Mac experts: I need a Macintosh computer for my Graphics courses

[graywarrior]

I have to buy or write a grant for one. What is the least expensive but best notebook model to get to use for film editing, photoshop, quark, music.

[Deja Q]

1. As you mentioned 'film editing', you'll want 4GB of RAM and a 2.53GHz CPU.

A 15.4" screen is adequate.

$1699
(before $100 student discount)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9375142&st=macbook+pro&type=product&id=1218093608316

[graywarrior]

3. Awesome, thanks for responding.

[av8rdave]

2. If you can live with a 13" screen, the aluminum MacBook Pro is now under $1200

Only 160GB HD, though, but that's still a pretty powerful machine.

[graywarrior]

4. I will look at it. too.

[HopeHoops]

5. Does it have to be a notebook?

You can get much more power out of a Mac Mini, but that's a - well, not a notebook. I can't call it a desktop either. It is sort of a small box with a shitload of power in it, but you do need an external keyboard, mouse, and monitor. You can get much more power in that thing than you can in a laptop for the same money. If you need a laptop, you're looking at a minimum of $1000. Probably $1800 for film editing.

[graywarrior]

6. Yeah, I've seen those.

But I need to travel around with mine, so I think I'd better stick with a notebook.

[RebelOne]

18. I have a Mac Mini and love it.

I have been using one at my office. Last week, my PC at home conked out, so I went to Best Buy and bought a Mac Mini. I love the compactness of it and I don't have a cumbersome tower.

[MilesColtrane]

7. Wait until after Wednesday.

You never know what Steve-O is going to pull out of his magic hat after he says, "Oh..and one more thing...".

(I happen to think it's going to be the Beatles' catalogue available on iTunes, but it could be a new tablet/notebook.)

[graywarrior]

8. Really.

Hmmmm. I'm up for anything except stealing.

[Karl Heinrich]

9. Graphics are tough on a 13-inch screen

and won't run well on less than a MacBook Pro,

So . . . I'd go for the low-end 15-inch: 2.53GHz.

It's $1699 list, but if you're writing a grant, perhaps you qualify for a nonprofit or educational discount.

[graywarrior]

11. Thank you, and welcome to DU if you're new.

[grace0418]

16. I highly recommend getting a second monitor no matter what size laptop you get.

I can do design work on my 15" Macbook Pro in a pinch, but it's much better on my 20" monitor. Then I can use the laptop monitor for all my palettes.

[DatManFromNawlins]

10. Get a Macbook Pro, and a mouse to go along with it

That is, unless you already have a graphics pad. If you don't, then check out woot.com. They have some graphics pads from time to time that go for about 30 bucks that work very well with photoshop.

The trackpad is crap for graphics work.

Also, get Applecare. Apple's prices are ridiculous for repair work.

[graywarrior]

12. Applecare! Good to know.

[grace0418]

15. For the work you're going to be doing, it sounds like a graphics tablet would be great

for you. I love mine (a wacom).

I also love my Macbook Pro. I have the 15" then I hook it up to another monitor when I'm designing. I couldn't be happier.

I agree about Applecare. Worth the money. Plus it's a bit like taking an umbrella to ensure a sunny day. Not too many of my friends have had problems with their macs (we're all graphic designers), but it seems like the ones that have had problems are the ones without Applecare. :)

[mopinko]

13. get a used one?

we got our youngest a used one on ebay. we put some more memory in it, but it suits her fine. it was about $600.

[graywarrior]

19. Great idea!

I could do that for starters....just for classes.

[madinmaryland]

14. You got a Duckintosh?

:wtf:

[graywarrior]

21. .

:spank:

[XemaSab]

17. Get a Mac Plus

Best computer I ever had. :(

[graywarrior]

20. OK, sounds good!