Tom Dyer
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MacBook Pro 15" or 17" ? - 2008/08/15 16:06
Hi guys,
I have just been accepted into Uni, so am off in a month or so.
I am doing a Music & Sound Recording Course, so need a decent Mac.
I have been looking at getting a MacBook Pro. I would also be spec.ing it as highly as possible.
My question is: Should I get the 15" or 17" version?
I need it to be portable, as I plan to take it to most lectures, but also easy to use with audio software. Have any of you any views or experience with this? (- I know Nicky has the 17")
Thanks all,
Tom
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Greg Fyn
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Re:MacBook Pro 15" or 17" ? - 2008/08/15 19:20
Geez that's a tough one.... smaller screen versus higher weight.... 2.45kg versus 3.08kg...200 versus 250Gb hard drive. I guess there is alot to weigh; but having been a longtime laptop owner, I'd go for the larger screen, it's not like they are that heavy and once you get used to a larger screen the smaller ones feel like looking at a postage stamp....
Good luck in school hope you do well Tom!
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Tom Dyer
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Re:MacBook Pro 15" or 17" ? - 2008/08/16 01:04
Hi Greg,
Thanks for the reply.
I am hoping that if I get the bigger screen the extra size and weight won't put me off transporting the thing around. I am thinking of getting this bag: http://store.digidesign.com/uk/index.cfm?page=templates/product_detail&PartNumber=9945-19113-00&categoryid=120
It looks rugged and as I have an Mbox2, it makes sense. My plan would to be able to use it as my main bag, and what I would take most places with me. It would just have my Laptop, some paper and a few pens (plus a few other things  ).
I suppose what I am trying to find out is will I regret it?
If I get the 15", will I regret having a small screen and only 2 USBs?
If I get the 17", will I find it too big and heavy to carry everywhere?
Thanks guys,
Tom
P.S. Whichever one I buy, I will be getting the 200Gb 7200rmp HDD. For an audio computer, any slower will really show.
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Nicholas Hill
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Re:MacBook Pro 15" or 17" ? - 2008/08/16 01:38
You need to mock up a bag with both weights and add a realistic amount for other stuff and try carrying it around for a couple of days. It's a tech version of those pregnancy belly things they make to see what that feels like.
I'd chime in that the smaller 15" + a TFT at home and external mouse and keyboard would be a winner. I used to commute alot and use the laptop on the train, as a result I always bought the smaller most powerful thing going to make my bag lighter.
Nick.
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Tom Dyer
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Re:MacBook Pro 15" or 17" ? - 2008/08/16 15:16
I think the 15" one might be better...
I can always make it bigger, but I can't (easily) make the 17" smaller .
I would be interested to hear from Nicky as I believe he commutes everyday with the 17". Is it very heavy and cumbersome?
Thanks all,
Tom
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Nicky Curtis
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Re:MacBook Pro 15" or 17" ? - 2008/08/18 05:02
Hi there,
I actually own the 15inch one, the 17 inch never even crossed my mind as I think that it is too big to be portable, certainly on a daily basis.
I did work with somebody with a 17inch Pro but even he thought it was a little on the large side.
Cheers,
Nicky
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Tom Dyer
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Re:MacBook Pro 15" or 17" ? - 2008/08/18 10:31
Hi,
My mistake, must look bigger on camera, 
Thanks for all the responses, I am going to get a 15" one with glossy screen sometime in the next few weeks.
Cheers,
Tom
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Richard Hall
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Re:MacBook Pro 15" or 17" ? - 2008/08/18 18:26
Hi tom
Just out of interest what software do you use to record Pro Tools?? or something different
Best of luck at Uni & enjoy It
Richard
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Tom Dyer
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Re:MacBook Pro 15" or 17" ? - 2008/08/19 05:14
Hi,
I have a Mbox 2, so that unlocks Pro Tools LE. I like it and it is very powerful, but I haven't used it enough to be able to do everything in it. I have times when I know it can do something, but I don't know how to get it to do it.
I have used Cubase (SX3 & 4) on PC for years and am very used to it. I have never had any serious problems with it. It is multi-platform, but very expensive.
I have also tried a few things in Logic. It is very highly thought of and some people rate it above Pro Tools LE. I am going to get the Express version with my Mac, but I know I will need something more powerful in the long run.
These are the main DAWs that I would recommend, but each one has very different workflows and so I would recommend you try demos of them (in-store if you can). Then you can find what suits you.
You also need to think about the sort of things you wish to record as each DAW comes with a different selection of plug-ins, and some may be more useful to you than others.
Hope this helps,
Tom
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Richard Hall
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Re:MacBook Pro 15" or 17" ? - 2008/08/22 18:59
i have very brief experience in pro tools HD3 from a btec coures at school and i have logic express 7 on my imac. Never seen Pro Tools LE so cant really compare to logic but logic is very good.
By the way if you dont already no there is a education discount on hardware and software if buying from apple so its worth looking into if you haven't already
Thanks For Your Help
Richard
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Tom Dyer
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Re:MacBook Pro 15" or 17" ? - 2008/08/28 02:27
Hi,
Sorry for the delayed reply,
I don't think anybody would say that ProTools LE is ProTools. ProTools is ProTools HD. But what it does allow me to do is to open any project I have created in one of the Uni's studios on HD, and be able to work on it on the go.
I am aware of the educational discount so I will be getting my 'up to 8%' off.
Cheers,
Tom
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