Wanting Recommendation: MacBook Pro vs. Mac Pro

I'm in the market for a new Mac. I'm used to having Mac desktop models (tower) and never owned a laptop. I'm considering whether to get MacBook Pro laptop or the Mac Pro tower.
As I see it, you sacrifice top performance for mobility, but on a practical and realistic scale, will I notice a big difference on a MBP vs. MP?
The apps I use the most are
Email
Web
Dreamweaver
Photoshop
Lightroom
Toast
iTunes
Final Cut Express
Quicken
Word/Excel
etc.
Please let me know your thoughts and experience with MBP and MP.
Thanks

Yes I should have specified more about my usage model.
I am a serious photographer with DSLR and shoot a lot of photos as a hobby. I use LightRoom from Adobe and PS2 (currently).
I do have a 22" LCD currently which I plan to use if I get a MBP. I would also possibly put 4GB RAM (3rd party, not expensive Apple RAM) and opt for the 7200 RPM drive on the 2.4Ghz 15" MBP. I would connect the MBP up to the 22" LCD and add a wireless keyboard and trackball for good ergonomic comfort while doing serious work. For casual work I'd lounge in easy chair or outside on the deck or in the bedroom or at the kitchen table, etc. I would keep my G4 with it's 3-4 h/d's and use it for disk file serving.
This would be in contrast to getting a MP 2.66 Ghz with 3-4Ghz RAM. My G4 I would sell but transfer over the drives first, to the MP.
I realize the MP has more brute force but I like the idea of portabity, showing family/friends photos, editing photos in LR and PS, surfing web, email, etc. Sometimes in the past I have done video editing too, using Final Cut Express, but not very often. I used to record and edit and encode and burn recorded MPEG2/4 video of TV shows but I recently got a Mac Mini Core Duo 1.83Ghz and it's my record/edit machine now. I have EyeTV and it does a great job with HD record/edit. It's not blazing fast but set it going at night and day (while I'm at work) and it crunches through stuff.
Sounds like MBP would give more freedom but MP could do jobs more quickly if requiring serious CPU, which most apps I use don't (email, web, IM, Quicken, etc).
For those of you with both MP and MBP, for what and when do you use the MP?

Similar Messages

Who wants a MacBook Pro.............

Raise your hand if you want a MacBook Pro!!! Most of you are probably thinking.... i wish i could get a MacBook Pro.... well me too but you gatta admit those MacBooks are AWESOME!!!!! i really want one... but i just got an iBook G4 like two months ago.... wish i waited...... but i love my cool iBook G4..... any way have loads of questions.... like they just keep pileing on and on. First before i forget, i want to an apple store bout a week ago and saw the coolest screen savers ever. It had the cool new iPod commercial, and i was wondering how to get that as my screen saver, or better yet the new intel mac commercial.... 2nd also at the apple i saw somthing sorta like a dock in the middle of the screen. it had apps on it like a dock but it was in the middle of the screen, how to do that? 3rd when i just downloaded 10.4.4 it asked me to restart so i restarted and it took like a minute or two more to start up, my ibook only takes like 30 seconds to startup, whats up? i guess thats all for now... thanks
- Jordan K.

sorry-
where should i post these questions?
First before i forget, i want to an apple store bout a week ago and saw the >coolest screen savers ever. It had the cool new iPod commercial, and i was >wondering how to get that as my screen saver, or better yet the new intel >mac commercial.... 2nd also at the apple i saw somthing sorta like a dock in >the middle of the screen. it had apps on it like a dock but it was in the >middle of the screen, how to do that? 3rd when i just downloaded 10.4.4 it >asked me to restart so i restarted and it took like a minute or two more to >start up, my ibook only takes like 30 seconds to startup, whats up? i guess >thats all for now... thanks
- Jordan

I want my macbook pro in factory settings, how can i do that?

I want my macbook pro in factory settings, how can i do that?

