[Avid-L2] MacBooks for Avid

I'm interested in getting a MacBook Pro to run Media Composer (plus the usual assortment of supporting software). This would be for a studio I'm setting up in a weekend house, so a regular Mac Pro is not really an option-- mobility to the back porch is, in this case, a job requirement! (Yes, it is true that I am enough of a workaholic that I even want to work on weekends while sitting on the back porch with a glass of Malbec…)

So, the new 17 inch MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt would appear, at first glance, to be the system of choice for this purpose. However, I notice that Avid says that "NVIDIA cards are recommended" and these newer MacBook Pros come with "Intel HD Graphics 3000". They are on the qualified list, but I wonder if there are any restrictions.

Also, I notice that the new systems are not qualified with the Matrox MXO2 Mini. That's not strictly a requirement, but I have a MXO2 Mini in my main studio in New York and have found it to be a handy (and inexpensive) device. I might like to attach one to the MacBook at some point as well.

So, I guess the main question is: should I get a new 17 inch MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt or is it still more prudent for the moment to go with a little bit older and possibly more compatible MacBook Pro system (still easily available refurbished through the Apple Store)?

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