MacBook Pro Dilemma

Hi,
I have a problem.
I want to buy a MacBook Pro in the near future, but i don't really know which one I schould buy.
I do know I want a 15 inch, so that gives me two options.
The 2,2 Ghz or the 2,4 Ghz.
I occasionally play a game like the Sims 3 but I will also be using the MacBook Pro for school.
So it has to be fast, but not very fast. If you know what I'm saying..
What I'd like to hear from you guys is which one suites me best.
Could anyone please give me some advice on this.
Because I really don't know which to buy.
Thank you,
Boris

CT gave you good advice re; RAM. To add to that, you will find third party RAM much less expensive than if you ordered extra RAM with your purchase. Installation of RAM ia very, very easy.
Good luck.
Ciao.

Similar Messages

I have a 3 year old MacBook Pro with MAC OSX 10.6.8, iPhoto '09 version 8.1.2 and have downloaded two software programs: one is Aperture 3.2 and the other is Photoshop Elements 9 (which I got from a friend who didn't need it). I am totally happy with the

I have a 3 year old MacBook Pro with MAC OSX 10.6.8, iPhoto ’09 version 8.1.2 and have downloaded two software programs: one is Aperture 3.2 and the other is Photoshop Elements 9 (which I got from a friend who didn’t need it).
I am totally happy with the way iPhoto organizes my photos and how I can work with iMovie to create slide shows with music from iTunes, etc.
I have been shooting mostly high resolution jpegs and I continue to learn more and more about photography, post processing etc. I realize that the small adjustments I can make in iPhoto are good, and are adequate most of the time. However, a have started to experiment with shooting RAW images and would like to go the next step, ie. post processing.I am totally technically challenged and need SIMPLE, INTUITIVE programs and am certainly NOT anywhere ready for Photoshop CS whatever!
After having these programs sit on my computer, I decided to try to see if I could figure them out. When I opened Aperture, this is what first comes up.
“Welcome to Aperture 3.2
Your library needs to be upgraded to work with this version of Aperture. Once upgraded, you will not be able to use this library with previous versions of Aperture.
Upgrading a library from previous versions of Aperture 3 generally takes a few minutes or less, though larger libraries will take longer. After that, Aperture 3.2 will upgrade your library's thumbnails, but you can use the application during that time.
Tip: To open a different library, quit Aperture and hold the Option key down while starting Aperture
Current Library Location:
Jadzia (home) -----Pictures------Aperture Library
QUIT UPGRADE”
I have heard horror stories about moving your entire library to Aperture, ending up with 2 libraries, etc. etc. hence my previous reluctance in attempting Aperture. In addition, many of my photography friends are saying: Go with Lightroom 3.....you’ll love it!
So here is my dilemma. I don’t want to mess around with my iPhoto library. All I want to be able to do, is to isolate a few photos, export them to Aperture, Elements, and work on them there, then bring them back into iPhoto.
Can I do this? Should I forget about Aperture and Elements and look at purchasing yet another program like Lightroom?

Export those few photos via the File ➙ Export ➙ File Export menu option with Kind = Original to the Desktop. Then import them into the Aperture library. That would keep one copy in your iPhoto library and another in your Aperture library to edit, etc.
You can use Photoshop Elements 9 from within iPhoto as your editor of choice. However, if you edit a raw file in iPhoto with PSE9 the resulting edited version must be saved outside the iPhoto Library and imported back in as a new file. For editing jpegs just do a Save (not a Save As) and it all will be kept within iPhoto.
Using Photoshop or Photoshop Elements as Your Editor of Choice in iPhoto.
1 - select Photoshop or Photoshop Elememts as your editor of choice in iPhoto's General Preference Section's under the "Edit photo:" menu.
2 - double click on the thumbnail in iPhoto to open it in Photoshop. When you're finished editing click on the Save button. If you immediately get the JPEG Options window make your selection (Baseline standard seems to be the most compatible jpeg format) and click on the OK button. Your done.
3 - however, if you get the navigation window
that indicates that PS wants to save it as a PS formatted file. You'll need to either select JPEG from the menu and save (top image) or click on the desktop in the Navigation window (bottom image) and save it to the desktop for importing as a new photo.
This method will let iPhoto know that the photo has been editied and will update the thumbnail file to reflect the edit..
NOTE: With Photoshop Elements the Saving File preferences should be configured as shown:
I also suggest the Maximize PSD File Compatabilty be set to Always. In PSE’s General preference pane set the Color Picker to Apple as shown:
Note: to switch between iPhoto and PS or PSE as the editor of choice Control (right)-click on the thumbnail and select either Edit in iPhoto or Edit in External Editor from the contextual menu. If you use iPhoto to edit more than PSE re-select iPhoto in the iPhoto General preference pane. Then iPhoto will be the default editor and you can use the contextual menu to select PSE for your editor when desired.
OT

Should I get a 13" or 15" Macbook Pro with retina laptop?

