[DEMUG] how to configure a new MacBook Pro?

[Tim Smith]

I'm so jealous.

IMHO I'd go for the extra RAM from a 3rd party vendor that you can  
trust. It's not difficult to install and Apple charges too much.

As for the processor, I'm guessing that whichever one you choose will  
seem like light-speed acceleration from the G3 you're used to. It  
sometimes seems that when Apple computers get reviewed, the reviewers  
tend to pick the middle-level processor since it represents the best  
value. The only slightly faster 2.6GHz costs more than the modest  
speed increase is worth (over the 2.4). Based on that rationale, I'd  
go with the 2.4.

You might consider (although I'm sure you have already) the 17 inch  
model. The extra real estate is very handy if you're using programs  
like Lightroom and Photoshop that have lots of windows on either side  
of the image. At this point in time, on the eve of a new Mac Pro  
hardware update (January at MacWorld?) the Mac Book Pro is a serious  
contender for full-time, main-office computing. You may wish to use  
it in the studio as well as on the road. In which case, the larger  
screen would be swell.

And finally, the glossy screen has garnered some negative comments,  
especially from photographers. It's highly reflective and requires  
careful placement to avoid distracting glare from things in the  
environment. Not a great thing when reviewing photos.

Just my 2 cents.

Best of luck with your new screamer!
Tim


On Dec 6, 2007, at 8:40 AM, Michele Stapleton wrote:

> I'm dying to replace my G3 iBook with a screaming fast Mac Book Pro
> and now I'm looking online deciding how to configure it so I can give
> Santa a very precise wish list. (WHO AM I FOOLING???)
>
> Price is always a consideration; I don't always buy the biggest and
> fastest, but I will splurge for extras that will make a clear
> difference in performance. I am a digital photographer, so I do work
> with large files and often have photoshop and a couple of other apps
> open at once.
>
> I'm looking at a 15-inch model and am wondering
>
> Will I notice that much difference (and is it worth paying for)  
> between
>
> 2.2 GHz
> 2.4 GHz (+$500)
> 2.6 GHz (+$750)
>
> For RAM, it ships with 2B and the Apple Store says add $700 if you
> want 4 GB, but if I read things right, I can buy 4GB RAM and install
> it myself for approx $250.  See http://www.smalldog.com/list/wag114/
> wag10014/attt/?list=39479,39480,41341  I've never cracked open a
> laptop, but I did install extra RAM in a G5 desktop model without
> blowing anything, so unless this a risky procedure, that looks like a
> better way to go.
>
> I could bump up the hard drive from 160 to 250 for $150-200 but
> unless you guys with crystal balls say that the files of the future
> are going to be huge, I probably won't go for the bigger hard drive.
> I don't store files longterm on my iBook now, I use it to download
> stuff I shoot on the road, but when I get home, it gets transferred
> to a hard drive in the office immediately. I don't think I've ever
> had more than 40 GB of files (in addition to apps) on the iBook at
> once.  I do have a small Western Digital portable hard drive that's
> about 160-180 GB that I carry on the road to duplicate files on the
> iBook (so I have a copy on the laptop and a backup copy on another
> device.)
>
> Am also thinking I will pass on a glossy display.
>
> Would love to have feedback, advice, musings, etc. from anyone to
> help me with this decision.  Even better are monetary  
> contributions. :)
>
> TIA!
>
>
> Michele
>
> -----------------------------------------------
> Michele Stapleton, photographer
> BRUNSWICK, MAINE
> http://www.MicheleStapleton.com
> http://www.MaineWeddingPhotographer.com/
> -----------------------------------------------
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> DEMUG mailing list
> DEMUG at lists.demug.org
> http://lists.demug.org/mailman/listinfo/demug_lists.demug.org
>

-----------------------------
Smith & Powers
Phone: 207-257-2132
Cell: 207 299-3599
Fax: 207 257-2133



-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://lists.demug.org/pipermail/demug_lists.demug.org/attachments/20071206/8cc2a898/attachment-0001.html