MacBook Pro 2.0GH or 2.2GH

Hey there, for your intents and purposes, the 2.0 quad core with 256mb gddr5 should be more than enough to handle CS5 and any other graphics programs like that. Yes, upgrade to 8gb of ram if you are going to be dealing with very large sets of photos at once. I personally only got the 4gb with the 2.2ghz simply because I know I will have no need for such extensive memory resources, and have had no problems so far having over 20 hi-res photos with multiple layers on CS5 open at once. The jump from 256mb graphics to 1gb is noticable, only because I am a gamer as well, and I can easily run Starcraft II on extreme settings with ease. My fps stays at 60 no matter what, due to the awesome power of the new i7s. However, if you have no intents of running high-demand programs like that, I don't recommend you spend the extra $400 just for more video memory and .2ghz more processing power. The 2.2 quad core turbo goes up to 3.3ghz max, and the 2.0 goes to 2.8, I believe. As for a solid state drive, if you are dealing with photos regularly, you will see a significant load time increase, if you are comparing it to a base-line 5400rpm drive. Honestly, the load time for a couple hundred MB of information between a 7200rpm HDD and a SSD is only a couple of seconds, whereas if you are loading several GB of information of video or anything with a lot of memory will you see the true time difference. I recommend a 7200rpm HDD simply because it will still do the job excellently and is much cheaper. But if you have the money, then why not, right?

Hope that helped. I've only had my 2.2ghz for a couple days now, but I absolutely love it, and it is lightning fast. I haven't even tried to daisy chain with the thunderbolt port, but I assume it will amaze me as well. Cheers!

I mostly agree with Taymac about the processors, etc., but one thing I think of when purchasing a computer is the three to 5 years down the road prospects with that computer. Will the OS in 4 years cut off between the two configurations? Also, Mac resale values tend to be better for more powerfully configured machines.

Assuming a $400 difference in price over a 4 year life span, 30¢/ day. How many spinning beachballs a week does it take to make up 30¢ a day. ::grin::

I saw some Geekbench Benchmarks (google it with MBP 2011) and you'll see a fair advantage to the 2.2 GHz. That is the one I ordered, and it is "Preparing for Shipment" as we speak. I didn't see enough of an advantage to the 2.3 GHz, as hard as I looked, I even tried squinting, just couldn't go there.


Also, I highly recommend getting your RAM and SSDs from OWC, really good prices, good customer service. Videos online to show you how to unscrew 8 screws to remove the bottom of you MBP (take pictures while you're there, it's an amazing view!), several more to remove the current drive, drop in the new one, a quick couple un-clicks to remove the RAM and a couple clicks to install the new stuff, 8 screws to put back the bottom, you're done! I've done it a few times now, and it's 10 minutes tops for me to do, probably took 25 the first time 'cause I was taking pictures!

Get the SSD aftermarket, use the MBP's included drive for your Time Machine backup.

OWC will save a few bucks more to go towards the faster CPUs.

Sometimes I just go on and on... .

Have fun no matter which you choose! Oh, did I mention Aperture is only $80 in the Mac App Store?

Ciao. Joel.

Nice, glad to hear you're enjoying your new Mac!

Amazing how the software developers just keep using more and more of our disk drive space and CPU cycles. ::grin::

A little future proofing makes for a really fast computer today.

Ciao. Joel.

Hi all, Joel, I'm still struggling with the concept of aftermarket SSDs. Afaik know a 256 Gb SSD at purchase time is 400 UK pounds. I'm seeing aftermarket SSD's at 380 pounds. OK you get a "free" drive i.e. the one you take out, but otherwise I don't know. OWC have 240 Gb listed as 519 US dollars then you could get hit with import tax in the UK if you have one shipped. It seems (leaving out the free drive) not an amazing saving - or can you get these things cheaper? And does fitting one invalidate the warranty / Apple Care? TIS - Terry.

I'm sorry, I don't know about the ins and outs of importing, etc. I live just a couple hundred miles from OWC and have enjoyed their quick service to my locale.

Eventually, I'll be using a "data doubler" device, putting a smaller SSD into the Superdrive slot for my OS, keeping the larger spinning drive for my scads of files. But not until the SSD prices come down some more.

You can swap your internal drive without voiding your warranty. It will be a problem if you damage something, but this computer is really easy to access the RAM and drive. (my data doubler plan is a bit touchier on warranty issues, but I think the official line is if the problem can not be shown to be caused by the work I did it won't be a problem)

I want an SSD, but I'll be waiting and watching.

Good luck! Joel.

Joel, I have replaced HDDs on PC desktops and replaced RAM on 3 macs but I'm not big on replacing disk drives in laptops. If for example you buy a MBP with HDD, then get hold of an SSD and swap them, you've got a spare HDD, right? Am I right in thinking you can get some sort of enclosure to put the HDD in and so make it into an external, for e.g. TM?

OWC TV has some great videos on replacing drives, available as podcasts through iTunes (at least in the US).

As I mentioned to Linda, it is a very easy install, I just swapped drives again in my 2009 machine, a very easy and quick job. I wouldn't even try to take out the HDD on my iMac, but the MBP is great!

OWC offers a DIY kit- new drive and an enclosure for it, or for the drive you swap out of the machine. It's a USB kit, and I despise USB, but it is handy for a lightweight portable drive. I prefer my big, heavy, FireWire 800 enclosures for my 2.5" 7200 RPM drive I use for my Aperture libraries. But they are a bit pricier.

I also have several kits where the drive is not in an enclosure, but mounts via USB or eSATA. Great for easy swapping of drives.

Ciao. Joel.