Do I really need firewire 800 on my macbook pro?

[Nik Manning]

I am thinking about buying a Macbook Pro and I want to know if you think I need firewire 800. The early model Macbook Pros don't have firewire 800 and are available for cheap used. I plan on editing HDV footage mostly but also some ProRes 1080p24 footage. I am an FCP editor but my main focus will be on Color Correcting/Finishing projects. So low level effects work (sky replacement, set extensions, keying, color grading). I plan on mainly using After Effects,Final Cut Pro,Motion,Color,Photoshop. What do you recommend? I currently have a dual 2GHZ G5 that I will sell and replace with a laptop.

Is there anyone here who uses Color on a laptop without external color accurate monitor for broadcast work? Thanks

 

[JasonFox]

How old of a model are you talking about for it to not have FW800? I'd be more concerned about getting too slow of a processor or too little vram over worrying about FW800.

 

[Nik Manning]

I was thinking the 2 ghz Macbook or any pre "2" duo processors. I don't need the fastest laptop as I won't ever edit uncompressed with it and I have more time than money.

 

[adkimery]

I wouldn't fret too much about the FW800 though. Just grab an eSATA laptop card and an eSATA storage solution to handle the ProRes.

If yer gonna be finishing projects, especially for for b'cast work, yer gonna need a b'cast accurate screen and some scopes though. Shane Ross has used the Matrox MXO attached to a 23" Apple Cinema Display to get pretty accurate color (close to his Sony HD CRT b'cast monitor).

-A

 

[JasonFox]

Hmmm, well the Core 2's really pumped up the horsepower, so you might want to reconsider. I think you can find my model (2.16 Core 2) for under $1500 now. Used, of course. I think Apple lists them at either $1599 or $1699 refurbed. But you might be okay with the single cores -- I just don't know because I only have a DVX.