I just realized that in order to edit (basically at all) I need to turn my mbp retina resolution down to the lowest setting and just use the U2711 for editing (rather than the dual setup I had with my MATTE 17"). This fact is such a joke and worse yet that no one that reviews the computer mentions the tax that the display has on the computer.
I wouldn't recommend this computer to anyone that relies on it for any type of editing; apple really thinks people are stupid and once again they are right.
"Look what we built, look how pretty it is"
"Uh, but frank, you do know that our hardware can barely handle it and that people might actually have to do something other than watch youtube if we're going to charge them $3K"
"Haha, who's the new guy? Don't worry, they'll buy anything that we tell them to; someone get me the marketing team!"
-apple meeting, code named "American Jackasses", June 2010 Cupertino
Which MBP are you using? I've got two rMBPs. A 2.3/512/16 and a 2.7/768/16. Both. Flat. Fly. He'll, you can edit on a base line 13" just fine. It's rendering, effects, transitions, encoding, real time playback with opposing formats, et al (that affect the higher end hardware in a more positive measure of speed in comparison to the lower priced laptops---but ALL of the current models can edit just fine!). I've sold my 2008 MacPro. Both my retinas absolutely smoke my MP. We've still got a 2010 MP--bit the retinas are primary workstations with thunderbolt monitors. FCPx. FCP 7. AE. Maya, PS, and aperture. We are also using the new Avid suite and I've gotten the hang of premiere over the past year. Really digging the integration of premier, AE and PS...as well, we are doing a ton of Illustrator work. Promo posters, flyers and brochures, et al.
I'm not sure which machine you're using but it sounds as though you're insinuating the use of a rMBP. If so, and you TRULY have one--something is wrong. These laptops are powerhouses. Even with the little bit of gaming I do. Diablo, Madden, NHL, and a couple of baseball games in Windows--they're monsters---no issues playin ANY recent games. Not that I purchased them for gaming at all. I've got a business to run and mortgages to pay. However. The cool thing is--I've also got a 7 year old to raise
I'm 41--grew up with an Apple IIe in high school bit we were broke. No Atari, no cable TV...we were the last on the block to get a VHS deck
. Having a son, I've got every excuse to play games now. We are going to build a PC this winter as his science project. These days though, I'd much rather play my games on the console. Xbox, PS3--even the Wii. So much more social, the big screen, pretty great graphics...still, even with the mature hardware. I have found the same with the latest Mac laptops and iMacs. They're easily able to play most current games...and those they can't, you can install bootcamp, Windows, Steam, et al an have an excellent gaming experience
As far as video post production. You're just plain wrong. Completely, 100% wrong. The new (entire) lineup of MacBook Pros are exceptional editing, rendering, and finalizing machines. They don't get ANY better in any manufacturers package. Gaming--sure. But to do so, you'll sacrifice way too much. Battery life, weight, noise, portability, longevity, poor resale value, and the complete inability to most importantly...be able to run OSx