Do you think a New Macbook Pro is enough for my needs?

[McG]

I have several laptops, on windows side –
1) 15" 2006 Vaio with firewire and PCMCIA,
2) 15" 2007 Vaio with Firewire, PCMCIA and Express Card with Svideo out,
3) 15" 2010 Vaio with Firewire, Express card with HDMI

Mac
4) 13” 2006 Macbook White
5) 15” 2007 Mackbook Pro

And a Netbook
6) 9” 2009 EeePC Netbook running windows 7 using ZIF Drive from an Ipod. I used this one on the road and that I hardly use anymore since I got the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
and I still got 7) 7" 2008 EeePC 701SD that I converted to touchscreen

The Firewire and Express Card (which replaced the PCMCIA), are very important to the work I do connecting (using) multiple video cameras at the same time. I’m not into video editing, the cameras are for live feed use on a proprietary software that runs only on Windows, taking video of a single subject in different angles at a particular time in remote setup using at least 50' firewire cable for each camera.

Of all my laptops I use the 15” 2007 Vaio the most (firewire with PCMCIA Expresscard Combo with SVideo) because the newer laptops, like the 15” 2010 Vaio screen has a ratio that is ideal for “landscape” or movies but not for my work.

I have never tried bootcamp, and if ever will firewire and expresscard work like that of the windows Laptop? Is the express card the same as with Windows, like I can use the same firewire expresscard?

I also use CorelDraw and Photoshop a lot and buying another vesion for the Mac is not practical.

The proprietary software I use runs best in 64-bit.

Should I dispose of all the laptops and just get a 15" or 17" Macbook Pro?

[david1215]

yes. the macbook pro will suit you very well

[dfused]

I've been using MacBook Pro 15", stock for almost 3 years. I design a lot of packagings, 2 coffetable books, logos, brochures, calendars, annual reports, edited AVPs & a few websites.

It's all you need ;-)

[Salaryman Ryan]

@McG

Based on your needs I would not recommend buying a Macbook Pro to mainly run Windows software. For starters, Boot Camp has a lot of missing drivers, compatibility issues and is inferior VS using a native Windows Notebook. The main reason we buy a Mac is the OSX environment and its applications, the hardware is secondary. If you wish to spend most of your time in Windows and not willing to repurchase its Mac equivalent, then it is more practical to simply purchase a high quality Windows notebook.

Also take note that among the current Macbook Pros, only the 17 inch model has an express card slot.

[suavecito]

@McG

Based on your needs I would not recommend buying a Macbook Pro to mainly run Windows software. For starters, Boot Camp has a lot of missing drivers, compatibility issues and is inferior VS using a native Windows Notebook. The main reason we buy a Mac is the OSX environment and its applications, the hardware is secondary. If you wish to spend most of your time in Windows and not willing to repurchase its Mac equivalent, then it is more practical to simply purchase a high quality Windows notebook.

Also take note that among the current Macbook Pros, only the 17 inch model has an express card slot.

I pretty much agree with this. The main reason for buying a Mac is the OS-software-hardware integration, now if your going to run Windows only program, i suggest you be better off with a Toshiba or Vaio.

[McG]

@McG

Based on your needs I would not recommend buying a Macbook Pro to mainly run Windows software. For starters, Boot Camp has a lot of missing drivers, compatibility issues and is inferior VS using a native Windows Notebook. The main reason we buy a Mac is the OSX environment and its applications, the hardware is secondary. If you wish to spend most of your time in Windows and not willing to repurchase its Mac equivalent, then it is more practical to simply purchase a high quality Windows notebook.

Also take note that among the current Macbook Pros, only the 17 inch model has an express card slot.

Thank you for the input, I didn't know that only the 17" model has express card because my old 15" MBP has it. I really enjoy the mac because of the OSX environment, and at home I use iMac and enjoy tv series downloads without worry. I was hoping that i would not struggle on which to bring when I leave the house if not for this one proprietary software. CorelDraw has its mac counterpart so its just a matter of reselling my windows version if ever I totally switch, but its all looking dim now if I cannot get multiple firewire connections with MBP.

Has anyone tried multiple video firewire connections using and expresscard and the on board firewire?

[Salaryman Ryan]

Thank you for the input, I didn't know that only the 17" model has express card because my old 15" MBP has it. I really enjoy the mac because of the OSX environment, and at home I use iMac and enjoy tv series downloads without worry. I was hoping that i would not struggle on which to bring when I leave the house if not for this one proprietary software. CorelDraw has its mac counterpart so its just a matter of reselling my windows version if ever I totally switch, but its all looking dim now if I cannot get multiple firewire connections with MBP.

Has anyone tried multiple video firewire connections using and expresscard and the on board firewire?

I'm not very familiar with firewire DV cameras as my only firewire devices are hard disks but if you have multiple cameras (which I assume) can't you just daisy chain them?

[soloworx]

FireWire cameras are OUT only, and no IN so no chance of daisy-chaining them. Also, they use 4-pin connectors so make sure you have adapters for either the 6-pin FW 400 or the FW 800.

[memphis]

Also take note that among the current Macbook Pros, only the 17 inch model has an express card slot.

The late 2008 models of MBP 15" has express card slot.. I think the early has too.


__________________________

[macdrive007]

Another option if you go Mac is to find Mac equivalents of your software & external hardware - a whole Mac system for your needs... If this is possible, they might cost you a bit but is better than maintaining 2 different systems. These may be bought piece by piece so your expenses are spread over a longer time.