I've picked the worst time to be macless - buy MBP?

[other]

I want a new mac. I've been macless since September last year (I sold my iBook because I thought the 12" PowerBook was going to be updated, and my warranty was running out). Waiting is getting annoying. The MacBook Pro is nice because of it's screen, but it's expensive. I could buy a MacBook (or what they're going to be called) when they're released, if they're any good. But I don't feel like waiting another two months for something that might be good. And if I were to buy a 13.3" MacBook, I might feel that the screen is too small. Buying an external display would obviously cost a lot, so maybe just getting a 15.4" MacBook Pro is smarter. Then I could have a good screen everywhere.

My concerns about the MacBook Pro are:
The price, but I can afford it
The issues, heat, whining
Somehow my timing is the worst possible. 801.11n is coming, and so is blu-ray, Leopard, 64bit CPUs. It's going to be more obsolete than ever in a few months.

Things which could be better than on a future MacBook:
Keyboard, if the MacBook will get a redesign, maybe the keyboard will be inferior, and not include any backlight
The screen, 15.4" is better than 13.3" anyway you look at it (for my needs, that is, I won't be moving it around that much)
Graphics card, though I'm not sure if I need it. I suppose gaming some could be fun.
I can't think right now, anyone want to help out?

I want a mac, and I want it now. What do I do? I feel like everyone is talking about how this is a bad time to buy a mac.

[sjshaw]

I'm in a similar boat. After checking the price trackers at PowerBook Central (http://www.powerbookcentral.com/), I almost bought a MBP this weekend. I'm going to give it a few more months, though. Why not buy a super-cheap Mini on Ebay or refurbished and use that until the new laptops come out and/or the 1st gen MBP defects are cured? Then you could sell the Mini or use it as a server.

[plinden]

Reliablility: If you buy a MBP now, you are probably more likely to get one without any of the problems some people are seeing, but a MacBook may have some teething problems.

Screen size: you had a 12"er before, so you are not likely to feel constrained on a 13.3" sreen. I didn't think my 17" LCD monitor was too small until I started using a 20" LCD monitor at work.

64 bit CPU: I think it's unlikely that Apple will have 64 bit CPUs in their laptops any time soon. Perhaps in a year. Most people are going to be fine with 32bit CPUs.

Leopard: not for another year. And it'll cost just $129 as usual. And you should probably wait for 10.5.1 anyway.

Blu-ray: blu-ray is going to be a very expensive option for a couple of years yet.

Wireless-n: you'll likely be able to "upgrade" with a wireless ExpressCard or USB dongle.

Personally, unless you really need one now, and unless you need what the MPB gives you, I'd say wait.

[other]

I'm in a similar boat. After checking the price trackers at PowerBook Central (http://www.powerbookcentral.com/), I almost bought a MBP this weekend. I'm going to give it a few more months, though. Why not buy a super-cheap Mini on Ebay or refurbished and use that until the new laptops come out and/or the 1st gen MBP defects are cured? Then you could sell the Mini or use it as a server.

They don't sell refurbished computers over here, and the used market ain't that big either. Plus, I don't feel very comfortable buying from some random person. Who knows what they've done with their computer? I can't afford buying both, and selling is also kind of a hassle. I just want to buy a damn computer, then keep it forever. ;)

Screen size: you had a 12"er before, so you are not likely to feel constrained on a 13.3" sreen. I didn't think my 17" LCD monitor was too small until I started using a 20" LCD monitor at work.

I realize that I could use the 13.3" screen without any big problems, the 15.4" would just be much more comfortable.

