Here's my dilemma. I have a 19" lcd monitor i can use. If I get a MacBook Pro 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2gb ram, 250gb hd, apple care= $3,300
OR
MacPro, One 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon, 2gb ram, 320gb hd, nvidia card, apple care=$2,748.

Either way, I'll get another 2gb ram, and a second drive (500 or 750gb).

What is the benefit of the MacBook in this instance, is it just the portability?
Seems like I would be getting a lot more horsepower and expandability options with the MacPro and for less money. Am I missing something?

What is the benefit of the MacBook in this instance, is it just the portability?
Seems like I would be getting a lot more horsepower and expandability options with the MacPro and for less money. Am I missing something?

Nope. Getting a laptop is always a trade off of portability for power and expansion. Unless you need to be mobile a tower is always going to be more bang for the buck.


-A

I have been going back and forth with this too. I currently use a Powerbook G4 1.5GHZ, and have for the last 3 years. I cut DVCPRO HD with it without too much hassle, only if the project file gets really big.

Good luck with the decision, I have loved the portability of my laptop, but think it is time for me to get a real edit machine (the mac pro) and just use my current laptop for email etc...I am sure I will miss the portability, but will love the speed.

I am waiting however to see if Apple updates the Macbook Pro enough to sway my decision.