Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Is the MBP really worth it?

C

connor.e

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 15, 2011
35
0
Canada
Hey all,

I'm faced with a very tough decision. Currently, I'm in grade 12 and am going into Ryerson University for film studies. I have a 2010 13 inch MBP 2.4 ghz C2D. Needless to say, editing my T2i's footage on it is a pain in the rear.

I have also recently entered a video contest in which the grand prize is 2500$ CAD. I would use this money to buy a new Mac, but I'm not exactly sure if I should get the 15 inch MBP or the 27 inch iMac.

The 15 inch would be a portable powerhouse, but then carrying it around is somewhat annoying. The iMac would be kept in my dorm room and I would use my 2010 13 inch MBP to take notes, etc in class.

Anyone's advice is greatly appreciated. Many thanks! :)

Cheers,
Connor
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You can get more for your $ with an iMac, and if you already have a MBP, I would get a killer iMac and just use your current MBP as you stated. Best of both worlds.
 
In your situation I would get the iMac. You have a perfectly capable portable computer already. If it's not well suited for processor intensive tasks then don't get another portable, get an even more powerful iMac. That way you'll still have the portability of your current MBP and you'll have all the power of your iMac when you need it.
 
Agreed. Get the iMac. A 15" is too big to be carrying every day to class, but that's just my opinion.
 
Well, the iMac is certainly "one" approach but have you considered a PC for video editing? A lot cheaper... more CPU muscle for the buck.
 
i love my MBP for portability, but if you don't need to carry it around you can get more iMac for the money.

I carry a 17" with me to my classes, but I use it for autoCAD.
 
GuitarG20 said:
i love my MBP for portability, but if you don't need to carry it around you can get more iMac for the money.

I carry a 17" with me to my classes, but I use it for autoCAD.
Click to expand...
I know, I'm going to be putting my MBP with an external monitor, then I have it all then.
 
In high school I was using a 13" MBP and an external monitor at home but in uni when I switched to the 15" I found I rarely, if ever, needed the monitor. I got the 2.2 gHz (early 2011) MBP and it is awesome for video editing, but in your case the iMac may be the better bet.
 
Not to be that guy, but you understand a film studies major does not involve any production? I know you're entering a contest but what are you going to do with that major? I would hate to see someone waste four years.

As for video editing, go ahead with the imac. Actually, a PC would be an even better option as you get more bang for your buck. And premiere pro works better on a pc.
 
that1guyy said:
Not to be that guy, but you understand a film studies major does not involve any production? I know you're entering a contest but what are you going to do with that major? I would hate to see someone waste four years.
Click to expand...

This depends entirely on where you go to school. My school's film program was 50/50 in terms of production vs. theory (I think it has become more biased towards theory since, because of faculty-wide budget cuts, though). I believe Ryerson also has a fairly substantial production component. Though that said, OP, I thought York's film program was better regarded than Ryerson's?

In any event, to actually answer your question, get the iMac. You already have a perfectly good portable, and the iMac will make editing more pleasant. :)
 
RedReplicant said:
Agreed. Get the iMac. A 15" is too big to be carrying every day to class, but that's just my opinion.
Click to expand...

I agree with the iMac part.

It depends on the school and your backpack. The 17" is only two pounds more, negligible considering the weight of books and all of that, so if your backpack can carry the 17" and 2 extra pounds, that's not a problem. In my classes, a laptop will dominate the desk anyways, so whether it be a 13" or 17", your desk is unable with your laptop on it. I use my laptop on the desk, and my binder along the arm rest portion of the desk with my notebook to take notes.

In some classes, I have enough space that I run my MBP as my work machine, my school computer as a pseudo external monitor for displaying webpages that I'm using for reference, and my notebook, with plenty of spare room for storing whatever else I want. It definitely depends on the class.

A 17" can be managed at school, it isn't as convenient as a 13", but the screen and power are a huge upgrade. I wouldn't rule out a 15" or 17". See if your school will loan you a 15" or 17" to use. My school will loan out MBPs to students, since your credit card is on file, you're liable. Use it for a week and see what you think. Or buy one and try it, then return in the 14 day return window from Apple.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back