Buying a new Macbook Pro for sound design - is the 2.7GHz upgrade worth it?

Hi everyone,
I'm in my final year of sound design and I will be using Logic, Max MSP, Traktor, Ableton, Maschine, softsynths, some hardware and large sfx libraries. I will be using this computer as a source of income for the next three years and I'm finding it very difficult making decisions for the upgrade with purchase. I've decided not to go with the retina display as I'm going to be buying a separate monitor/s anyway. I will be getting the 15-inch Macbook Pro.
Is the upgrade from 2.6 - 2.7GHz worth it? I've decided against SSD at this point as I think I need the capacity more than anything. I could upgrade to SSD in the future if necessary. But I can't decide between the 750GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm or the 1TB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm - should I forgo the 250gig for the 7200 rpm speed? Any advice welcome thanks!

It depends on whether your productivity is limited by CPU bandwidth. If it is, then you should easily recoup the cost of the upgrade over the life of the machine. If not, you won't.

Similar Messages

I'm looking to buy a new Macbook Pro, and have questions about the Applecare extended warranty?

I'm looking to buy a new Macbook Pro, and have questions about the Applecare extended warranty? I want to know if the 3 year extended warranty covers what damage. Like water damage, accidental damage, lost or stolen macbook, manufactory defects, or any other kind of damage, maybe be even cosmetic damage. Can anyone help me?

If you are talking about features of the MBP itself, as long as you are not looking at the Retina models, then the memory you can upgrade yourself for a lot less than Apple charges, and that does not affect the warranty as Apple considers memory a user permitted upgrade. Great sources are Crucial and OWC, both are Mac specialists and have on-line videos on how to do the install.
If the 15" is what you are looking at, a good upgrade is the 7200 rpm hard drive, gives a little better performance over the standard 5400 rpm drive.
The Hi Res screen is good if you do a lot of graphics work.
Comparing the 13" amd 15" you will notice the 15" has a second, discrete graphic processor...helps when you get into heavy duty videos, games, graphics...but keep in mind that kicking in the second processor uses a lot of power and will run the battery down faster.
If you are looking at the Retina models, then keep in mind there are no post-purchase upgrade options...you have to buy with everything you want at the start.
Just some thoughts.

Buying a new Macbook Pro for music recording, should I upgrade the RAM or Processor?

As the title states, I'm looking into buying a new Macbook (15 inch) for music recording. Should I upgrade the processor or the RAM memory?

Purchase it with the faster CPU. RAM may be increased later via third party chips at much lower cost if and when required.
Ciao.

Where in NYC can I buy a new Macbook Pro 2011 unibody trackpad and the tools i need to replace it myself?

I am going to NYC in a week and I'm wondering if there is a store where I can buy a new trackpad for my Macbook Pro 2011 unibody. I would also like to buy the tools i need to replace it myself. I can't find anything when I search the interwebz.

The problem is that when the machine is closed, it goes to sleep, and in sleep mode, all that goes on is that a bare trickle of power is used to keep the contents of RAM alive. Networking is definitely not active while asleep.
Now, regarding ds store's solution, that's a fairly bad idea. If the machine is just sitting at your desk, you don't need to close it, or if you feel a need to close it you can use Kappy's solution. (Although, it should be noted that apps like InsomniaX and Caffeine do not, as far as I know, keep a machine awake when the lid is shut.) If you're worried about passersby seeing your screen, just activate the screen saver instead. You could even require a password to dismiss the screen saver for added security.
On the other hand, if the machine is being transported, keeping the lid open and the machine running is not a good idea. The sudden motion sensor ought to protect your hard drive against damage caused by moving the machine around... if it's working properly, and I'd rather not depend on an "if" to prevent hardware damage to the machine. Plus, if it's in a bag and you've forced it to stay running, it could overheat due to lack of ventillation.
So, long story short: if you're transporting it, close it and deal with logging back in to the network, and if it's on your desk, don't bother closing it.

I am considering buying a new Macbook Pro 13" non-retina either the 2.5 GHz or the 2.9 GHz version to run Logic Pro X. My question is whether there is a noticeable difference in how well Logic Pro X works with the 2.9 GHz model vs the 2.5 GHz one.

Is there a noticeable performance improvement with running Logic Pro X on a 2.9 GHz model vs the 2.5 GHz one and yes I would have 8GB of RAM installed on the 2.5 GHz one if I were to buy it. Thanks!

