing clips really brings the computer to it's knees. Yes it can get the job done, but requires more time. A simple comparison......

If I export a 5 minute HD clip from Final Cut Pro in h.264 format my 2007 MBP takes about 50-60+ mins.

My iMac i3 3.06ghz 8gbs of ram exports the same file in about 25-35 mins which is almost the time cut in half.

I seriously would like to know which MBP out now is comparable to at least my (2010) iMac i3 3.06ghz model?



Finally isn't it true that we should be seeing new Mac book Pro computers soon? Problem is though I need one no later by the end of this month as I will be working on the road

 

[pigoo3]

It's too slow when it comes to cpu work. Rendering files and compressing clips really brings the computer to it's knees. Yes it can get the job done, but requires more time. A simple comparison......

Totally understandable...just asking in case there was the possibility of saving some money.

Sounds like you've done the homework...and a newer laptop/notebook is what you need.

Finally isn't it true that we should be seeing new Mac book Pro computers soon? Problem is though I need one no later by the end of this month as I will be working on the road

This is why you have to buy one now...and not be concerned about newer (yet to be released) models. We have no crystal balls to know when Apple will be releasing anything new. Could be tomorrow (doubtful), 3 months, 6 months, etc.

- Nick

 

[Dysfunction]

There was a major refresh earlier this year, I'd suspect that any refresh this fall will be minor. This, however, is just a guess based on past refreshes.