I, FINALLY, after one year of wanting to get a new laptop to use as my primary computer replacing my desktop computer at home.........have decided to switch gears from a Windows computer to a MACBOOK PRO with RETINA laptop. It's not an easy decision when you are spending SO much money on something you hope will last a long time as I do NOT plan on getting a new laptop once I buy this one for a very long time (until it breaks / can no longer function)!
My dilemma now is whether to go with the high end 13" Macbook Pro OR get a similar if not higher end 15" Macbook Pro. Here's background on myself and what I plan on using the laptop for:
I plan on using it as my new primary computer for home so primarily for my personal use, but I will be using it also for work so I will be using it for basically EVERYTHING!
I will use it to do word processing (MS Word), to do my finances (reconcile my bank stmts/accounts), using MS Excel for accounting work, check my emails, research the Internet, photo editing (pretty much basic, definitely not advanced) and creating slideshows with my photos/music, downloading/playing music. I do not plan on using it to play any games.
I use alot of MS Office / Excel and some Powerpoint - either for work or home.
I need alot of storage space for photos (recreational - up to 400 per vacation trip) and I plan on creating slideshows with the photos using Apple's great photo/video/slideshow apps! At last count, I had about 100GB of photo files.
I also need alot of storage for my music files - I have @ least 12GB of music right now and am always downloading more each year.
I plan on taking it with me outside of home only on the weekends for the most part like to a cafe (Starbucks) or library, but not for anything further than that (not for travel as I will just take my ipad).
I know it's only ~1lb difference in weight, but a couple of my concerns is since it will be my primary home computer (i.e.I'll be using it in the evenings/on the weekends and probably more (since it's an Apple!) to work on photos/slideshows, if the screen size difference will matter in the longrun in terms of having any impact on my vision (not sure if the 2" will make a difference in that). I'm only 45yo, but I do worry about that! I tried both the 13" and 15" in the Apple store and the only difference I saw was that the 15" screen allowed you to have multiple programs visible on the screen side by side, but viewing the actual programs was the same (in size). I don't really view programs side by side right now (I use the ALT-TAB shortcut alot to view multiple programs I have open at once), but I could see how having programs viewable side by side could come in handy.
I had a Toshiba 17" laptop before that was too HEAVY to lug around even if on the weekend so I no longer want a heavy laptop and want something more portable to take with me on my weekend excursions to the local cafe/library which basically means going from home to car and car to location at most, but when I go to use the restroom, I like to take it with me (do not feel safe leaving it behind on table) so I don't want it too heavy.
I do plan on getting me a Western Digital external hard drive to backup ALL my files yet since I plan on keeping the computer for as long as it'll hold up, I want to make sure I have alot of storage to keep up with me. I like the flashdrive component because there are fewer moving parts so less likely to have problems in the long run and given that (despite my need for alot of storage), I'll backup my photos/music to external drives should I end up maxing out on my storage.
I value your opinions, please help me DECIDE!!!!! I'm frustrated and it's driving me nuts!!! I know it's too much to ask, but if they had a 14", I would probably go with it! A 2" difference seems pretty big. :-)
THANK YOU!!!

Thanks guys. I'm set on the 15" now and am now deciding on whether I should go with the standard MBP or the MBP with retina display? I'm not an advanced photographer, but I do like to take alot of photos especially when travelling and I do plan on creating slideshows with my photos synched with music. I don't think I'd be one to really be able to tell the difference between a retina vs. non-retina screen given that since I can't really tell the difference between a tv screen with vs. without HD. So for me, I don't think it'd be about the retina display at all. It is more about the storage capacity AND the fact that I hear with the retina/flash storage, that there are less apt to have problems down the road so a more sturdy a machine. Given I take alot of photos/will be creating slideshows wth my photos, and downloading/playing music, I'm thinking the standard MBP might be better storage-wise. But also given I plan on keeping this laptop for a long time (basically, until it breaks or becomes too slow to function productively), that makes me want to go the retina/flash storage route. SIGH.
Should I not be so concerned about the longevity of the machine, but rather opt for the one with more storage?

Should I buy a new Macbook pro?

