Spec me a Macbook

cambsno

cambsno

Messages
21,083
Name
Simon
Edit My Images
Yes
Not looking just this minute, but over the next 6 months I will probably want to get a new Macbook. Currently have a 4 1/2 yo white imac and a 2 1/2 yo macbook (both pretty much basic ones). I will probably sell both to go some way to funding a new one.

Aside from basic stuff like using Word/Excel/Pages/Numbers, web and email, the only 2 major things are photo editing in LR (RAW) and iMovie for HD camcorder footage. Burning a movie can take a while and sometimes LR can be a bit sluggish.

Is there much of a difference in the processor speeds for real life use, what about graphics cards? Almost up to my laptops 320gb limit so looking at 500 or probably more HD space, and guessing 4mb RAM. Budget is loose, I want the right machine but get a bit scared the closer to £2k I get! Macbook Pro or Macbook? Most use is in the home on my lap, so while I prefer the smaller Macbook, I do not need to keep it small and light. Would love an Air, but just not fast enough.
 
It's hard to say this far in advance although the MacBook Pro's have just been refreshed so may still be around then.

MacBook line has been discontinued iirc.

So it's a choice between faster boot up/lightweight (MacBook Air) or more power/ports MacBook Pro.
 
Is the RAM on both your current machines at the REAL maximum (i.e. not the maximum quoted by Apple!).

The base MBP would be up to it. You know you can arrange to try out a machine at the Apple store, taking the relevant files in to try. Stick them all on an external drive and give it a whirl.
 
cowasaki said:
Is the RAM on both your current machines at the REAL maximum (i.e. not the maximum quoted by Apple!).

The base MBP would be up to it. You know you can arrange to try out a machine at the Apple store, taking the relevant files in to try. Stick them all on an external drive and give it a whirl.
Click to expand...

I rarely use the imac so plan to sell anyway, think my mbp is 3gb ram.

Its really trying to understand the RAM/Processor/Graphics relationship - i.e. is it better to have a slightly worse processor and better graphics card or the other way round? There are a number of options looking at the apple store and if I can get away with a £1k machine great, or do I need to spec it up a bit and pay more?

Can you have more ram than Apple say?
 
I am sat here on my 2008 MBP 2.66GHz 17" model with maximum of 4Gb..................

currently running 6Gb


My Mac Pro has a maximum of 16Gb but will happily run 32Gb :D


Basically the maximum amount of RAM Apple state in their specs is the maximum THEY have sold it with. The chipset often will allow a higher amount but you need to check specifically.

The polycarbonate MacBooks have a REAL maximum of 2Gb, 3Gb or 4Gb depending on the model (and I would guess that the later DDR2 models can probably take 6Gb).


Onto newer stuff you could read my discussion of this exact thing in my top tips. I will find a link to the actual post and pop back.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top