Is the MacBook Pro 17" color gamut important?

[cwemely]

Hi All,

I am about to make the switch to Mac. I currently use a ThinkPad T60p. I am debating between the MacBook Pro 15" and 17" with glossy screen (I don't mind the glossy).

My question for you pros is . . .How important is the increased color gamut on the 17"? Is it worth getting the larger unit for this and the higher resolution?

All input is welcome.

Thanks!

Chip

[MaxxuM]

It's nice to have, particularly if you are going to do the majority of your work on the go (no external monitor). Apple's screen's do tend to be on the higher end, but laptop screen's are only so good and none will compare with a professional free-standing monitor. If you're critical about accuracy get whatever MBP suites you and just buy an external monitor. If you cannot justify a $500+ monitor then the 17" is 'good enough' for most work particularly if you use an online professional print service (many of which use sRGB btw) whom color correct your images for you. I'm personally not that critical of color accuracy and I have a MBP early-2008 and use Mpix & Adorama and I think my prints look pretty darn good. You can also have Mpix send you a color kit to check out your color's to theirs - it's not 100% by a long shot, but again, if you're not hypersensitive about color it will get you by.

Oh, I would get the 15" if you are on the go a lot and the 17" if you tend to only travel 2-3 times a month. Just my 2 cents.

[cwemely]

I will be using an external pair of Samsung 22" displays at times and also using the MBP by itself. I pack and carry a few times a week. I am a faithful notebook user, but like to connect to "home base" when at the home office.

Fortunately, money is not an issue. It comes down to the 15" or 17", either loaded for bear. I just don't want to spend that money and have second thoughts.

Can i color correct both? Does the higher res make a difference?

Thanks.

[MaxxuM]

I color correct mine, but there is only so much that can be done. I can visually see a shift with the naked eye (when looking at swatches for example) and I'm sure that would make color people grit their teeth :) I'm not sure about the 17" - I haven't gotten one at work yet (they are on order - but the gov. moves like slugs). With video work I do become much more critical of color and for that I visualize using Apple Color which doesn't rely on the monitor for pure accuracy - just creativity.

If money isn't an issue I think it would be a no-brainer to get the 17" then; larger & better screen, longer battery life & more ports are all desirable in laptops. The only reasons I could think of to go with the 15" (besides money which you said isn't an issue) is size and no need for the added features - both of which are highly personal choices.

[cwemely]

The size is what I am trying to figure if I am happy with. The ideal would be a 15" with 1680X105 and 8GB of RAM, but . . .

The color gamut and resolution are tempting on the 17". Not to mention that the 8GB of RAM is still a bit suspect on the 15".

Have you had experience with toting around both sizes?

[MaxxuM]

The size is what I am trying to figure if I am happy with. The ideal would be a 15" with 1680X105 and 8GB of RAM, but . . .

The color gamut and resolution are tempting on the 17". Not to mention that the 8GB of RAM is still a bit suspect on the 15".

Have you had experience with toting around both sizes?

Yes, I've toted around both (prev 17" model) and by itself there isn't too much difference. In my lowpro bag there is a noticeable difference, but not enough to make or break my back. The real issue is that I have to carry around all the extras (2xLaCie external drives, iPod Classic, logitech mouse, power brick, extra battery, Final Cut Pro ref manual, Layers Magazine ;), notebook and wires). The 17" was just a little too big for me. I use my Mac Pro for the real power stuff so for me the 15" was the right choice.