So, I've had a 15" macbook pro, (mid 2010) and it has served me well... The hard drive failed, which i got repaired, then the battery has just done that thing where it swells up like a beach ball...
Here's my dilemma:
I don't know if i can be bothered to spend the money to replace the battery, or if its worth me just buying a new one...
i know someone will say "waste of time, just get it repaired" but frankly this laptop can't really run ANYTHING decently any more...
So here's the big question: Should i just go ahead and buy the current Top Spec 15 inch macbook pro, or do i wait for the new models that come out later this year?
Will i even notice a difference?
I mainly use the computer for general browsing, video editing, audio editing and a lot of gaming... with that in mind, does anyone have any suggestions?
is it even worth waiting?? will there really be an enormous jump in performance in the new models that i simply cant live without?
Thanks in advance for the help!

Hardware Information: ℹ️
    MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) (Technical Specifications)
    MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro6,2
    1 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7 CPU: 2-core
    8 GB RAM Upgradeable
        BANK 0/DIMM0
            4 GB DDR3 1067 MHz ok
        BANK 1/DIMM0
            4 GB DDR3 1067 MHz ok
    Bluetooth: Old - Handoff/Airdrop2 not supported
    Wireless: en1: 802.11 a/b/g/n
    Battery Health: Replace Soon - Cycle count 1251
Video Information: ℹ️
    Intel HD Graphics - VRAM: 288 MB
    NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M - VRAM: 512 MB
        Color LCD 1440 x 900
System Software: ℹ️
    OS X 10.9.5 (13F34) - Time since boot: 21 days 20:47:48
Disk Information: ℹ️
    WDC WD10JPVX-00JC3T0 disk0 : (1 TB)
        EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
        Macbook Pro (disk0s2) / : 999.86 GB (745.41 GB free)
    HL-DT-ST DVDRW GS23N
USB Information: ℹ️
    Apple Internal Memory Card Reader
    Apple Inc. BRCM2070 Hub
        Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
    Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad
    Apple Inc. Built-in iSight
    Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
Gatekeeper: ℹ️
    Mac App Store and identified developers
Kernel Extensions: ℹ️
        /System/Library/Extensions
    [not loaded]    com.devguru.driver.SamsungComposite (1.4.27 - SDK 10.6) [Click for support]
        /System/Library/Extensions/ssuddrv.kext/Contents/PlugIns
    [not loaded]    com.devguru.driver.SamsungACMControl (1.4.27 - SDK 10.6) [Click for support]
    [not loaded]    com.devguru.driver.SamsungACMData (1.4.27 - SDK 10.6) [Click for support]
    [not loaded]    com.devguru.driver.SamsungMTP (1.4.27 - SDK 10.5) [Click for support]
    [not loaded]    com.devguru.driver.SamsungSerial (1.4.27 - SDK 10.6) [Click for support]
Launch Agents: ℹ️
    [not loaded]    com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist [Click for support]
Launch Daemons: ℹ️
    [loaded]    com.adobe.fpsaud.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.bombich.ccc.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.ea.origin.ESHelper.plist [Click for support]
User Launch Agents: ℹ️
    [failed]    com.facebook.videochat.[redacted].plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.facebook.videochat.[redacted].plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.google.keystone.agent.plist [Click for support]
    [failed]    com.valvesoftware.steamclean.plist [Click for support]
User Login Items: ℹ️
    teleportd    Application (/[redacted]s/User/Library/PreferencePanes/teleport.prefPane/Contents/Resources /teleportd.app)
    KiesAgent    Application Hidden (/Applications/Kies.app/Contents/MacOS/KiesAgent.app)
    fuspredownloader    Application Hidden (/[redacted]s/User/Library/Application Support/.FUS/fuspredownloader.app)
Internet Plug-ins: ℹ️
    JavaAppletPlugin: Version: 14.9.0 - SDK 10.7 Check version
    FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 16.0.0.305 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
    QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3
    Flash Player: Version: 16.0.0.305 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
    Default Browser: Version: 537 - SDK 10.9
    Silverlight: Version: 5.1.30514.0 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
    iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0
Safari Extensions: ℹ️
    AdBlock
    GMail Counter
    DivX Plus Web Player HTML5 <video>
3rd Party Preference Panes: ℹ️
    Flash Player [Click for support]
    MusicManager [Click for support]
    teleport [Click for support]
Time Machine: ℹ️
    Time Machine not configured!
Top Processes by CPU: ℹ️
         8%    WindowServer
         2%    Google Chrome
         1%    fontd
         0%    AppleSpell
         0%    aosnotifyd
Top Processes by Memory: ℹ️
    241 MB    Google Chrome
    163 MB    iTunes
    146 MB    Finder
    129 MB    softwareupdated
    86 MB    WindowServer
Virtual Memory Information: ℹ️
    1.75 GB    Free RAM
    3.21 GB    Active RAM
    2.43 GB    Inactive RAM
    1.20 GB    Wired RAM
    1.93 GB    Page-ins
    0 B    Page-outs

