Macbook or Macbook Pro?
- Thread starter jazo
- Start date
Just to weigh in on my own Mac experience...
Prior to working with Macs I worked with CP/M, PC Dos, Atari and Amiga.
Didn't like Macs in the beginning.
Then the newspaper I worked at started using them to publish a paper that reached more than 80,000 readers daily. (The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, starbulletin.com)
Eventually Powerbooks became part of the workflow, along with cellular phone transmission of photos (we were among the first to do this), desktop color seperation, digital copy desk, asset management and color management systems and, of course, prepress. As chief photographer I was responsible for developing workflows relating to all visual elements includihng archiving media files.
With more than 100 workstations and a dozen laptops being used everyday, crashes weren't unknown but it was generally the case that someone could work all day with perhaps one crash or none. Recovery was fast and easy. And we did most of our own tech support -- hardly had to rely on even the in-house IT people. All of this was done with OS 8 and 9. OS 10 was broadly adopted in the newsroom after I left the company in 2004, although I had converted the photo department to OS 10 before that.
When I got into nonlinear video editing in 1997, I had to install my NLE, learn how to use it, and create a video presentation in eight days. And, as usual, hit my deadlines.
That's not to say that everyone's experience will be the same. But in general, and I base this on a user group consisting of newspaper people who aren't technical types, Macs get the job done, and they get it done on deadline.
I didn't go to Windows systems because at the time there was a mountain of complaints about how to get something to work, rather than how to get something to work better. Questions were always pertaining to system hangups rather than content issues. Windows-based systems are a whole lot better now, but in the meantime I've become proficient with Macs and will continue to make my living with them as in independent producer.
So it's wonderful that there's now a choice. My suggestion would be to give them a try. Ask around and see where you can get the service and support you need. And always keep in mind that any computer outlet is much like any auto dealer. Some Ford dealers will excel at service and win awards for the way they deal with customers. Other Ford dealers will earn harsh criticism for their failure to provide adequate service to increasingly frustrated customers.
So it's probably not Apple's fault -- it's the fault of whomever you're stuck dealing with.
Prior to working with Macs I worked with CP/M, PC Dos, Atari and Amiga.
Didn't like Macs in the beginning.
Then the newspaper I worked at started using them to publish a paper that reached more than 80,000 readers daily. (The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, starbulletin.com)
Eventually Powerbooks became part of the workflow, along with cellular phone transmission of photos (we were among the first to do this), desktop color seperation, digital copy desk, asset management and color management systems and, of course, prepress. As chief photographer I was responsible for developing workflows relating to all visual elements includihng archiving media files.
With more than 100 workstations and a dozen laptops being used everyday, crashes weren't unknown but it was generally the case that someone could work all day with perhaps one crash or none. Recovery was fast and easy. And we did most of our own tech support -- hardly had to rely on even the in-house IT people. All of this was done with OS 8 and 9. OS 10 was broadly adopted in the newsroom after I left the company in 2004, although I had converted the photo department to OS 10 before that.
When I got into nonlinear video editing in 1997, I had to install my NLE, learn how to use it, and create a video presentation in eight days. And, as usual, hit my deadlines.
That's not to say that everyone's experience will be the same. But in general, and I base this on a user group consisting of newspaper people who aren't technical types, Macs get the job done, and they get it done on deadline.
I didn't go to Windows systems because at the time there was a mountain of complaints about how to get something to work, rather than how to get something to work better. Questions were always pertaining to system hangups rather than content issues. Windows-based systems are a whole lot better now, but in the meantime I've become proficient with Macs and will continue to make my living with them as in independent producer.
So it's wonderful that there's now a choice. My suggestion would be to give them a try. Ask around and see where you can get the service and support you need. And always keep in mind that any computer outlet is much like any auto dealer. Some Ford dealers will excel at service and win awards for the way they deal with customers. Other Ford dealers will earn harsh criticism for their failure to provide adequate service to increasingly frustrated customers.
So it's probably not Apple's fault -- it's the fault of whomever you're stuck dealing with.
kenn michael
Well-known member
David S. said:
The Mac OS has to be installed in order to install XP on the Mactels.
daviddelaurier
Active member
Yardsale said:don't buy a mac if you just want something to run windows...
that's probably the dumbest logic I've ever heard...to pay a premium, abhor OSX, and want it solely to run Windows.....and still want a mac!
Windows runs faster on a Mac, much faster.
Justyn
Veteran
I paid 1180 for my macbook.. There isn't a windows laptop out there with the same feature set in the same price point. I'm not going to pay 900 bucks for a Dell... Compaq or anything else when I can get a mac/pc system for this price..
I will run a battery of tests on my macbook tonight to see how it handles FCP. Yes, the only thing that concerned me was the lack of ports and a 2nd system bus... but for 900 bucks less.. I can manage.
