One More VRAM question! (MBP)

[macpluslaptop]

I'm about to pull the trigger on my MBP purchase and I need last minute advice. I know the consensus is that the 2.2 (w/128 VRAM) is adequate for just about everything but Pixar animation, but want to double check before tomorrow.

I will be using a 23" ACD when at home. I'm also going to do a lot of Photoshopping/Aperture stuff with my RAW pics. I will not get another computer, probably, for 4 years or more (last bought in 2001). So this baby has to last. Beyond the digital image stuff, I do text stuff and web surfing, etc. That's undemanding.

But I worry about driving the external monitor and using Photoshop (or iMovie). Also, work will pay for almost half of the purchase so I could pick up the 2.4 for $1500 of my own money. But don't want to go into overkill.

Thoughts? And thanks to everyone who's sick to death of this question!

 

[trojanman2011]

Though the 256 mb graphics card may be slight overkill by today's standards, it would probably be a great investment if you're looking at this machine as a 4+ year investment, especially given your dual monitor setup. In 2001 when you bought your last machine, a 32 mb video card was pretty snazzy, yet it's wholly inadequate now. It would be unfortunate for that to happen with your new machine after only a few years.

Just my thoughts. Hope it helps.

 

[kumbaya]

definitely without any doubt whatsoever, go for 256MB VRAM if you're buying for 4+ years

Who knows what demands 10.6 (Lion? ) will have...

 

[iToaster]

2.2 will do you fine, I got a 2.4 because of my obsession with power, but 2.2 isn't quite as future proof, but you won't use it longer than 4 years I bet.

 

[macpluslaptop]

thanks for the input

This is very helpful. I'm leaning towards the 2.4...

 

[CaptainWOW]

This is very helpful. I'm leaning towards the 2.4...

I have the 2.4 MBP and I love it. You definitely won't regret it if you buy the 2.4. If you can afford the $400 premium i'd say get the mid-grade MBP over the entry 2.2 model. It I'll feel a little less inadequate in 4+ years time.

 

[disconap]

Who knows what demands 10.6 (Lion? ) will have...

From wikipedia:

^ Trademark #78257226 for Panther, #78269988 for Tiger, #78270003 for Leopard, #78271630 for Cougar and #78271639 for Lynx, all registered in 2004 by Apple Computer, Inc. United States Patent and Trademark Office