Install or Reinstall Lion from Scratch
If possible backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive.
Boot to the Recovery HD:
Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
Erase the hard drive:
Select Disk Utility from the main menu and click on the Continue button.
After DU loads select your startup volume (usually Macintosh HD) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Erase button and wait until the process has completed.
Quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall Lion: Select Reinstall Lion and click on the Install button.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.
For earlier versions of OS X:
Prepare Your Mac for Sale
Boot from the OS X Installer Disc One that came with the computer. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select the startup volume from the left side list then click on the Erase tab. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) then click on the Options button. Select the one pass Zero Data option and click on the OK button. Then click on the Erase button.
Note: You can skip the Zero Data option if you are not concerned about removing sensitive personal data from the hard drive. If you choose to skip this part of the process then it is possible for others to recover data from the hard drive. The Zero Data procedure will prevent others from getting access to your personal information.
This process will take 30 minutes to several hours depending upon the size of the hard drive. After formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer. Now complete the OS X installation. At the completion of the installation do not restart the computer. Instead just shut it off. The next user will be presented with the Setup Assistant when they turn on the computer just as it would if new out of the box.

Would you recommend Macbook Pro?

Hi folks,
I've been an owner of an iBook ('snow' model) for about 5 years and I'm in the market for a replacement computer. My past experiences with the iBook have been stellar, it's never had a major problem (there are some minor gripes btw). However because of the tiny screen size, I've sworn off of buying another 'non-pro' apple notebook.
I mainly use my computer for typing papers and surfing the web and occasional photo editing. I just want something that will last me a good number of years and still be usable. Would you recommend the macbook pro?
iBook Dual USB/ G3 500 Mac OS X (10.3.9) 'Airmac = Airport'

artfart (Josh):
My reply may be a little late but I thought I'd throw it in just the same. There are some very good replies here, especially those from Digital Dude and cgerrells. My apologies for what will likely be a lengthy reply because I have yet to share my story with this community. Perhaps now is the time.
I would certainly recommend a Macbook Pro to anybody that had the budget, was looking for a near-desktop replacement computer, and was into prosumer-level capability for an audio and video editing (and similar duty) workhorse. This could be for anything from a hobby-level to professional level or both. Mine is a 15-incher with 1GB (needs to bump to 2) and the 7200RPM 100GB HDD. I tried BootCamp, which was very good, but I hated restarting. I decided to run with the Parallels Beta, purchased the pre-release license, and now that it is released, I haven't looked back. I absolutely LOVE it. My XP-only stuff is great. Some people still have issues with Parallels and some people have some lingering problems with the MBP itself. But I am fortunate, I guess. For now, this is my second MBP (first one was DoA), and I am very, very happy with it.
My very, very long story. Skip it, if you like:
I too was once a hardcore PC-only user. Never would an Apple grace the insides of my home or office. I could never consider the artsy-fartsy-ness of a Mac, no matter how well they were made or how good the customer service was supposed to be. They were just too expensive and too exclusive. I was basically a PC snob, much like many Mac users are Mac snobs, you know? I was/am not a PC novice, either. IT Pro doesn't exactly describe my profession; it's not exactly that simple. I have more than a decade of experience in MIS and a graduate degree but I'm more on the high end of my company's IT shop. MS SQL and management and stuff like that. So I was a Windows guy through and through. I do audio and video editing both for a hobby and semi-professionally. Digital photography is the same kind of deal for me. But I did all that on the PC just fine. My house was like a server farm. I had 4 or 5 PCs at any one time. There were even a few Linux distros just for fun. Windows 2003 domain for testing with Exchange 2003 in there for good measure. I guess there was a Toshiba laptop or two.
Then one day last year (some time before they announced the plans for the switch to Intel CPUs) I got a wild hair to buy a Mini. They were so cheap, I just wanted to try out the audio softwares and such. And with a simple KVM switch, I could add it to my desk here at home.
I had trouble at first. It just didn't make sense to me. After a while, I let the Mini just sit. Maybe six weeks went by. I got back into it and learned how integrate the Mini into my production studio. Things were looking up. I began to like OS X.
Then I began to need a new laptop. Back then I didn't know Apple had changed the meaning of the word.
But I had the feeling I should wait until I saw what Apple would come up with. They had announced the Intel CPU deals. People had begun "hacking" together ways to run Windows on these new Macs. Things really began looking good. Then Apple announced the MacBook Pro. I really wanted one of those very much.
When was that? February?
So I started to figure out if I could buy one.
By April, they announced Boot Camp. This sort of (un)officially supporting dual-booting XP sealed the deal. I ordered the sucker.
Aside from the terrible ordeal of spending the $$$ and then having to return the DoA and waiting for the replacement (and dealing with the scumbags I had to deal with at Apple Care) I am very happy with my laptop.
If you chose to read this terribly long story, thank you very much.
Bob
MBP & Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Want a macbook pro but one thing is holding me back.

