Will the new macbook suffice for an architecture student

[iwantmymacnow]

Hi just wondering, will the new macbook's nvida graphics card suffice for an architecture student using cad and photoshop programs? or will i still have to buy the mbp? now the mbp is even more expensive (i'm in australia and it's now over 3 grand!) it would be awesome if i can just go the macbook (and also for the better portability). Thanks!

 

[Chase R]

Long story short = YES

The 9400M chip is almost up there with the 8600GT.

 

[iwantmymacnow]

Fantastic! This is great news! Was not keen on spending over $3000 just because of the graphics card Thanks.

 

[new2macx]

Now that's encouraging (soon-to-be Archi student here)....another rethink methinks! 2.4GHz MB for me then...

 

[drewx2]

Personally I think the screen is too small for maximum productivity. I hate doing any web development / programming on a notebook, not to mention, I love dual large monitors.

As far as power goes, it should be plenty fine.

 

[P.B.]

I'm a student of architecture and my choice will always be the macbook pro.
not because of the power but mainly because of the larger display.
you really don't want to layout Din A0 plans, use photoshop and archicad on a 13'' screen.

 

[jaredtomas]

Yep. I'm an architecture student too!

 

[new2macx]

I'm a student of architecture and my choice will always be the macbook pro.
not because of the power but mainly because of the larger display.
you really don't want to layout Din A0 plans, use photoshop and archicad on a 13'' screen.

Yep. I'm an architecture student too!

Hi! *waves* . The screen size wouldn't really be a problem as I'd use it with an external display. I'd like the portability of the 13". Ok, looks like a 2.4 MB for me then. I'll upgrade the RAM to 4GB as well, and see how it goes.

 

[Abstract]

As long as you have an external display, you're fine.

 

[aleksandra.]

Hi! *waves* . The screen size wouldn't really be a problem as I'd use it with an external display. I'd like the portability of the 13". Ok, looks like a 2.4 MB for me then. I'll upgrade the RAM to 4GB as well, and see how it goes.

Just keep in mind that to use a 30" external display you'd need a mini-DP to dual link DVI adapter for $99...

 

[new2macx]

Just keep in mind that to use a 30" external display you'd need a mini-DP to dual link DVI adapter for $99...

I think the max. size display I'd be using would be 24". Those adapters are such a rip-off aren't they!

 

[sutom]

So the new MBs would be fine running on a 22/24" external display then?

I'm in a similar position to the OP but a design student so only need to use Adobe CS4 really (PS, Illustrator, InDesign).

Hi btw

 

[Chase R]

So the new MBs would be fine running on a 22/24" external display then?

Yup, save up and get Apple's new LED Cinema Display; 24", 3 USB ports, speakers, and a Magsafe charger!

 

[sutom]

Yup, save up and get Apple's new LED Cinema Display; 24", 3 USB ports, speakers, and a Magsafe charger!

Excellent. I already have a Samsung screen, so maybe I'll see about the ACD in the future. I can only just afford a MB right now

 

[new2macx]

I can only just afford a MB right now

Me too! I like the look of those new displays...ouchy in my wallet though I just ordered my MB by phone: "Would you like more RAM? No thank you. Bigger hard-drive? No. Case? No. Accessories? No. Just the standard MacBook then?" Yes yes yes! (I've given them far too much of my money already- I need to replace these rags I've been wearing whilst I've been saving up lol)