Would you recommend a MacBook for graphic design?

Question

the regular white MacBook.

Why or why not?

I'm not interested in the pro, enough though many say I should that instead. I want to know if the regular MacBook will be good enough. I will definitely be using Photoshop and Illustrator.

I am specifically looking for a designer's opinion (that's why this question in this is category) but all feel free to write your thoughts.

Answer 1

The limits are screen size, speed and scratch disk space, in your place I would look at the best option for getting as much memory and hard-disk space as possible, the best solution might be a desk-based computer rather than a lap-top – an iMac perhaps. Both Illustrator and Photoshop are palette-intensive softwares you will appreciate the space on the screen to view your work in progress. This is not to say that a lap-top cannot do a good job, it just won't be as fast, and all software has options for the amount of palette information you want to show.

Answer 2

For sure. I'm on yearbook staff and all we use are Macs and a lot of the really advanced layout makers use the regular white MacBook. We only use photoshop, illustrator, and indesign. Any Mac is good for graphic design.  

Answer 3

I wouldn't recommend ANY laptop or notebook for doing most graphics work.  The main reason is the size of the monitor.  In this instance, bigger is better.  For one, it is, simply easier to work with, whether designing entirely withing the system, or working with a digital tablet.  The larger the monitor, the easier it is to see the details, without having to stop and zoom in and out.

Nothing beats a 21, 24 inch or bigger monitor for making projects easier and faster.

However, I understant that not everyone can afford to run a good desktop system AND a portable unit.  And, since most students NEED a laptop for other uses, I'd say that a MacBook is fine, as well as many PC models.  As long as the unit has enough ram and a fast processor, it should run the graphics apps you mentioned, just fine.

Just as an FYI, I run both Mac and PC in my home studio, mostly because some clients insist on files of one type or the other.  I can tell you that, withing the application, the differences are transparent.  In fact, the biggest difference is in a few keyboard shortcut commands, and, most of them are the difference between CRTL and COMM.

You know what I use my laptop for?  Taking notes, playing music and movies and playing games.