I dunno, why not go this route (more bang for your buck IMHO) and then all you have to do is add RAM. For nearly the same price you still get a great machine and Final Cut Studio included.
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MacBook Pro Girlie...Could use some advice :)
- Thread starter bgirlkat
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I dunno, why not go this route (more bang for your buck IMHO) and then all you have to do is add RAM. For nearly the same price you still get a great machine and Final Cut Studio included.
I would go with the 17" (I have one at home and use one at work all day) the extra size is worth it.
Stick with the base processor.
250Gb drive.
Aftermarket RAM up to 4Gb.
1 or 2 500Gb Firewire external drives. Make sure you get FW because if you get USB, you'll be constantly dropping frames with Final Cut. It happens to me all the time. It's a royal pain. But you can get these later, shop around for the best deals.
Bluetooth Mighty Mouse (this will cause some controversy).
Final Cut, not Express. Worth the extra money especially with your discount.
iWork, not Office unless you specifically *need* to exchange files in native MS format.
Let us know what you eventually decide on.
Cheers.
Stick with the base processor.
250Gb drive.
Aftermarket RAM up to 4Gb.
1 or 2 500Gb Firewire external drives. Make sure you get FW because if you get USB, you'll be constantly dropping frames with Final Cut. It happens to me all the time. It's a royal pain. But you can get these later, shop around for the best deals.
Bluetooth Mighty Mouse (this will cause some controversy).
Final Cut, not Express. Worth the extra money especially with your discount.
iWork, not Office unless you specifically *need* to exchange files in native MS format.
Let us know what you eventually decide on.
Cheers.
I find myself lying in bed using the Apple Remote to access my movies and music across the room most nights of the week. Front Row is pointless without the remote. Secondly, I love being able to walk in my room and press the play/pause button to either sleep my computer or wake it up.
This differs from my usage, but definitely fair points and good uses for the remote.
This is not accurate. Apple Care will not extend your coverage from the date you purchase or register Apple Care, it will extend coverage beginning the date you purchase the Mac. So, you will not gain a year of coverage by waiting until the end of year one to purchase/register AC. It will only add two additional years of protection for three total.
It will also extend your free telephonic customer service with Apple from the date you register AC. This three year coverage will also begin the date the Mac is purchased, but the original telephonic customer care only lasts 90 days from purchase.
As another "newbie" looking to do almost exactly the same thing I was wondering a couple things.
How easy is it to replace the memory? Would I be voiding anything if I did it myself?
And I looked at OWC - it looks like you can by 2 - 2Gb modules for $95-$103. That is the exact same thing that Apple is charging $400 for?
Thanks in advance!
How easy is it to replace the memory? Would I be voiding anything if I did it myself?
And I looked at OWC - it looks like you can by 2 - 2Gb modules for $95-$103. That is the exact same thing that Apple is charging $400 for?
Thanks in advance!
1. Very easy - remove battery, remove some screws, and remove the cover.
2. No.
3. Yes, Apple does charge a lot for what you can buy and do yourself.
I partially disagree with your answer to #2. Changing your own RAM does not void your Apple warranty IF the change goes smoothly and no damage is done. If the changing of RAM in any way causes damage to the Mac, then Apple voids the warranty. That said, changing of the RAM is a very easy process in a MB, MBP and iMac and folks should feel ok about doing it, even newbies. There are instructions on the website and even a video tutorial on some retailer's sites (OWC, for example). Takes 5-10 minutes.
Good Job
bgirlkat,
You will be very happy to have a system that just works.... really well.
In answer to your question regarding Final Cut Pro/Studio, You will need to purchase Final Cut Studio 2 which has the latest version of Pro in it. Sorry I wasn't more clear on that. Good decision making the higher end hardware first priority.
Have fun.
bgirlkat,
You will be very happy to have a system that just works.... really well.
In answer to your question regarding Final Cut Pro/Studio, You will need to purchase Final Cut Studio 2 which has the latest version of Pro in it. Sorry I wasn't more clear on that. Good decision making the higher end hardware first priority.
Have fun.
...