SLEEP/WAKE PROBLEM on my Macbook Pro 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

Greetings!
I love APPLE. So APPLE, please do try to help me out here...
The first problem I encountered was a faded translucent bluish/grayish rectangular line stretching from top to bottom suddenly showing up. I've shown this to our local APPLE technician and my LCD was replaced. Nice job here APPLE!
Now for the latest problem occurring as I'm writing this post. When I have my laptop fall into sleep, for say at least 5 minutes, and attempt to wake it up.. the user interface doesn't show up. The screen remains black and that pressing any key on the keyboard or clicking the mouse will automatically restart the laptop always (I do hope my internal hard disk won't be damaged from this reoccurring dilemma of mine). I've observed that this current problem started after my LCD was replaced.
Does anybody have the same problem as I have? If so, please do give me possible solutions for this? I've already talked with our local APPLE technician and told me that there might be some problems with the motherboard inside that may opening the laptop might be necessary.
Still... No worries APPLE (as of yet), I still love it even though it's my first time using such a wonderful invention of technology.
Fathom Graphis

Hi. This is Fathom Graphis again.
Reading one of the threads that mentions an individual asking for help from an Apple certified technician with a problem that's quite the same as mine, I followed the instructions given by this Apple technician that there may be an application or some device activated in the "SHARING" folder (under *System Preferences*) that's causing the problem of the laptop not waking up and requiring hard reset to get back to the Mac OSX user interface.
So, I checked my sharing folder and found that my *"PERSONAL WEB SHARING"* option is activated (Under the SERVICES menu). I deactivated (unchecked) it and tested my laptop sleeping function by shifting the PUT THE COMPUTER TO SLEEP arrow to 1 minute and letting the laptop sleep for 10 minutes. After which, I moved the mouse and the MAC OSX User Interface came abruptly and the laptop didn't restart. I tested it again by letting it sleep for another 10 minutes and waking it up through mouse click and the MAC OSX User Interface showed up abruptly and the laptop, again, restarted.
So far, I'm still putting my laptop under observation. But I just want to inform everybody with their supposed respective SLEEP/WAKE problems on their Macbook pros (or Macbooks) that this may solve their issues (though I provide no guarantees, okay? I'm just a common user who happen to find a solution accidentally).
Still I want to address APPLE that certainly, letting your laptop sleep and waking it up and restarting itself after with the Personal Web Sharing activated (or checked under System Preferences > Sharing > Services) is indeed a "bug" that needs to be fixed. So hopefully, the people at APPLE would try to resolve such an issue as soon as possible (because, to my knowledge, sudden restarts of Hard Disks may cause data damages). God Bless You All.
Fathom Graphis

How do I upload a video to play on my website from my MacBook Pro?

How can I take video clips on my MacBook Pro and upload them to my website and then embed the video with a video player so that visitors to my website can see and play them from specific webpages on my site and on my blog?
Is there a specific software program I need?
I've been told I need a Flash Video player uploaded to a file on my website but I can't figure out what that means in terms of finding a Flash Video Player I can first download to my MacBook and then upload to my website FIle Manager, then figure out how to upload the file so that it connects to that Flash Video Player that is on my website.
This is all very confusing and frustrating to me and I need a solution as quick and easy as possible.
THanks,
Skip

SkipWeisman wrote:
... I want to host the video solely on my website with its own video player (stop, play, pause buttons, etc.).
So, my question is how do I do that, what type of software, video player or html code, etc. do I need to have to make that happen.
that is +a little+ beyond my skills, allthough I did that in the very beginnings of some of my websites a few hundred years ago And it is a little beyond the topic of this board..
to offer at last a few remarks:
• video files are huge.. check your contract, how much webspace your provider offers you.. (1 GB as a start)
• due to size, your guests will generate lots of traffic/bandwidth.. check your contract, how much traffic your provider allows you.. (a few GBs per months)
• the usual dilemma - what codec? YouTube made flv popular (=compatible with 99% of computers, 0% compatible with smart-phones and iPads..); actually, we're (and YT..) in transition to html5, which allows the more lean and 'better' h264 codec.. but do your guests use 'modern' browsers as Safari/FF/GC...? Do you have to offer a 'switch', flv/new? ...
• you have to upload your encoded files to your web-host, add some lines of code which generates a 'player'-experience (= tons of advice and free downloads around the net...); 'link' the code to your site-folders containing the videos - done.
• webspace and traffic
• decision to encode in what ..
• encoding video, probably wth some 3rd party encoder
• some 'website generator software' which allows manual coding for embedding your 'player'-code
=> now you see, HOW convenient iWeb is...
.. which, by the way, supports upload/FTP to 'foreign'/non-MobileMe websites..
perhaps you should try this very Mac-like way as a start..

