Which Apple Mac Laptop?

When I decided to switch to an Apple MacBook for my mobile video editing needs, I choose the Apple MacBook laptop mainly due to budget constrains. I now have access to and use the MacBook Pro laptop for all my video production capturing and editing with Final Cut Express as the application of choice.



Having used both the MacBook and MacBook Pro for over 6 months, I thought I'd give my thoughts (not a product review) on the two apple laptops so those who might need to choose between the 2 products would be able to make an informed decision.

Apple Laptops Cost

If your decision on which apple laptop you are going to buy is going to be limited by budget, then you would more likely have to buy the apple macbook, as they are cheaper.

MacBook physical design features

The Apple MacBook laptop is only available with a 13inch screen, while the MacBook Pro is available in 15 or 17inch. This is important if you are going to be carrying your apple laptops around a lot especially if you are going to be doing mobile video editing. I found that I was much more confortable using the Apple macbook on the public transport system to do my mobile video production, and as at yet have not used the MacBook pro on London's public transport system (Underground or Buses). The smaller MacBook laptop is obviously lighter, less conspicuous (if you can ever call an apple laptop with its glowing fruit logo inconspicuous).
The MacBooks also have a plastic casing as opposed to the mixed metallic/plastic exterior used on the MacBook Pro which gives the latter a more professional look. It is almost like the MacBook was designed for Students while the MacBook Pro was what you graduated to as a young working professional (just my view anyway).

laptop Specifications

Both versions of the Apple MacBook are well specified machines, with the bigger MacBook Pro having a few extra availble options like faster firewire port, larger and faster harddrive upgrades, glossy/high resolution screen and an illuminated keyboard (a very nice touch for the MacBook Pro laptop).

MacBook or MacBook Pro

So which of the two Apple laptops should one go for? That would depend on what is important to you. Cost aside, as mentioned earlier, If I was going to be doing a lot of mobile video editing, then I would probably settle for a high specification Apple Macbook as the smaller size and lighter weight would make it ideal for carrying around and using on the go (obviously you should think about personal safety when using your gadget in the public). On the other hand if I had my own transport to use, then I would go for the MacBook Pro, with the more professional look.
Personally I like the illuminated keyboard on the Pro laptop, but that alone wouldn't persuade me to buy one, though a professional video editor would probably go for it due to the larger screen estate, faster/bigger hard drive and the ability to connect the firewire 800 port to faster external hard drives.

Apple MacBook Air Laptop
I have not mentioned this gadget, as I don't think it would be useful for mobile video production, but if you are more interested in small apple laptops, then this might be the one for you.



BoinxTV on MacBook my impressions.