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Aviny

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 25, 2009
1
0
So I'm getting a Macbook Pro for architecture school. I think I'll primerily run adobe programs like illustator and photoshop. I also take a lot of pictures and have a lot of music. So I was thinking I'd get a Macbook Pro. I want to spend as little as I need to but money isn't as big of a concern as getting a computer I'll be able to use for a long time. So I want a 15 inch, I know that, and I know that I want at least the 2.66GHz. If I get the 2.66 I get 256mb of ram on the graphics card if I get the 2.8GHz processor I'll get 512 mb of ram on the graphics card. I'm also deciding between a 320 gb 5400rpm hard drive and a 500 gb 5400rpm hard drive and a 500 gb 7200 rpm hard drive. Finally the type of display.

Question 1: Is 2.8 GHz a lot faster than 2.66? Is 2.66 enough?

Question 2: Is 512mb of graphics ram a lot better than 256? Is 256 enough?

Question 3: Whats the difference between a 5400rpm drive and a 7200rpm drive? Is 5400 enough? Is 320gb enough? Is 500 too much?

Question 4: Glossy screen or anti glare?

Question 5: Anything I've over looked?

Question 6: Should I wait? Anything exciting on the horizon?

Thanks for the help guys!!

~Andrew
 
Wait!

Literally, we are moments away from new MBPs. January/February they should come.


Also, go check them out in the store. I say go for Antiglare a million times over but its personal preference. Matte displays rock.
 
See below...

So I'm getting a Macbook Pro for architecture school. I think I'll primerily run adobe programs like illustator and photoshop. I also take a lot of pictures and have a lot of music. So I was thinking I'd get a Macbook Pro. I want to spend as little as I need to but money isn't as big of a concern as getting a computer I'll be able to use for a long time. So I want a 15 inch, I know that, and I know that I want at least the 2.66GHz. If I get the 2.66 I get 256mb of ram on the graphics card if I get the 2.8GHz processor I'll get 512 mb of ram on the graphics card. I'm also deciding between a 320 gb 5400rpm hard drive and a 500 gb 5400rpm hard drive and a 500 gb 7200 rpm hard drive. Finally the type of display.

Question 1: Is 2.8 GHz a lot faster than 2.66? Is 2.66 enough?

No. Not really.

Question 2: Is 512mb of graphics ram a lot better than 256? Is 256 enough?

Not much experience here. Someone else should answer.

Question 3: Whats the difference between a 5400rpm drive and a 7200rpm drive? Is 5400 enough? Is 320gb enough? Is 500 too much?

You can never have enough hard drive space! It's always nice to have too much and be wishing and believing you could have gotten by with a smaller drive, than to run out of room and be kicking yourself. Either way, go with the 7200 rpm. If you're using hard drive intensive programs (especially photo cataloging), then you'll appreciate the time not wasted waiting for the slower hard drive.

Question 4: Glossy screen or anti glare?

Oh man, please don't ask this question. You will start one hell of a debate and this thread will turn into nothing but a 50/50 argument over glossy vs. matte. Just go to the store and look for yourself. Plus, do a search on here and you'll find other threads that talk about the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Question 5: Anything I've over looked?

Not that I can think of. Oh wait, if you're doing a lot of photos, I'd recommend Aperture. But, you COULD wait on this. I do hear that there's an Aperture X coming at some point but I'm not sure how soon. Maybe somone else knows?

Question 6: Should I wait? Anything exciting on the horizon?

There are things on the horizon (look at the "Official Arrandale Thread" under MacBook Pro). I personally didn't think it was something that I needed so I went ahead and bought a new MacBook Pro a couple weeks ago.

Thanks for the help guys!!

Yep

~Andrew
 
for the graphics card question, yes 256 vs 512mb is huge. Always go with the one with the most ram if you can.
 
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