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Macbook Pro Quick Advice

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Totes_Magotes
Posts: 2259 - Karma: 870

So I normally wouldn't make a thread like this, and I did do my own research, but i need some quick assurance. I've been offered a Macbook Pro 15" for very very cheap and I've been looking at them for a while. I've been editing for a long time on a shitty old dell and this would be a huge upgrade. Here's the specs for the computer

15" MacBook in near perfect condition with original box. All up to date with OS X Lion (10.7) and the newest versions of iLife (`11) and iWork (`09).

2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4GB of RAM
250GB Hard Drive
Backlight Keyboard
Glossy Display
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT 256MB GDDR3
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM
Can switch between graphics processors for better performance or better battery life.

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So that's about it, If anything, I feel like a larger harddrive (upgrade) would be necessary but I don't really know where to go with upgrades. Since I'm getting it cheap, I'll have money for upgrades, so if you have any suggestions that would be awesome. I've read a few other threads relating to this, but the new searchbar just can't find me a thread that answers all my questions.

+K for answers of course, thank you!

planning on installing final cut, after effects btw

Aug 5 2011 1:59AM
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Totes_Magotes
Posts: 2259 - Karma: 870
Oh, and I have a 250 GB external, but it's pretty full so i'm looking for a new one of those as well
Aug 5 2011 1:59AM
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alexat955
Posts: 2732 - Karma: 112
how cheap are you getting it? pick up a 1tb external for ~$100 and upgrade to 8gb RAM for $50-$100. the only thing thats really different from the newest macbook pros is that its dual core, not quad. but it will still definitely be a sick setup
Aug 5 2011 2:13AM
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Totes_Magotes
Posts: 2259 - Karma: 870
Ya, I"m getting the computer for 900 before upgrades, just been sitting on a table never used, a year of apple care left
Aug 5 2011 11:38AM
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plorr
Posts: 3131 - Karma: 528
I have the same laptop except with the 2.8 Ghz core 2. It has no problem running Final Cut Studio 3 or any of the Adobe CS5 programs. I have a 500GB external that I upgraded to firewire that I use for editing and dumping footy. Don't bother upgrading ram unless you are going to run a 64bit NLE. FCP7 is 32bit so it won't even be able to utilize all that ram anyway. My first suggestion for an upgrade would be a nice HD monitor. Color grading video/editing photos on the glossy screen is horrible.
Aug 5 2011 12:03PM
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SkeeOrDye
Posts: 4027 - Karma: 42
i'd be wary of buying any used laptop since they tend to have problems, but with a year of apple care you'll be good for at least that long. Keep in mind, one thing that apple care won't cover is an exhausted battery.
Aug 5 2011 2:13PM
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