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Buying first MacBook Pro...i5 or i7?

A

applefanboy86

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 22, 2010
1
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Hey everyone! I'm new to these forums and wanted to ask a question. I currently own a MacBook from 2007 and it works like a champ. The time has come though where I finally need something with more power and more screen size. I'm pretty set on the 15" MBP although I'm still flirting with the idea of owning a 17". I currently use my MB for basic things and light gaming(WOW). I do intend on going to film school in a year and I intend on doing film editing on it. So here is my question..finally. Will I be better off getting the i7 or the i5? It's a $200 difference so that's why I ask. My MacBook has lasted me over 3 years so I intend on keeping this one for at least 4 years maybe 5. Also should i jump the gun and get the 17" with the i5? Thanks for reading my long post:)

ps sorry about the grammar mistakes writing this on my IPhone.
 
get 17" w/ the i5. the i7 doesn't offer much over the i5. just a minute increase in performance. the 17" will also maximize the screen real estate for video editing. you should be able to play wow at near native res.
 
applefanboy86 said:
Hey everyone! I'm new to these forums and wanted to ask a question. I currently own a MacBook from 2007 and it works like a champ. The time has come though where I finally need something with more power and more screen size. I'm pretty set on the 15" MBP although I'm still flirting with the idea of owning a 17". I currently use my MB for basic things and light gaming(WOW). I do intend on going to film school in a year and I intend on doing film editing on it. So here is my question..finally. Will I be better off getting the i7 or the i5? It's a $200 difference so that's why I ask. My MacBook has lasted me over 3 years so I intend on keeping this one for at least 4 years maybe 5. Also should i jump the gun and get the 17" with the i5? Thanks for reading my long post:)

ps sorry about the grammar mistakes writing this on my IPhone.
Click to expand...

For portability I would think the 15 is just fine and probably better. If you are going to film school you may want to get a Cinema HD screen eventually and the $200 you save with going with the 15inch can go towards that. It does not have to necessarily be the apple model. Just my thoughts. Good luck.
 
since you're going to be using this machine to do video work, then i say go with the i7 - not only is it a bit faster, but you get more graphics memory.

however, if money is a issue - which for most people it is - the i5 would do a great job as well.
 
get the 15" i7 it will make WOW run so smooth, but you will need more ram, i run sc2 and it i am left with about 40 MB free with 4gb =D haha but i got my new mbp 15" 2.66 ghz i7 with the nvidia gt 330 m 512 MB gpu and i LOVE it i moved up form a 2007 macbook 2.16 ghz c2d black =D haha loved that computer but this new one is amazing!!!
 
TopHatPlus said:
get the 15" i7 it will make WOW run so smooth, but you will need more ram, i run sc2 and it i am left with about 40 MB free with 4gb =D haha but i got my new mbp 15" 2.66 ghz i7 with the nvidia gt 330 m 512 MB gpu and i LOVE it i moved up form a 2007 macbook 2.16 ghz c2d black =D haha loved that computer but this new one is amazing!!!
Click to expand...

With a High Resolution Anti-Glare screen, the i5 maxes out Supreme Commander FA at 1600 x 1050 with no problems. Also CoD MW 2 runs smooth at 1600 x 1050.

So I doubt you need the i7 for an old game like WoW.
 
wywern209 said:
get 17" w/ the i5. the i7 doesn't offer much over the i5. just a minute increase in performance. the 17" will also maximize the screen real estate for video editing. you should be able to play wow at near native res.
Click to expand...

not true, the i7 in the 15" also brings the 512mb GFX
 
Get the 15" and really its up to you for the i5 or the i7. The i7 'future proofs' you by maybe a few months over the next couple of years, but that's about all you'll get. I've got an i7 and work on an i5 as well and don't notice that much difference except when doing renders.

But I would not go the 17" route. That's just too big of a 'laptop' and more of a desktop replacement. Get the 15" and spend the extra money on a really nice external monitor for use when at your desk. Samsung makes some very affordable and nice 24" models, or you could spring for a full Mac monitor.
 
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