My buying advice - the 'entry-level' new 15" MacBook Pro. Take a look at the specs. It's a wonderful machine - and you can upgrade RAM and HD to fit your needs without voiding the warranty. I don't know of any apps that I currently run that can't take advantage of the quad-core, and almost everything is 64-bit now.
I'd used the money you saved from not buying an out-dated 17" and put it into software. If you're transitioning from Windows that can add up quickly (which isn't to say you can't run your Windows apps using Boot Camp or a VM like Parallels.
Just my opinion - but if I could buy anything I wanted right now, I'd go with one of the upgraded 15" non-Retina MacBook Pros.
Clinton

Hello, I am interested in buying a new Macbook Pro but want to run Adobe CS package. Which computer do you recommend?

Hello, I am interested in buying a new Macbook Pro but want to run the latest Adobe CS package. Which computer do you recommend for best speed and perfromance?

Depending on the software you'll use - I doubt you'll be an expert on After Effects and use Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver like a pro (you may be an exception) - I have a 13" Macbook Pro simply because the 15" lacks the portability of the smaller size - the Retina 15" is alot lighter and if you can afford it - go for it!
I bought the Macbook Pro and replaced the 4GB of RAM with 8GB of RAM and replaced the HDD with an m4 SSD from Crucial. The SSD really makes a difference in app start up speeds, loading times and bootup speeds. The RAM ensures apps operate smoothly and everything is snappy. Since getting an SSD, I would say the performance of Photoshop and Illustrator is vastly improved. I can have both open whilst surfing the web, checking my email and even using Dreamweaver every once in a while. Multitasking is great.
To conclude, depedning on your price range, buying a £999 Macbook Pro and swapping the HDD for an SSD and the 4GB of RAm to 8GB, will ensure better performance than both 15" Models. However, buying a 15" Model and maxing out the specs, would beat the performance of a maxed out 13".
I have a 13" and it runs faster than it was when I first purchased it last year. Photoshop opens in 2/3 seconds and performance is great.
Hope this helps.
P.S. If you have the money, get the 15" Retina. If not, max out the 13" if you still want portability. Otherwise, get the 15" and max that out if you feel performance is poor.
The reason I say Retina, is because the maxed ram and SSD is already installed and saves alot of hassle aswell as the slimmer design and lighter weight.

I currently run the Design and Web Premium CS6 on a first generation MacBook Air and want to buy a new MacBook Pro. How do I know whether I can install my Adobe programs onto the new computer? Because I know there is some kind of limit.

I currently run the Design and Web Premium CS6 on a first generation MacBook Air and want to buy a new MacBook Pro. How do I know whether I can install my Adobe programs onto the new computer? Because I know there is some kind of limit.
Also, I had to install the software twice on my same computer before because I had to reboot the computer. I don't know if this affects the limit.

You are allowed to have two activated installations so there should not be a problem having working installations on the two machines. If by chance you have somehow tied up two activations for the one machine you can have Adobe support help resolve that thru chat.
Serial number and activation chat support (non-CC)
http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/service1.html ( http://adobe.ly/1aYjbSC )

Looking to buy new MacBook Pro for editing with Premiere/After Effects, but wondering about trade-off between Processor Speed and Graphics Card

I'm a professional video editor (using Premiere and After Effects) looking to buy a new MacBook Pro and am deciding between two models. The slightly older model has a 2.8GHZ i7 (3rd generation) Quad Core processor with a 1GB SDRAM of NVIDIA GE FORCE GT 650M Graphics Card. Then newer model has a 2.3GHZ i7 (4th generation) Quad Core preocessor with 2GB SDRAM of NVIDIA GE FORCE 750M/Intel Iris Pro Graphics Card.
Which makes the most difference (processor speed vs. graphics card) with editing with Premiere and After Effects?
Any help/guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
mike

