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Mac Pro vs Macbook Pro?
I recently shot a project on an EX1 and am purchasing a new editing system. I’m trying to decide between a MBP OR a Mac Pro + a separate business laptop.
I don’t imagine I’ll be doing uncompressed HD any time soon, nor will I be using the system for effects type work. Having one computer makes things simpler and will obviously be considerably cheaper, but if the Mac Pro offers significant advantages, I will go with that.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
PS. I know this type of question has been asked several times before in the forums, but as the specs of the current systems keeps changing, I wanted to ask this afresh.
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4 Replies
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Desktop computers are faster (more processors), can hold more RAM (Up to 32GB now I believe) and are very expandable and upgradeable especially the video and graphics cards. They cost more up front, but if you are going to be doing this professionally, you want the fastest and most expandable machine you can get.
We have a three year old G5 Quad 2.5 still cutting broadcast HD projects on a weekly basis. Would not be able to do that with a three year old laptop with any efficiency.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
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From my experiences with editing on both: MBP and Mac Pro – there is a huge difference – whatever you do, professional, big or private and small. It is actually a pleasure to work on Mac Pro vs. watching spinning beach ball on MBP, whenever you want to composite the tracks, or do practically anything that involves more than totally simple assembly of clips… I’d rather not hesitate, and get Mac Pro. Good luck anyway you choose!
marek
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One thing to keep in mind is the 17″ MBP is the only MBP that comes with a express slot. An express slot os a MUST on a portable computer so that you can have the ability to use esata and even more important to keep your media drives on a different buss from any deck/camera.
[Shane O’Brien] “I don’t imagine I’ll be doing uncompressed HD any time soon”
With ProRes most people don’t need to edit ProRes any more.
There are no “technical solutions” to your “artistic problems”.
Don’t let technology get in the way of your creativity! -
Thanks all for the input. The consensus is clearly a Mac Pro. Zane, that’s a good point re the express card slot. Frustrating they went with an SD slot on the 15.4″ MBP. I would not go any bigger than the 15.4″, as I’d need it to be easily portable for everyday use. Without esata, I assume that rules out a RAID 5 array? I was thinking about a G-speed eS. Is connecting via FW 800 perfectly adequate for ProRes?
I should note I wouldn’t be doing much editing in the field. I would just be loading files from the camera, which I could do with most laptops. The main benefit I could see of having the MBP is that I would be able to take the machine to a client’s office. I will be editing at home, so bringing them to mine wouldn’t be feasible. I suppose the other option would be just to output the video from FCP and show them on my other laptop – though in that case, I wouldn’t be able to show them alternative clips or make changes then and there…
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