Great! I planned on getting an external for sure. I don't like to carry around my photos and vids too much in case something were to happen...plus I knew the hd can't handle all the vids I am going to be using in addition to music.
But...can you explain what you mean about the firewire situation you are talking about a firewire cord to hook up to the external right?
Faster transfers? Sorry..still learning all this stuff...
Kat
Great! I planned on getting an external for sure. I don't like to carry around my photos and vids too much in case something were to happen...plus I knew the hd can't handle all the vids I am going to be using in addition to music.
But...can you explain what you mean about the firewire situation you are talking about a firewire cord to hook up to the external right?
Faster transfers? Sorry..still learning all this stuff...
Kat
Hey, Kat. Great moves out there!
VERY nice computer by the way. You will NOT be disappointed with that machine! Good choice with the 7200rpm drive, too. It's a necessity.
As far as an external drive, here's what I say. I am a recording engineer and use external drives for almost everything, considering one song can take up to 20 or 30 gigs of space. Right now I use a Western Digital 500GB My Book drive that has USB 2.0, FW400 & FW800. The one thing that I don't really like about the drive is that its enclosure is plastic. It makes me worried sometimes that I'm going to be too rough on it and crack it.
So, for my second drive, I've been looking into G-Tech brand drives. They make great external drives that are in solid metal enclosures. They're a little more than others, but I think their quality is great and they look good, also!
Check those out, and you will be a happy camper! Good luck with the new computer!
VERY nice computer by the way. You will NOT be disappointed with that machine! Good choice with the 7200rpm drive, too. It's a necessity.
As far as an external drive, here's what I say. I am a recording engineer and use external drives for almost everything, considering one song can take up to 20 or 30 gigs of space. Right now I use a Western Digital 500GB My Book drive that has USB 2.0, FW400 & FW800. The one thing that I don't really like about the drive is that its enclosure is plastic. It makes me worried sometimes that I'm going to be too rough on it and crack it.
So, for my second drive, I've been looking into G-Tech brand drives. They make great external drives that are in solid metal enclosures. They're a little more than others, but I think their quality is great and they look good, also!
Check those out, and you will be a happy camper! Good luck with the new computer!
Externals
Hey thanks for the great compliments on my dancing...hopefully I will have better video for you guys soon when I get my book.
I use a Western Digital HD at work it actually didn't even come with a case, my it guy said I can get a metal one pretty cheap at Fry's or somewhere, so I am pretty sure you can change the case. Unless you just want something new. haha which I am guilty of all the time.
So when you say usb...fw800 etc you mean it has the inputs for these different types of wires? I am still not understanding about the FW800 etc.
So basically any external would work with a mac right?
Also, I had an apple representative email me because I saved my cart on Apple.com is this normal? I thought it was kind of odd...is it just someone to try to talk me into buying more things? LOL
I am up in the air if I am going to order it or if I am going to go in the store to get....any suggestions on this? Do they have the capability at the store to give me all the options I want?
Kat
Hey thanks for the great compliments on my dancing...hopefully I will have better video for you guys soon when I get my book.
I use a Western Digital HD at work it actually didn't even come with a case, my it guy said I can get a metal one pretty cheap at Fry's or somewhere, so I am pretty sure you can change the case.
Unless you just want something new. haha which I am guilty of all the time. So when you say usb...fw800 etc you mean it has the inputs for these different types of wires? I am still not understanding about the FW800 etc.
So basically any external would work with a mac right?
Also, I had an apple representative email me because I saved my cart on Apple.com is this normal? I thought it was kind of odd...is it just someone to try to talk me into buying more things? LOL
I am up in the air if I am going to order it or if I am going to go in the store to get....any suggestions on this? Do they have the capability at the store to give me all the options I want?
Kat
Actually, it's not the same thing Apple is charging you for... They are charging you $400 for TWO extra gigs! They are already giving you 2 GB with the computer! At OWC, that $100 is getting you FOUR gigs, and you still have your other two gigs to keep! (Well, you can sell it, or whatever)
But yes, functionally, it's the exact same RAM. It will work perfectly! I just wanted to make the point that Apple isn't charging $400 for 4GB of RAM, they are charging $400 for an extra 2GB.
