MacBook Pro Question: I am trying to make the change from PC to MacBook and have a question about processor speed. The specs that I have selected include: 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7...

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

I am trying to make the change from PC to MacBook and have a question about processor speed. The specs that I have selected include:
2.2 GHz Intel Core i7 (Crystalwell)
16GB of Onboard 1600 MHz DDR3L RAM
256GB PCIe-Based Flash Storage
Integrated Intel Iris Pro Graphics

The GHz speed can be 2.2, 2.5, 2.8 with price increases $300, then $200 as it steps up. Is there a significant difference in these speeds?

If I get the MacBook Pro, it will replace both a laptop and desktop and will have to handle not only my photo work in Lightroom and Elements, but also Microsoft Office.

Based on my programs, is there a reason to go higher than 2.2? The lower price makes changing more palatable since I'll also have the expense of new LR, PSE and Office softwares.

P.S. I plan to continue using my 24" IPS monitor via USB.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I have a 2.4 I5 with 8gb and am very happy with it. The I7 will be a better, faster processor, and the 16GB will be the same as I now have on my pc. This should be a really good setup. They are wonderful machines! Good luck.

P.S. I store all my photo files on a Synology DiskStation.

mrjcall Loc: Woodfin, NC

dmeyer2m wrote:

I am trying to make the change from PC to MacBook ... (show quote)

A faster processor is always better if you can afford it, but more important in the system you describe is that you will regret not getting at least a 2 MB separate video board to effectively process the graphics involved with all the PP software. Also, you will quickly run out of room with a 256 meg SSD so make sure and purchase an external hard drive with 2-3 T of storage.

mrova Loc: Chesterfield, VA

dmeyer2m wrote:

I am trying to make the change from PC to MacBook ... (show quote)

My MBP is 4 years old running 8g's of RAM. Made the switch at that time from PC to MAC. Handles LR4 just fine as well as other programs at the same time. It can get a bit slow with so much open at one time. You'll love it, and the others are correct in their advice...fast processor as you can go, the 16 g RAM will do well but I wouldn't hesitate to boot that up another notch if you can. You'll be pleased.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

dmeyer2m wrote:

I am trying to make the change from PC to MacBook ... (show quote)

With any computer, you should purchase as much RAM and processor speed as you can afford. Especially if it's going to replace a desktop

Monitor Via USB, I wouldn't. Not sure which MacBook you are talking but a few models have either a HDMI for video, or a Thunderbolt display port. You use a thunderbolt to HDMI adapter to get video.

Of course as others have said 256 GIG of storage is not much, you may want to think about increasing that.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I never pay the premium for the fastest processor because it is usually a big financial step for a relatively small increase in speed that will mean absolutely nothing in my daily use.

WOOF Loc: Minneapolis, MN

A 2.5 is 15% faster. A 2.8 is 25% faster. I would suggest a desktop with multiple processors and lots of Ram. My eight year old Apple quad desktop still processes faster than my four year old 2.4 MacPro.

WOOF

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

dmeyer2m wrote:

I am trying to make the change from PC to MacBook ... (show quote)

When I bought my MBP, I gave Apple a call. The salesman saved me a lot of money by telling what I needed, based on what I was going to use it for. Photoshop and internet surfing. Without his advice I would have spent several hundreds of dollars on stuff I really don't need.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Marionsho wrote:

Without his advice I would have spent several hundreds of dollars on stuff I really don't need.

That's what a good salesman does. Unfortunately, it's not the norm.

mrjcall Loc: Woodfin, NC

Marionsho wrote:

When I bought my MBP, I gave Apple a call. The salesman saved me a lot of money by telling what I needed, based on what I was going to use it for. Photoshop and internet surfing. Without his advice I would have spent several hundreds of dollars on stuff I really don't need.

Photoshop/LR and other PP software puts the most stress/strain on a computer possible, comparable to high end video games! What is it Apple said you didn't need when you said you would be using Photoshop? :shock:

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Skip the speed increase, but bump the hard drive to at least 512GB. Agree with the thunderbolt for the display connection.

My setup.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-295305-1.html#4978284

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

My #1 piece of advice is "never scrimp on RAM memory" - you will always wish for more. Beyond that I bemoan that Apple has discarded internal Optical drives and, I think, hard drives. Flash memory is better than spinning platters but adequate capacity seems way too pricy. As photographers, by nature, have high picture image file storage needs, the ability to burn DVDs, often double sided, and have very large hard drives, the need to have that capability external to the MacBook means you no longer have a travelable laptop, but a desktop laptop. Of course, this is a convenience factor.

jwestman Loc: Grand Rapids, MI

I'd like to second Marionsho's comment: Talk to Apple. We are fortunate to have an Apple store here and I've never been "sold". I've purchased for myself, my wife and grandkids and always walked out with less than what I thought I would need. The apple folks don't work on commission.

fishmaven Loc: Ohio right now

This set-up gives you the max if you add the options:
15-inch: 2.5GHz
with Retina display
2.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
Turbo Boost up to 3.7GHz
16GB 1600MHz memory
512GB PCIe-based flash storage1
Intel Iris Pro Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 2GB GDDR5 memory
Built-in battery (8 hours)2
Multi-Touch trackpad
$2,499.00
---------
16GB is max for the MBP
Going to this setup gives you a 500GB SSB vs the 250GB
It also gives you the best graphics board and 2GB

Unfortunately, that's an awfully big price tag.
If I were looking at this price, I'd be looking at an iMac or the Mac Pro not a laptop. I agree calling Apple and maybe even another vendor like MacMall would be worth the time spent on the phone.
Good luck in your search!
Dan Martin
fishmaven@gmail.com

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

cjc2 wrote:

I have a 2.4 I5 with 8gb and am very happy with it. The I7 will be a better, faster processor, and the 16GB will be the same as I now have on my pc. This should be a really good setup. They are wonderful machines! Good luck.

P.S. I store all my photo files on a Synology DiskStation.

I have a remote hard drive (Western Digital) that I use with my PC. If it works with Mac, that will be one less thing I have to buy. Right now, the laptop I play with all day long only has 2GB memory and 1.333GHz processor--ugh! My desktop isn't a whole lot better and that is why I want to consolidate and upgrade. As you have stated, just getting to the 16GB RAM would be huge for me.