What is the best display to replace a 15" matt MacBook Pro?

Hi everyone this is my first post. I have a dilemma that I need assistance with. I have plans on buying the new Mac Book Pro after two happy years with my current 2.33 GHZ *15" matt* version. However, as most of you will be aware I won't be able to buy a 15" matt version for the 2008/9 version.
I spoke to Apple sales and I was told that for the type of computing I do both the 15" matt and the 17" matt and gloss versions would not be suitable, which leaves me very confused and I really don't want to go back to a PC.
Here's some information on how I use my Mac and for what purpose - *maybe you can advise me on the best option*. I currently spend 10 or more hours each day on the Mac for work. 95% of this time is spent using Safari, Mail and iWork. The rest is spent using Dreamweaver and editing photographs. The issue is that I work from home literally with the Mac balanced on my lap whilst slumped in the couch (comfy!), this is where I'm told the *17" will be too large to use on my lap and is really meant to be used on a desk* and the *glossy screen will cause headaches* for this length of time. I rarely travel with my Mac just to the odd meeting once or twice a month.
What do you think is my best option:
A. Macbook Pro 15" Glossy
B. Macbook Pro 17" Glossy
C. Macbook Pro 17" Matt
D. Buy a PC
Please help me decide...Paul

I'm currently slouched in a glider in front of the fire using my 17" MBP on my lap with no problems. I have the matte hi-resolution display and I see no reason why you couldn't do the same. I absolutely love the real estate of the 17".
Apple salespeople will tell you that MBP's are notebook computers rather than laptop computers every time and that they don't recommend them for laptop use. The main thing is to be sure you don't block air circulation and exhaust so that it won't overheat. Some people use a flat lapboard or lap desk. I rest mine on my thighs and knees so that the vents are free and air circulates freely in the middle.
Many photographers feel that a laptop display is not as good for editing photos as a desktop display, but I don't know to what extent that would apply to the latest screen technology. I do know that my old iBook display was awful for even the most primitive of editing. The one I have now is more than adequate for what I do. A professional might prefer a desktop display, but you can always add a separate external display if you decide you need one. If you are happy with your old MBP and it would do what you needed, I think there is no reason not to go with a new MBP.
There are huge debates over matte vs. glossy. I think I would lean towards the matte, since you work 10 hrs/day, and that is what you know you can do comfortably. I have heard a bit more about eyestrain issues with the glossy display, and that might be something to consider. It would at least be worth visiting a store where you can spend some time with the glossy and see how you feel about it. In the end, it will come down to personal preference.
Good luck!

MacBook Pro retina: Mid-range 13" or low-range 15"?

Hi,
I'm a second-year university student looking to get the latest MacBook Pro retina (switching from a PC). I have been to the store and tried both - I am very torn between getting a mid-range 13" (I want the 256GB SSD) or a low-range 15". With the Apple care, student discounts and tax (15% here), the difference in price comes down to $700 CAD. I am not sure whether spending this extra cash is worth is as I do not do any graphic or hardcore programming work. I use my laptop mostly to type notes, read and watch movies & TV series. I should mention that I will not consider MacBook Air, it's too thin for my taste (I feel like I will easily drop it or break it haha). Here are some pros and cons I've came up with - I wish to get some insight from all of you who have had experience with MacBook Pros:
13":
Pros:
1. About 1kg lighter in weight, the charger is also lighter than the one used for 15", so it will add up to be more than 1kg lighter --> more portable
2. Longer battery life (though I'll most likely be carrying around the charger anyway, I will almost always have somewhere to plug at school)
3. Cheaper ($700 CAD less than the 15")
Cons:
1. Smaller screen (I've never used a laptop under 15.4", I have no idea whether 13" is enough as a comfortable size to work with for long hours), maybe eyes will get tired more easily
2. Since there is less screen space, when working on programs such as Microsoft Office with multiple documents, have to spend little extra time adjusting size of the window or display (zoom in and such)
15":
Pros:
1. Bigger screen, which makes the "retina" part much more obvious and apparent --> nicer to watch videos and movies.
2. 16GB RAM, can "keep its value longer(?)" - I lack of a better way to say this... it seems like these things get upgraded quickly, 8GB may be good today, and next year the standard becomes 16GB. And since RAM is something important for most people, getting a 16GB feels like my laptop can withstand its value longer
Cons:
1. HEAVIER - this is what I'm more concerned about (please share your experiences with 15" rMBP's weight ). I'm afraid that although it doesn't feel much lighter when I hold it, and it's probably not that heavy with just the rMBP in the backpack - the extra weight might show during exam times when I have to carry more books around.
2. Price - Is the $700CAD worth it? Because the difference that I can really experience will probably be 1)the screen and 2) the RAM, since I only do ordinary business with my laptop. I know what the extra money is worth it for those professional users out there given the higher specs of the processor and graphics card, but I probably won't feel anything, right?
- but then, if the extra screen real estate can make me work more efficiently (share your experiences please, I would really like to hear them), and that it's not heavy, I do have the budget to pay the extra $700.
As you may be able to tell, I've done quite a lot of research, but I am still torn and don't know how to decide. I guess the biggest question is portability vs. extra screen space & retina experience. I would really appreciate if you could share your opinions and experiences! If you can convince me of which model to choose, I will be very grateful. I've been losing productivity for days just to think about this decision dilemma...
Thanks in advance!
Ellen

