Will the 13" MBP meet my needs?

[jktress]

Hi everyone, I need some buying advice! I'm about to purchase a new mac to replace my 20" iMac and 12" powerbook. I'm torn between getting a new 24" iMac or a MPB with the LED screen. My budget is about 2k.

Screen real estate is important when I'm at home. I use Photoshop CS4 and Fireworks CS3 on a daily basis. I also do some 3d Modeling (typically with Cheetah 3D or Blender). I also spend about 4 months a year on the road, so portability factors into the decision.

I'm debating 13" vs. 15". Do you think the 13" MBP adequately handle all the heavy lifting of the CS4 suite, 3D applications, etc? How much of a difference will the 2.26 gHz processor make over the 2.53gHz? And finally, is the extra 2" of screen worth the $200 price increase?

Thanks....

 

[theMaccer]

How about a refurb 15'' 2.53GHz uMBP and a dell monitor? It will cost u well below $2k.

 

[MacMini2009]

Get the 2.66GHz 15in Macbook Pro.

or Get the 2.53GHz 13in Macbook Pro and buy an external monitor.

 

[miles01110]

I'd say the 2" of extra screen space is worth $200. The 15" MBP is a great machine.

 

[ziwi]

Not on its own based on your real estate requirement. 15" or 13" with external monitor is the way you would need to go - for the 3d - you may want to go with a more powerful proc.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The 15" MBP is a terrific computer with an excellent screen (I have one); I'd recommend either the 15" MBP, or the 13" and an external monitor.

\cheers and good luck