Which MacBook to buy for using iMovie

I would like to purchase a new 15" MacBook Pro and am wondering if I should get the more expensive one with the Nvidia Graphics Card or without. I like to do a lot of video editing on iMovie and have thousands and thousands of photos on iPhoto that I like to edit.
Do I need the Nvidia graphics card or should I get the standard 15" model and up the memory/processor/hard drive?
Thank you!

iMovie works just fine on my 13" MacBook Pro (early 2013 2.6GHz, 8GB RAM) and it doesn't even have descrete graphics.
I think it's fair to say, any MacBook Pro is going to run iMovie just fine.
You certainly don't need the NVIDIA card for iMovie.
I'd consider getting an external hard drive too.
Matt

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Which Mac to Buy for Use with Logic?

I'm currently looking to buy a new Mac and am torn between the iMac and Macbook Pro. iMac is definitely in my price range more than the Macbook.
I'm looking to do basic video editing and audio recording (15 tracks at most) most likely using an Apogee Duet as an audio in - mostly recording 1 or 2 tracks and adding more. I would be buying Logic.
Do you think the iMac would do the trick?

i would be you and if you can afford go for the macpro (2008 the 2009 seems to have some incompatilities cf. other thread). By experience allow yourself to have some margin, i mean more cpu power (one day you will maybe use heavy plugins or synth instruments from 3th party software) and this is killing the cpu. So more is always better. It takes me more than 6 months (start last year) to setup my macpro to a stable stage and now i am so happy it can runs without any big problem everything i want. (ex i use superior 2 as an internal synth instrument in Logic (not as standalone, to have the maximum control within logic, and i load it as multitrack instrument, it taxes 40 % of a single core - and because of synth instrument, only one core will function, and i can record without problem 2 guitarists (using GTR3.5), the drummer on a e-drum superior 2.0, a bassist with gtr3.5 and a vocal with buss reverb, in low latency mode - buffer 128- the cpu core reach about 80 %, without soft instrument than you have almost no limit cause all your core will be actifs, i mean recording just audio.).
Hope you understand what i mean here..

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Any of the new MacBook Air or MacBook Pro models will do. Check their features at Apple.com > Mac. The Air and Pro models are now very close to each other with the Air a little less expensive and a little lighter (3 vs. 3.5 lbs.). I would purchase 8 GB of RAM no matter which machine you buy.
The question is how much permanent (SSD) storage do you need? 128 GB, 256 GB, more? You need to decide this up front and you cannot increase it once it is delivered so choose carefully. How much storage do you use on a current Mac or PC? How much additional storage do you plan to use?
If you undersize the SSD storage all is not lost. You can offload seldom-used data onto an external hard drive. However it is easier to manage the storage if it all fits on your system drive.
Also check out refurbished Macs at http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals. These come with the standard Apple one year warranty.

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Which MacBook Pro Processor for Photoshop and IMovie Projects?

I am a fine art photographer. I use my compuer mostly for Photoshop work. I am now starting to do some video, but nothing too intensive. I am currently using IMovie. I doubt I will ever use finalcut but you never know. So I am planning to get a 15" MBP with Hi-Res screen. the question is which processor? Dpong alot of Photoshop work and a little IMovie, do you think I should get the I7 or should I jsut get the base model? Either way I will max out the ram. thanks
<Edited by Host>

The CPU isn't as important as you might think. The difference between the slowest and fastest CPU is barely 10% -- and Photoshop should offload a lot of work to the GPU (which is the same, save for the amount of VRAM) for all of them.
Performance-wise, you'd probably do better concerning yourself with the amount of RAM you have installed, and maybe the hard disk speed (best go for the 500G 7200RPM model, or even the 512G sold-state if you can afford it). More RAM and a faster disk will provide greater performance boost than the faster CPU.

Which program to buy and use?

I am trying to debate which program to use. I am trying to choose among Final Cut Express, Adobe Premiere Elements 9 and the new iMovie 11.
I am use to Aperture for my stills and some have told me then it is best to go with the Final Cut Express. Others said keep it simple.
Last time I did home video editing it was with Pinnacle on the WinTel.
So, what do I need to do? I have some already edited Home VHS tapes I need to move to digital before it is too late. I have a Sony 8 mm Digital camcorder with firewire 400. I need to transfer these and 8mm analog tapes to a non-tape format. I can use the camcorder to input the info into my MacBook Pro using a 1 tb firewire 800 scrap drive.
Next, I would like to edit and then create DVDs for about 12 years of videos.
How many tapes to do? About fifteen Of various formats.
I figure the learning curve will be the hardest with FCE, then Elements and finally iMovie 11. I was told in the FCE forum that iMovie do not handle DV video very well.
Any suggestions would be helpful. The plan is to buy the software soon and play with it and at Christmas holiday I will start the long process.
Thank you in advance!
Summary:
MBP 2008 (late) mac OS 4 GB RAM 800 firewire port which I will connect to a LaCie 1 TB rugged HDD. I am planning storing the working and finished files before burning. Scratch Disc (formatted to Mac OS Extended). I need to go digital with my home movies. I have VHS tapes (already edited), Sony 8 mm analogue and digital tapes (need to edit). I want to do editing & DVD burning.