Okay I have been holding off on buying the mbp for like a year now, and have been waiting for an update before i buy, i am using it for school and work.
however, the one thing that was holding me back is that I play WoW and Im hearing people on the wow forums talk about how slow wow plays on the mbp.
I just want to be able to be in populated areas like shatt and get a fps of around 50-60. I mean my brother has a 2 year old dell xps 1710 and he never drops below 60fps, ever.
I don't understand how apples most powerful laptop cant handle a simple game "graphic wise". I mean what does the 1710 have over the macbook pro, i can't find anything.
I know im sounding like im mad, but I really want to be able to have a mac, but i also want a computer that plays wow on highest settings. I would be getting a 17inch the version with the 256mb card and higher res.
If somebody has this version and runs wow please tell me what fps your getting in pop areas.
also if i use bootcamp then maybe that would help as this game runs better in windows right now, "used to be the opposite". So could someone explain how to setup bootcamp. The last mac i had was a g4 ibook.

Im running Leopard.
Sometimes when I am doing 25 man raids, Ill use Boot Camp to load XP. When I do that, I usually see about 15-25+ better framerates. The video drivers for the graphics card under OS X arent quite as finely tuned as those under Windows XP.
Its a totally capable laptop for playing WoW. I mean, you could probably get better performance from a more expensive high-end 'Gaming' laptop...but seriously, I dont regret it at all...and I play WoW a LOT.

Which hard drive do you recommend macbook pro mid 2009

Which hard drive does Apple recommend as a replacement for the MacBook Pro Mid 2009??

I have a MacBook Pro (2009):
Model Identifier MacBookPro5,4
I tried severa Hard Drives, and none of them works, apparently there is a problem with the EFI firmware of the controler. This is what one of the support guys from Hitachi told me.
Apparently, the controler only handle STA I and it does not support SATA II, although the last firmware fore this MacBook pro (EFI Firmware update 1.7) says that it support SATA II. I am not sure if all of this is correct. But I will like some advice which Hard Drive will work whith this computer.
Thanks

Engineering student wanting a macbook pro! HELP!!!

Ok, so my heart has been set on a macbook pro for a WHILE now.
But lately a lot of people have scared me into shock and are making me think twice about buying it...
I am a computer engineering student at the University of Florida. I have yet to use any specific engineering programs or software but I've heard that many of the programs I will need to use during the next few years will only run on Windows...
And I knoooow about bootcamp and parallels but I've also been told that using those programs makes windows run suppperrrr slooowwwwww and almost impossible to work with..
My plan was to buy the 15" MacBook Pro @ 2.4 ghz and up the memory to 4 gb...
pleeassseee!!! i need some more advice!!
i mean, im spending a good two grand on this laptop... i dont wanna make a mistake!!!
oh and btw, i also have a desktop pc running windows vista that ill have with me at my apt... but clearly its not portable lol... do u think ill be able to get by using those programs only at home? im thinking im gonna need them during classes... idk...
lastly, can someone gimme a list of the programs im gonna need??

