Would 4GB RAM on one of the latest MacBook Pros be sufficient for intermediate (2-3 layer) HD video editing in Final Cut Express?

I'm shopping for my next computer, and after checking all the major vendors it turns out that Apple may make my list this time because they're one of the few that hasn't dropped firewire ports from their best laptops. Yes, I'm still reluctant to re-enter the Mac cult, but I'm doing my best to give Apple a fair chance to earn my business.

Keep an eye out for what Daniel predicted would be "pigs flying over the frozen gates of hell".

Kevin:

More RAM will help the performance and perhaps extend battery run time slightly. I'm looking to get one of the new MacBook Pros and will immediately upgrade to 8 Gb RAM. It's only $113 extra from OWC. They have data for tests with Photoshop that show a 22% faster performance when upgrading to 8 Gb.

Allan

Thanks Allan. I figured it would be cheaper to upgrade 3rd party, so I could just order with 4GB and worry about it later.

Yep, that's what I will be doing also.
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Ron Priest - Louisville KY
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FYI, we ended up getting a MacBook Pro at work to do some testing, so if I get a chance I can test how well the stock hardware configuration performs.

Oh cool! Okay!
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Ron Priest - Louisville KY
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In Reply To

So what was your results. I just purchased mine about a week ago, and extremely happy with my decision to go with the 17" non glare screen. I'll be purchasing 8 GB of RAM from macsales.com soon. I must first purchase the SeriTek/6G 2-Port, eSATA, 6G, ExpressCard/34 Adapter by FirmTek so I can connect my eSata enclosures.

Let me know if I can be of any assistance, would be happy to help.
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Ron Priest - Louisville KY
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Vimeo