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Is the Pro worth the $1k more?

P

pistols-at-dawn

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 25, 2010
2
0
15-inch MacBook Pro
$2299 + $500 for 256GB SSD

  • 2.66GHz Intel Core i7
  • 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
  • SuperDrive
  • 15-inch Hi-Res Glossy Widescreen Display
  • Backlit Keyboard

versus...



MacBook Air, 13-inch
$1,799.00


  • 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  • 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
  • 256GB Flash Storage

Is the MacBook Pro worth $1000 more than the new MBA? I need a laptop for Photoshop and FC video editing, is the pro the only way to go?
 
pistols-at-dawn said:
15-inch MacBook Pro
$2299 + $500 for 256GB SSD

  • 2.66GHz Intel Core i7
  • 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
  • SuperDrive
  • 15-inch Hi-Res Glossy Widescreen Display
  • Backlit Keyboard

versus...



MacBook Air, 13-inch
$1,799.00


  • 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  • 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
  • 256GB Flash Storage

Is the MacBook Pro worth $1000 more than the new MBA? I need a laptop for Photoshop and FC video editing, is the pro the only way to go?
Click to expand...

You know both of those machines are aimed at a different markets, right? The question is what you value more? Having something that's feather light and underpowered or an actual mobile workhorse?
 
The Pro will do video editing way way faster than the AIR will ever do it in due to processing power. Put a SSD on the Pro and it will be just as fast as the Air, maybe faster. The SSD is the only reason the AIR is so fast mainly.
 
Way different machines. You will probably be better served by the MAcbook pro for what you are doing. BUT, you will also probably be better off by sticking with the stock i5 processor and saving some cash. I think the performance gain for the price of the i7 won't be worth it.
 
For video editing, you will want a stronger processor and perhaps firewire, so go for MBP. If you were even considering the MBA, you do not need an i7. The base 15" i5 model will do just fine and save you $400. The only reason to really get the i7 model is if money is not a major concern and you need the extra VRAM. But again, if you were considering the MBA, I don't think you need the extra VRAM either, or you are not completely aware of your needs.

Another tip, don't pay Apple $500 for a 256GB SSD. Upgrade it yourself and save yourself $200 unless you are allergic to doing things yourself.
 
Last edited:
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Mac Book Air is designed for travelling and carrying around. It is well powered for it's size, but it's a "carry around over your shoulder all day" machine.

The Mac Book Pro is heftier, and has some horsepower. For most people it can replace a semi-serious desktop system (imho).

The Air is a wonderful machine, but it may not be appropriate for what you want to do with it.
 
i have the pro you are looking at minus the SSD cause i find them far to much money, but its an amazing machine and for those programs you need a real power house and the 15" MBP with the i7 will not let you down.
 
mrsir2009 said:
What about the 13" MacBook Pro? Right in the middle :D
Click to expand...

Look at the weights. Listed on the Apple store tech specs pages. I have no idea what you will find, but I suspect the MBPs are heavier. I know that they are thicker.

UPDATE: I just looked. The Air is less than half the weight of the MBP. That difference is considerable, unless you are Arnie.
 
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For video editing etc you'll want the pro. But yeah as said buy an aftermarket SSD (sandforce if possible) and also aftermarket ram - both much cheaper than from Apple.
signature_silverapple.jpg
 
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