Poikkeus wrote:
1. Your MBP will be somewhat slower than your iMac, as reflected in the general speed; desktop Macs have more RAM and storage.
You recon? If he get's the 17", he would have up to 8x more RAM, 4 x more GPU,, and a bit faster CPU;.
2. Be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of extra RAM. Loading up the slot will make juggling multiple applications easier, like Photoshop, VLC, and Safari. However, more than 4gigs of RAM will make loading your MBP on startup twice as slow - at least a minute, probably longer. That's why a MBP user with extra RAM should sleep their machine nearly always when not in use, rather than powering off.
I did not know this, I just upgraded from 4gb to 8gb the other day. Have not noticed it being slower, but I don't often shut it down. It's nice to not even have to bother with ifreemem.
3. Additional storage and RAM will maximize the basic capabilities of your MBP, but you won't be able to make a 2.3ghz machine any faster than it already is.
SSD
4. I still feel that your iMac will be faster than your prospective MBP. The only way to dramatically increase the speed would be the installation of a SSD drive (like the lauded OWC series). But they're not cheap.
I don't want to rain on your parade, but want you to get a more realistic idea of your performance.
I chose a macbook pro, 17" of cause. I use it for gaming. Yes a iMac is better for gaming. But, it's nice to be able to move around. Set up a man cave in the lounge 1 week, or in the bedroom, the next. But you fork out a lot more dosh for that luxury. And yes, not as much power as Poikkeus has said.

Buying a new MAcBook Pro - How do i move files and office for Mac

I am buying a new MacBook Pro and have a license for my office for Mac 2008. Can I re-install into the new computer or do i need to buy a new license? Also, how do i move all my itunes, photos, and files from one to the other!

Use TDM for transferring files, drag libraries into folders (iTunes Library into iTunes Folder for example). The Firewire cable will need to be a 6 to 9 pin, or an adapter.
If you're giving up the pB, De-authorize it for iTunes.
Don't do applications between G4 and Intel machines, better to reinstall.
Uninstall Office and use your key on the new Machine. Run Office update.
Connecting Your PowerBook to Another Computer Using FireWire Target Disk Mode.
If you want to transfer files between your PowerBook and another FireWire-equipped
Macintosh computer, or you have a problem that prevents your computer from starting
up, you can use FireWire Target Disk Mode to connect to another computer. When you
start up your computer in FireWire Target Disk Mode, the other computer can access
your PowerBook as if it were an external hard disk.
Note: When using FireWire Target Disk Mode, it’s a good idea to connect your power
adapter to the PowerBook.
To connect your PowerBook to another computer in FireWire Target Disk Mode:
1 Make sure that your PowerBook is shut down.
2 Use a FireWire cable to connect your PowerBook to another FireWire-equipped
computer.
3 Start up your PowerBook and immediately hold down the T key.
Your PowerBook display shows the FireWire logo. The other computer’s display shows
the PowerBook internal hard disk icon. You can now drag and drop files between the
computers.
4 When you finish transferring files, drag the PowerBook hard disk icon to the Trash.
5 Press the power button (®) on the PowerBook to shut it down, and then disconnect
the FireWire cable.
Joe

I buy a new macbook pro but the system care not here for that is there store be buy it your self

ı buy a new macbook pro but in the web site to register the new macbook it will 2 or 4 gays to after mac buy but I'm buy the store the mac system care is 3.1 ghz ıntel-core i7 and 16 gb 1866 mhz sidearm computer buy them in store for today?

You can purchase a Mac customized to your preference from the Apple Online Store. It will be manufactured almost immediately, and can be delivered to you in as little as two or three days, depending on your location. You may also choose from a number of Macs available in the Refurbished and Clearance store.
If you want to purchase a Mac and have it immediately, you are limited to what an Apple Retail Store or reseller has in stock.

If I buy a new macbook pro...

hello to everyone... I'll start saying that I'll buy my first mac finally after all these years looking for one (kind of difficult living in Perú.. a MBP that costs $2000 in USA, costs $2800 in Perú, so looking for someone to travel and buy it is kind of hard).
As I was saying.. I'm planning to buy a new Macbook Pro (the one launched on February 2008) and I want to know if I will have these problems that I've read in this forum:
- keyboard unable to use or failing a lot (lots of people had it after some upgrade).
- sleep mode failing.. some people had this too, the computer can't wake from sleep mode.
has anyone had any problem with the new macbook pro's??
thanks for answering!