Please relax.
*"I've also been told that using those programs makes windows run suppperrrr slooowwwwww and almost impossible to work with.."*
You were told wrong.
Macs are PCs just like everything else on the market. Therefore running Windows on them is no different than running it on any other PC.
*"lastly, can someone gimme a list of the programs im gonna need??"*
I'm sure the computer engineering department at your school has the definitive list of what you'll need.

Portable Flash Drive Recommendations - MacBook Pro 15"

Hello,
I have a 15" MacBook Pro and I am looking to purchase a flash drive with the following features:
-Mac compatible
-properly fits in a MBP USB port (if dock available, doesn't matter then)
-32 GB storage capacity
-keychain option
-slides open/closed
-includes dock
-available for a reasonable price
Thanks and I appreciate your input! I have searched and searched and hope you can find me the perfect one, especially with that large capacity! Feel free to post even if not 32 GB, but other features apply.

I have the perfect ones for you! These are made by OCZ metal body and very slim!
Low prices from new egg heres the links for 8,16 and 32gb:
8gb 34.99 before rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227233
16gb 75.99 before rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227272
32gb 125.99 before rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227305
I have the smaller 2gb at the moment but will be upgrading to a larger one soon. You won't be disappointed with this key. They both have caps but mine came with a lanyard and also a bonus usb extension cable. I can not say for sure if the newer ones do or not.
Message was edited by: DamienM3

ANYONE WANT MY MACBOOK PRO??

I have been attempting to get support for my macbook pro. I am finding it , firtly imposible to get an appointment with a so called "genius". None are available and when they are it's for 9 or 10 AM.... DON'T MOST OF US WORK!!!???
I have spoken to individuals on the phone for support to no avail as all 3 people were rubbish ! and one even said that I will not get any support even though I am in my warranty period as I do not have an apple care plan. THIS IS CRAZY. There are no email addresses for customer service or support, all I want is to have a product that I bought from a company looked at. I feel like I'm fighting an endless battle and might as well throw my Macbook away.
I dont understand why I cant get the support and service I deserve when purchasing a product work +-£2000 .... WHY WONT APPLE HELP ME !!!!
Can anyone suggest what is the best route to take in order to get a result for my issues ???
HELP

Hi
You are entitled to free telephone support for the first 90 days after that Apple will charge. But if the problem is an actual warranty repair, and your MacBook Pro is under a year old, then you will be refunded the charge made to you. So if your MacBook Pro is faulty then I would suggest your best option is to phone Apple Care pay the fee and then have it refunded. Then at least you can do it at your own convenience.
Remember if your MacBook Pro is under a year old you can still buy AppleCare for it, giving you 2 years plus what ever is left of the first year. You will then be entitled to free telephone support and repairs if found faulty.
Phil

Want a macbook pro with a french keyboard....

Hi! I am an American Teen who travels back and forth from France fairly often every year and would like to not only own a MacBook Pro but also become fluent in the French Keyboard as well... While I was over in France, I saw MacBook Pros with the French keyboard costing roughly the equivalent of $5000 for the setup that I would like that would cost only around $3800 in the US but with a US Keyboard...
Does anyone know if its possible for me to buy a French Replacement keyboard from any store...?
And if so...does that mean I can buy a US MacBook Pro, then buy the French Keyboard, and then pay an authorized Apple Store (So I Won't Void The Warranty) to install the French Keyboard?
P.S. I'm not worried about the software... I am content for now with an English OSX and can always install the French OSX later...
Thank You Very Much,
JP

ooo ok
So in that case, I should probably order my laptop over the Phone then?

