Which mac book pro for final cut use?

pound_hound

I wondered if anyone might know how powerful a mac book pro I need to run final cut (probably final cut pro) at a decent speed on it? Some say the 13", 2.53GHz (4GB memory, 250 GB harddrive) would be enough but I am being told instore I'd need nothing less than the 15" 2.66GHz (4GB memory, 320 GB hard drive). Any advice/experiences welcomed please...

[Deleted User]

The hard drive space is up to you and not necessary just to run the program. The extra .13GHz CPU speed will barely be noticeable for any program, so the 13" computer should be fine.

BillScarab

Well the screen sixe is irrelevant to actually runnign the app although the larger screen may be easier to use.

The memory is the same and the difference in CPU speed is negligible.

One point to consider is that editing video can use a LOT of hard disk space so the more the better. Is there an option to upgrade the disk space on either of the models you're looking at?

[Deleted User]

You could getter a bigger hard drive (up to 500GB) by ordering through the Apple website or else just buy a new one yourself (it would cost less) - would you know how to fit a new hard drive?

Do you need the computer straight away? Apple have been slow in releasing computers based on the new Core i5/Core i7 CPUs, but I imagine that it won't be long now before they do so. One of these could be quite a bit quicker if you can wait a while (although it might be a couple of months).

pound_hound

Thank you so much for your advice... no idea about fitting a new harddrive (I am not technical atall), I had been more worried about render times than I am about stoarage as I have an external hard drive too. The man in apple mentioned something about needing one without an intergrated memory(?) card? And that 15" being the lowest spec that didn't have it - make any sense to you? I believe I could upgrade disc space at a later date if I wished to.

[Deleted User]

He was referring to the graphics card. The Final Cut minimum specifications include the following:
"For rendering of 4K files and DPX: a graphics card with at least 512MB of VRAM"

You can only get this feature on the most expensive 15" MacBook Pro.

Final Cut wil definitely run on the 13" too though (without this feature). After all, Apple actually offer the Final Cut software as an option when buying this computer from their website!

From what I have read (and this might not apply to the latest version), Final Cut Pro itself does not benefit much from added graphics performance. However, many of the other programs in the Final Cut Suite do though and so they would definitely benefit from the added performance in the 15" MacBook Pro with Geforce 9600M GT graphics (note that the cheapest 15" Macbook Pro does not have this graphics card). Even if Final Cut Pro does not benefit from the better graphics card now, they may well release future versions that do.

I suppose it depends on your budget...if you can effort it without too much of a problem, the 15" MacBook would be a safer choice.

timbim_2

In terms of storage, I'd get a graid box, and mirror the two to protect against data loss. Running that off the firewire port gives plenty of speed, and protects the footage!

pound_hound

Great advice, thank you...

Scrilla

A few points:

1) I'm assuming there is a reason why you after a laptop, but be aware an iMac (with it's faster processor and larger screen) would be a more economical choice.

2) I used FCP and although the 13" MacBook Pro has a Hi-res display for it's size, you may find it difficult to use FCP as FCP uses small control buttons. I'd personally say a 15" screen would be better as a minimum, but that would depend on how you prefer to organise your FCP workspace. Also, I'd use a mouse too as I find using the trackpad less efficient to use. Then again, I don't know all the shortcut buttons well enough yet and the Trackpad gestures combined with use of shortcuts would be very efficient once I get the hang of them fully.

3) If you do any serious editing, I will echo timbim with his raid suggestion. Although a higher budget is needed, you may consider the 17" MacBook Pro (which is what I use) as it has an ExpressCard slot so you can add an eSATA connection.

4) Apple's product life cycles suggest new MacBook Pros are due within the next 1-2 months. It may be worthwhile to hang on like tentonie said.