It is really a personnel choice. I myself would opt for the 15 inch because I consider the 13 inch has too small a screen and the 16 GB of memory is a plus.

Do I buy a 13" MacBook Pro or an Air?

Okay, I am having a dilemma and need some advice. I am looking to buy a new laptop to serve as my only computer. I currently have a 15" MacBook Pro with an i5 Processor. I bought the 15" last year because I thought I NEEDED an anti-glare display and since it was my first laptop, I was worried about losing screen real estate. Also, I didn't want to get a core 2 duo and to get an i5 or better I had to get atleast a 15" I have since learned I am fine with glossy (actually, I PREFER it) and also prefer portability over power. I feel like I bought a Ferrari to handle a 2 block commute. The 13" screen does not seem much smaller. I am a student so I like bringing my computer to class and on trips or even to a friend's house. However, I find the size of the 15" to be a little too bulky and I find I only bring laptop around with me "when I absolutely have to". It's heavy and also does not fit well in a bag. It feels too big to bring to a coffee shop or to friend's houses, and I hate carting it around campus. I see a lot of people with 13" MBP's and they take them around, no problem.
I am planning on selling my 15" MacBook Pro and then buying a 13" MacBook Pro or a 13" MacBook Air. It will be my only computer. I mainly use it for browsing the web, e-mail, writing, watching movies, MS Office, skyype, itunes, and then I also do light editing with imovie. Also, I want something that will serve me well for the next 4 or 5 years. Since the AIr cannot be upgraded once you buy it, will it be too poorly equiped to handle typical tasks within a few years? Would I be better off buying a pro? The 13" Pro feels A LOT smaller than the 15". However, are the going to revamp the 13" Pro next year and eliminate the optical drive? Which one serves me better for the future? If I had a MacBook Pro 13" I could always upgrade the ram and swap in a SSD in a couple of years. Also, which machine is more fragile?
I am sure many people are having this dilemma now that the new airs feature the newer processors. What do you think my ideal set-up should be? I have about 20 Gigs of media on my computer as of now, and obviously the number will grow. Like I said, I want this computer to last me atleast the next 4 years.
Should I get a 13" MBP or an Air? If so, which specs should I make sure are included on the machine?

I was in the same position.. debating between the beautiful lightweight Air or the Pro. There were many pros in both aspects I had to consider.. the power the Pro has is crazy.. and honestly, I'll probably never use all of the power it comes with. The air was great for being so lightweight and portable.. and I travel with my computer all the time.
I went with the Macbook Pro and couldn't be happier with my choice. I know the Air boots up lighting fast.. but the Pro is super fast itself.. the Air, as beautiful as it is.. I felt like with one wrong move could snap right in half.. the Pro feels so sturdy and strong. The Pro also has the SD slot which the 11inch air doesnt.. so that was important to me too since I love taking a lot of pictures. Being able to watch DVD's on my laptop is a huge plus too .. and burning DVD's and CD's.
I feel like I completely got my monies worth with my Pro.. no problems at all and just seems so advanced.

Imac (10.6.8) and Macbook Pro R (10.8) with Aperture??s

I have an Imac with Aperture 3.2.4 that works fine on the current system (10.6.8).
I just got a new Macbook Pro Retina for travel that has 10.8 on it that I installed Aperture on, updated it to the current version, and added a few photos onto it to experiment with. However, now it says I have to rebuild the Library for my old photos which "can't be undone." Glad it did it with just a few photos.
My dilemma...IF I use this laptop on my trip for editing photos and return, am I going to be able to import them back to my Imac with the "old Aperture 3.2.4" or not? Or, am I soon going to be forced to upgrade my Imac to the more current OS system. I hate updating when everything works great!

