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  • Best MacBook Pro for Final Cut Pro

    Posted by Chris Green on June 28, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    Hi everyone.

    I have been using Final Cut Pro 7, and Final Cut Pro X for a while. I intend to get a new MacBook, well it will be my first MacBook because I do all of my work on an iMac.

    So, I wanted to ask what is the best option for MacBooks out right now and Final Cut Pro 7 and 10. It would be great if I could hear your opinions about the best option for both applications.

    My current choices in my head are between, 15in. 256gb SSD retina model with i7 and 8gb RAM, or 15in. 750GB model with i7 and 8gb RAM. I will be running all of my files from a USB 3.0 external drive.

    Sorry for such a personal and opinionated question, and thank you very much in advanced for your response.

    Ben Holmes replied 13 years, 10 months ago 3 Members · 2 Replies
  • 2 Replies
  • Shane Ross

    June 28, 2012 at 5:18 pm

    Well, I have the 15″ 2.3Ghz i7 with 8GB of RAM, and it’s running circles around my MacPro:

    https://lfhd.net/2012/06/27/haunting-my-laptop/

    And this guy is running FCP-7 on the Retina MBP:

    https://forums.creativecow.net/thread/8/1161034

    Shane
    Little Frog Post
    Read my blog, Little Frog in High Def

  • Ben Holmes

    June 30, 2012 at 11:54 am

    Speaking as ‘that guy’ I’d say it’s really a personal preference here.

    I’d go for 16gb ram for starters (not sure if that’s an option for the normal MBP) – I’ve found it makes a massive difference having more apps open – and you will see a benefit in FCPX.

    Beyond that, it depends on whether or not you prefer size over upgradability – either are fine machines, but I found the 512Gb flash drive (faster than the 256gb SSD I think) with the 2.6gb retina too good to miss. It means you can even store some broadcast-quality media for viewing/editing – something I’d never otherwise recommend. On the other hand, if you don’t care about the extra speed, you can fit a larger HDD in the standard MBP. Not sure I see the point of bumping up the cost of the standard MBP over the ‘standard’ Flash storage in the retina.

    One thing – I’d go thunderbolt for storage, over USB3 – although I use one for transfers to and from other computers.

    Either way – you’ll be happy.

    Ben

    Edit Out Ltd
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    https://www.blackmagic-design.com/community/communitydetails/?UserStoryId=8757

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