15" 2.53GHz vs 15" 2.66GHz

[acearchie]

I have recently received funding meaning that I will get a Macbook Pro 15" at no cost to me.

I do however, have the option of upgrading the specs of the computer with my own finance.

Being a student I am slightly short on cash but this laptop will last me for at least the next 4 years if not 5. For a student the price to upgrade from a 2.53Ghz model to the 2.66Ghz is about £128.

Would you think that this would justify the extra processor boost and graphics boost?

I realise that it may not be a considerably amount of money or a significant improvement but I want to make sure I am not missing out.

I will mainly be using the computer to help me with my learning as my powerbook is on it's last legs. I will also be using Final Cut relating to my University course and using Aperture with large Raw files.

Thanks for the help!

 

[ShiftClick]

Not sure if by Final Cut you just mean FCP or the entire studio.

Faster processor faster renders, Motion/Color will benefit from larger graphics memory. If you are going to be a heavy user of FCP I would recommend the 2.66 model. Also if FCS is your main tool, I would also get the higher resolution screen.

Over the course of 4 years depending on your usage you could save weeks of time off renders with just a 5-10% boost in render times, all those seconds add up.

 

[js81]

When I bought my 15", I got the i7 simply because the processor and video RAM are NOT upgradeable later. And it'll hold a higher resale value, too...

 

[acearchie]

Thanks guys,

I do mean the whole FCP suite and I will be using some after effects as well.

Resale value is a good thing to consider as well.

I will definitely see if I can get the cash together for the upgrade!