I also wanted to say that I've had windows systems.. but none has run as well as my mac has with windows on it. Ohh my.. The hardware all works.. The CD burner works... Shoot my DV cameras worked... My ohh My.. Finally a windows system I can handle... And YES.. there is a HUGE difference when it comes to reliablity.. funcitionaly and beauty. There's a reason that 90 percent of the film industry uses Macs. THEY JUST WORK.... I am so amazed that the window hasn't boinked off yet... or corrupted files... or just plain choked as its prone to do.
Also.. I hook up the Macbook to the Dell 2405.. so there's ya screen real estate we all need.....
I will run a battery of tests on my macbook tonight to see how it handles FCP. Yes, the only thing that concerned me was the lack of ports and a 2nd system bus... but for 900 bucks less.. I can manage.
I also wanted to say that I've had windows systems.. but none has run as well as my mac has with windows on it. Ohh my.. The hardware all works.. The CD burner works... Shoot my DV cameras worked... My ohh My.. Finally a windows system I can handle... And YES.. there is a HUGE difference when it comes to reliablity.. funcitionaly and beauty. There's a reason that 90 percent of the film industry uses Macs. THEY JUST WORK.... I am so amazed that the window hasn't boinked off yet... or corrupted files... or just plain choked as its prone to do.
Also.. I hook up the Macbook to the Dell 2405.. so there's ya screen real estate we all need.....
vittoriostoraro
New member
Film Professionals Use Macs
Film Professionals Use Macs
Are most of you aware that 95% of the computers that you will find professional film editors & special effects houses are Macs ?? (Not to mention that they run almost ALL the lighting programs in Broadway shows)
My G5 Dual 2ghz Desktop has not crashed once in 3 years. System 10 is a dream! I have had a "hang" here and there and had to force quit but never had to restart the computer.
I Windows daily at work, now they have also purchased an iMac and everyone seems to love using it.
Apple also makes better hardware, even Consumer Reports puts them at the top of the list for the least repairs. Don't get me wrong Apple has made it's share of mistakes, but Steve Jobs has brought the company back in a huge way.
Windows is antiquated, stuffy, stubborn and just plain UGLY. Of couse the new generation of Windows OS "VISTA" looks strikingly similar to Mac system 10... what a surprise. And the reason behind the new Macs running Windows is a simple one to me: Once you start using both it will quickly become clear which is superior.
I am SOOO tired of this debate. Windows is simply NOT the OS of a creative artist.
My Answer: MacBook Pro : )
V
Film Professionals Use Macs
Are most of you aware that 95% of the computers that you will find professional film editors & special effects houses are Macs ?? (Not to mention that they run almost ALL the lighting programs in Broadway shows)
My G5 Dual 2ghz Desktop has not crashed once in 3 years. System 10 is a dream! I have had a "hang" here and there and had to force quit but never had to restart the computer.
I Windows daily at work, now they have also purchased an iMac and everyone seems to love using it.
Apple also makes better hardware, even Consumer Reports puts them at the top of the list for the least repairs. Don't get me wrong Apple has made it's share of mistakes, but Steve Jobs has brought the company back in a huge way.
Windows is antiquated, stuffy, stubborn and just plain UGLY. Of couse the new generation of Windows OS "VISTA" looks strikingly similar to Mac system 10... what a surprise. And the reason behind the new Macs running Windows is a simple one to me: Once you start using both it will quickly become clear which is superior.
I am SOOO tired of this debate. Windows is simply NOT the OS of a creative artist.
My Answer: MacBook Pro : )
V
[Windows is antiquated, stuffy, stubborn and just plain UGLY. Of couse the new generation of Windows OS "VISTA" looks strikingly similar to Mac system 10... what a surprise. And the reason behind the new Macs running Windows is a simple one to me: Once you start using both it will quickly become clear which is superior.
Here we go with the religion, its not helpful for those of us seeking alternatives.
Here we go with the religion, its not helpful for those of us seeking alternatives.
vittoriostoraro
New member
Ummmm, I DID answer the question.
V
V
What's the verdict:
MacBook
or
MacBook Pro?
MacBook
or
MacBook Pro?
Justyn
Veteran
I think sunstream has a very valid point about the cardbus.. and the graphics card... But that's the only thing that gives the pro any leverage over my macbook.. If you are going to edit.. write screenplays.. do some photoshop.. and already have a PCMCIA cardbus on a pc laptop, like I do.. and own a p2store.. The macbook is a steal.
I just edited a whole piece today of HVX footage.. and it is fast. 3 layers of video fast.. and it is just such a portable beauty.
I'd say that also thinking of using a laptop 4 years from now is kind of a bit of fantasy. Most of the ones I've had run fine for a year or two and that's it... Laptops are prone to a lot more problems than desktops.. and at this price... why would I want to keep this one for more than a year anyway. The wife will inherit this thing before long.... It's making me money right now and it's powerful enough to do my photoshop work, fcp, motion and just about anything else I want to throw at it.. Including windows apps... Will be awesome for DVrack.. I also did an 8 hour windows media webcast with the macbook.. and it got paid off the first day I used it. FIRST DAY! Now that's a good thing to be able to justify the purchase with just one gig.