[sjshaw]

I just want to buy a damn computer, then keep it forever. ;)

You live in the wrong times for that. :)

Buy my 12" PB G4 and keep it forever while I get a MBP and keep it 9 months before buying another. :)

[iPhil]

To the OP: If you want or need a Mac buy the thing .. every 6 to 9 months the tech world does upgrades on there items .. i'd buy the MBP now if i had the cash on hand and be happy for 2 to 3 years :rolleyes: .. I'm on a 6 yr old system wit tiger etc.. and its doing what i do right now .. :o :o

So if you got the cash for the MBP buy it and be happy with it ..:rolleyes:

Quit the fussing on the MBP outdated scheme... the items Do get upgraded once in while ... even if blu-ray drives come out in next revision of MBP,you'll pay alot for that and discs will be limited for first couple months even when you can find them they'll(Blu-DVDs) will expensive as h*ll :o :o

[sjshaw]

Nice avatar, iphil.

[The Senator]

waiting to buy something cuz it will get better is stupid,your'll be wating forever. buy when you need it and dont worry. The mbp is the best computer ever made and makes me very happy. I was once working on a movie at school and I turned around and everyone in the auditorium was right behind me watching me on my computer saying how tight it was and all. CHICKS dig this computer

[other]

Maybe I emphasized it a little too much, but I do think bigger upgrades than usual are about to come. This won't really keep me from purchasing, though. The main problem is really all the issues I hear that the MBP has. To be even more specific, I worry about the heat issue. I don't want a computer running so hot that it's uncomfortable, and possibly shortening the life of it. Also, I wonder a little about the future MacBook. If it's going to be anything worth having.

Right now, I hate Apple. Is it so damn difficult to release an upgrade of the 12" PowerBook, or a replacement model? (As I said, I really want the 15" model, but I'm still debating whether or not it's worth the money.) I've been waiting around seven months. Seven. I'm pretty pissed at Apple.

[bruf]

I wouldn't wait and I'd go with the MacBook Pro now if you think you'll benefit from it's enhanced features and overall performance gain. The awesome screen and the powerful GPU are features few laptops offer right now.

The new MacBook will obviously be an entry-level laptop computer, as the iBook was/is now, so don't expect it to have much more than what the Intel Mac Mini has now. I wouldn't be surprised to see a Core Solo and a pricier Core Duo configuration like Apple did with the Mini. Remember how long it took Apple to upgrade the iBook from the G3 processor to the G4? Almost all entry-level laptops right now have older Celeron M or Pentium M processors, so the MacBook wouldn't be too bad with his Core Solo/Duo configs.

I wouldn't worry too much about what's coming in the next few months. There's always "something better" coming out anyway, what's important is if it will really make a difference for you. For example :

- 801.11n : If you're using Wi-Fi for Web, 801.11G will be as fast as N anyway.
- Blu-Ray : Not a concern until mid-2007 at the earliest, Apple even dropped DL support from the MBP so I wouldn't worry about BD-ROM.
- Leopard : Sure looks cool, and it'll work just fine on a MBP.
- 64-bit CPUs : That's something interesting indeed, but it's not like if it will make the new 2007 MBP 50% faster than actual MBPs.

I don't think the 12" MBP (well smaller than 15") is too far away, nor is the 17" one. We will eventually see a smaller MBP imo. As for the issues, you shouldn't have much of a problem if you order now. Apple is shipping 1-2 days right now, so it's a much better time than it was with the pre-orders in january. The MBP does get hotter than my PB 12", but I'm not worried about it because laptop parts are made especially with heat/bumps hazards in mind. It is a quality product, just like all pro Apple laptops before.

If you want a laptop now, the MacBook Pro is a great buy. It's a brand-new product, and it'll give you a couple of years of great fun for sure. ;)

[Compatiblepoker]

Nice avatar, iphil.

Indeed where did you get that avatar?

[FFTT]

While I really like the convenience of having a portable, I tend to think
that too many people are buying complete desktop replacement portables
paying a tremendous premium for that portablity, when they would be better off with a great primary desktop and a simple laptop to cover only portable needs.

When I compare the prices between a properly configured 17" Core Duo iMac with 2 GB RAM against a comparable MacBook Pro, I simply can't justify the expense.

After seeing what happened to my daughter's beloved iBook after a fall from a table,
there's no way I would spend $3500 on a laptop.
They are just too fragile.

By the time you add in AppleCare and hazard insurance, this can get a bit crazy.

