Mac Laptop Selection at DVinfo.net

Bob Kerner · September 6th, 2008, 09:29 AM

I apologize for asking a question I know has been asked here about 10k times but I'm up against a discount deadline and need to make a decision quickly.

For editing in FCP, are there any significant issues with using a MacBook, as opposed to one of the MacBook Pro models?

I've edited and a Macbook at a workshop and it seemed to work fine but that was a short experience so I'd like opinions from those who use the laptops regularly. I have a Mac Pro tower at home for "heavy lifting" projects, so the laptop would be for mobile use (maybe do some editing on the train) and for grad school. Some specific questions:

Any noticable speed/performance improvement between the regular and pro model?
Is the 15 inch screen of the Pro noticeably better?
Any reason to have the better video card in the top of the line MacBook Pro model

My guess (and I'm willing to be wrong) is that there is not a significant difference other than the screen between the two levels of laptops and I don't think I need to pay a grand more for the top of the line model unless performance is dramatically better.

Thanks
Bob

Jim Michael · September 6th, 2008, 09:39 AM

Last I read the graphics support in the MacBook was not sufficient for using Motion but was OK for FCP. Make sure you get the largest hard drive they sell, space runs short quickly.

Bob Kerner · September 6th, 2008, 09:59 AM

Thanks. Just the sort of thing I would have overlooked and that would have stunk since I use Motion.

Can anyone confirm that Motion won't work on Macbook?

Rick L. Allen · September 7th, 2008, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Kerner

Can anyone confirm that Motion won't work on Macbook?

Confirmed. Check the Apple page for minimum system settings. You'll find the same answer.

FCP will run on a MacBook - Motion needs the MacBook Pro.

September 6th, 2008, 09:29 AM	#1
Bob Kerner Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New York Posts: 388	Mac Laptop Selection I apologize for asking a question I know has been asked here about 10k times but I'm up against a discount deadline and need to make a decision quickly. For editing in FCP, are there any significant issues with using a MacBook, as opposed to one of the MacBook Pro models? I've edited and a Macbook at a workshop and it seemed to work fine but that was a short experience so I'd like opinions from those who use the laptops regularly. I have a Mac Pro tower at home for "heavy lifting" projects, so the laptop would be for mobile use (maybe do some editing on the train) and for grad school. Some specific questions: Any noticable speed/performance improvement between the regular and pro model? Is the 15 inch screen of the Pro noticeably better? Any reason to have the better video card in the top of the line MacBook Pro model My guess (and I'm willing to be wrong) is that there is not a significant difference other than the screen between the two levels of laptops and I don't think I need to pay a grand more for the top of the line model unless performance is dramatically better. Thanks Bob

September 6th, 2008, 09:39 AM	#2
Jim Michael Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 895	Last I read the graphics support in the MacBook was not sufficient for using Motion but was OK for FCP. Make sure you get the largest hard drive they sell, space runs short quickly.

September 6th, 2008, 09:59 AM	#3
Bob Kerner Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New York Posts: 388	Thanks. Just the sort of thing I would have overlooked and that would have stunk since I use Motion. Can anyone confirm that Motion won't work on Macbook?