13″ Macbook Pro and Final Cut Studio -compatible?

[Michael Sacci]

without a discreet graphic card, Motion and Color will not (should not) install.

If you simply go to the spec page of FCS it will answer your question.

https://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/specs/

[Daniel Dunn]

I did go to the specs page earlier and I did see exactly what you are talking about, but I guess I was hoping for anyone’s personal first hand knowledge. Thank you very for your info, I really appreciate the help.
Daniel

Daniel
http://www.ddunnproductions.com

[Joel Peregrine]

Hi Daniel,

All the current MacBook Pros have discreet graphics cards and are fully capable of running FCS.

https://www.apple.com/macbookpro/graphics.html

[Michael Sacci]

the 13″ is now listed as a MBPro, and it does NOT have a discreet graphics card nor can it be ordered with one. The 15″ can be order with or without the discreet graphics card. Al the 17″ versions have a discreet graphic card.

Please read more carefully-
On 15″
All models: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory3
Selected models: NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics processor with 256MB of GDDR3 memory on 2.66GHz configuration; or 512MB of GDDR3 memory on 2.8GHz and 3.06GHz configurations

On 13″
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory

[Michael Sacci]

Wasn’t trying to be mean, your post didn’t seem like you knew that the specs said no and that you just wanted to know if anyone got around it. Sometimes it it worth trying to get an older systems you already own to work a little longer after they fall under some processor spec, but it is normally not a good idea to buy a new system that starts below spec, IMO. If you have any problems you are left out in the cold. The $2K 15″ MBP is were FCS starts at.

When you go to install FCS it looks for hardware, without seeing the graphic card it will not let you install Motion or Color.

[Matthew Wahl]

Actually, I’ve successfully installed both Motion and Color on a white 2-year old MacBook (not Pro). Starting the applications doesn’t go so well, though…

[Daniel Dunn]

Awesome, this is the info I was looking for. Thanks to all you guys who responded. There are many other reasons to not get the 13 for your editing station, but this is the primary.

Daniel
http://www.ddunnproductions.com

[Rob Roberts]

Michael,
Quick question. What if one does not wish to install Motion and/or Color. I have two fixed edit suites for finishing. I am looking for something that can import and playback DVCProHD files in real time (for viewing dailies, taking production notes, etc.), off-line edit (with simple effects and transitions), and still remain small enough to use on an airplane. So, would a 13″ MacBook Pro with its standard GFX card suffice for this type of use?

Robby Roberts
V.P. Creative Services

[Peter Murphy]

Hi Rob,

Interested in knowing if you went ahead, and if so how’s your experience? I’ve been travelling with a 17″ MacBookPro – but alongside all the rest of the kit it is too large and heavy – you can’t even open it in an economy airline seat. I’ve got a MacPro system back at base for finishing, so Color and Motion not so important – it’s to be able to capture, log, transmit and send footage from the field, so all basic FCP functions. The 15″ would certainly do it, but seems extravagant to get that when the size/weight specs are only slightly less than the 17″ – would need to get the full benefit of the 13″ size/weight to make it worthwhile. I would pair this with a 500GB 7200rpm LaCie Rugged for media capture.

Peter

[Patrick Simpson]

I too am curious how things worked out.