$2,500 budget, need your opinion

[milan03]

Well, like the title says, I can spend no more than $2,500 usd, and absolute not a penny over so please avoid the replies like "if you add just ... $, you could get blah blah.. :)

Here is what I'm looking into:

1. Refurbished 17" Hi-Res Glossy Merom 2.4Ghz 7,200rpm $2,350

2. New 15" Penryn 2.5Ghz 7,200rpm $2,350 (after the student discount)

3. New 15" Penryn 2.4Ghz 7,200rpm $1,890 (after the student discount)

My main concern is if the previous gen 17" nonLED merom screens are good enough comparing to the new LED 15" or 17" penryn MBP ones? Ive been seeing lots of complaints about the new LED panel defects, wondering if the previous gen 17 inchers had less problems.
Please share your opinions ups and downs of each generation.

Your opinion is HIGHLY appreciated! :)

[robanga]

The third one. All of that $$ for just another .1 Ghz seems a bit of a stretch.

[PowerBookRelic]

I think the biggest question is how are you going to use your MBP. As a student, I wanted the 15" version because it has more portability. Especially now that I live off campus, it is easy for me to bring my PBG4 15" to school. I feel that the 17" would have been too bulky and heavy. That being said, between 2 and 3, I would choose 3 hands down. The only difference between them is the CPU (negligible), the L2 Cache (from what I understand, doesn't make any appreciable difference), the video card RAM (from what I have read, the card cannot even utilize the extra RAM), and the HDD (but it seems that you are using a BTO HDD option). Therefore, IMO, I think it comes down to what screen size you want. When you decide that, if you want a 15" screen, then 3 is your answer, if you want 17" 1 is your answer.

[milan03]

The third one. All of that $$ for just another .1 Ghz seems a bit of a stretch.

Whats the deal with the screen? How do the merom and penryn 17" panels compare?
As i said $2,500 is the budget. I'm not really chasing the .1Ghz, but rather more screen real estate as I will be doing lots of music and video editing as well as watching HD videos. However, as I said, I really need opinion on how good are the previous 17" lcd's. I'd rather go for the new 15" if the previous 17" panels were a lot worse than the current ones.

Thank you guys!

[iBookG4user]

Whats the deal with the screen? How do the merom and penryn 17" panels compare?
As i said $2,500 is the budget. I'm not really chasing the .1Ghz, but rather more screen real estate as I will be doing lots of music and video editing as well as watching HD videos. However, as I said, I really need opinion on how good are the previous 17" lcd's. I'd rather go for the new 15" if the previous 17" panels were a lot worse than the current ones.

Thank you guys!

I would say that you'll probably get a good LCD with a refurbished since they are guaranteed to be looked over by a human. Although I would go with option 3 as that is the most cost effective method, and I have the same laptop and it is perfect.

[milan03]

I would say that you'll probably get a good LCD with a refurbished since they are guaranteed to be looked over by a human. Although I would go with option 3 as that is the most cost effective method, and I have the same laptop and it is perfect.

Oh I'm absolutely sure that the refurbished MBP will be mint condition, but I wanted to know in technical terms how are the previous gen nonLED 17" panels compare with the current 17" LED ones in terms of pure performance, battery life, etc...

Thanks for your fast replies!

[DJJONES]

u can get a santa rosa basemodel mbp for 1699 @ guitar center with 1 year intrest free no payments i think that right there blows all those deals away.;)

but at the same time the basemodel penryn is the best choice i cant complain

get a external upgrade the memory buy a nice 22inch screen maybe a mouse too wid the left over dough

[milan03]

u can get a santa rosa basemodel mbp for 1699 @ guitar center with 1 year intrest free no payments i think that right there blows all those deals away.;)

but at the same time the basemodel penryn is the best choice i cant complain

get a external upgrade the memory buy a nice 22inch screen maybe a mouse too wid the left over dough

Actually, if you are talking about the previous basic merom model 2.2Ghz, refurbished one off the apple site is about 1,449, 2.4Ghz is 1,649. I am buying the laptop through the 1 year 0% interest Visa... also already have 24" Dell's 24wfp. hehe :) Lol I shouldnt've posted the option 3 hehe...

[chrono1081]

Oh no! I forgot apple has a student discount! Too late I already ordered.

[felt.]

ADC student account $99
2.5ghz 17" hi-res glossy MBP w/ ADC hardware discount $2,319
total $2418

thats what i did.. and the thing is amazing.. HD stuff looks incredible on this display, and not a single problem with funny noises, bad display etc.. its perfect

[DJJONES]

Actually, if you are talking about the previous basic merom model 2.2Ghz, refurbished one off the apple site is about 1,449, 2.4Ghz is 1,649. I am buying the laptop through the 1 year 0% interest Visa... also already have 24" Dell's 24wfp. hehe :) Lol I shouldnt've posted the option 3 hehe...

thats how u do it! lolll:D

[Sun Baked]

Third one, spend the remainder on AppleCare + 3rd party RAM + and a new case for the machine.

[puke]

Third one, spend the remainder on AppleCare + 3rd party RAM + and a new case for the machine.

You took the words out of my mouth

[markrivers]

if you want more screen..