Even with good external back-ups, I wonder about the Wisdom of having your entire
life stored on a system this vulnerable to damage or theft.

If you absolutely must have a new computer before WWDC, I would
go for a 17" iMac, then pick up a mid level MacBook for the price difference once they are released.

[DMPDX]

take a look at the pb + link in my sig. Its for sale with a ton of accessories. Maybe that would/could hold you over un til macbooks roll out?\
-dsm

[other]

I don't want two computers. I'm going to use this laptop mostly at two different locations. Actually a 15" PowerBook is something I've thought about, but like I said, the used market isn't big (I don't live in USA/Canada). It's practically non-existant, and the few 15" PowerBooks up for sale aren't cheap enough compared to a MacBook Pro.

I'm probably going to wait until the MacBook is released, only to find out that it's not worth it. I would've abandoned Apple a long time ago if it weren't for OS X.

[iPhil]

Indeed where did you get that avatar?


Look@ my sig for who made my 'tar.. but its combo of mad jew's 'tar and backtothemac's 'tar

sjshaw: thanks .. :o

[other]

I just wanted to add, if I did buy a MacBook Pro, I would get a 10% student discount. I thought maybe that would add a dimension if I ever thought about selling it. Or something.

Give me a computer, Apple!

[bobber205]

I just wanted to add, if I did buy a MacBook Pro, I would get a 10% student discount. I thought maybe that would add a dimension if I ever thought about selling it. Or something.

Give me a computer, Apple!

I hate to tell ya but you're wrong... :D

For college students at least, it's a 20% discount!

[other]

I hate to tell ya but you're wrong... :D

For college students at least, it's a 20% discount!

While I would like that, I'm only entitled to 10%.

[Music_Producer]

When I compare the prices between a properly configured 17" Core Duo iMac with 2 GB RAM against a comparable MacBook Pro, I simply can't justify the expense.

After seeing what happened to my daughter's beloved iBook after a fall from a table,
there's no way I would spend $3500 on a laptop.
They are just too fragile.

By the time you add in AppleCare and hazard insurance, this can get a bit crazy.

Even with good external back-ups, I wonder about the Wisdom of having your entire
life stored on a system this vulnerable to damage or theft.

If you absolutely must have a new computer before WWDC, I would
go for a 17" iMac, then pick up a mid level MacBook for the price difference once they are released.


I understand your comparisons between a desktop and a laptop.. but I wonder what happens, if your iMac falls off the table? Thats a little silly don't you think? If you're careless, and you let your gear fall.. be it a laptop, a pda, etc etc.. thats not really a reason to not buy a laptop.

Sure a laptop is way more expensive than a desktop, but I'd love to see you working on an iMac on a flight.. :rolleyes: The MBP is more than enough justification for the price.

My powerbook *is* my desktop at home.. attached to a lcd monitor, an external array of drives.. etc. When I travel.. for business or leisure.. I cam still use it to edit music productions.. email, browsing, etc etc. I would gladly pay the price premium to have access to these features.. on the go.


To the original user who posted.. go ahead and buy the MBP. If you're thinking about buying it, just do it. I wasted 6-8 months contemplating on whether I should buy the nikon D-50 or not.. and when I finally bought it, I felt like crap! (too much money wasted, etc etc.. and im an amateur) However, now I am so glad that I made that decision to buy it.. no regrets.

[FFTT]

Some people do actually need a full desktop replacement portable and they
generate enough income on the go to warrant the expense.

As a professional, you need the best tools available to handle your workload.

It's just that I also see numerous posts where light users would be better off
with an iBook or the upcoming MacBook.

Right now the G4 iBooks and PowerBooks are EOL, so it won't be long before
Apple offers a better selection of Intel based products.

If your world won't come to a grinding halt waiting 2 months, then I would try to hang in there untll the rest of the laptops are released.

[other]

Right now the G4 iBooks and PowerBooks are EOL, so it won't be long before Apple offers a better selection of Intel based products.

