Specs for a Macbook pro

JauJau

JauJau

Active member
I just got my AF101 !!
Correct me if I'm wrong but my powerbook G4 (1.67ghz 2Gb) won't be able to edit AF101 workflow with Final Cut Pro...
So the question is, as I need to go portable, which Macbook pro specs do I need? Is the latest model worth it, or can I just get an older one?
Any advice will be appreciated !
 
The more power the longer it will last. I usually get the model just below the highest and load it up with RAM from another vender other than Apple. They charge way to much for RAM. I’m running a MacBook Pro 17” 2.66 GHz i7 with 8gig ram and it works fine with FCP7 and Premier Pro CS5.5.
 
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Same here - I have the 2011 version of the 15" macbook pro with the best graphics card it can come with, then added RAM from 3rd party (it's easy to do, instructions on the Apple support site). I run MC6 and Adobe Master Suite with very few problems. Best advice it so spend as much as you can afford I think - you can't have your laptop crash if you're editing in the field.
 
I agree! I have both a 2011 Macbook (with thunderbolt) and a 2010 (without thunderbolt!) for work.
If you have to try and be cheap, the 2010 version is fine, but I suggest 8 gigs of ram to feel comfortable at minimum. Dunno if you use it, but After Effects is way more bearable with 8 gigs.
 
Picked up a top-spec, late 2011 MacBook Pro, and tricked it out with max RAM (from Apple, as I don't find the prices prohibitive for top-spec RAM). Then ordered a 3G and 6G 480GB SSD and 'data-doubler' kit from OWC, paid the import duty to the UK, and now have a totally silent '1TB' portable workstation for my NukeX, PFTrack, Silhouette Roto, and FCPX.

Happy as a pig in sh*t.
 
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Yea .. your G4 isn't going to cut it .. you'll need a G5 Intel Macbook Pro. The more RAM, Ghz (of the processor)
and cache will determine your speed.

If you don't care about render times .. any 3Ghz Macbook Pro with 4Gig or more will suffice.

jeff
ps: Thunderbolt is cool ... but FW800 will suffice.
 
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slightly off topic, but with regards to thunderbolt, do you think the new pci expansion cases from sonnetteck, would allow the use of cuda cards? It is being promoted as a Red Rocket portable solution, so no reason why not. I like the 13" for ultimate portability, but you can't get discrete graphics on it. Thunderbolt opens up the possibility of having a full workstation on your desk, raid, video cards, monitors... unplug and go.
 
I run dual monitors at full HD res on my i7 2.66ghz MBP 17" and edit 1080p prores all day. Works great until you need to do motion graphics, then gets a bit sluggish.
You CAN edit on a g4 but it will be painful. You need voltaic HD to convert the footage to prores or proxies. you might feel like punching the screen though.. :)
 
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