Retina Display MacBook Pro vs. Standard MacBook Pro For Editing – Many Differences

[Phil Smith]

I have used both of these solutions. My last laptop was a 15″ Core i7 with 512GB SSD, (fully loaded). My newest machine is a 15″ RMBP fully loaded (768GB flash, etc.)

I can tell you that both of them provided a very robust solution for editing. I did not have either laptop even hiccup, sneeze or freeze, unless I got into more than 4 streams of HD (I should note: All ProRes workflow for me), and even then – when I received my Pegasus R6 Thunderbolt chassis, sky was the limit.

Here’s the rub: If you spend any time at all inside Adobe apps (planning on using Premiere, or if you develop any kind of comps with a few layers in After Effects), the GPU in the RMBP will give you a SIGNIFICANT speed boost because of it’s NVIDIA Kepler architecture. Adobe apps wrap themselves around NVIDIA tighter than a terrified two-year old will wrap themselves around a parent’s leg.

All that said: The RMBP would be my vote, it’s fantastic so far. I am also using the following:
– AJA IO XT
– AJA T-TAP
– Field Use: LaCie Little Big Disk 2TB (Thunderbolt) – *only because G-Tech doesn’t make mini RAIDs yet
– Sonnet Thunderbolt Echo Express Pro (for on location stuff with our Alexa gear)

Enjoy whatever you get, and good luck!

—
Phil Smith
There are no technical solutions to creative problems. Only creative solutions to technical problems.

[Ian Dillon]

Thanks for the info about the NVIDIA Kepler architecture in the Retina version. That is why I posted here, so I could get that kind of info! I do plan on moving to Premiere so that helps my decision slightly.
Since the Retina version doesn’t have FW800 ports, have you found any limitations with the Thunderbolt to FW800 adapter?

Ian.

Mac Pro 2×2.66 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon
8 GB Ram
Blackmagic Decklink Studio 2 Card

Playroom Creative
We are an Orange County Video Production and Marketing company.
http://www.PlayroomCreative.com

[Phil Smith]

Not so far, every drive that I have tried is still powered over Thunderbolt to FW and runs like a champ.

I have, however – heard stories about people complaining that some drives don’t work.

I use G-Tech, LaCie, and Verbatim HDs here, we’ve had no issues.

—
Phil Smith
There are no technical solutions to creative problems. Only creative solutions to technical problems.

[William Carr]

Hi Phil, just to confirm, you are on FCP7?

[Phil Smith]

Yes, I have it installed and I have used it for two end to end projects. It was fine.

BUT – since starting using Premiere CS6, I have basically switched. It’s really good.

—
Phil Smith
There are no technical solutions to creative problems. Only creative solutions to technical problems.

[William Carr]

You did just what I was imagining I might need to do when I upgrade to the new MBP, switch to CS6. Thanks for the info.