The 12" PowerBook was last updated in January 2005. I think that is ridiculous.

If your world won't come to a grinding halt waiting 2 months, then I would try to hang in there untll the rest of the laptops are released.

I'll most likely do this. Though I think it's crap how Apple haven't been able to release an update or something for the 12" PowerBook.

I want a SuperDrive in the laptop I'm buying, and if Apple will limit itself to a 4x single layer model because of the MacBook Pro, I think they're retarded. But could they but a better DVD-burner in a consumer laptop, than in a professional one? I sure hope they do.

I might seem very negative, that's just because I've been waiting for so long.

[milo]

While I really like the convenience of having a portable, I tend to think
that too many people are buying complete desktop replacement portables
paying a tremendous premium for that portablity, when they would be better off with a great primary desktop and a simple laptop to cover only portable needs.

It's a good idea. Problem is that Apple isn't selling a "simple laptop" yet. They need to upgrade the ibook, and to really justify having two computers they'd have to have something in the $799 range.

[FFTT]

I'm pretty sure they'll offer a single core k-12 MacBook base unit for around that price
and an upgrade core duo model with at least as much kick as the upgraded mini for around $1000.

The unit I'm waiting for is the smaller MacBook Pro if it comes in at around
$1400.00

[iPhil]

I just checked on the blu-ray discs @ work .. there $22.00 per disc :eek: :eek:

[bobber205]

I just checked on the blu-ray discs @ work .. there $22.00 per disc :eek: :eek:

OMG. That's quite a jump from the DVDs I buy now only costing about a buck... :eek:

[ImNoSuperMan]

I m also in the same boat. Just sold off my iBook 12" as I couldnt live with a PPC when the whole of apple is shifting to Intel and allowing virtualization,bootcamp etc. I sold it right now coz prices will drop once intel MacBooks are released. In any case I got good price too. I lost only 10%(including ebay fees) of the original value for 5 months use.

But now I m feeling really scared. Tomorrow my iBook will not be with me any more.:(
God knows how i`ll manage these 2 months with a celeron laptop. Hope mBook launches sooner.
Any ideas about leopard release date?

As far as OTHER`s situation is concerned, I think the major change rite now is intel only. I wud never have sold this ibook ever in my life if not for the intel move. Rest all is just simple little addon. And thier NON IMPORTANCE has already been mentioned it the thread. you can always add them later.

My advice is go for MBP now. But thats only coz budget is not a problem for u. If the budget was tight than you could wait for the MacBook like me.

[shrhaider]

Am I the only one reading this thread and wondering what all this anger is about? Apple is "retarded"?

"Waiting is getting annoying."
"Right now, I hate Apple."
"I've been waiting around seven months. Seven. I'm pretty pissed at Apple."

If you're so sick of waiting, STOP WAITING. Buy a computer already. I don't mean to piss anyone off here, but how is your anger Apple's fault?

[shrhaider]

I'm pretty sure they'll offer a single core k-12 MacBook base unit for around that price
and an upgrade core duo model with at least as much kick as the upgraded mini for around $1000.


Just wondering where this speculation is coming from. I'm waiting for the MacBook to arrive as well (making the switch) and everyone seems to be guessing at much higher price points, ie $1000 for the base Core Solo price.

[NintendoFan]

Just buy the MacBook Pro.

You can't beat the waiting game, everyone will always lose.

[other]

Am I the only one reading this thread and wondering what all this anger is about? Apple is "retarded"?

"Waiting is getting annoying."
"Right now, I hate Apple."
"I've been waiting around seven months. Seven. I'm pretty pissed at Apple."

If you're so sick of waiting, STOP WAITING. Buy a computer already. I don't mean to piss anyone off here, but how is your anger Apple's fault?

:D My anger is Apple's fault since they won't release a computer that fits my needs. That is, they didn't update the 12" PowerBook last October, and that really pissed me off. Sure, I could go and buy a PC, but I want OS X.

I know that my anger isn't really Apple's fault, but who says my anger is rational?

