Question:
Do I need a Macbook Pro or will the regular Macbook do?
For me it doesn't seem like I'm sacrificing too much by just getting the Macbook. The one red flag everyone keeps telling me about is the Macbook GPU. How important is that? I'm not a gamer, and mostly use the computer for productivity, internet/email but lots of photos, music, and video editiing, too (iLife). Any thoughts?
Answer:
Re: Do I need a Macbook Pro or will the regular Macbook do?
You don't need to worry about it than, the integrated video on the Macbook is more than enough for what you need to do especially since you're not a gamer.
Just buy extra ram via third party with the extra cash you'll save. I have the Macbook and it works wonders. Also the MBP since it has it's own GPU that's seperate from the system, the MBP's run hotter.
Answer:
Re: Do I need a Macbook Pro or will the regular Macbook do?
Photos/video/music editing and encoding are just CPU intensive tasks, right? I guess GPU wouldn't help there anyway.
Answer:
Re: Do I need a Macbook Pro or will the regular Macbook do?
Yeah, Photos are easy tasks for video these days, and video and music editing/encoding are CPU intensive tasks especially the encoding part.
A review I've seen was showing a guy playing High Definition video files perfectly fine, the 720p and 1080 although the screen res isn't high enough to fully show the 1080 he was still able to run it smoothly.
The Macbook is a wonderful product and I'm very happy with the purchase.
Answer:
Re: Do I need a Macbook Pro or will the regular Macbook do?
you are correct.
Answer:
Re: Do I need a Macbook Pro or will the regular Macbook do?
Not entirely, many programs have started taking advantage of the graphic card. Especially concerning video-editing, where you can apply effects in real-time due to the graphic card.
Since you will be playing around with photos and video-editing, I can only recommend to get as much screen real-estate as possible. You may find the 1280x800 resolution of the MacBook too limiting for your needs.
The best advice would probably be to go to your nearest Apple Store and check them both out.
Answer:
Re: Do I need a Macbook Pro or will the regular Macbook do?
Well, I know that the Macbook Pro should rock. If you have enough money and you want to pay that plus, go for it. But if you wanna save a few bucks and spend them in another thing (apple care, for example) The macbook is really good to edit videos and so on. I've used iMovie for my home made videos and I can say its really easy and fast. I haven't tried that on a MBP, but I think thats CPU intensive.
I don't really think that there is that much difference between Intel's GMA 950 2D accel and x1600 acceleration. The real difference should be in 3D.
Generally speaking, iLife things work like a charm on the regular Macbook, go for it.
Answer:
Re: Do I need a Macbook Pro or will the regular Macbook do?
As long as you have lots of memory that is, that iLife will work like a charm, I can tell 512MB just isn't gonna go well for video and photos (when I had 512, my iPhoto library lagged a bit)
Answer:
Re: Do I need a Macbook Pro or will the regular Macbook do?
One thing I hadn't considered is the impact that a GPU would have on the dual-monitor mode (or even just the output to a monitor). I have a 24" Dell running at 1920x1200. While Apple specs suggest that both the Macbook and MBP are capable of filling up that screen (which would be great for iLife programs when I'm home), does any of that depend on GPU?
Answer:
Re: Do I need a Macbook Pro or will the regular Macbook do?
One thing I hadn't considered is the impact that a GPU would have on the dual-monitor mode (or even just the output to a monitor). I have a 24" Dell running at 1920x1200. While Apple specs suggest that both the Macbook and MBP are capable of filling up that screen (which would be great for iLife programs when I'm home), does any of that depend on GPU?
You should still be fine for 2D stuff. The higher resolutions have a more noticeable impact when you are doing 3D games, etc.