I have some already edited Home VHS tapes I need to move to digital before it is too late.
I have used all 3 programs that you mentioned (and others).
iMovie 11 is a wonderful program assuming that you're using it for what it was designed to do, assemble simple videos to share on the Internet.
I was told in the FCE forum that iMovie do not handle DV video very well.
Not true for iMovie 02 through iMovie 06.
There is a significant regresssion in quality of the image between iMovie 06 and iMovie 08 through 11.
The difference is the single field processing used by iMovie 11 (for faster editing) and the fact that it throws out every other horizontal line.
Final Cut Express and Adobe Premiere Elements 9 will give full quality but are more complicated to use.
In my opinion iMovie 06 with iDVD 09 or iDVD 11 is way to go.
Your workflow is editing DV clips and making DVDs, iMovie '06 is better suited. Your movie will arrive at iDVD in DV format, which is an ideal match for making a DVD: same resolution, same pixels aspect ratio, and original quality.
iMovie 06 and iDVD 09/11 is a 100% "lossless" combination and my DVD's look like they came from Hollywood!
You will also need a A/D coverter. (Like the Grassvalley ADVC300)
I've played around with countless other conversion systems, ranging in price from $79 to $399. Short verison, this is the ONLY unit to own. No dropped frames at all, even with questionable quality tapes, no jitter, great color, excellent sound quality. Zero setup with iMovie 06 and iDVD 09/11.
This is a prosumer deck. The time code function is alone worth the price if you have old analog footage. Absolutely NO "Out Of Sync" audio.
ADVC300 is for anyone who wants to do editing and is concerned about quality of color and speed, for the novice it is an incredible gizmo that will restore VHS tapes to a state close to the original fixing midtones, highlights and shadows on the fly. Not only can you simply convert analog to digital you can actually manipulate the signal going in (if you want to).
A bit pricey but it WORKS.
The program that comes with the ADVC300 has some nice filters that can improve video and audio of the source material.
I would use iMovie 06 with iDVD 09/11. VERY easy and 100% "lossless"

How Do I Decide Which MacBook is Right For Me?

I am currently a high school senior and I have always had my heart set on a MacBook and my oldest sister has offered to buy me one for my graduation present.
My only problem is I am not too sure which one is the best for me. I know MacBooks in general, regaurdless of model, are all great quality, but I really want something that I can keep around for a few years to get me through whatever schooling I choose to go through and still have with me after. I am also a beauty blogger so I do a lot of typing and use the internet as if it were an extension of my body. I also upload lots of product photos from my camera to use on my blog and occasional editing is needed, but nothing to the extent that I have to use Photoshop or other advanced programs, only minor editing basics are used.
I know that I do want something fast for web surfing and something with enough room to store all of my music, pictures, and programs comfortably without an external hard drive. Portablitity is also a key feature, but I feel like both the Air and the Pro seem portable enough for my purposes, so it is still a toss-up. A cd/dvd drive would be a nice feature, but I am not too sure how often I would actually use it as I tend to store my music on my iPod and phone as opposed to on CDs. I also don't feel the need for a huge screen since I do want it to be portable, I have been looking into the 11in - 13in range.
Right now I am currently comparing the 13in. 2.5GHz MacBook Pro, 13in. MacBook Air, and the 11in. 1.7GHz MacBook Air. Even though this is coming as a gift to me, I still want to get the most bang for the buck, but if it sounds like I only need 64GB of storage, then I would have no problem going with the $999.00 MacBook Air.
But in the grande scheem of things, I just don't understand how much storage and speed would be best for me based on my usage.
Any suggestions on what model you think would fit me the best?

They pretty much explain themselves. The MacBook Air is for those who want a portable yet powerful Mac, where as the MacBook Pro is for those who want more power than the MacBook Air for gaming and photo editing and reliablity as they can last for plenty of years with good treatment, the one thing they lack is portability.
For just a blogger and student, a MacBook Air 13inch would be best as it's just the right size and power. As a blogger you'll need to take it where ever you go and I'm sure you're not going to use it for heavy impact gaming and large photo editing or video editing. If you are, then get the MacBook Pro.

