Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa
It's easy to spec out a great machine at Apple.com, but was hoping to get some input on what is absolutely necessary vs. nice to have vs. don't bother.
Also, is a MacBook Pro up to the task so I can stay mobile vs. the Mac Pro towers? My current laptop, a 1.5 G4 with 512MB of RAM is not, and is also in need of serious repair.
Will be working mostly in Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign with lots of fonts, effects, and filters.
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For the type of work you describe, I think the 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro would be an excellent choice. I would get it with 1GB then add 2x2GB RAM chips via a 3rd party - RAM bought from Apple is expensive.
Get the 250GB drive and perhaps plan on getting a FireWire external (Serial ATA is your only choice for an internal drive) for large files or just for additional storage if needed.
The "jump" in performance from your current laptop to the MBPro will be staggering, IMHO. I made a similar jump several months ago and am very satisfied. I do a fair amount of Photoshop and Fireworks processing on my MBPro and am pleased.
I opted for the 15" screen because I travel with my MBPro and the 17" is big! Go to the Apple Store and check them out running some of the types of work you will be doing.
Plus, you can take the MBPro with you.
Best,
Kurt