[kurt.physics]

Hello,

Im considering buying a Macbook Pro, and i have a few questions

1. Which macbook Pro is best for gaming, video editing (not full core), Web design, Animation (Mainly flash) studying

2. For gaming, I intend to use bootcamp, which Macbook Pro is best for bootcamp

3. I have a price range of AU $2900, so to get the higher powered ones i will get this macbook Pro off eBay.

4. Whats the difference between;

a) 2.2 Ghz and 2.4 GHz

b) 128 mb video card and 256 mb video card

5. I currently have a imac - 2 GHz Intel core 2 Guo with 1 GB RAM with Leopard, my question is, which is better, my imac or the macbook pro 15" 2.2GHz

6. Whats better, 128mb ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT or 128mb NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT

7. Is buying of eBay a good idea

Thanks everyone for everything, i will appreciate any posts

[dowNNshift]

1. Which macbook Pro is best for gaming, video editing (not full core), Web design, Animation (Mainly flash) studying

All current models are well suited for most types of work, but the 17-inch model is big and not as portable. I would suggest purchasing a separate external monitor to connect to while doing in-depth design work.

2. For gaming, I intend to use bootcamp, which Macbook Pro is best for bootcamp

Consider hard drive size. BootCamp requires that you partition dedicated space on your internal hard disk for use. Once you've created this partition you cannot change it. Bigger and faster the hard drive, the better.

3. I have a price range of AU $2900, so to get the higher powered ones i will get this macbook Pro off eBay.

That translates into about $2500 USD.... that'll get you a entry or midlevel 15-inch MacBook. I would consider purchasing from the Apple Australian Online Store. Unless you really know what you're doing shopping on eBay, its a big risk. Especially considering you're most likely going to have to purchase it internationally. Computers are monitored closely by customs too, as not all north American software is licensed for use in other parts of the world.

4. Whats the difference between; a) 2.2 Ghz and 2.4 GHz b) 128 mb video card and 256 mb video card

The performance difference between the two models is negligible at best. A measly 200MHz isn't going to be noticeable. You'd be better off using a 7200RPM internal hard drive and using lots of quality RAM. If you intend on connecting to a large 24 or 30 inch display, I would consider the video card memory bump. 128MB for a 15-in display is plenty for almost all tasks.

5. I currently have a imac - 2 GHz Intel core 2 Guo with 1 GB RAM with Leopard, my question is, which is better, my imac or the macbook pro 15" 2.2GHz

A current MacBook Pro will be modestly faster. This is because of the higher end graphics, default 2GB of memory, and faster 800MHz front-side bus.

6. Whats better, 128mb ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT or 128mb NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT

Both are good graphics chipsets, but games tend to have a preference for NVIDIA. In BootCamp, DirectX 9 seemingly also has better integration with the NVIDIA series chips sets as well. Games aside, it a mute argument as they basically both do the same thing.

7. Is buying of eBay a good idea

Again as I mentioned above, unless you really feel comfortable with the seller terms then I would not do it. eBay is filled with the good, the bad, and the ugly. And you're already at a disadvantage being an international buyer. If you're looking for a deal on a generation or two back MacBook Pro, then eBay is going to be a source. If you're looking to buy new, I would strongly recommend buying from Apple or a local Apple Reseller.

Throughly vette the sellers credentials so that you are less likely to get burned, and get and use a PayPal. PayPal makes it safe and easier for both parties involved.

Again, be prepared to pay for customs. Most sellers will pass those costs to the buyer. To reiterate, not all software is licensed for global use. If you buy a north American machine via eBay you could have problems viewing your regional DVDs or integrating with regionally licensed software.

When in doubt, buy from a reputable local source.

[mduell]

1. Pick the size you can live with and max out the RAM (4GB).
2. Any.
3. Ok.
4. Not much.
5. MBP.
6. 8600M .
7. Rarely.

[SierraDragon]

At this point it is appropriate to wait to see what happens at Mac Expo SF January 15 prior to making major Apple purchases. A plethora of new hardware/software of all types from scores of vendors is introduced at Mac Expo. The Mac landscape always goes through a major evolution whether or not any one specific product is updated.

Re-ask your questions January 20 or so after you have fully digested all the press releases that come out of Mac Expo. A good source is MacNN | Apple, Macintosh and iPod news. Note that January sees hundreds of new products timed to CES and Mac Expo. You should carefully peruse MACNN and the links there every day.

Working graphics I strongly recommend the 17" size MBP and suggest avoiding the glossy display choice because the display adds contrast and saturation to images. However many non-pros like added contrast and saturation, so it is a personal choice.

-Allen Wicks

[kurt.physics]

Thanks everyone, I think its a good idea to wait for the mac expo, would there be alot for the mac book pro, also, would they be in my price range? Just say one does come out, would i have to order it from america to get it soon as i live in australia?

Thanks,

[SierraDragon]

Originally Posted by kurt.physics 

Thanks everyone, I think its a good idea to wait for the mac expo, would there be alot for the mac book pro, also, would they be in my price range?

No one knows, wait and see.

Originally Posted by kurt.physics 

Just say one does come out, would i have to order it from america to get it soon as i live in australia?

Ask Apple after Expo. Also, look for an Australian Mac Users Group.

-Allen Wicks