Which notebook to buy for bad eyesight

Hi
I am thinking of purchasing a notebook but I am really unsure as to which one. I hope that somebody can advise me.
Yesterday, I visited an Apple store and was advised by a sales rep, that what I required for my needs (internet browsing, storing photos, accessing and editing my website which is located on MS 365) was a Macbook Air not a Macbook Pro
The Macbook Air did look lovely but I have dreadful eyesight and I really struggled to see the address bar. Apparently, you can't really adjust the size of the url in the address bar and I have a feeling that I would really struggle with this. The sales person was insistent that was the best things for my requirements and I am sure that he is right but I am very hesitant in purchasing because of the screen size. My existing laptop has a screen size of 15.6-inch high definition LED panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio display and I find this to be perfect for my not so good eyesight.
Is it a question of getting used to the smaller size or should I go for a more powerful/expensive machine instead?
Many thanks

HopeCove wrote:
The sales person was insistent that was the best things for my requirements and I am sure that he is right but I am very hesitant in purchasing because of the screen size.
Apple Store people are told to push a particular line or model if sales for it are down, people don't want it, or Apple makes more profit on those machines or that's the future direction Apple want's to go with hardware and thus forcing their users into compliance.
Apple has long ago stopped listening to users needs for hardware and fired all their professional salespeople who would advise the proper machines for their users.
Instead Apple hired a lot of young kids which they basically brainwash into cheerful clap happy folks who rely upon selling products via emotional means rather than on logical "this product will fit your needs best".
I know all this because I used computers before Apple even existed and watched the company for decades, I use their products for the security and reliability aspect that just so happen to also fit my needs.
In many cases Apple's limited product line does meet the needs of many users and they are prone to change their position and direction in hardware at a moments notice.
My existing laptop has a screen size of 15.6-inch high definition LED panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio display and I find this to be perfect for my not so good eyesight.
I also suffer from poor eyesight and got myself one of the last anti-glare screen 17" MacBook Pro's before Apple removed them from their product line.
We suspect they did so because there are no "Retina" panels at the 17" size, however it's 1920 x 1200 17" screen worked better for those with hard of seeing issues and for mobile video production uses.
Is it a question of getting used to the smaller size or should I go for a more powerful/expensive machine instead?
Don't buy or use a piece of hardware that is going to make you uncomfortable or do further injury to your eyes, causing eye strain, headaches and neck pain, its simply not worth using a Apple product if they refuse to produce something to fit your needs.
If you feel the 15" MacBook Pro is right for you, then get it. Don't let some young or brainwashed salesperson who has good eyesight tell you what you should or should not use.
Now I have some information for you to consider.
1: OS X does NOT have any ability to scale the operating system user interface elements to accommodate hard of seeing users. The resolution can be lowered, however this causes the type and screen elements to become blurry. One can "zoom" in and out, but it's not a permanent scale up and things go off the screen.
However Windows 7 does include a option to scale the operating system UI up to 150%, and one can greatly increase the icons and other factors.
2: Apple doesn't produce the 17" laptop any more and this screen size is more ideal for those with seeing issues, because to scale up the operating system UI you obviously need more screen real estate so everything fits on the screen and your not scrolling around all the time to see stuff that went off the edges.
3: Glossy screens. These are made by many computer makers who desire a fancy "oh shiny" look to their computers to sell hardware. This has been known to cause serious eyestrain
Apple does this as well, in fact diffuses the lights in their stores as to reduce the on screen glare, but it's a whole different story when one takes these machines home, at the office or on the bus or outside, where one can't control the lighting.
Apple still offers a anti-glare 15" MacBook Pro (non-Retina) at least on their online store.
Unfortunately it's also "high resolution" meaning the UI elements are going to be even smaller than on the glossy displays.
So what to do?
Ideally you should get either a Mac Mini or a Mac Pro and connect a third party large screen anti-glare high res-display and drop the resolution down so everything looks nice and big, but it's not portable.
If the 15" MacBook Pro seems like the right fit, then get that, but be aware there is a anti-glare option and if they have it in the stores, check it out to see if it's more easier on the eyes for you.
If you need to specifically use a laptop and the OS X UI elements are too small, you might try looking at getting a 17" high res (1980 x 1200+) anti-glare or "matte screen" Windows 7 or Windows 8 Pro computer instead.
PC hardware vendors make a huge range of hardware, also Windows 8 Pro can be downgraded to Windows 7, Windows 7 is supported until 2020. Apple changes OS X every year now.
For hard of seeing users I often recommend this solution now that Apple has pulled their 17" and almost depleted all their anti-glare models.
Apple likes to cater to the young and with good eyesight, Microsoft is a little more forgiving and PC vendors offer a much larger range of hardware choices than Apple can.
I hope you find relief, and if you do decide to get a Mac, this User Tip here will help you be able to surf easier.
Web browsing for hard of seeing users

