13 or 15 MBP?

[SomeGuyDude]

I got a 15" because I'm using it for media production. If I didn't need it for that I'd have gone 13 no questions asked.

 

[SuperCachetes]

i've been going back and forth between low end 13" and low end 15". did it really bug you much not having a bigger screen size in classes when you did CAD work? i'm getting into architecture technology and if i were to get the 13" i would be using a external monitor as home as well. i'm just afraid the 13" might not be able to handle CAD, other than that a 13" inch screen size doesn't bug me much.

I was out of "classes" 20 years ago.

I haven't tried Revit (which I primarily use at work) on my MBP, but for AutoCAD 2011 in Windows (Parallels, no less), I have no issues with processor power or screen real estate. With the way Autodesk is using the ribbon now, I can get done just about everything I need done in 13".

However...

I don't use AutoCAD on the MBP every day - only on business trips. I have a dual-monitor setup (on a Windows PC) for daily use at work. If you are going to be in classes 3 days a week, away from your external monitor, maybe the 15" is the way to go. It's a tough call.

 

[DRGN89]

I was out of "classes" 20 years ago.

I haven't tried Revit (which I primarily use at work) on my MBP, but for AutoCAD 2011 in Windows (Parallels, no less), I have no issues with processor power or screen real estate. With the way Autodesk is using the ribbon now, I can get done just about everything I need done in 13".

However...

I don't use AutoCAD on the MBP every day - only on business trips. I have a dual-monitor setup (on a Windows PC) for daily use at work. If you are going to be in classes 3 days a week, away from your external monitor, maybe the 15" is the way to go. It's a tough call.

i honestly don't care about the screen real estate in class, i can deal with that. i'm worried about the 13" i5 being able to handle CAD type of work decently without affecting how well i'll do in college.

 

[propower]

deleted

 

[arctic]

I just don't know if the high end 13-inch MBP can handle all my needs for video editing, encoding, and photoshop.

Heck yeah! Did you know that the low end 13" can go toe to toe with the fastest 15" last year? Imagine for a second the 15" quad core doesn't exist. The 13" has a beast of a processor. Grab it and save yourself the cash and back pain. I'd invest the money saved to an SSD down the line sometime.

 

[brentsg]

i honestly don't care about the screen real estate in class, i can deal with that. i'm worried about the 13" i5 being able to handle CAD type of work decently without affecting how well i'll do in college.

Considering plenty of students manage to do well in college without any computer, you'll be fine.

 

[DRGN89]

Considering plenty of students manage to do well in college without any computer, you'll be fine.

that is true but being that im switching my program to architectural technology my program actually requires me to have a laptop.

 

[SuperCachetes]

i honestly don't care about the screen real estate in class, i can deal with that. i'm worried about the 13" i5 being able to handle CAD type of work decently without affecting how well i'll do in college.

If you are talking about processing power, then it will not be an issue. What I'm trying to tell you that I use the latest AutoCAD on a slower, older computer, within Parallels, on real-world projects and have no issues at all. I would not hesitate to trust an i5 for years to come.

 

[aimeeinohio]

i've been going back and forth between low end 13" and low end 15". did it really bug you much not having a bigger screen size in classes when you did CAD work? i'm getting into architecture technology and if i were to get the 13" i would be using a external monitor as home as well. i'm just afraid the 13" might not be able to handle CAD, other than that a 13" inch screen size doesn't bug me much.

I just picked up a base 13", after talking to the guys here and at another Mac board, to peeps at school (I am in art school), the guys at the Apple Store, and an artist friend who also services computers and sells/services HP photo printers in stores. EVERYONE told me a MBP would be fine, and that putting Photo shop in it will not kill it or make me cry ...SO I got the MBP, and have been using it for 2 weeks. LOVE IT...Haven't put PhotoShop into it yet, that's next semester. So, i am hoping it will be OK.

My lovely 23" minitor came on Friday- after the first one I ordered )22") was bad. Bluetooth key board is on its way. Am gonna try using my Wacom tablet instead of buying a track pad.

I do love this machine!

 

[shootingrubber]

Finally decided on the Core i7 13-inch MacBook pro. Hopefully it turns out to be the right choice!

 

[kobyh15]

From what I've seen I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I think you'll love it.

 

[Kyzelios]

Finally decided on the Core i7 13-inch MacBook pro. Hopefully it turns out to be the right choice!

I'm sure you'll love it!

 

[ddehr026]

Here is the ideal multi-part question:

Photoshop: What kind of editing are you realistically going to be doing in the next 1-2yrs (while in Uni or real world at dream job)?
- can the Core i5 handle it (I'm willing to bet it can at least with light to mid work as my daughter can cope using 2Ghz C2D P8600 with 4GB or RAM on a Mac Mini.

Movie Editing: same as above.
- Are you going to be purchasing FCP with the MBP or already have this suite? Are you editing 1080P with 60FPS or just 1080P with 24-32 FPS?
Are you editing 4hrs plus of video a day to get a pristine 30min video or are you editing video taking with an HD Camcorder & your iPhone for simple and learning purposes for family and non-professional birthdays/weddings?

If its editing video in real world as your profession then you NEED high end MBP 15" and a true workstation = decked out MP. I'd wager since you're asking on these boards and are in college I'd say:

13" MBP i5/i7 with external monitor. Later down the road get another 4GB stick of RAM with 256GB SSD and you'll be amazed in the mid-life ownership with performance. RAM & SSD will do the Corei5 better for Photososhop/iMovie editing/Logic 9 Express more than going with i7/15" MBP models.

My Core2Duo MB in my sign can handle Express 9 quite well with 4GB of RAM and nothing else running ~ and why would I? I'm focusing on Audio Composition/arrangement I (yet Im only learning at snails pace). I'm not going to look at a website if Im working in Logic.

save the money - take a side course to improve your skills in Logic/FCP/Photoshop and learn to actually use them … then when you start making the dollars newer machines will have the performance you need and THEN you get high-end.

Great Advice.