You will not be able to go backward.
Once the library is updated (or you have a new library made with the new version of Aperture) that library will not open in the old version of Aperture.

I am unable to use an external microphone on my MacBook Pro (17-inch Late 2008)

I have a dilemma. I wanted to use Skype on my MacBook Pro as I have before (successfully) but I have a new headset so I decided to plug it in and use it. I plugged the green headphone jack into the headphone jack on the side of the computer and did likewise with the pink microphone jack into the mic/line-in hole.
Skype seemed to work but I realized the audio output was coming through the headphone but the audio input was coming from the internal mic on the computer. I went into Settings and found the sound control. I tried to change from internal mic to external line in, which you can do, but there is no audio input at all then. Switch back to internal mic and all is well again.
The headset is new and works fine on my DELL so I know the issue is in the MacBook. If I open the sound conteol and unplug the headphone from the jack the computer knows and changes the settings right in front of me from headphones to internal speakers... as it should. The same does not happen for the microphone. Nothing seems to happen with the external line in port.
I have run out of ideas. Is there something I am missing here? All I want to do is use the mic on the headset instead of on the laptop. Seems simple enough.
Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? Ideas??
Jim

A USB mic would be the best bet. Blue make some outstanding USB mics. I would just return the one that you've purchased and buy a Blue USB mic.
Clinton

MacBook Pro and Adobe CS and CS2

Hello fellow Mac Lovers...I am in desperate need of your help!
I am a graphic designer and I am really wanting to switch over to a Mac. However, I can only afford a MacBook Pro right now plus I need the convenience. Now here is my dilemma: I was told by an Apple representative that the MacBook Pro cannot support Adobe products (which is what I use & would need primarily in my Mac) but I was told by a CompUSA representative that they can. So I'm confused.
Does anyone here have a MacBook Pro and use Adobe software such as Photoshop and Illustrator on it? If not, does anyone know if the MacBook Pro can support Adobe CS2 software?
This may seem like a dumb question but I really need your help, if I can't use Adobe CS or CS2 on my MacBook then I will not be able to buy it!
Thank you!

I use both Photoshop and Illustrator, CS versions, on my MBP in my work, although I’m not a graphic designer. Compared to my Windows PC, I notice that it takes longer to start the program on the MBP by four seconds (I tested just for you), but on successive startups, the MBP beats the PC by that same four seconds, go figure.
Working with large files, I don’t actually perceive much difference, but to me Adobe software has never been “snappy.” I’m also not an expert with Photoshop and Illustrator, and don’t do anything really intensive (except for personal stuff)---but the files clients send are sometimes huge, and the MBP seems to handle it just fine. I suspect that for you it might seem slower, but that’s just a guess. When Adobe upgrades their software to universal binary in the next year, it should be quite fast.

Connecting MacBook Pro to a dell monitor

Having a little dilemma trying to figure out how to connect a dell monitor to my MacBook Pro. (Mid 2012) Dell monitor has a dvi-d connection. Not sure which apple connector I need and if I need to purchase a double ended male male dvi-d cable. Help!

Hi,
I am sure your problem must have been sorted out by now, but for all current and future buyers for the dell U2414H and having an apple computing device, mac, macbook, pro etc, the monitor works perfectly out of the box when I connected with a mini DP(thunderbolt port) to HDMI output (U2414H), it just ran out of the box, without any issues, it even worked simply for my bootcamp windows. So no need to fret before purchasing one, simply go ahead and get it, it's the Monitor with most appealing edge giving you only a screen to view at, I was also considering between the U2412M and the U2414H, I think I've made a great choice.
Cheers,
N

Recording on new macbook pro

Hello all, Ive searched multiple sites, and have tried all the ways of figuring this out, but its led me here, with hopes you will be able to help. My wife bought me a macbook pro for my DJ gigs I do every week, and I have always wanted to record my mixes for people who are not able to hear them. I use a Numark mixdeck, and have an RCA to 1/8th cord that i was able to use on my old toshiba laptop to record (only in mono). I tried the same thing with the macbook, but found there was no external mic port to use, so i tried the headphone port, only to find it wont recognize its an input not output. I looked on sites to find a fix where I would be able to change the option of output/input in the sound preferences, however, that does not exsist on my model. So now is my dilemma. Does apple make some kind of cord (thunderbolt perhaps?) that will help see the external input? I was hoping not to buy an external soundcard that would use a USB port to record. Hope you guys can help!

here is the output screen from computer
this is output from virtual dj
maybe the problem is that im using a yellow/white/red RCA instead of just a red/white?

