For learning FCS: Macbook vs Pro at DVinfo.net

Jason Livingston · October 11th, 2006, 12:17 AM

I know my way around Premiere and some other PC NLE programs, but I see a lot of job offers looking specifically for FCP expertise. Assuming I want to learn FCP and the other Studio programs (Motion, Soundtrack, etc.) for the purpose of becoming system-independant and filling out my resume, do you think I could get by learning on a Macbook, or do I need a Macbook Pro?

I've heard conflicting statements about Final Cut Studio on the Macbook. Some people say everything works fine and its just a little slow, but I also read a comment that said Motion won't even install on a Macbook. Apple says they only support FCE on the Macbook, as if FCP/FCS won't work at all.(!?)

Is there anyone running all of the Final Cut Studio programs on a Macbook that can confirm that everything works reasonably well? At least for the purpose of learning the software (nothing too serious or urgent)? Thanks!

P.S. I will be working with HDV and DV footage. If I get the Macbook, it will probably be the 2GHz with at least 1GB of RAM, maybe 2GB. If I get the Macbook Pro, I might have to stick with 1GB for a while to save money. I already have some fast external drives so HD space is not a concern.

Gunleik Groven · October 11th, 2006, 01:42 AM

Go for the Pro. You won't regret it.
(We have both here)

I bought a FW 800 card for the MBP to have two independent buses and to run FW drives. No hickups.

No issuses with Motion.

Simply works (and I really dislike the shiny MB screen for editing)

You will miss the other Gb of RAM pretty soon in either case, but that's upgradeable, the mainboard isn't.

Gunleik

William Hohauser · October 11th, 2006, 03:22 PM

MacBook Pro. No question.

October 11th, 2006, 12:17 AM	#1
Jason Livingston Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 71	For learning FCS: Macbook vs Pro I know my way around Premiere and some other PC NLE programs, but I see a lot of job offers looking specifically for FCP expertise. Assuming I want to learn FCP and the other Studio programs (Motion, Soundtrack, etc.) for the purpose of becoming system-independant and filling out my resume, do you think I could get by learning on a Macbook, or do I need a Macbook Pro? I've heard conflicting statements about Final Cut Studio on the Macbook. Some people say everything works fine and its just a little slow, but I also read a comment that said Motion won't even install on a Macbook. Apple says they only support FCE on the Macbook, as if FCP/FCS won't work at all.(!?) Is there anyone running all of the Final Cut Studio programs on a Macbook that can confirm that everything works reasonably well? At least for the purpose of learning the software (nothing too serious or urgent)? Thanks! P.S. I will be working with HDV and DV footage. If I get the Macbook, it will probably be the 2GHz with at least 1GB of RAM, maybe 2GB. If I get the Macbook Pro, I might have to stick with 1GB for a while to save money. I already have some fast external drives so HD space is not a concern.

October 11th, 2006, 01:42 AM	#2
Gunleik Groven Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Espa - Norway Posts: 151	Go for the Pro. You won't regret it. (We have both here) I bought a FW 800 card for the MBP to have two independent buses and to run FW drives. No hickups. No issuses with Motion. Simply works (and I really dislike the shiny MB screen for editing) You will miss the other Gb of RAM pretty soon in either case, but that's upgradeable, the mainboard isn't. Gunleik __________________ Red? Sure!

October 11th, 2006, 03:22 PM	#3
William Hohauser Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New York City Posts: 2,650	MacBook Pro. No question. __________________ William Hohauser - New York City Producer/Edit/Camera/Animation