Film student deciding between 15in Macbook Pro, 2.2 or 2.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7

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Level 1

8 points

Film student deciding between 15in Macbook Pro, 2.2 or 2.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7

I am going into my final year of college, studying digital cinema production, and I am looking to update my mid-2012, 13 inch Macbook Pro to a new model.

I have decided on the 15 inch with 256GB PCIe-based Flash Storage (since I use external hard drives often) but I am unsure whether or not I should upgrade the processor too. I would like to stay cheaper, because I'm on a college budget, but I also do a lot of editing and work in Adobe CC (predominantly Premiere and After Effects) and I would like to own a Macbook that will last long and perform well, since I will be graduating this coming year and working in the field.

What is the difference between 2.2, 2.5 and 2.8GHz of processing speed? If it doesn't affect the longevity of the laptop that much, is it worth picking something other than 2.2?

This is a little off topic too, but would I be better off getting a refurbished version of all this, or sticking with a new model, knowing I get a $100 discount and free pair of Beats as a student?

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012), null

Posted on Jul 25, 2016 2:30 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 25, 2016 2:43 PM in response to ellendz

The difference between the processors is 0.3 GHz which is negligible. What I think is far more important for you to consider it the difference in graphic chips in the two MBPs. The 2.2 GHz model has only Intel Iris Pro Graphics. Whereas the 2.5 GHz model has both the Intel Iris Pro Graphics and the AMD Radeon R9 M370X with GDDR5 memory and automatic graphics switching. Since you say you plan to study digital cinema production I think the enhanced graphics capabilities of the 2.5 GHz model will be worth the additional expense.

Apple refurbished Macs are always worth purchasing if you can find the model you want.

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Answer 2

ellendz Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 25, 2016 2:46 PM in response to Allan Eckert

The problem is, that is $500 more. The only way to get AMD Radeon R9 M370X with GDDR5 memory and automatic graphics is to get 512GB of flash storage as well. I am trying to narrow down the price...but is the $500 worth it in my area of work?

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Answer 3

Jul 25, 2016 2:51 PM in response to ellendz

As I said in my earlier reply, I think so.

Remember you only get what you pay for. If you cut corners you are probably going to be unhappy.

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