[Hidden-tech] MacBook Pro purchase/details

[michaelbix]

Hi Tom -

The advantage is that there is no MacBook on the current market with 288 GHz processing speed.  

All the MacBooks in this line (including this one) have two video processors, and for some bizarre reason this particular one has 2GB of video RAM instead of the usual 256GB.   My guess is that it's hotrodded for FinalCut remote production, but I can't be sure.

The only single drawback (which is tiny) is that digital out from the mini-video driver port does not include digital multiplexed audio (ie. 5:1) as does the most recent generation.  I've found a work-around.  From CableWarehouse I've located a digital optical (ie. Mac's) to SDIF adapter, and from that SDIF then cabling to a converter box they sell for around $40 which inputs video from the mini-DV out port plus SDIF video... and then combines them into a single HDMI signal, to drive external monitors or amps which need to decode a simultaneous 5:1 plus picture.   It's not a real necessity as the external monitor can get the mini-HD picture out, which the optical cable can go to any audio receiver (ie. most "digital-ready" home theatre amps) able to decode the 5:1 or 6:1 (or Dolby surround) encoded optical signal.

This is great if you're doing surround mixes as I very occasionally do... as far as testing the stems and mixes.

Michael
---
On  25 November 10, at 2:16 PM, Tom Adams- Reelife Productions wrote:

> Michael,
> great info. is apple still selling those? or do know who is? I'd love to find one & bump it up to a 7200 drive too. 
> 
> what's the advantage to buying one of the new models? I'm still hemming & hawing...
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Tom Adams
> from iPhone (413) 575-9707
> Director/Owner
> www.ReelifeProductions.com
> www.Folktographybytom.com
> web.me.com/ReelifeProductions
> 
> On Nov 24, 2010, at 10:51 PM, michaelbix <michaelbix at straight-arrow.cc> wrote:
> 
>>   ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>>   ** If you did, we all thank you.
>> 
>> 
>> Hi Deb - I just recently had to replace a PowerBook Pro (on an insurance claim) because of electrical system spike... fortunately I keep a rider on my home insurance for such eventualities.
>> 
>> There are black-keyboard 15" MacBook Pro's on sale right now in the $1600-1700 price range with 2.8 GHz clock speed, 500GB internal drive and 4GB of RAM, which are pre-August and hence from the tail-end of the model year (and which don't have digital audio at the external monitor out).  
>> 
>> Aside from that, there is no current MacBook with that high a clock speed, and all nearly comparable new-range models are selling for much more at $2100-2200.   So if you can find one of these slightly older models through an authorised re-seller I'd say you can't do better.   These are new, fully-warranteed machines.
>> 
>> I upgraded slightly to have a 7200rpm internal drive rather than the standard 5400rpm (an option, especially if you edit video) but that didn't add too much to the cost.
>> 
>> Michael Cerulli Billingsley
>> Straight Arrow Recordings, Brattleboro
>> 
>> p.s. Matrixed and discrete digital multi-channel audio are available via the dual-function audio/optical out jack, when using a fibre-optic cable out.
>> 
>> = Straight Arrow Recordings =
>> Location Recording - Sound Design - FX/Sound Solutions
>> C104 The Cotton Mill, Brattleboro, Vermont
>> office 802-254-3975 ~ studio 802-254-3975
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On  24 November 10, at 1:42 PM, Deborah Chandler wrote:
>> 
>>>   ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>>>   ** If you did, we all thank you.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Hello Hidden-Techers,
>>> 
>>> Could someone with good awareness of the Mac retail market please tell me the likely trend in pricing in the coming months? Will the prices on MacBooks be lower before the holidays or after, and are there any deals to be had? I know some of you gobble up this kind of info and find it interesting to follow.
>>> 
>>> Also, does anyone know of anyone with a MacBook Pro still under warranty or under AppleCare who is selling it? Please be in touch. I know I can look on eBay or Craigslist or elsewhere, but I would rather first ask those I trust.
>>> 
>>> Thanks,
>>> Deb
>>> 
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