HT1338 My cursor thinks to slow and I want to get a check up for my macbook pro and possibly more memory:)

I just need help. Please, this is ridiculous!! I have spent over 30 minutes just tying to get help. I want my MacBook Pro checked out and possibly get more memory..... please don't make this so hard....... help me!!! Do I make an appt at a store.... what do I do. I am getting really frustrated at how hard it is to get service for this product!!!!! Is anybody home at Apple once you purchase your laptop or do we just play this game online forever??

It's only us other users here, and the moderators. So be gentle.
What is wrong with your Mac?, this list can assist
Step by Step to fix your Mac
If you need backups or to get your data off (if it's booting)
Most commonly used backup methods
Data recovery if it's not booting
My computer is dead, is my personal data lost?
If it's slow
Why is my computer slow?
You need more RAM? or Storage drive?
Install it yourself and save a bundle, only takes a few minutes.
Install/upgrade RAM or storage drive in Mac's

Wanted to Buy MacBook PRO

I want a MacBook PRO so bad, but dont have the cash for a off the shelf retail price. Is there any other options as far as refurbs or sites that have cheaper laptops.
Thanks for the help, ill give a cookie to the best reply! lol
Thanks a lot though
DK

Hi Drew
apple certified refurbished MB(P)
and there's always eBay etc.... good luck! cheers
MBP 17/2GB/7200/matte, dualG51.8, G4 450, TiBook, beige & B/W G3s, & a Quadra! Mac OS X (10.4.7)

I dropped my macbook pro on the floor and I wanted to see how much it would cost to get a bent corner on the lid to get fixed.

I recently dropped my macbook pro from the couch and it fell on the floor that was about a foot down. Nothing really major happened except for that the same area where the screen is, on the exterior of that there is a slightly bent corner. I really wanted my macbook pro to look in good condition and I wanted to know if there is any way I can repair this or do I have to replace the whole lid. I would also like to know how much it would cost. Please Help!

Apple Genius Bar will know better, even if you did show us a picture. We are just users like you.
I would start keeping very regular backups regardless.

Wanting to buy a MacBook Pro, but...

I got two questions. My wife it's a hard core gamer, but she wants a MacBook Pro for "work" which for now isn't geared towards that type of tech. In reality she wants something she can use while sitting at the couch and be happy instead of being anchored to the iMac...
I was looking at the 15" ones, without retnia display.
Here are the two questions.
1. What specs should I be looking at for someone who realitically won't be doing anything heavy except a little photoshop, at best, and mostly facebook, and writing?
2. Why can't I seem to buy, customize, or anything else on the store online?

Cyberpawz wrote:
My wife isn't a hard core gamer, but she wants a MacBook Pro for "work" which for now isn't geared towards that type of tech.
1. What specs should I be looking at for someone who realitically won't be doing anything heavy except a little photoshop, at best, and mostly facebook, and writing?
2. Why can't I seem to buy, customize, or anything else on the store online?
Well that's better.
If her work involves Windows (or not) and PhotoShop, then I suggest one of the 15" MacBook Pro's, preferably the top end models, the non-Retina high res-anti-glare would be best for a laptop and the option to upgrade.
She is going to miss the large screen of the iMac and the 15" MBP, for comfort, will have to be sitting on a small table near the couch. If she uses the laptop on her lap for long periods, it's going to be very uncomfortable also the laptop will be more prone to liquid spills and being dropped.
So to extend the keyboard from the small table where the laptop will sit, she will need either a wireless or wired keyboard, and a wireless mouse.
I don't know, but if she is going to use the computer at the couch all the time, then why not just move the iMac there on a table next to the couch instead?
That's what we do here with our 17" MacBook Pro's, they are perched on tables next to the couch/lounge chairs so we can also watch TV and socialize. Wireless keyboards and mice.
A 15" screen is too small to be on a table on the side, it's going to force being used on the lap which is uncomfortable and dangerous for the machine. A 17" is ideal for siting on a small table, but Apple discontinued them.
Just find a table low enough that the iMac screen sit's at eye level and no need to have to purchase a new machine.