I'd say that the macbook or pro debate depends upon whether you already own a desktop system.. or if this will be the mail workhorse. For me, I will still use the G5, but have the macbook for some work on location and to use as a tool for windows and some audio work i'm doing.
Also... I would encourage anyone to buy their components from other world computing. I installed 2 gigs of Ram, 7200 speed HD.. and with their rebate.. I got it done for 375 bucks.. which is 600 less than Apple wanted to charge
Love the macbook... would love the pro too. For me, I didn't need what the pro had now.. and in a year. I'll buy something else...
I just edited a whole piece today of HVX footage.. and it is fast. 3 layers of video fast.. and it is just such a portable beauty.
I'd say that also thinking of using a laptop 4 years from now is kind of a bit of fantasy. Most of the ones I've had run fine for a year or two and that's it... Laptops are prone to a lot more problems than desktops.. and at this price... why would I want to keep this one for more than a year anyway. The wife will inherit this thing before long.... It's making me money right now and it's powerful enough to do my photoshop work, fcp, motion and just about anything else I want to throw at it.. Including windows apps... Will be awesome for DVrack.. I also did an 8 hour windows media webcast with the macbook.. and it got paid off the first day I used it. FIRST DAY! Now that's a good thing to be able to justify the purchase with just one gig.
I'd say that the macbook or pro debate depends upon whether you already own a desktop system.. or if this will be the mail workhorse. For me, I will still use the G5, but have the macbook for some work on location and to use as a tool for windows and some audio work i'm doing.
Also... I would encourage anyone to buy their components from other world computing. I installed 2 gigs of Ram, 7200 speed HD.. and with their rebate.. I got it done for 375 bucks.. which is 600 less than Apple wanted to charge
Love the macbook... would love the pro too. For me, I didn't need what the pro had now.. and in a year. I'll buy something else...
konton
Active member
If ya know the right places to search you can also get good deals. I went on www.craigslist.org and found a guy in Fremont, CA selling a 17" 2.16Ghz Macbook Pro for $2200. It wasn't even even opened out of the box. He got two for graduation and wanted the money. I was happy to give it to him. And I got the other 1 gig of memory for the thing for $75 by searching www.pricewatch.com. There are a few places that already sell things like extra firewire and usb ports for the cardbus such as www.firewiredirect.com. Still no PCMCIA adapters yet. Very lame.
chakamonkey
Active member
Of course, you might want to be careful when paying cash for a cheap Mac
and I doubt you can add an AppleCare contract to something that fell off
a truck.
Although this is not Konton's experience, I did notice this warning posted to craigslist...
RE: Sealed Apple MacBook Pro 2.16GHz, 15.4" Intel Core Duo processor&m - $2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2006-07-08, 6:36PM PDT
THIS GUY IS A RETARDED SCAMMER, FLAG HIM AND HIS OTHER POSTS. HE LISTS THIS EVERYDAY AND WILL NOT REPLY UNLESS HE KNOWS YOU ARE A SUCKER AND FALL FOR HIS "IM OUT OF TOWN FOR MY DOUGHTERS CANCER RIGHT NOW AND SEND ME ALL YOUR MONEY AND YOU WILL NEVER HEAR BACK FROM ME"
WIRE TRANSFER AND MONEY ORDER ****,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sealed Apple MacBook Pro 2.16GHz, 15.4" Intel Core Duo processor&more - $2000
Reply to: sale-179859389@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-07-08, 5:09PM PDT
I have a factory sealed Apple MacBook Pro 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo processor.
and I doubt you can add an AppleCare contract to something that fell off
a truck.
Although this is not Konton's experience, I did notice this warning posted to craigslist...
RE: Sealed Apple MacBook Pro 2.16GHz, 15.4" Intel Core Duo processor&m - $2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2006-07-08, 6:36PM PDT
THIS GUY IS A RETARDED SCAMMER, FLAG HIM AND HIS OTHER POSTS. HE LISTS THIS EVERYDAY AND WILL NOT REPLY UNLESS HE KNOWS YOU ARE A SUCKER AND FALL FOR HIS "IM OUT OF TOWN FOR MY DOUGHTERS CANCER RIGHT NOW AND SEND ME ALL YOUR MONEY AND YOU WILL NEVER HEAR BACK FROM ME"
WIRE TRANSFER AND MONEY ORDER ****,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sealed Apple MacBook Pro 2.16GHz, 15.4" Intel Core Duo processor&more - $2000
Reply to: sale-179859389@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-07-08, 5:09PM PDT
I have a factory sealed Apple MacBook Pro 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo processor.