- keyboard unable to use or failing a lot (lots of people had it after some upgrade).
The much maligned upgrade is a misnomer, it was really an software/firmware update and it only applied to previous releases of the MBP. The Feb'08 MBP does not need such an update.
- sleep mode failing.. some people had this too, the computer can't wake from sleep mode.
Same thing, this is mostly present in older MBP's.
has anyone had any problem with the new macbook pro's??
Like any new and complex piece of equipment, there are bound to be lemons in the mix. And some "problems" are more like undocumented or ill conceived design decisions. For example, the infamous keyboard problem, where certain keys don't respond at first try. In my case, the Caps Lock key takes a wee bit longer to respond than the rest of the keys. This seems to be a design "feature" and not a bad key switch: since many people complained that they were having typing errors cause the Caps Lock caught inadvertently, apparently they added a little delay so you wouldn't accidentally brush against the key. However, for a trained touch typist, this is a major PITA cause it breaks your typing rythmn, something the designer (probably not being a typist) completely overlooked.
So you moan and complain loudly in the appropiate places (Feedback or Applecare) and hopefully the company will eventually listen and issue an update. These forums are not the appropiate venue except for blowing off steam, since few if any decision-making Apple employees come here.

Questions about buying a new MacBook pro with SSD

Hello, I am about to buy a new MacBook pro. I'm going to get the 13 inch 2.8 dual core i7. I want a solid state drive also. I was going back and forth between the 128 gig or the 256 but I will probably get the 256. My computer will ship with lion but i am so confused about the TRIM support. Does lion take care of this? Dop I have to do anything like run a command or program to take care of TRIM? Also, are solid states reliable? Should I get apple care? ( i really don't want to. Lol)

I suggest you buy the notebook with the standard drive and the standard RAM, if you were thinking about upgrading the RAM.
You can replace the original drive with a SSD at a lower cost then what Apple charges You can also buy RAM for a MUCH lower price.
TRIM:
Lion only supports TRIM natively when used with a Apple SSD. BUT, REALLY BUT, You can enable TRIM support yourself on the SSD you install. I have a SSD in my MBP that I installed and I have enabled TRIM support on it.
Are SSDs reliable? As far as I can tell Yes they are. I have one in my Win 7 desktop PC for the last 9 months, No Problems. I have a SSD installed in my Dell Win 7 Notebook for the last 1.5 months, No Problems. I have a SSD installed in my MBP for the last month+, No problems. There are reports of SSDs failing but there are also report of standard hard drive failing all the time.
I used Intel 320 series SSDs in my 2 Windows PCs and a Kingston V200 SSD in my MBP. I switched to the Kingston because of the price and it runs on the higher SATA III bus speed, 6GB, where as the Intel 320 series only run at the 3GB speed, SATA II.

I'm buying a new Macbook Pro this week and am wondering what is the best way to copy over the software I have from my existing Macbook Pro to the new one? eg. Photoshop and Office etc. I no longer have the CDs.

I'm buying a new Macbook Pro this week and am wondering what is the best way to copy over the software I have from my existing Macbook Pro to the new one? eg. Photoshop and Office etc. I no longer have the CDs.

Ya know what I'm on a brand new MBP just about 24 hours old and you know whats been working amazingly for me. I have a 27inch iMac as well and i've just connected it to my network and been dragging files and apps across the network onto my new MBP. Its really working fast and its flawless. You could always do that option, Just go into sharing options and turn them on for both Macs. Then just click and drag. Of course they have to both be on the same network for this to be possible.
Look at my network.
Shared is what your looking at. I click on there see all my computers files and then drag the ones i want form its folder to my MBP folders. Hope that helps if your looking for a very simple way on a wireless network.

I need to install windows on my new Macbook pro for running my flight simulator software

Hi!
I'm new to the Mac world and I need to install windows on my new Macbook pro for running my flight simulator software which only runs on windows. I would like to purchase and download the windows 8.1 rather than buying the CD.
When i go to the microsoft store and click windows 8.1 it says it is only for who has windows xp or vista...
can you tell me where and how can i purchase the full installation 8.1 for download?
i will keep the ISO file on my flash drive.
Thanks!
<Re-Titled By Host>

it's likely an upgrade you are looking for and not a full install of windows
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/get-the-iso-you-need-to-crea te-your-own-windows-81-dvd/
if you get it as an iso file then you need to burn the iso file to a optical disc to install it

I am buying a new macbook pro but i want to fit my own ram memory and solid state hard drive , will apple permit this without voiding the waranty.

i am buying a new macbook pro but i want to fit my own ram memory and solid state hard drive , will apple permit this without voiding the waranty.

yes you can do it and not void the warranty. Those are the only hardware changes that Apple permits. Instructions on how to upgrade the ram and remove and replace the hard drive are even included in the owners manuals for MacBook Pros.

Buying a new Macbook Pro for sound design - is the 2.7GHz upgrade worth it?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for