Macbook Pro 15" or iMac 27"

Hello,
I am finally taking the leap and will be buying a Mac. I have no idea what I'm doing nor do I know anything about computers besides running programs I use on a normal basis. I'm a student learning to become an Interior Designer who used Autocad (mostly), Photoshop, and Illistator. I orignially wanted a 13" but I found the screen to maybe be a little smaller than I would prefer. I was hoping the Apple Community could HELP ME!
As I said, I use Autocad a lot, along with Photoshop and Illustrator on ocasian, now these programs will only installed into my computer. I like to save all of my files(work) to External Hard drives. I have no idea how these computers would handle the programs and wanted some guidance into this invesetment. When I visited the apple store I felt as the staff was trying to upsell me into specs I dont even need. Does anyone out there use these applications and if so what computer and specs you recomend? OR even if your know something about computer this would greatly help me.
Thank you
My school sent me this as "Suggested" requriments from each program I use which made me so much more confused.
Illustrator Mac OS
Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit support
Mac OS X v10.6.8 or v10.7. Adobe Creative Suite 5, CS5.5, and CS6 applications support Mac OS X v10.8 and v10.9 when installed on Intel-based systems.*
2 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
2 GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices)
1024 x 768 display (1280 x 800 recommended) with 16-bit video card
DVD-ROM drive compatible with dual-layer DVDs
This software does not operate without activation. Broadband Internet connection and registration are required for software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services.† Phone activation is not available.
AutoCAD for Mac 2014 System Requirements
Apple® Mac® OS® X v10.9.0 or later (Mavericks), OS X v10.8.0 or later (Mountain Lion) with 64-bit Intel processor
Apple Mac Pro® 4,1 or later(Mac Pro® 5,1 or later recommended); MacBook® Pro 5,1 or later (MacBook Pro 10,1 with Retina Display or later recommended); iMac® 8.1 or later (iMac 11.1 or later recommended); Mac® mini 3.1 or later (Mac mini 4.1 or later recommended); MacBook Air® 2.1 or later; MacBook® 5.1 or later (MacBook 7.1 or later recommended)
3 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended)
2.5 GB free disk space for download and installation (3 GB recommended)
All graphics cards on supported hardware
1,280 x 800 display with true color (2880 x 1800 with Retina Display recommended)
All Mac OS X supported language operating systems
Apple® Mouse, Apple Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, MacBook® Pro trackpad, or Microsoft-compliant mouse.
Mac OS X-compliant printer
Photoshop Mac OS
Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit support
Mac OS X v10.7, v10.8, or v10.9
1GB of RAM
3.2GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices)
1024x768 display (1280x800 recommended) with OpenGL 2.0, 16-bit color, and 512MB of VRAM (1GB recommended)†
Internet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, membership validation, and access to online services.‡

Yes, either the 27" iMac or 15" MacBook Pro will be fast enough to run AutoCAD, Photoshop, and Illustrator well. You do not need to be confused by the requirements because basically all new Macs meet most of the requirements already. The only thing you need to pay attention to is that whichever one you get, looking at the system requirements for the programs, you will want to order either computer with at least 8GB of RAM and a 256GB internal storage. If your budget allows, you can increase those amounts, but you don't have to.
AutoCAD has one additional requirement, a mouse. I think this is because CAD programs make heavy use of the right mouse button and even the middle/scrollwheel buttons. This will be easy to get because you can connect just about any USB mouse to a Mac, even a $5 PC mouse will work.
The Illustrator requirements mention a DVD drive. Remember that the iMac and MacBook Pro do not have an optical drive. But I am confused by the requirement because Adobe software can generally be installed from a download so that an optical disc drive is not needed. You may need to get further clarification from your school about this. If for some reason the school does not provide software by download and only provides the programs on optical disc, you can just buy a USB optical drive and plug it in.

Wanting Recommendation: MacBook Pro vs. Mac Pro

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