I just picked up a Macbook Pro like a week and a half ago, expecting to know when Final Cut would be available by the end of February (need it by the end of March) Have any of you spoken to Apple to find out when the universal binary will be available?

Should I just order what they have on their website now, and expect it to be Universal since the Universal version is supposed to be out in March...like less than two weeks left in March, and Final Cut has a 3-4 week wait time for whatever reason? Or if I order what they have on their site right now, will I then need to send that out to get a crossgrade? Any advice or info would be a huge help.

If you are a first time buyer of FCP, I would wait a few weeks until NAB, when FCP6 will probably be announced, if not released. I don't think Apple is going to bother releasing the Universal version of FCP5 in a retail box.

If you already own any version of FCP (1 thru 5), Soundtrack, Pro, Motion2 or DVD Studio Pro 4, then fill out the appropriate form, send in your install disks, proof of purchase, a cheque, and Apple will send back a Universal version of FCP Studio.

http://www.apple.com/universal/crossgrade/

I'm a first time buyer, but I don't have time to wait until the end of April...thats like 5 weeks off... I need to edit something, and I need to start it no later than like April 5th

When Apple announced the universal version they stated it would begin shipping on March 31, but they were accepting orders on Feb 1. I don't ever recall seeing a promise to ship it in February. If I understand you correctly, now they're saying that orders placed today won't ship until April? Probably makes sense if they have a backlog unforunately.

I don't think you have any choice. Buying the current FCP 5 is pointless because it won't run on the MacBook. Visit an Apple Store in person and see if they will have copies on the shelves there on March 31. If so, maybe you can reserve one or else get there before opening and stand in line ;-)

Hey guys, I just ordered it. Apple FINALLY put the Universal version of Final Cut Studio 5.1 for sale today!