Funny how many threads with blokes asking questions kind of slip away and/or get sarcastic responses about using search, but then a girl asks them and states she is a professional dancer and boom! goes the dynamite...
Wow...
I don't know how to take that....hahah I guess that is a compliment...makes me smart for utilizing my good qualities..? girl...dancer? need for a extremely powerful machine so I don't have to rely on on these "dude" video editors to do things for me anymore....
Seeing as though there is probably a lack of girls on this forum...haha I can see where you might be right though...
I don't know how to take that....hahah I guess that is a compliment...makes me smart for utilizing my good qualities..? girl...dancer? need for a extremely powerful machine so I don't have to rely on on these "dude" video editors to do things for me anymore....
Seeing as though there is probably a lack of girls on this forum...haha I can see where you might be right though...
Yeah, it's true for any tech/game/auto/etc forum, as long as anyone can remember. There was an animated gif about the Counter Strike forums that summed it up very well, but I can't seem to find it at the moment. *Shrug*
You're right! I was concentrating on just the upgrade difference - not the fact they are selling 4Gb.
One other question. I know someone who has a MBP (the version before this release). He claims he was told by someone at an Apple Store he would run into issues trying to run Final Cut Studio on a MBP, which is why he settled on Final Cut Express. The software is such a drain that even a tricked out MBP would be strained. Is Final Cut Studio compromised in anyway running on a MBP?
Thanks
I'm going to start posting my questions here in purple and saying that I am a girlie/professional dancer with a ton of video footage... wow everyone is being extra super helpful
aaaaaahhhh life, ain't it a pickle.
aaaaaahhhh life, ain't it a pickle.
All of this is talking about what type of connection it is and how fast that connection allows for transfer speeds. Your MBP will have USB, FW400 & FW800 ports on it. As far as speeds go:
USB 2.0: Max speed of 480Mb/s
FW400: Max speed of 400Mb/s
FW800: Max speed of 800Mb/s
So, all in all, the FW800 is fastest! I love my FW800.
I don't know how to take that....hahah I guess that is a compliment...makes me smart for utilizing my good qualities..? girl...dancer? need for a extremely powerful machine so I don't have to rely on on these "dude" video editors to do things for me anymore....
I guess it is always a hot factor when a girl is interested in computer software and getting a really dope computer..rather than most "nothing between the ears" girls who think RAM is something that has no relation to computers at all ...in their vocabulary at least...
Seeing as though there is probably a lack of girls on this forum...it's probably refreshing....then again most girls can't do this either.....
eh, it was no comment on you either way. it has nothing to do with what you know or don't know (i'm sure you know plenty). nothing to do with you asking questions either - that's what this place is for. it was just a joke/observation about nerds on a computer forum being a little more eager to help out females.
as for standing on your hand, i can do that when drunk. in fact, only when drunk. no video footage though
it is a little funny...
As my comment was somewhat similar, I feel the need to explain. My comment does not reflect on you at all. You seem to be a very nice/talented person and I'm glad that people here helped you out. As a general rule, people are VERY helpful on these forums and I come here all the time for help. However, your thread seems to have enticed the gents around here to be extremely eager to help, and they've spent a lot more time crafting their responses than usual. You're probably getting PMs in your inbox with offers for personal mac tutorials as we speak. It's just a general comment on the nature of things, and has more to do with the guys rushing to be over-helpful than it does on your legitimate questions.
Best of luck with your endeavors.
Technically false, if you want the fastest for your MBP, buy this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16839339001
It fits into the MBP's expresscard slot. Up to 3.0 Gbps bandwidth transfer speed.
I would offer more help... but I think the rest of the blokes have you covered
Peace.
.
I don't know how to take that....hahah I guess that is a compliment...makes me smart for utilizing my good qualities..? girl...dancer? need for a extremely powerful machine so I don't have to rely on on these "dude" video editors to do things for me anymore....
I guess it is always a hot factor when a girl is interested in computer software and getting a really dope computer..rather than most "nothing between the ears" girls who think RAM is something that has no relation to computers at all ...in their vocabulary at least...
