Editing setup help?

Prophet · 6 Sep 2013 at 11:35

Would a 2009 Macbook pro be OK as my main editing machine? I'm currently using an i5 PC which is technically more powerful but it struggles with Lightroom, whereas the Mac seems to be fine. The Macbook is a 15" so I'd probably need to attach it to a monitor so I'm looking for opinions on how to move forward.

All my data will be stored on my microserver.

Usually I don't have trouble figuring this kind of stuff out but for some reason I'm not sure what I should do /pathetic

King Damager · 6 Sep 2013 at 12:23

I expect it should be. Might reduce longevity of laptop, simply because of loading it more. But I'm pretty sure Raymond uses an iMac with a second screen for his editing.

Surprised that the i5 is under performing though. Might be time for a clean OS install.

kd

Prophet · 6 Sep 2013 at 12:52

King Damager said:
I expect it should be. Might reduce longevity of laptop, simply because of loading it more. But I'm pretty sure Raymond uses an iMac with a second screen for his editing.

Surprised that the i5 is under performing though. Might be time for a clean OS install.

kd

I think it's down to the lack of RAM as I only have 4GB in the i5 whereas the mac has 8GB and an SSD.

Raymond Lin · 6 Sep 2013 at 12:55

I only have 1 screen but a 27" iMac.

Ram i max it out - 32G, it was £110 !

storage

Working drive (4TB RAID 1 -mirroring) via Thunderbolt
Archive drive (Drobo) on network
Backup - Cloud - Crash plan

Prophet · 6 Sep 2013 at 13:24

Ray - How do you find the Mac v PC for editing and workflow?

I don't mind splashing out on a 27" Mac but I need more real world views before I do.

Raymond Lin · 6 Sep 2013 at 13:42

I have no idea the mac v pc about workflow as this is my 4th year as a mac user and my second iMac.

The workflow is more down to your personal decisions and software you choose rather than the hardware. Since LR and PS is avaliable for both the actual editing is very much the same.

Prophet · 6 Sep 2013 at 13:55

I think I'll give LR on the MBP a bit longer before I jump in and buy a iMac.

Thanks for your input Ray

Raymond Lin · 6 Sep 2013 at 14:08

Max out the RAM if you can, SSD if you can.

Columbo · 6 Sep 2013 at 14:09

Just put an SSD and 8gb of RAM in your i5, it shouldn't cost much more than £100.

ReCoN1989 · 7 Sep 2013 at 14:26

An SSD makes a huge difference, it cannot be understated how much. doubling your ram to 8GB or even 16 will also help as your catalog gets larger. As for the mac vs pc debate that is something probably best left alone. Both work very well.