It sounds like you've had serious issues with PC's. A lot of them seem to be either user error, or poor manufacturing. One of the things I hate about off the shelf PC's is all the bloatware, and the learning curve just to keep them running well. While they can indeed be had for a lower price, you often get what you pay for. While I have nothing to gain by promoting one format over the other, the one thing that is unique to Macs is that you can run both OSX and Windows.
With Macs, the likelihood of getting a lot of spyware and virus related issues is very low. It's possible, but not probable, at least for now, as few hackers/programmers write such for OSX. This may change in time, based on the success of Apple's market share.
The things you stated you're interested in doing fit well with a MBP. I own a MBP 17" (older model), and use
Final Cut Pro for video editing. It's a very nice product, and comparable to Adobe's offerings.
FCP runs fine on a MBP, assuming you don't intend to edit large HD files. There are also Mac versions for Adobe products. I'd seriously consider getting the highest capacity drive at 7200 RPM for video editing, as well as looking into some firewire 800 or eSATA drives (you can get an expresscard with SATA ports).
The high end custom configured MBP is expensive, but not more so than comparably configured alternative brands. There aren't many laptops on the market that can match it's spec's, but the few that do are similar in price, (and geared towards gamers).
I realize you are interested in ways of getting the MBP as cheaply as possible, but I can't help but caution you on this. In order to get it built to order, you'll probably have to purchase it from Apple's online store, as they don't do BTO's in their brick and mortar stores. Your alternative solution is to purchase a refurb, buy at an authorized retailer, (where you're not likely to have BTO options), or buy used. At
Amazon, you can likely buy without paying taxes (depending on your location), but you forego the HD screen option, for example. You might find one with the specs you want on eBay, for a reduced price.
Since MBP's are rumored to be updated soon, it's pretty likely you'll find a refurb on Apple's site, or a "new" but then previous model on eBay or in MR marketplace, if you're willing to get the Penryn (current) model. It will handle your needs quite well, as will the previous versions. The main issues with the older models have been screen yellowing (mine doesn't have these issues), or heat issues that were improved with the Penryn (current) CPU chip. The current (Penryn) model also has improved battery use times over previous models.
As far as convincing you to switch to a Mac, I think it's unnecessary. You're considering purchasing a laptop that was literally built to suit the very needs you'll be using it for. Check out
this site, specific for video editors, and see what they say about the MBP. I've never heard of a PC
laptop that was built specifically for on the go video editing. They may exist, but I've never heard of any, which is my point.
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Once you get past the initial sticker shock, I'm certain you'll be very pleased with your decision. But the best part is this: If you are not? You have options. Obviously, you can return it, and take the 10% restocking fee hit. Or you can sell it for astonishingly close to what you paid for it. The resale value on Macs is outstanding when compared to competitors. Check out eBay to see what people are getting for them.
So, you're not taking a huge risk here. You've already paid far more than you could possibly lose on this risk by purchasing PC desktops that lasted you a few months.
🙂 Apple does stand behind their warranties, and Apple Care is worth it, imo. I've read a few posts on MR by people who've had repeated issues with their MBP's, and have received a brand new, current model replacement that obviously was more powerful than the one they initially purchased.
Of course it won't cover you for accidental damage, or theft, but considering the investment, a few hundred dollars for piece of mind is worth it imo. You can think about it, and have a year to decide after purchasing. If you decide to get it, don't buy it from Apple. Look on eBay or Amazon for lower prices on Apple Care.
I realize you may already have a Windows suite of tools for video editing, and would highly recommend switching to Final Cut Studio, or the Mac Adobe versions so you can run them natively, rather than trying to run a windows editor through bootcamp. It will likely work either way, but you'll have faster render times running natively. Yes, this is an investment for software, but again, if things don't work out, you can sell it. Although, if you currently have the Adobe suite, you can trade your Adobe PC software for Mac versions. Just call them.
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BTW, I use my MBP for video editing, 3d rendering (nothing huge), music creation, animation, and the basic apps such as email and web browsing. I have never regretted switching, and didn't experience buyers remorse. OSX is more intuitive, but after using a PC for several years, you'll likely have to unlearn a few things, and take some time to really get to know your new OS. It's worth the effort, and once you've found yourself feeling comfortable with it, you'll be amazed at how simple and logical it is.
I know there are a lot of Mac fanboys out there who insist that Steve Jobs is a god, and Apple is their religion, or something. But the fact is, a lot of people are fed up with wrestling their computer just to get it to do what they want. We use computers so much more now than we did 5 and 10 years ago, and having a good OS is starting to matter a lot more. This is part of why Apple's market share is steadily increasing. People are less willing to deal with the frustration tolerance required to use Windows, and more willing to pay a bit more for a computer that's easier, and more pleasant to use.
Mac's aren't perfect. Some come from the factory with defects. Some have design flaws that cause issues for several users of the same system. But when/if this happens, Apple will stand behind their product, and fix the problem. Every electronics company has
some products that are shipped with defects, it's just how things go. But not every company stands behind their product. What's riskier? Buying a slightly cheaper system that supports potential issues for 30 days, and then you're SOL? Or a company that supports your system for a full year, with the option of extending that coverage for 3 years (for a few hundred bucks)?
Apple makes OSX, so of course they'll support you on potential issues with it, unlike Gateway, who doesn't make Windows, and therefore feels no obligation to extend their coverage of Microsoft's software. So there you have it. Sorry it was so long! Good luck to you on your decision.
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