Best value for Dollar...for me.. 2.4, 2.5, 2.66?

[SteveSparks]

I do mostly photo editing, video editing for 20-30 minute education videos. I also edit recordings for podcasting and educational material.

Additionally I plan on doing some iPhone and iPad development.

The more heavy use would be running a couple of VMWARE Fusion systems.

Windows 7 for accounting and database tools that I need when doing my IT management gig.

Server 2008 R2 when I need to test out an application. When running R2 I would likely be accessing the system from a second computer as a client.

These would not run when I am doing the other itemrs and would be only for a couple of hours at a time to test.

Base Price Display Matte 500GB HDD 5400 RPM Total
1799 150 100 2049
1999 150 0 2149 (+100)
2199 150 0 2349 (+300)

Does the 2.4 verse the 2.5 for $100 more make a big difference? I've read the advantage of the i7 verse i5 is pretty minimum and that the extra $300 might not be really worth it.

I plan on having this system for 3 years.

Any advantage to going with:

Base Price Display Matte 500GB HDD 7200 RPM Total
1799 150 150 2099
1999 150 50 2199
2199 150 50 2399


Hmm

2.4 - 5400 1799 150 100 2049
2.4 - 7200 1799 150 150 2099
2.5 - 5400 1999 150 0 2149
2.5 - 7200 1999 150 50 2199
2.6 - 5400 2199 150 0 2349
2.6 - 7200 2199 150 50 2399




Thanks for any advice.

 

[apw100]

Anything should be fine for you, depending on the type of video you are editing. I would get the 2.4ghz i5-520 w/7200 RPM HD, HD matte screen, and a good external Firewire hard drive(you don't want to put your photos and video on the boot drive).
For the external hard drive I would recommend the 7200rpm version of this...
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/on-the-go

 

[SteveSparks]

Anything should be fine for you, depending on the type of video you are editing. I would get the 2.4ghz i5-520 w/7200 RPM HD, HD matte screen, and a good external Firewire hard drive(you don't want to put your photos and video on the boot drive).
For the external hard drive I would recommend the 7200rpm version of this...
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/on-the-go

That is what I am leaning towards. The 2.5 I don't think it is a big deal and my wife would appreciate spending $100 less...

Thanks