Seeing as though there is probably a lack of girls on this forum...it's probably refreshing....then again most girls can't do this either.....
x2eh, it was no comment on you either way. it has nothing to do with what you know or don't know (i'm sure you know plenty). nothing to do with you asking questions either - that's what this place is for. it was just a joke/observation about nerds on a computer forum being a little more eager to help out females.
as for standing on your hand, i can do that when drunk. in fact, only when drunk. no video footage though
As my comment was somewhat similar, I feel the need to explain. My comment does not reflect on you at all. You seem to be a very nice/talented person and I'm glad that people here helped you out. As a general rule, people are VERY helpful on these forums and I come here all the time for help. However, your thread seems to have enticed the gents around here to be extremely eager to help, and they've spent a lot more time crafting their responses than usual. You're probably getting PMs in your inbox with offers for personal mac tutorials as we speak. It's just a general comment on the nature of things, and has more to do with the guys rushing to be over-helpful than it does on your legitimate questions.
Best of luck with your endeavors.
Technically false, if you want the fastest for your MBP, buy this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16839339001
It fits into the MBP's expresscard slot. Up to 3.0 Gbps bandwidth transfer speed.
I would offer more help... but I think the rest of the blokes have you covered
Peace.
.
Edit:
Ok, I take my last sentence back... I will offer more help. But, only because I disagree with what some of the other people wrote. First off, screen size. I actually want a 17" MBP for myself, but I am a 6'3" guy and I never intend to bring it into a starbucks of all places. I think size and weight will be an issue for your intentions. That, and I doubt you have tons of 1080p, full-HD video to need the high-res 17" screen. Therefore, I recommend the 15" MBP. As for screen, matte vs. glossy is up to preference and it is best to check them out at a store. You pick. Processor, as many said, you will not see any difference between 2.5 and 2.6 GHz, and you shouldn't waste $250 bucks on it. Instead, buy 3rd party RAM from crucial.com, OWC, or newegg.com. For 60 bucks or so, you can get 2x2GB of RAM (4GB total), which will be useful for video editing. MUCH cheaper buying RAM from 3rd parties and NOT from apple. Also, for video editing, get the fastest HDD, the 200GB 7,200 RPM option is the best that Apple puts in at the moment, though there is a 320GB HDD out there that some have installed on their own.
So, yeah: 2.5 GHz 15" MBP, 200 GB 7,200 RPM HDD, and upgrade the RAM on your own. Hope that helps.
Ok, I take my last sentence back... I will offer more help. But, only because I disagree with what some of the other people wrote. First off, screen size. I actually want a 17" MBP for myself, but I am a 6'3" guy and I never intend to bring it into a starbucks of all places. I think size and weight will be an issue for your intentions. That, and I doubt you have tons of 1080p, full-HD video to need the high-res 17" screen. Therefore, I recommend the 15" MBP. As for screen, matte vs. glossy is up to preference and it is best to check them out at a store. You pick. Processor, as many said, you will not see any difference between 2.5 and 2.6 GHz, and you shouldn't waste $250 bucks on it. Instead, buy 3rd party RAM from crucial.com, OWC, or newegg.com. For 60 bucks or so, you can get 2x2GB of RAM (4GB total), which will be useful for video editing. MUCH cheaper buying RAM from 3rd parties and NOT from apple. Also, for video editing, get the fastest HDD, the 200GB 7,200 RPM option is the best that Apple puts in at the moment, though there is a 320GB HDD out there that some have installed on their own.
So, yeah: 2.5 GHz 15" MBP, 200 GB 7,200 RPM HDD, and upgrade the RAM on your own. Hope that helps.
Somewhere in here you asked if you should buy at the Apple Store, or order it online.
You actually may not have a choice.
IF you opt for a standard configuration, the go to the Apple Store, otherwise if you want a BTO [Build to Order] then you will be directed by the store to go to the Apple Website.
I bought my MacPro in-store, and walked out with it right then and there. However my MBP, I had to order, because I wanted the 250gig drive.
And HOPEFULLY it will be here tommorow!
You actually may not have a choice.
