13" or 15" Macbook Pro for an architect?

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13" or 15" Macbook Pro for an architect?

I'm in need of a new notebook and thinking of purchasing my first Macbook Pro. However I'm still in doubt as to which model to buy since I use specific software (see list below) for my architecture and (amateur) photography, and I travel quite often. Therefore I want a powerful, but also portable, Macbook Pro.

I was thinking of ordering the 13" MBP with 265GB flash storage and upgrade it with 16GB RAM and the 3,0-GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor. However I was told that this model wouldn't suffice my needs, since it's graphical processor (the Intel Iris Graphic processor) won't be powerful enough. Which would push me to a 15" MBP model (with an Intel Iris Pro processor or a NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M processor). I prefer the 13" (since I'll hook it up to my 27" monitor at home so I don't need a bigger screen per se) but I want to make the right decision and therefore reach out to you for help and guidance. My budget lies around €2000,-/$2000,-.

The list of software I use (I'm aware that some of these software don't run on Mac OSX and need to run them on Bootcamp or Parallels):

Daily use:
- Arc+ (CAD software, similar to Autocad)
- Adobe CS6 (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign)
- Adobe Lightoom 4
- Office:Mac

Weekly/Monthly use:
- Autocad (CAD software)
- Rhinoceros 3D (3D modelling software)
- Vray (3D render software)

Posted on Jan 7, 2015 11:58 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 7, 2015 12:04 PM in response to FRNKBTMN

The 13" with max memory and cpu is a very good machine, but the screen size is a bit small for things like Autocad and and architectural software. Plus, as you have been told, the integrated graphics processor may not be very satisfying for you.

The 15" has both the Intel integrated gpu and a discrete gnu, the NVIDIA unit. So, when the graphics load gets high the machine switches to the discrete processor for much improved detailing.

My personal opinion is the the 15" and max out the memory. Software like Adobe can be a real memory hog so o for the memory first according to your budget, and you can then add an external storage drive to gain capacity on that end.

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Answer 2

Jan 7, 2015 12:08 PM in response to FRNKBTMN

I would get a 15" too. I always vote for 15", just because of the hardware in it... You will be much better off with a 15" 2.2ghz quad core i7 or 2.5ghz quad core i7. If budget allows it, I personally get the top model, but it's not necessary in this case. Also, you'll be much better off with the dual graphics. Always get 16gb RAM, because you can't upgrade later, #1, and #2, you'll need it at some point.....

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