Gfaze

Since there are several Apple fanatics in here (yeah you yummy ) I figured I'd ask your advice. My sister is a computer graphics artist and is looking to upgrade from her aging HP laptop. Since many companies out there run Adobe everything on Macs, she wants to get one so she can work on whichever platform is available. What MacBook do you guys recommend for photo editing, video editing, webpage design, etc.?

I'm a complete Apple noob so I'm not sure. I was thinking the MacBook Pro but she is on a budget.

Sarlacc

Well...you really only have the choice of the macbook airs or the 13, 15, 17 macbook pros...I don't think they do the MacBooks anymore except educational institutes.

That said. I would tell you're sister to wait. There will be new laptops announced in the next two months. All new form factors, newest processors, and I believe a switch back to Nvidia graphics cards. Also, rumored HIDPI displays.

So, wait for those for one....and then after that it just depends on what size screen she wants. My 13" MBP has become my everyday machine since my 24" iMac is my kids nursery and I get on it much anymore. And I use it for processing 90% of my photos at this point. I love it, I have no issue with the screen at all.

The newer laptops all have thunderbolt and easily hook up to the apple thunderbolt display for a bigger or dual monitor.

So there are options, just depends on preference.

Gfaze

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll let her know about the upcoming new models. One other question, do the different display options really make much of a difference or is it mostly marketing gimmicks?

Sarlacc

you mean matte vs glossy...or the potential new high res displays that are rumored?

most artists will tell you get the matte option (only on the 15 and 17) for more true color...Personally, I like the glossy, I like the contrast and in relation to my photography when Ive had it printed or seen it on other monitors I find the color to be pretty damn accurate. So, I'll leave that one to preference.

As far as the potential high res screens...its going to be macs version of retina displays for non iOS products. For high resolution work...its going to be pretty awesome I think.

Gfaze

Yeah I was referring to the high res screens. I just wasn't sure if it was worth the extra money. Looks like we'll have to wait and see.

Sarlacc

unknown if they will be an option or standard.

Whiskers

Not much to add except if you wait and don't go for the new models you can usually get pretty good deals on the last gen which are great machines. I have a 15 inch MBP i7, I put in a 256GB SSD and upgraded to the max 8 GB ram, the machine is crazy fast and I have Bootcamp running 7 ultimate as well. Easily the best computer I ever owned.

ez12a

ditto on waiting for new models. Only look at the Macbook Pros 13-17" and not the Air if you want computing power for processing photos and videos.

I dont like my glossy screen due to the reflections, would have rather gotten a matte screen but they started charging extra for it.

jupitersolo

11 June 2012 should be the introduction of the new Mac Book Pros.

Gfaze

That's probably what we're going to end up doing. I like the idea of a dual boot setup.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

For what you need, I say go MBP over the MB Air.

Gfaze

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Sarlacc

under most circumstances I would agree with going with a gen older model to save coin...but the thinner form factor on the new models would be enough to sway me.