IF you opt for a standard configuration, the go to the Apple Store, otherwise if you want a BTO [Build to Order] then you will be directed by the store to go to the Apple Website.
I bought my MacPro in-store, and walked out with it right then and there. However my MBP, I had to order, because I wanted the 250gig drive.
And HOPEFULLY it will be here tommorow!
Thanks guys! I really really appreciate all the feedback and help you have all given me. This forum is really knowledgable. I checked a few others out before posting and this one definiley had more detailed answers to users posts.
Tax Refund comes in this Friday so I am immediately ordering my long awaited machinery!!
I will give you an update! The worst part is going to be waiting on it to arrive!!! UGH! Like I haven't waited enough!!! Hopefully the shipping will be quick and painless. . .
Muchas Gracias!
Kat
P.S. Tremendous
Waiting on that video footage
Tax Refund comes in this Friday so I am immediately ordering my long awaited machinery!!
I will give you an update! The worst part is going to be waiting on it to arrive!!! UGH! Like I haven't waited enough!!! Hopefully the shipping will be quick and painless. . .
Muchas Gracias!
Kat
P.S. Tremendous
Waiting on that video footage
I would recommend ordering by phone. I ordered my MBP this week and found myself with Apple Care and a Brenthaven Fusion MB III Messenger bag being included in my order, and the total price was less than I was quoted via the online store without Apple Care or the bag (I didn't ask for that specific bag, the guy just said he'd give me one, and that's what I ended up with, it's a fairly decent looking thing though).
It's the first time I've ordered by phone, so I don't know if they give "free" stuff and better prices all the time, but it's probably worth a try.
I went with a 2.6GHz, 200GB 7200rpm HDD (I barley use 50GB of the HDD in my current Mac), 15" glossy display and 23" ACD. I occasionally present "stuff" too, so ordered the remote. Then Apple Care and the bag. I ordered 4GB RAM elsewhere.
Web development is my thing, so it's probably overkill, but I don't care.
.mac for updating your website, I wouldn't really recommend. As nice as iWeb is (I'm guessing it is your intention to use iWeb with .mac), it isn't too professional looking, and you won't be able to update things from other computers if you're away from your MBP. Having a bespoke CMS developed might be a better option, allowing you to update the site via your browser from any location.
I would agree with using iWork 08 over MS Office unless you need to use Office, just for the awesomeness of Keynote.
I agree with you about the waiting - very annoying.
Oh yeah, a girl. Cool.
It's Funny You Should Mention That
I saved my cart on Apple.com for later just so I could keep track of what I was getting and was going to order from there tomorrow morning when my refund hits my account...
while waiting though, I got an email from someone at Apple telling me they can save me money by calling them directly and that I she would love to help me finalize my purchase etc. etc. My first reaction was...okay this isn't even Apple and somehow someone got my info and was scamming...
But then I called the number and it was indeed Apple so I have been communicating with the rep and it seems as though when you leave your cart open and not paid for then they get "nervous" if you will that you will not finalize your purchase and they contact you to try to pursuade you into finalizing everything.
I think I will go through her, just because they will offer considerable discounts and extras like you experienced. I googled the issue and a few other blogs came up where people were talking about how apple contacted them and were trying to make the sales...
Hopefully they have a messenger bag to fit my 17" too
Kat
I saved my cart on Apple.com for later just so I could keep track of what I was getting and was going to order from there tomorrow morning when my refund hits my account...
while waiting though, I got an email from someone at Apple telling me they can save me money by calling them directly and that I she would love to help me finalize my purchase etc. etc. My first reaction was...okay this isn't even Apple and somehow someone got my info and was scamming...
But then I called the number and it was indeed Apple so I have been communicating with the rep and it seems as though when you leave your cart open and not paid for then they get "nervous" if you will that you will not finalize your purchase and they contact you to try to pursuade you into finalizing everything.
I think I will go through her, just because they will offer considerable discounts and extras like you experienced. I googled the issue and a few other blogs came up where people were talking about how apple contacted them and were trying to make the sales...
Hopefully they have a messenger bag to fit my 17" too
Kat