macbook pro 13 - All purpose?
Hello my trusted Apple Braintrust,
I'm considering a Macbook Pro 13 inch (with a nice size apple display) to serve as my primary computer. My uses include: moderate Aperture, Photoshop, occasional video conferencing, heavy word processing, moderate music/video downloading, occasional video editing/dvd burning with final cut pro.
My concerns are the
1. 500GB max hard drive size (or worse, the 256 max solid state drive), I think 500 GB is enough to hold my current audio, video, word, applications, photos, etc.., but I generally use the following formula when outfitting for a hard drive -- Does the hard drive I am considering for my computer contain an incomprehensibly large amount of space such that I can not even conceive of ever having that much storage needs for the next 20 years? If so, it will probably last me about 3-4 years.
2. the weight of the computer when portable (it's fine for taking to the coffee shop, but I wouldn't want to drag it to and from work every single day)
3. Overall speed/capacity - will it handle my aperture and photoshop files nicely, can i video edit on it, etc..,
4. A pet peeve of mine- i do not like the glare on the 13 inch screen. I'm used to matt screens...
The only other configuration I can see working would be: high end iMac for work from home, plus a netbook (or the upcoming unknown tablet device) for light surfing, writing.
Obviously, the macbook pro gives me more flexibility to use for more uses in more varied locations, while the imac/netbook may give me more bang for my buck, and a potentially very light portable component for writing. But I would be limited to photo work from home- a significant drawback.
From experience, I've never worked well with multiple computers (I tried an ibook/g4 combo and it was like the worst of both worlds), and would prefer everything to be located on one device if possible.
Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations on this predicament? This forum has never steered me wrong before...
I'm considering a Macbook Pro 13 inch (with a nice size apple display) to serve as my primary computer. My uses include: moderate Aperture, Photoshop, occasional video conferencing, heavy word processing, moderate music/video downloading, occasional video editing/dvd burning with final cut pro.
My concerns are the
1. 500GB max hard drive size (or worse, the 256 max solid state drive), I think 500 GB is enough to hold my current audio, video, word, applications, photos, etc.., but I generally use the following formula when outfitting for a hard drive -- Does the hard drive I am considering for my computer contain an incomprehensibly large amount of space such that I can not even conceive of ever having that much storage needs for the next 20 years? If so, it will probably last me about 3-4 years.
2. the weight of the computer when portable (it's fine for taking to the coffee shop, but I wouldn't want to drag it to and from work every single day)
3. Overall speed/capacity - will it handle my aperture and photoshop files nicely, can i video edit on it, etc..,
4. A pet peeve of mine- i do not like the glare on the 13 inch screen. I'm used to matt screens...
The only other configuration I can see working would be: high end iMac for work from home, plus a netbook (or the upcoming unknown tablet device) for light surfing, writing.
Obviously, the macbook pro gives me more flexibility to use for more uses in more varied locations, while the imac/netbook may give me more bang for my buck, and a potentially very light portable component for writing. But I would be limited to photo work from home- a significant drawback.
From experience, I've never worked well with multiple computers (I tried an ibook/g4 combo and it was like the worst of both worlds), and would prefer everything to be located on one device if possible.
Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations on this predicament? This forum has never steered me wrong before...
Comments
Does the hard drive I am considering for my computer contain an incomprehensibly large amount of space such that I can not even conceive of ever having that much storage needs for the next 20 years?
It depends on needs. Add up all the data you have now and think about how much data you add over a given period of time and you will be able to see if 500GB will be enough. I personally think 500GB is enough for most uses and older data or infrequently accessed data can be archived to an external drive and/or optical discs.
You do get 750GB and 1TB 2.5" drives but they have 12.5mm height so they don't fit into standard notebooks. Western Digital make a 9.5mm 640GB one but it's only 5200rpm. I'd say you'll be better off with a 7200rpm 500GB (Seagate Momentus) hard drive as it's faster at opening big files.
2. the weight of the computer when portable (it's fine for taking to the coffee shop, but I wouldn't want to drag it to and from work every single day)
The 13" laptop is not too bad for weight. I could carry it every day.
3. Overall speed/capacity - will it handle my aperture and photoshop files nicely, can i video edit on it, etc..,
Yes but use a 7200rpm drive and 4GB RAM.
4. A pet peeve of mine- i do not like the glare on the 13 inch screen. I'm used to matt screens...
Yeah, me too - I've used both types in the 15" and the matte version is so much better. I wish Apple would offer it for the 13". There's no real solution to this problem except for Apple to offer it.
The only other configuration I can see working would be: high end iMac for work from home, plus a netbook (or the upcoming unknown tablet device) for light surfing, writing.
I've done the two computer setup before and like you, it didn't work out too well. I'd always have stuff on one machine that wasn't on another and have to copy stuff between them constantly. I don't think it's worth doing. I think the 13" MBP will be fast enough for the work you need and at home, you can get a large external matte display - laptop screens are all TN panels anyway so not ideal for photos.
If you're on a budget, try the Dell 2209WA IPS, if you can spend a bit more go for the HP LP2475w IPS. Both allow rotation too for viewing portrait images at full size.
Also be sure to check out the refurb store to save money on the laptops and still get a full warranty:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB...co=MTA4MzIzMzA
You do get 750GB and 1TB 2.5" drives but they have 12.5mm height so they don't fit into standard notebooks. Western Digital make a 9.5mm 640GB one but it's only 5200rpm. I'd say you'll be better off with a 7200rpm 500GB (Seagate Momentus) hard drive as it's faster at opening big files.
Also be sure to check out the refurb store to save money on the laptops and still get a full warranty:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB...co=MTA4MzIzMzA
Can you add a seagate 7200 to the mbp13 after market?
Can you add a seagate 7200 to the mbp13 after market?
Yes, you just have to unscrew the bottom of the machine, unplug the battery and take out a couple of screws - your warranty is intact so long as you don't break anything and they just won't replace what gets broken:
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/M...acement/1337/1
It's $45 cheaper than Apple's price for a 5400rpm too:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-374-_-Product
and you get to keep your stock 5400rpm drive. The 7200rpm drives are about 25% faster than 5400rpm ones.