I want to get a computer for Graphic Design. However, the price for the 15" models are too much for me as a student. Would the new 2012 MacBook Pro 13" with i7 processor work great for programs such as Adobe CS6, iTunes (mainly video watching) and iMovie?
Also, I will eventually upgrade to 256gb of Solid State so keep that in mind.
MacBook Pro
You really should purchase a 15" model at a minimum...17" would be better, but that model is no longer available new. If you can't afford new, look at refurbished. The stuff you want to use will run on the 13", but I'm afraid you'll become disappointed if design is your thing. Another thing is anti-glare screen...only available on the 15" & 17"...you'll be glad you got that.
You really should purchase a 15" model at a minimum...17" would be better, but that model is no longer available new. If you can't afford new, look at refurbished. The stuff you want to use will run on the 13", but I'm afraid you'll become disappointed if design is your thing. Another thing is anti-glare screen...only available on the 15" & 17"...you'll be glad you got that.
Is the MacBook Pro 15" with Retina Display (2.3GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz, 8GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM, 256GB Flash Storage) worth every penny? I don't want any regrets. I want this computer to get me through college with no complaints.
State of the art...me? I never buy state of the art...I always wait until the "kinks" are worked out. Currently using a 17" MacBook Pro that is over 5 years old. If I were in your shoes, I'd purchase a refurbished 17" with anti-glare screen...then update RAM & Hard Drive on my own. That will last you.
Like this:
you would probably be better off with a regular 15" MBP over the Retina Display model, it would be cheaper and upgradable down the road. the Retina Display model is non-upgradable, so you need to buy the model now that will last you 3-4 years, which can be expensive.
another possibility is to buy the 13" and an external monitor. pretty much any modern mac is fine for Creative Suite use.
I hope I can make sense when I try to explain my question: If I were to do a 13" with a monitor, does the monitor connected make it look like I was operating off of a 27" iMac or does it have the ratio of a 13" MacBook Pro just larger?
Hopefully that makes sense
The 13" models do not have dedicated video RAM. Means the GPU & CPU have to slug it out for access to the main and only memory in the computer, impacting on performance and what the GPU can do. If you want to drive a big external monitor, you're better of with a 15" model that does have dedicated VRAM. The 2.3GHz model comes with 512MB of it, whereas the 2.6GHz has the full GB. Plus the 15" has twin GPUs, a lackluster but serviceable Intel HD Graphics 4000, and a much higher performance NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M; the 13" only has the Intel.
I have a refurbished MBP that came with Apple's 1 yer warranty, and added AppleCare. Would not be able to tell it is not a factory-new system.
Apple-refurbished does not mean "second hand junk".
But what is so bad about the Retina Display? No one seems to recommend it.
Retina display models do not allow any upgrades, require adapters to tun Thunderbolt ports into ethernet or Firewire, and have no optical drive. Non-retina models allow upgrading RAM and HD as desired/needed, and have eternet and Firewire ports.
I am not saying that is the reason no one recommends it, but it is a consideration.
Nothing is "bad" about it...you asked for opinions...opinions are like a**h****, everyone has one. It's your computer, your money...no one here will be using it....go to a store...look, touch...buy what you like.
But shouldn't 8GB RAM and 256GB of SSD be enough for Graphic Design?
I'm just a little curious as to why I would need to upgrade to 16GB of RAM sometime... Am I missing something?
You can never change, at least not unless Apple says they will do it for you. As of now, they say "what you buy is final".
If you want to risk needing to buy a new system if your needs grow, then feel free to buy it -- it is your money.
But, as wjosten said, all we can give is opinions.
Retina displays are nicer ... when zoomed in ... than hi-res 15 in displays. I know that because I looked at them in the store.
But I do not design graphics, so cannot tell if that extra edge is necessary for the task.
Retina may work out just fine for you, or may not.
Sorry, I'm a little new to this... Could you help me learn why I would someday need to upgrade?
Buying new programs that work better with more RAM.
Maybe you will decide to run VM (virtual machines) that run along side the OSX and therefore more RAM is needed to run both simultaneously.
Maybe you decide you need more than 256GB internal because you are tired of carrying the external 1 TB drive with you everywhere.
Are you basing your prices off the regular online store or retail store? Did you select the Education Store? With the Ed Store you can get a good $200 off the 15".
2012 MacBook Pro 13" i7 for Graphic Design?
