Macworld Forums: Buying A New Mac - Recommendations for Final Cut Pro? - Macworld Forums

It is sales tax holiday weekend in my state, so that means I can get a new Mac and save a significant amount of dough. I currently have a 17 inch PowerBook G4, 1.33 Ghz. with 2 Gb of RAM. I use the machine to do all sorts of graphics and video work, using programs like Final Cut Studio, Adobe Creative Suite, iWork and iLife.

I'm interested in opinions on a new machine. There are some budget constraints, but I'd like to know the following:

1. Is the iMac 24 inch a viable option as a video editing station using Final Cut Pro Studio? One option I am considering is to buy an iMac 24 inch and a MacBook, doing my video work on the iMac and presentation work on the Macbook. What is your opinion about this?
2. I've looked on the Apple Store at both new and refurb MacBook Pros. If you had to pick a model, which gives the most bang for the buck? Do you think a refurb Core 2 Duo machine would be fine for my needs? Is there a disadvantage to buying a refurb vs. a new machine for the style of work I am doing?
3. Again, concerning Macbook Pros...do you prefer a 15 inch or 17 inch screen? Are there any disadvantages for going with the smaller screen? Both sizes come in both matte and glossy finishes: do you recommend one over the other for video editing?
4. Are Apple's RAM module prices in line with others? I would like to trick out the machine with as much RAM as possible right now. If Apple is high, who would you buy RAM from? I have used Other World Computing in the past, but I hear Apple is now competitive on this.

Thank you for any help you can provide on this situation!

wncmacs

Hi- I would max out the RAM and upgrade to the 512mb video card. 256mb card would be fine but you have think about your future needs, and everything will soon be HD. The 512 card will help you with rendering and working in Color, and Motion.
Adobe Creative Suite is more RAM dependent until you start rendering in 3D.

1. The 24" is great for working within FCP 24"s is well enough of a working environment. As long as you export your video from FCP as a self contained movie you can transfer it and present it on any computer that supports Quicktime.

2. I never bought a refurb computer from apple don't know. You definitely want to go with the Intel Core 2 Duo.

3. Working with graphics and video you want as much working environment as possible.

4. Yes get your ram from somewhere eles.