MBP 15" 4gb vs. 8gb

[ApleSmaple1981]

I am going to order the 15" model but wanted to know how big of a difference 8gb performance has versus 4gb performance. I will be using Adobe CS 5, iMovie, Final Cut etc.

And if I should get the 8gb is it better to order through crucial. Is it difficult to install for a newbie?

Any other advice when ordering?

Thanks!

 

[Orlandoech]

Yes its a good difference, but dont do it through apple its a rip off, inflated to 125% of retail price (roughly). Do it yourself for less than $100.

Kingston
GSkill
Crucial

All good brands, I recommend 1600MHZ for 15" though.

 

[jav6454]

Right now, unless you do virtualization, you don't need 8GB of RAM. No current usage deems the need for more than that.

 

[ApleSmaple1981]

Thanks!

Thanks gents...what about harddrive ? 128 SSD vs. 500gb 7200 RPM???

 

[Orlandoech]

SSD all the way

 

[jav6454]

Thanks gents...what about harddrive ? 128 SSD vs. 500gb 7200 RPM???

Depends on what your usage is going to be.... if you need space, stick to the HDD, but if you aren't going to store much and need the speed bump, then the SSD makes sense.

 

[ApleSmaple1981]

Thanks... Why SSD over HD? is 128 SSD enough?? I'll probably buy a 1TB external...

Also...the two 15" model options shows a little difference...is it just the 256 ram vs. 1gb for video card...how does that affect performance on iMovie and Final Cut or is it unnecessary?

 

[Sam2lucky13]

Thanks... Why SSD over HD? is 128 SSD enough?? I'll probably buy a 1TB external...

Also...the two 15" model options shows a little difference...is it just the 256 ram vs. 1gb for video card...how does that affect performance on iMovie and Final Cut or is it unnecessary?

If you buy a new ssd you can always throw the hard drive youre replacing into a USB powered enclosure and get some use out of it.