Would I still be able to fun Final Cut Pro with no problem with the new 13"

Question

My old MBP has "NVIDIA GeForce 860M GT with 128MB" and the new 13-inch MBP has "NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics" I don't really know what "GT" means, but the more expensive MBP's listed have it, so I'm guessing it's pretty good. I was wondering if I'd still be able to fun Final Cut Pro quickly if I got the new 13-inch MBP.
Back in 2007, the guy at the Apple store said I'd have to get a MBP instead of a MB if I wanted to fun FCP correctly, and now both the MB and MBP use the same graphics chip, so I'm wondering if FCP will still function correctly on the new 13-inch MBP?

Answer 1

Eric wrote:
Incorrect about what? I never made any statements, just questions. According to the Apple store, the Macbook and 13-inch Macbook Pro both use the same chip, which is the only statement I made. And which is why I'm wondering if the new 13-inch MBP can even handle FCP since the MB can't (according to the guy in the Apple store).
Actually, your original question was formed as part of a statement:
now both the MB and MBP use the same graphics chip, so I'm wondering if FCP will still function >correctly on the new 13-inch MBP?
And that's the part that BoyHowdy pointed out that you are "a little incorrect" about. While it's true that they both have an onboard 9400M graphics chip, you are overlooking the fact that the 15" & 17" MBPs also have the much more powerful and dedicated 9600M GT graphics card. This is not an insignificant difference. Final Cut Pro, not to be confused with Final Cut Express (not you, others have confused the two), requires a dedicated card which the 15" & 17" MBPs have in the form of the additional 9600M GT, but the 13" still lacks.
The specs on the Final Cut Pro page are a little confusing because while it says it *will not work* with integrated graphics, it specifically refers to Intel, and does not mention Nvidia. However, it still says it requires an AGP or PCI Express card, which the 9400M is not.
My feeling is that even if it runs, the performance of Final Cut Pro on that system will be unacceptable, and will ultimately drive you mad. It really pushes the graphics systems hard, and despite their vast improvement over the pathetic Intel onboard graphics systems, the 9400M is still pretty anemic for high end work. You're better off saving a little more money and getting the low end 15" model. Not to mention, the extra screen real estate makes a huge difference with the very crowded Final Cut Pro UI.