[FFTT]

Think Secret and AppleInsider are figuring a higher price point and that may
be true.

I guess this depends on how badly they cripple the base model's features to
be competitive in the k-12 market.

I'm hoping that the top end Core Duo model has a bit more going for it than
the Core Duo mini.

[bobber205]

Think Secret and AppleInsider are figuring a higher price point and that may
be true.

I guess this depends on how badly they cripple the base model's features to
be competitive in the k-12 market.

I'm hoping that the top end Core Duo model has a bit more going for it than
the Core Duo mini.

I wouldnt' be surprised if the upper end Macbook model costs so much that it's totally worth to get the current MBP.

[FFTT]

They're predicting $1499 retail, so it really depends on how bad Apple
decides to cripple the 13 WS top end model to differentiate it from the MBP.

Personally, I'm hoping for a full featured smaller form factor than the 15" MBP.

I know lots of people prefer more real estate, but I prefer something smaller as
a secondary portable system.

The first MacBooks will be totally REV A, so keep that in mind.

It wasn't that long ago that people bitched and moaned about Apple skimping on the Rev A iMac's
crappy VRAM specs. A year later all that customer feedback paid off and now we have a great iMac.

I think it's very important to take a hard look at your real portable needs and spend accordingly.

For some people, the current 12" 1.33 iBooks will be very attractive as a hold over machine for $799 or less. Same thing goes for close out deals on the current 12" PB's

I saved $600 buying my G5 2.0 8DIMM on closeout.

This will hold me well into 2008 and beyond.

[shrhaider]

:D My anger is Apple's fault since they won't release a computer that fits my needs. That is, they didn't update the 12" PowerBook last October, and that really pissed me off. Sure, I could go and buy a PC, but I want OS X.

I know that my anger isn't really Apple's fault, but who says my anger is rational?

I didn't mean to suggest that you buy a PC. Just buy a MBP, or if you can stand to wait a month or two months or.... wait for the new Intel iBook. That's what I'm doing, tho it's driving me slowly insane.

[shrhaider]

The first MacBooks will be totally REV A, so keep that in mind.


I've never owned a Mac, but I want to buy a MacBook. I'm just getting used to all of this. Do a lot of Macfans avoid rev A everything? Is Apple's track record for rev A machines that bad? I certainly don't want to buy a lemon when I'm living overseas and it's hard to return something. For example, the people who bought the new MBPs, did you just really need a new laptop? Are you just the kind of person who wants to have the latest and greatest? Are you happy with your purchase?

[FFTT]

Rev A machines are usually O.K., but Apple tends to hold back a few desirable features so they can have a " new improved " version later.

These new MacBooks may indeed start out with integrated graphics and have limited 2nd display support, no backlit KB, that sort of thing.

After about 6 months or so all the feedback usually results in a few tweaks to keep people happy and stay with competition.

A major Rev "B" would be changing over to the Meron processors or some other major improvement.

So in general terms many seasoned Mac users try to hang in there for the Rev "B"'s or later.

Right now the MBP's are actually in their 4th minor revision, but they are still Rev "A" machines.

So while the Rev A machines are generally fine and well covered by their warranties, many users would rather not be the 1st crash test dummies.

Of course many of us have absolutely no will power what so ever , so we cave and buy them anyway. :D

[killmoms]

64 bit CPU: I think it's unlikely that Apple will have 64 bit CPUs in their laptops any time soon. Perhaps in a year. Most people are going to be fine with 32bit CPUs.
You're a nut. As soon as Merom is available, it'll be in the MacBook Pro. It's not just about 64-bitness, Merom is going to be the first true "Core" laptop chip that Intel releases, and will offer considerably higher performance at the same wattages. Today's Yonah-based Core Duo is a bit of a stop-over between the old Banias/Dothan Pentium M and Intel's new unified Core line of chips (Merom, Conroe, and... what's the Xeon replacement, again? Woodcrest?). Merom and Conroe will hit Q3 of this year... so that's about six months, not a year.