MacBook & Lightroom

Hi everyone. I've been contemplating getting one of the new MacBooks, but I'm concerned about it being under powered due to having the core m processor opposed to the i5 or i7.

So so has anyone used Lightroom/photoshop on one of these MacBooks and if so, did it work ok, or was it painful?

thanks!

Will this be your primary computer? Which MacBook line are you considering: MacBook, Air or Pro? Which screen? How much storage? How much memory? How often do you shoot? What do you shoot? You need to provide more information to allow us to provide a good recommendation.

I run Lightroom and PhotoShop all the time on my MacBook Air. No problems. The MBA is my daily driver and is supplemented by a Mac Mini.

The other way to go is to just buy the biggest baddest system you can afford.

I'm not looking at the Air or the Pro, but the new Macbook line. they have a 12in screen, 1.2 Core M processor with 8gb ram and a 512 ssd. I currently have a MBP, so this would be supplemental for travel, etc. I'm trying to find the right balance between power and portability. I'm just not sure if the core M processor is up to the challenge of LR.

12 inch is a bit small to do decent editing. I have a 15 Pro and that barely cuts it.

I wouldn't know if the processor will handle it decently but I'd go for at least 16GB mem. 8 is at the low end since you lose a couple of gig to have all running.

The processor might be a little light on the new MacBook as [MENTION=31330]J-see[/MENTION] pointed out. You might be better off with an Air. I find that LR and PS work well on mine (mid 2012 13" i7 512 SSD). The max memory is 8GB so I am careful to ensure I have minimal other apps running. I use Memory Monitor to make sure I've freed up as much as possible if I'm going to be running more than LR (e.g. exporting to PS, NIK, Photomatix).

I use the Macbook Air while traveling to import in Lightroom (while making a second copy on a portable drive), I am consistently merging to a single primary catalog on the Mac Mini and taking advantage of Lightroom's Smart Previews to keep select "mini" catalogs on the Air. Even with that approach, I am seriously considering upgrading the SSD to 1Tb using the OWC Aura.

One thing to consider is to buy a refurbished model from Apple. I've done that for my last two laptops and the Mini. Adding AppleCare to a refurb is generally cheaper than buying new and results in an extended warranty. YMMV