MBP Recommendation

[LadyTas]

I am prepared to switch from a PC to a MBP. The biggest driver in the switch is numerous problems working with home video. After 5 years, 2 computers, 2 camcorders, 2 "converters", and several software programs I managed to produce one DVD...then more problems. Now I can not do simple video editing and burn DVDs.

I am not doing large projects, just small-time videos of the kids and such. I have some video on old analog tape and now have a Sony camcorder with iLink. I am assuming I will be able to download from the camcorder directly to a MBP without any sort of converter.

Anyway, which MBP would you recommend. Price is a factor, especially since my husband isn't a fan of switching. I will use the computer for video, photos, and creating a website. I am trying to decide between the 13" 2.7Ghz and the 15" 2.0 GHz. Any suggestions?

Do you recommend additional software for video and/or photo editing or is the standard software good enough quality?

Thank you,
Karen

 

[abhic]

I would personally recommend the 15" MBP 2.2GHz, which I just bought myself. Its phenomenally fast for Video and Images, especially with Apple's Pro applications like Aperture. I haven't created more than 5-6 videos in the past year, so I don't know if I would recommend anything more than iMovie.

But I would sincerely recommend considering an Apple 128 or 256 GB SSD instead of a regular hard drive. Get an external storage solution like OWC's 750GB 7200 RPM FireWire 800 drive, like I did.

Check out my detailed notes here - http://bit.ly/fp35F7

 

[skyrider007]

The 15" 2.0GHz model should be plenty fast for you. Unless you go into professional video editing or plan to keep the computer for at least 3-4 years then I would swing for a 2.2GHz model.

 

[AlanFord]

Since price is a factor, base 15 would do just fine.Even for the task you do, it will run without any problems.
Later you can upgrade more ram or SSD if you like.

 

[sbbluewater]

The base 15" should be plenty for you. The extra screen real estate is nice and unless you play a lot of games or do real heavy duty editing the 6490 GPU is fine. I am using it without any problems.

 

[abhic]

Even if you do go for the base system and not the high-end one, I would recommend that you consider the Hi-Res Anti-Glare upgrade. Editing media on a 1680x1050 non-reflective screen is way better than the 1440x900 glossy one.

 

[ECUpirate44]

Editing media on a 1680x1050 non-reflective screen is way better than the 1440x900 glossy one.

I agree 100%