Final Cut Studio Special Discount Signals...What?
Hey guys and gals,
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...ltipictureDeal
I was wondering what you all think of this special, and of the June 26, 2006 deadline. Of what significance is that deadline? I'm currently looking to get a new Mac, and am coincidentally looking to upgrade from Final Cut Express to Final Cut Studio, so this could be a good time for me to take the plunge. I'm trying to wait as long as possible before I get the new computer, hoping for speed bumps/hard drive space increases in the 15 or 17 inch MacBook Pro.
Do you think these computers will be revised before June 26? I'm guessing the June 26 deadline has more to do with a Final Cut upgrade than it does a computer upgrade, and I don't mind being a little behind on the final cut curve (as is evidenced by my still using Final Cut Express)...8)
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...ltipictureDeal
I was wondering what you all think of this special, and of the June 26, 2006 deadline. Of what significance is that deadline? I'm currently looking to get a new Mac, and am coincidentally looking to upgrade from Final Cut Express to Final Cut Studio, so this could be a good time for me to take the plunge. I'm trying to wait as long as possible before I get the new computer, hoping for speed bumps/hard drive space increases in the 15 or 17 inch MacBook Pro.
Do you think these computers will be revised before June 26? I'm guessing the June 26 deadline has more to do with a Final Cut upgrade than it does a computer upgrade, and I don't mind being a little behind on the final cut curve (as is evidenced by my still using Final Cut Express)...8)
Comments
Originally posted by AugustWest
Do you think these computers will be revised before June 26? I'm guessing the June 26 deadline has more to do with a Final Cut upgrade than it does a computer upgrade, and I don't mind being a little behind on the final cut curve (as is evidenced by my still using Final Cut Express)...8)
Well, usually Apple ends promos like this around the end of a fiscal quarter--and the 26th is likely the last day of Apple's Q3, or very close to it. They do that, of course, because of the accounting implications of having to forecast those who will take part in the promotion, etc. (so, in other words, less work for them).
Even if the date were siginficant, I don't think Apple's looking to upgrade the MBPs anytime soon, though, considering that the promotion was good for PowerMacs, iMacs, and MBPs (and not just MBPs).
Regarding what will be updated, your guess is as good as anyone's, but I would say the following is most likely:
? 17" MacBook Pro won't be updated before June 26 because it isn't even shipping yet. A 2.33Ghz Core Duo will become a BTO option for an extra $300, however.
? 15" MacBook Pro's will be upgraded from 1.83Ghz and 2.0Ghz to 2.0Ghz and 2.16Ghz. Either that, or their prices will be cut. The 17" MacBook Pro already takes advantage of the May Intel processor price cuts, which is why the 15" upgraded to the 2.16Ghz Processor looks like such a poor deal compared to the 17" right now. This may happen as soon as this week to coincide with shipments of the 17" MacBook Pro beginning.
? iMacs will see the same fate as the 15" MacBook Pro for the same reason.
? MacBooks will probably make their debut before June 26, but like the Mac Mini will have Integrated Graphics, and thusly be unable to run Final Cut Studio.
? PowerMacs with Intel processors will show up at WWDC in August, well past the June 26 Final Cut Studio expiration. Sometimes they extend these deals, however. I wouldn't be surprised to see the same deal extended into October.
But again, these are only my guesses. What kind of Mac are you considering?
Originally posted by Cory Bauer
? MacBooks will probably make their debut before June 26, but like the Mac Mini will have Integrated Graphics, and thusly be unable to run Final Cut Studio.
An intel mini can run FCP studio with the exception of motion. That's why it says "unsupported but still installs" because you can use everything except motion and because of that they can't claim it can run the FULL Final Cut Studio.
It's no different than before, if the apps were still separate you'd see what I mean.
Originally posted by Cory Bauer
The special discount signals that Apple wants to move copies of Final Cut Studio. They don't have a new version this year for current users to upgrade to because Apple spent all last year making the applications into Universal Binaries. So, they're targeting people who don't already have Final Cut Studio...But again, these are only my guesses. What kind of Mac are you considering?
Sounds like I'm just the person to take advantage of this deal- I have a VERY old version of Final Cut, and I'm shopping a new computer. Truthfully, I have until perhaps September to buy the computer, but if a good deal is available now, I might take the plunge.
I was thinking about the 17 inch MBP. I do a variety of creative things- video editing, photo editing, and writing. I'm a little concerned that it will be a "step sideways" or a step down from my Dual 1.8 G5 in terms of overall speed, but I badly need the space being taken up by my G5 (and monitor, printer, accessories, etc) in my apartment. So I was thinking I can bring a bunch of this stuff to my office, work on just the laptop at home, and when I need to print a large file that does not fit on my .Mac account, bring the laptop to the office and work from there. I've had laptops as little as a sub-notebook (Sony Vaio), and I never really took advantage of the portability, so I'm thinking of the 17 inch MBP as an extremely flat desktop computer. Hope I'm not out of my mind.
Originally posted by AugustWest
I'm a little concerned that it will be a "step sideways" or a step down from my Dual 1.8 G5 in terms of overall speed, but I badly need the space being taken up by my G5
AugustWest, take a look at these benchmarks, showing a 2.16Ghz Macbook Pro matching and often times besting a Dual 2Ghz Powermac G5 in Final Cut Studio tests. That, and your old version of Final Cut probably isn't taking full advantage of the 1.8Ghz G5 you have now.
Having said that, I think if you're just going to leave it sitting on the desk all the time, you should save yourself a grand and get the 20" iMac instead.
Originally posted by Cory Bauer
AugustWest, take a look at these benchmarks, showing a 2.16Ghz Macbook Pro matching and often times besting a Dual 2Ghz Powermac G5 in Final Cut Studio tests. That, and your old version of Final Cut probably isn't taking full advantage of the 1.8Ghz G5 you have now.
Having said that, I think if you're just going to leave it sitting on the desk all the time, you should save yourself a grand and get the 20" iMac instead.
Thanks for the reply. I guess what I mean is that when I spend $$$ for a new computer, I like it to BLOW AWAY my previous computer in speed and storage space. However, you make a very good point in that a laptop that even arguably competes with a solid desktop is a pretty damn good laptop indeed.
Also, I should mention that I didn't plan on leaving it on my desk-- I'm actually planning to get rid of my desk to make room for twins on the way
Way off topic as well: when you live in Manhattan, you have to get several uses out of every part of space in your rat cage, I mean, apartment. I wish square feet were as easy and as cheap as megabytes. I'm thinking of moving my existence entirely to a virtual space, but I'm afraid I would forget to back myself up and would disappear when the hard drive failed.