Need some advice on my next Mac

[bki122689]

I currently own a 2.4GHz 15 inch Macbook pro (not the new one with the black bezel). It served me well but I must move on. It's starting to lag when I run multiple applications of Final cut Studio or Adobe suite. PLus I need a computer that would be able to render faster.

So.. I was thinking.

Should I lay down the money to buy a Mac Pro? If I do is it worth paying the extra bucks for an 8 core versus the 4 core. I read that their is little difference.

or Should i stick with the Macbook Pro line and buy a brand new 15 inch or 17 inch Macbook pro?

I am grateful for any advice.
-Thanks
BKI

 

[MacMini2009]

If you need portability, get a 3.06GHz 15in or 17in Macbook Pro. If you don't need portability, get the quad core Mac Pro if the applications you use don't use more than 4 cores.

 

[Shake 'n' Bake]

There is, IMO, little difference between the 2.66 GHz quad-core and the 2.26 GHz (why?) octo-core. There is a huge difference between the 2.66 GHz quad-core and 2.66 octo-core. The eight-core machine will demolish the quad in everything as long as they have equivalent or very similar clock speeds.

If you've got the money, get at least the 2.66 GHz octo-core.

 

[Hellhammer]

I would get Mac Pro because you already have a laptop which works OK. As Shake 'n' Bake said, get the best one you can. 8-core is a beast but quad will be enough. What's your budget?

 

[bki122689]

There is, IMO, little difference between the 2.66 GHz quad-core and the 2.26 GHz (why?) octo-core. There is a huge difference between the 2.66 GHz quad-core and 2.66 octo-core. The eight-core machine will demolish the quad in everything as long as they have equivalent or very similar clock speeds.

If you've got the money, get at least the 2.66 GHz octo-core.

Yeah but does final cut studio or adobe after effects even use 8 cores.Ndoes it go past 4

 

[Shake 'n' Bake]

Yeah but does final cut studio or adobe after effects even use 8 cores.Ndoes it go past 4

AFAIK, no Adobe software uses more than two cores. FCS 2 might be able to make the most of the eight cores.

I'd get the eight-core because in the very near future, many, many more apps will be able to take advantage of multiple cores. Don't forget that the eight-core may be faster in SL as it has GCD.

 

[bki122689]

AFAIK, no Adobe software uses more than two cores. FCS 2 might be able to make the most of the eight cores.

I'd get the eight-core because in the very near future, many, many more apps will be able to take advantage of multiple cores. Don't forget that the eight-core may be faster in SL as it has GCD.

Thanks my budget is about 4K. i was hoping to also buy two 23" hd displays of ebay

thanks for the info guys.

but in terms of graphics card which one would you recommend?
ATI Radeon HD 4870
or 2x NVIDIA GeForce GT 120

 

[MacMini2009]

Thanks my budget is about 4K. i was hoping to also buy two 23" hd displays of ebay

thanks for the info guys.

but in terms of graphics card which one would you recommend?
ATI Radeon HD 4870
or 2x NVIDIA GeForce GT 120

Get the ATI 4870.