MacBook Pro 2.26 or 2.53 Ghz for Lightroom and PS?

[Manfr3d]

Hi all,

I'm in for a new computer purchease. I currently own a 15" MBP with 2.2Ghz
and 4GB of RAM. The performance ranges from good to so-so when handling
large files in Postprocessing.

Since I always use an external display for this work I want to get the smaller
13" MBP for portability. Does anyone know if there is a real difference in
speed using PS or LR between the 2.26 and 2.53 Ghz model? And most important
is it worth 200$ over the 2.26 Ghz version? (ram and disk will be the same)

Thanks!

[wadesworld]

There's really no way to quantify it. In general, faster = better.

My first priority would be to max the RAM, followed by maxing the HD, and only then would I look at upgrading the processor.

It's unlikely the difference will be significant. It may not be noticeable unless you had the two machines sitting side-by-side. If you could take the money from that and apply it to RAM or HD, I definitely would. If those are already maxed out, then it may be that it's not worth the money.

However, here's my rule on buying computers: always buy the most computer you can afford. Don't go over your budget, but get the best machine you can with your budget. You'll be happier for a longer period of time.

Oh, and rule 1a: always buy AppleCare on a laptop.

[Manfr3d]

Thanks for the reply. You have confirmed my guess.
I'll be investing the 200 bucks saved in my next lens purchease instead.