Best MacBook Pro specs for using Final Cut 7

Hello Forum:
I have a MacBook Pro from 2008 that I'm currently using to do video editing in FCP7 for my film projects.
I want to upgrade to a new MacBook as Final Cut tells me quite frequently that I don't have enough graphic capabilities to render certain files, etc. etc.
Does anyone have experience using FCP7 on a MacBook Pro that can advise what the best specs are for upgrading to a new MacBook Pro?
The refurbished unit I'm looking at has the specs below. If anyone has any suggestions I would be extremely grateful.
Many thanks and Happy New Year to all!
Processor
2.9 GHz Dual-core Intel Core i7 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz)
Cache
4MB shared L3 cache
Memory
8GB (2x4GB) of 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM
Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Storage1
750GB Serial ATA, 5400 rpm
Optical drive
8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Wireless
Wi-Fi (based on IEEE 802.11n specification)2 Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology
Expansion
One Thunderbolt port (up to 10 Gbps), one FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps), Two USB 3 ports (up to 5 Gbps), one SDXC card slot
Video and Audio
FaceTime HD camera; Thunderbolt port with support for DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI, and HDMI (requires adapters, sold separately)
Stereo speakers with subwoofer, omnidirectional microphone, headphone port (Support for Apple iPhone headset with remote and microphone).
Size and weight
Height: .95 inches (2.41 cm)
Width: 12.78 inches (32.5 cm)
Depth: 8.94 inches (22.7 cm)
Weight (standard configuration): 4.5 pounds (2.06 kg)3
Originally released June 2012
13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, 1280-by-800 resolution
8GB (2 x 4GB) of 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM
750GB Serial ATA @ 5400 rpm
8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Intel HD Graphics 4000

It might help us to advise you if we knew what your budget is.
In the meantime, I can suggest a couple or three items that aren't too expensive.
1) Your computer has four drive bays. Fill them up with the largest hard drives you can afford. I prefer the Seagate 7200.11 SATA drives. The 1TB version is about $120 each right now. With four drives living in your MP, you can have one boot (system) drive and three media drives. I would NOT RAID them. The 7200.11 drives in a MP will benchmark at around 100 MB/sec, which is plenty fast for your needs.
2) You have an 8 processor computer and Apple recommends 1GB of RAM per processor for running Compressor batches. So, you should buy 6 X 1GB RAM modules to fill your MP RAM slots. Make sure you buy RAM with Apple approved heat sinks. Crucial.com is a good source.
3) For back-up and archiving of media files, I recommend firewire drives with removable trays, like the Burly enclosures from MacGurus. You buy the enclosures and the extra trays from MacGurus, then buy the raw drives (Seagate 7200.11) separately from a reliable online vendor, like newegg.com, for the trays. The Burly case is built like a tank, with two fans, so it isn't as likely to burn up drives like some other firewire enclosures.

Which macbook is good for music editing

I'm just bigginer in music field and I wAnt to record my song with new macbook 13 inch.
2.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 2.9GHz
8GB 1600MHz memory
256GB PCIe-based flash storage1
Intel Iris Graphics
Will be the good enough to buy I have only 5 days remaining to buy

Depending on which software you want to use to record and edit (and you can use GarageBand or even a less-expensive editor such as Amadeus Pro or even Lite) that model should be sufficient for recording. You may want to include at least one external drive on your list as some music projects - again, depending on the software that you use - can be quite large.
Good luck,
Clinton

*Pls Help* Which macbook is best for me; 13" or 15"?

I have always been anti Apple but after my first iphone (4s) I have decided to get an Iphone 6 and a MacBook Pro. I am an accountancy student, I understand I would have to buy the sage and Microsoft softwares separately for it but apart from doing my accountancy work on it, I would like to use my spare time to make videos to post on YouTube, make DJ mixes using Traktor, make beats on it using Fruity Loops, record songs and manage some online business such as eBay - these that I have just listed are my main priorities on the macbook. I would of course watch videos and play games on it too but not so much. So mainly for education and media purposes for a starter which would be best for myself? The 13" retina or the 15" retina? My friend is a professional DJ and advised me that he does all his DJing on his 13" macbook, he thinks the 15" isnt necessary and is a waste of money. Can someone please help me in making this decision?
Many Thanks!!
Sujon Miah

It depends on what you really want. Personally I have the 13 inch. But the nice thing about the 15 inch is it has two speakers. If the size really doesn't matter then I would say go with the 13 inch because its more cost effective

Which MacBook to buy for using iMovie

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