Macbook Pro vs. Pwerbook G4

Stop rolling your eyes
I am sure some of you are getting a little sick of posts like this, but I can't help it. I have read numerous threads on here regarding this subject and I am still torn. I am calling for yet another thread to help me decide which way to go...
17 Inch MacBook Pro vs. 17 Inch Powerbook G4
First let me give you a little back story. I am a designer that messes with different forms of digital media. I run my own company and do some web design, video editing, and some digital photography. I have always been a PC user (besides the Macs I used in grade school and high school) until 3 years ago. I bought my first MAC... a dual 2.0 G5 tower. I love that machine and this year I made a commitment to do all my work on Macs. I had reserved the G5 tower for video only and had been doing most of my web design, email and billing on my Gateway Laptop. I work at home but I also have an office and I travel quite a bit so a laptop is essential to my work.
I recently started to get really sick of my Gateway... the thing is too **** slow... Outlook is buggy... so I started to migrate to working on the g5 ... but it's obvious that I need to get a Mac laptop to change my development platform for good.
Here comes the dilemma... I really think that I can get away with a 17 inch powerbook for what I need to do. But I am also a tremendous tech nerd that likes new toys. I was an early adopter on the dual 2.0 and I love that machine. I also feel that the MBP may be too much machine for me since I still have this dual 2 tower and have barely tapped the potential of it.
Here are the programs and uses that I think I will need out of a laptop:
1) Email and Web Browsing.
2) Web Page Design (Dreamweaver) HTML, Scripting and lite PHP
3) Adobe CS2
4) MAC Office
5) Music and some music editing
6) Lite Video Editing.
7) QuickBooks
Here are some of the reasons I am shying away from a MBP
1) Rosetta - I know everyone says this isn't an emulator but let's face it... the Power PC programs are not running natively on the Intel framework... I'm not too interested in waiting for a bunch of programs to catch up and release Universal formats. I have also read reports of crashing programs... something I am not interested in experiencing... if I was I would just stick with my PC...
2) MBP cost... I think I can pick up a used powerbook g4 for around $1600.00 on ebay... this would be around a $1000.00 savings from a new MBP.
3) MBP draws more watts... I love being mobile... and from what I have read MBP draws 85 or 95w? This would be problematic on airplanes etc... I know that there would be inverter solutions eventually but this still concerns me.
Right now I am in the mindset that I am going to look for a good deal on a Powerbook G4. I hope that I can use that machine for a couple of years and watch the Intel line stabilize and solidify. Then I can purchase the latest greatest toy that Apple has to offer.
Do you think I am crazy? Firw away

At this point I think it's safe to say ANYONE who owns a 17" PowerBook G4 WILL most likely purchase the 17" MacBook Pro. As mentioned in earlier replies, we've simply gotten accustomed and even worse - spoiled with our High Resolution 17" widescreen LCD's.
At this point waiting for the 3rd party software to become universal binaries in the ONLY thing most can do. As written before in this forum, it's a well known fact that Adobe CS2 and Microsoft Office are at least a year away from being able to run natively on any MacBook Pro. Period.
If you don't have the programs you need to be productive and/or run natively on a MacBook/MacBook Pro consider yourself an early adopter in need of having the latest in technology. The one and only choice for professionals who aren't running Apple' Pro Apps is to wait until that period arrives.
A simple solution to the need of Micorsoft Office is iWork '06. I don't think anyone has given Apple KeyNote and Pages their due. This is one helluva of a software suite. The tools Apple is providing are nothing short of astonishing. This suite blows Office away once you get used to using it day in and day out plus the tools and templates provided in each program is phenomenal. Plus Apple is ALWAYS updating this suite making it better and better.
Lastly, I was browsing eBay looking for another piece of software for my kids when I stumbled upon some INCREDIBLE deals on Brand New/Sealed, as in FACTORY Sealed, 17" PowerBook G4's. We're talking in the neighborhood of $1,600.00 for a new PowerBook. That is the besy price I've seen anywhere, PERIOD!
Stop wasting your time and start searching for those BIG deals before they're all gone because your all here debating over whether you should or shouldn't buy the 17" PowerBook. You could've had one of these systems in your hands by now.
I hoped I helped a bit but common sense tell me that program compatibility, performance, productivity, a great deal is where you want to be - and it's there for the taking - go and take it!

MacBook Pro Dilemma

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