Media Production Macs

[moogaman]

Copy and Pasted from an email I sent to the show, figure the forum users might have some great suggestions too.

As a Broadcast Media undergrad, I'm looking at investing in a machine that will run my favorite production suite, Final Cut Studio. Along with this, I'm planning on using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and maybe Audition (I still like Audacity). What I'm looking for is a good, powerful Mac to use as a production machine. I'm looking at the MacBook Pro because of the portability to work anywhere I happen to be. On the other hand Mac Pros and even iMacs have more power, but are tethered to a wall socket. Which would you recommend for an almost graduated college kid looking to make his own professional-ish content?

[veronicazilla]

Do you absolutely need to be portable? If not, go with the MacPro. It will last you a looooong time, and you can pretty easily upgrade the hard drive and RAM if you need to.

Otherwise, if you're keen on staying with Apple, it seems the MacBook Pro would be your best bet. The MacBook just won't give you the power to run all those apps, IMHO.

[moogaman]

No need to be portable, but it would be nice. A Mac Pro is probably the best bet in terms of performance and lastability (is that a word?).

Maybe some wife finagling could get me (us?) a MacBook and a Mac Pro. Long shot. Thanks for the advice.