[dantewaters]

I edit HD content (DVCPRO HD / HDV)
using Final cut, and am looking to train a few individuals to edit as well.


The dilemma

Mac pro 8 core 2gigs of Ram NVidia 8800Gt 3k

or

Macbook Pro 2.4 2gigs of ram base model

[Big Mac]

How much are you willing to pay, and do you need the portability?

[Simon]

If you need the portability get the MBP. I you don't or if you require the extra performance get the MP.

Keep in mind that you will want enough RAM plus a large and fast disk (or several actually). Getting those form a third-party is a lot cheaper than getting it from Apple. In 99% of the cases RAM and disk are more important than an extra 5% clock. And remember that while the 8800 is a great card if you're planning on using your MP for games, it's not a cost-efficient choice for FCP.

And finally, if you're on a tight budget consider the refurb store. It's a great way to save money and still get good performance.

[tooki]

FYI, for Final Cut Studio, the stock ATI graphics card is superior to the 8800GT.

[ChrisB]

Obviously the Mac Pro is a better choice.

That said, I have a MacBook Pro, and DVCPRO HD is a breeze. I've even worked with Red footage in the field on set checking shots, and it's not bad.

If you really don't need portability, get the Mac Pro.

[SierraDragon]

The MP is far stronger, the only choice - - - unless you need portability in which case the MBP is the only choice.

-Allen Wicks

[OreoCookie]

As the others have said, it's a decision whether you want to/need to be mobile or not. If you do, then you have no choice. If you don't, the choice is easy

In any case, you should up the RAM to 4+ GB, no matter which machine you get.

[SierraDragon]

Originally Posted by OreoCookie 

In any case, you should up the RAM to 4+ GB, no matter which machine you get.

Indeed. Moving forward RAM will be becoming more and more important. The additional RAM that MPs can address is a very big plus for MPs. IMO 4x2=8 GB RAM is the minimum folks should put in MPs to start.

One good RAM source is OWC: http://otherworldcomputing.com/. The 2-GB size DIMMs are the smallest size to buy; with only 8 RAM slots available the 4-GB size is preferable but is still selling at higher cost per GB. However cost per GB is close enough now (~$700 v. ~$420 for 16 GB) that I personally will not be buying anything but 4-GB or larger sized DIMMs for Mac Pros in the future.

-Allen Wicks

[tooki]

Originally Posted by SierraDragon 

IMO 4x2=8 GB RAM is the minimum folks should put in MPs to start.

Well, bear in mind that the 2008-model Mac Pro will only reach top RAM performance with all 8 RAM slots occupied. That's why I bought with the stock 2GB (2x1GB modules) and added six more 1GB modules, for a total of 8GB occupying all slots. (The minimum configuration of two modules reaches around 6.5GB/sec, having all 8 slots filled reaches 7.5GB/sec, a significant improvement.)

[bearcatrp]

Wait for the 17 inch MBP to be refreshed at macworld in january. I have a feeling jobs will stick a quad core in it like the other manufacturers have done. If so, its going to cost allot. HP's quad core laptop runs around 3 grand so expect apple to do the same if not more.