I've narrowed my selection down to the following two models (Replacing a 2006 Mac Pro which doesn't support 64-bit Windows7 in Boot Camp):
Maxed-out MacBook Air: 13-inch, 2GHz i7 (boost to 3.2GHz), 512GB SSD, 8G RAM: $2199 advantages: lower cost almost pays for AppleCare, no uneeded internal optical drive, 1.5 lbs lighter, slightly thinner.
MacBook Pro: 13-inch, 2.9GHz i7 (boost to 3.6GHz), 512GB SSD, 8G RAM: $2399 advantages: dedicated audio-in port, looks a little more impressive, possibly more robust construction. With AppleCare, however, it begins to approach the cost of a new iMac w/ a big Fusion Drive. (Although Boot Camp is much more trickier!)
I occasionally do some personal video editing, and specifically enjoy recording old vintage 78-rpm records and cleaning them up with several versions of PEAK (for as long as they keep the license servers plugged in!). SSD is a must, and I always prefer using an external optical drive. I don't game, but want a nice smooth Expose transition, even if I opt to use my old 23-inch ACD with a Thunderbolt-to-DVI adapter. Do I really need a dedicated Audio-in port? Would a Griffin iMic have the same end-result audio quality?
TIA!!!
Maxed-out MacBook Air: 13-inch, 2GHz i7 (boost to 3.2GHz), 512GB SSD, 8G RAM: $2199 advantages: lower cost almost pays for AppleCare, no uneeded internal optical drive, 1.5 lbs lighter, slightly thinner.
MacBook Pro: 13-inch, 2.9GHz i7 (boost to 3.6GHz), 512GB SSD, 8G RAM: $2399 advantages: dedicated audio-in port, looks a little more impressive, possibly more robust construction. With AppleCare, however, it begins to approach the cost of a new iMac w/ a big Fusion Drive. (Although Boot Camp is much more trickier!)
I occasionally do some personal video editing, and specifically enjoy recording old vintage 78-rpm records and cleaning them up with several versions of PEAK (for as long as they keep the license servers plugged in!). SSD is a must, and I always prefer using an external optical drive. I don't game, but want a nice smooth Expose transition, even if I opt to use my old 23-inch ACD with a Thunderbolt-to-DVI adapter. Do I really need a dedicated Audio-in port? Would a Griffin iMic have the same end-result audio quality?
TIA!!!