MacBook Pro Configuration/Suggestions

[Charles Putnam]

I'm looking for suggestions/recommendations on configuring a MBP. Would appreciate your thoughts on the following choices:

1. Glossy or Antiglare Screen
2. nVidia Geforce 9400M, or 9400M+9600M (i.e. for Photoshop, is there any advantage to having the 9600M)
3. 5400rpm or 72000rpm disk

Thanks in advance for any input/guidance you can provide.

[Todd Lambert]

I like the matte screens. I can't stand the glossy, they are a pain in the ass when working in varying light conditions.

The graphics card really doesn't make any difference in Photoshop, but it will if you're using Aperture. RAM is actually much more important.

I always get the 7200rpm drives, they eat a bit more battery, but it's nice to not have the bottleneck present. However, it's doubtful you'd notice the difference between the two.

[Brains]

Matte vs. glossy is an age old debate. Don't take anyone's recommendation, go look for yourself. I love my glossy, FWIW.

Photoshop CS4 is supposed to offload some of the processing to the video adapter, when possible (ie. supported card, enough graphics memory, etc.) Here's the list of features - determine if any of these are important enough to get the 9600M: GPU and OpenGL Features and Limitations in Photoshop CS4

7200 RPM drive will definitely improve speed. I upgraded the drive in my Macbook Pro twice now. From the original 120GB 5400rpm drive, to a 320GB 5400rpm drive, and now I have a 320GB 7200rpm drive. I can definitively say, there's a definite, noticeable improvement with the 7200rpm unit. If you're comfortable with a screwdriver and don't mind voiding your warranty, you can upgrade the drive yourself BTW. Lots of tutorials on the 'net for how to disassemble the computer and swap out the drive.

[ddaquaria]

1. Completely personal - try it first. I have glossy and I sit with my back to a window, and don't have any issues unless I start focusing on the glare. Of course, if you are focusing on teh glare, you can't read the screen.

2. I have the 9400M+9600 GT. I will always recommend the 256 or 512 card if you are heavy into graphics - just in case. Everyday use, the 9400M is perfect. Add lightroom, and it still works well.

3. 7200 - if you are processing photos with something light photoshop, lightroom, or aperture or working with video.

[crazeazn]

most important is hard drive.

[Tom]

I also prefer the glossy. I've got two MBP, one of each screen.

Get the good HD.

[Charles Putnam]

Thanks for all the info/tips. Seems that the issue over the high gloss screens was overblown. BTW, a friend who's a Mac zealot suggested purchasing the HD separately from some place like Directron and installing it myself - saves somewhere around $80 (something I don't have a problem with doing either).

[peeker]

I bought a glossy screen just before the matte came out... was offered to trade it in for the matte, but then realized that I have the best of both world. Glossy for travel (movies, web, etc) and a matte cinema display for the home. This way, I can edit on the cinema display, and check the minor color differences by sliding to the glossy screen. The depth of color is slightly different even though both are calibrated weekly.

I say go glossy and if you can afford it, a 30" cinema display.

[Brains]

HDD and memory, install yourself. You'll need a T6 Torx bit and a #0 phillips to pull the computer apart.

[tukaniray]

Yup the older MacBook Pros are quite easy to fix ... visit iFixit: Apple Mac, MacBook, iPod, and iPhone Repair Parts

Picture By Picture how to take apart your MacBook Pro.

I love recycling older computers ... keeps technology off the garbage for a little longer.

-Ray-