Illustrators: MacBook Pro?
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- dog_opus
Hey, folks. Are there any illustrators here who use a MacBook Pro for their work? I've never owned a laptop, but I like the idea of portability, so I've been looking at the new 15" from Apple. After pencil and ink, I scan my work and paint it in Photoshop, and my five year-old iMac is finally crapping out, particularly with the 1 GB+ files I'm throwing at it.
I'd really appreciate any insight from illustrators who use the MacBook Pro with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. How is it? Does it feel like there's enough screen real estate (despite the Retina display)? Does it feel cramped at all? Really, any advice would be great. Thanks!
- Miguex0
I'm not an illustrator, but I can tell you that theres tons of people out there during amazing work on laptops. Remember this, it's only a tool.
I personally like to work more on laptops than on my desktop (I have the biggest imac) and a 15/ retina (and even before I got the retina, I liked the laptop better too). But then I'm moving all the time, I take my computer to local agencies and other gigs out of town. Laptop wins!
- +1 just a tool—i prefer using the magic mouse personally, besides pencil/pen & paperdoesnotexist
- hotroddy0
you can always get a second screen to attach to it.
- pressplay0
I worked for years only on my 15" macbook pro. Then I got a bigger screen attached to it and I wouldn’t want to miss it for a second. If I have to work on the 15" screen only now, everthing feels cramped plus I am used to drag windows around both screens. Nothing beats screen real estate for illustration and design work. Also mind that with a laptop you cannot position yor setup freely (screen, keyboard, drawing tablet)
- dog_opus0
pressplay: Yeah, that's kind of what I worry about. My old 24" iMac gives me lots of room. I don't worry so much about keyboard/tablet configuration. I have my most-used keys programmed into my tablet. I really am interested in something portable, though, as I'm trying to get into an MFA program that will require travel. Argh – tough decision.
- e-pill0
i been using my MBP the original from 2005 or 2006 i ferget when it came out.. still runs like a beast.. using Illy 9 still never seen the need to upgrade and it runs great. if i need extra room i connect to my 27 display.. if at least for my tools and stuff.. [i mean for QBN, thats what the 2nd screen is really for] i have an iMac with the latest apps and latest os but i really again dont see the need for that version as my laptop works great.. unless i want to render my 3D i have to use the iMac.. all others especially illustrator, the MBP works great.
- arthur0
Switched from desktop to MBP about 6 years ago, first to the 17", then to a 15". My next computer will be an air - I'm envious of how fast my wife's 13" is. I use AI all the time, and a little PS. No problems at all, and for me, portability is paramount. I change work locations about 5 times a day.
- ********0
My Specs and I have had NO PROBLEMS with videography, renders, 3D, Photoshop and heavy vectors in AI.
2011 MBP (Swapped out HD for 7200 RPM and maxed ram at 8 gigs)
Hooked up to my old 30" Cinema display. I came from owning the tower and feel this has more get-up than it, but my tower wasn't maxed out either (old Motorola chip).
- dog_opus0
Thanks for your input, guys. I think I'm going to get the 15" MBP now, and then in the spring, when I can afford it, get a 27" display for use at home.
- uan0
get the mbp, and think about a cintiq instead of a monitor.
- pressplay0
can’t you use your iMac as a screen only for that new MBP (Target Display Mode)
- dog_opus0
uan: I hadn't even thought of getting a Cintiq because they're so pricey, but I'd definitely love using that 24" model. I'd probably wait a while to get it, though, because their last refresh was in 2011 (new one soon, I reckon). press play: My iMac is having some hardware issues; probably not worth paying for repairs.