<p>I'm currently in the market for a computer and I've read a ton of forum post on here and other websites...here's my situation. </p>
<p>I already have a PC desktop with i5 processor and it runs the Adobe CS5 suite to perfection, but my school requires that I have a laptop for class, I'm taking web design and digital media....exciting stuff!</p>
<p>Anyway I've heard that mac's are for the "creatives" but I've never really understood the argument because they run almost all of the same programs...at least in my case Adobe CS5.
So I have 2K to spend and I initially wanted to get the 13" macbook pro because I don't need a ton of power b/cuz of my desktop but I wanted something that could run Adobe smoothly.
After looking at the 13" computers I think a 15" would be the better option because of the screen real estate. </p>
<p>I've seen alot of other laptops and really can't make a decision the hp envy, some from asus, dell (I've never really had a problem with them), and a few others. </p>
<p>So my question is this ... I want this laptop to last the entire time I'm in school I don't mind paying the premium for a 15" macbook pro but only if it's going to suite my needs. I understand you get more power with PC but the longevity is a big concern and my other two PC's kinda crapped out after a couple years...I've never had an apple so I've only heard of how long they last. </p>
<p>What do you guys think? A computer that needs to be able to run Adobe CS5 and pretty much nothing else with ease. Already have a powerful desktop so have a lower end computer is okay I just need a decent battery with enough power to run adobe cs5.</p>
<p>Longevity is something you should never expect out of any computer unless it’s running low-powered stuff that you’re unlikely to upgrade. That’s the thing – you can always get cheaper and more powerful computers, but not one that lasts longer.</p>
<p>Just divide your budget in half and get a new laptop every couple years.</p>
<p>As for your PC – if it works great, then use it. Your Core i5 desktop most likely matches the power of some of the top-end MacBook Pros. Truth is, portable computing is expensive.</p>
<p>your mac laptop will last you a good 7+ years if you take care of it, which by that time you will want to update. (my uncle’s mac laptop is 15 years and going and he used to use it everyday but now that thing is mega old. he bought a new desktop for juice a few years ago. It still works and is fine for light business work/surfing btw which amazes me) But the longevity is only true if you buy top of the line. (15 inch i7) or you will want to update in 3-4 years definitely.</p>
<p>I was considering getting a MBP for a bit because I’m a Design major and I’ve heard the same thing, but I’ve looked and asked around–it doesn’t really matter much; it’s just a tool. The most important thing to consider is that the computer have a nice screen that displays colors accurately, and having more screen space will be nice if you’re going to be working on your laptop. (Apparently, the 15-inch MBP’s screen is of lower quality than that of the 13-inch and 17-inch.)</p>
<p>I think the only upper hand Macs have is that a lot of people in the design industry do in fact use Macs, so it’d be preferable if you’re familiar with how to work one.</p>
<p>The notion is a carryover that’s not particularly valid anymore. It dates all the way back to when Macs had a pixel display and PC’s were character-based. Then you could actually draw on a Mac and you couldn’t really draw on a PC. </p>
<p>The only real advantage to a Mac for design, other than fluently knowing how one works, are:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>you can use it to run any other OS while having file sharing across systems. This can make testing on different platforms much easier.</p></li>
<li><p>you have access in the Mac OS to the complete UNIX toolset. This can be very useful depending on your fluency.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>People who work with very large files push their ram up to the max. It’s 8 gig for the MacBook but it goes up to like 32 gig for the tower Mac.</p>
<p>there is some engineering etc software that only runs on PCs but with parallels et al you can usually run the software. All the main stat and math packages pretty much run on macs. You can find an exception or two.</p>
<p>graphic design types still prefer macs. Its a toss up in the video production world.</p>
<p>the main advantage to using a mac is that the operating system just works better. I used PCs for years and finally got fed up, switched to macs several years ago. I still have occ problems but I really dread when I have to power up parallels to run windows. The displays on the MBP 13 and 15 are both fine. can’t comment on the 17.</p>