3rd option and get an external LCD 20 -24 or even a 30 inch will fit your 2500 budget.

[andrewdale]

You took the words out of my mouth

+1
+1
+1

[milan03]

Lol so i guess i should get the new 2.4Ghz...
But i already have 24" screen... I would need something for the road that has some real estate.

[Ryuukumori]

Lol so i guess i should get the new 2.4Ghz...
But i already have 24" screen... I would need something for the road that has some real estate.

Why would you need extra screen size on the road? Do you travel ALOT?

If not, going with the 15" is fine. You always have the 24" at home when you really need it. 2" larger doesn't make a whole big difference.

[milan03]

Why would you need extra screen size on the road? Do you travel ALOT?

If not, going with the 15" is fine. You always have the 24" at home when you really need it. 2" larger doesn't make a whole big difference.

I do travel all the time. THats the thing. <----- musician.

[iBookG4user]

Oh I'm absolutely sure that the refurbished MBP will be mint condition, but I wanted to know in technical terms how are the previous gen nonLED 17" panels compare with the current 17" LED ones in terms of pure performance, battery life, etc...

Thanks for your fast replies!

I've owned both the Santa Rosa MBP (15") and the Penryn MBP (15") both were stock $2000 models upgraded to 4GB of RAM. There is maybe a 10% or so speed increase, and an hour more of battery life which is really nice on the Penryn version.

[milan03]

I've owned both the Santa Rosa MBP (15") and the Penryn MBP (15") both were stock $2000 models upgraded to 4GB of RAM. There is maybe a 10% or so speed increase, and an hour more of battery life which is really nice on the Penryn version.

Now thats a real response :D
So i guess Penryn's battery life is a bit longer.
Could anyone compare the merom vs penryn 17" battery/screen performance?

Thank you!

[swmr]

I got the 2.4 with 200 GB hard drive. Also bought a printer, external HD, remote, iWork, and Applecare. The total was $26xx (and change). Basically, you can get under your budget very easily depending on what you need. I actually got a rebate on the printer so it ended up totalling like $2520 or something like that.

If you go with that third option of yours, you can use the remaining money to get things like external storage, or a printer if you need it.

[milan03]

I got the 2.4 with 200 GB hard drive. Also bought a printer, external HD, remote, iWork, and Applecare. The total was $26xx (and change). Basically, you can get under your budget very easily depending on what you need. I actually got a rebate on the printer so it ended up totalling like $2520 or something like that.

If you go with that third option of yours, you can use the remaining money to get things like external storage, or a printer if you need it.

Do you notice any significant performance slowdowns due to the lower L2 cache in the basic 15" mbp?

[milan03]

Just learnt that older nonLED 17" MBP's panels lose the reproduction quality over time while the LED's never do. Also since they use more power i think ill be going for 15 inchers :)
So ya'll are saying i should definitely go for the cheapest penryn, right?

[taylorwilsdon]

Just learnt that older nonLED 17" MBP's panels lose the reproduction quality over time while the LED's never do. Also since they use more power i think ill be going for 15 inchers :)
So ya'll are saying i should definitely go for the cheapest penryn, right?

Buy the cheapest penryn, load it up with 4gb RAM and maybe a 7200rpm hard drive (helps a lot with music production stuff, if you use Pro tools its a big help).

Thats going to give you the best bang for your buck, you'll have the great LED backlit screen in a realistically portable size (17" is pretty damn big!)

[milan03]

Buy the cheapest penryn, load it up with 4gb RAM and maybe a 7200rpm hard drive (helps a lot with music production stuff, if you use Pro tools its a big help).

Thats going to give you the best bang for your buck, you'll have the great LED backlit screen in a realistically portable size (17" is pretty damn big!)

Sounds like what im gonna be doing :)

15" MBP @ 2.4Ghz + 7,200rpm HD = $2,047.20 with Student Discount + Tax

4Gb Ram is about $70

Thats pretty cheap deal imho. Btw, how do you sign up for ADC discount?

[alphaod]

Well you have sign up for the ADC on the apple.com/developer and go through there.

[majordude]

I like my 17" but most people think that it is too big... but I would never buy a refurbished unit. If I spend $3K I want my hands to be the only ones who have touched it other than the 12-year-old slave child in Shanghai wrapped it up for me.

After that #3 sounds best because I can't see spending $500 for 0.1 mHz.

[swmr]

I got the 2.4 with 200 GB hard drive. Also bought a printer, external HD, remote, iWork, and Applecare. The total was $26xx (and change). Basically, you can get under your budget very easily depending on what you need. I actually got a rebate on the printer so it ended up totalling like $2520 or something like that.

If you go with that third option of yours, you can use the remaining money to get things like external storage, or a printer if you need it.

This is my first and only mac so I have nothing to compare it too, sorry. I am sure you will like your purchase though.

[woodekm]

I was just looking around today and came across this:


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006HU56G/ref=s9at_1-rfc_g1_subs_c6_7_23_9_4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-5&pf_rd_r=0CMP666VX4H7AP9341KH&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=278842001&pf_rd_i=507846


Am I missing something? $2,600 for this 15" MBP???

[milan03]

I was just looking around today and came across this:


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006HU56G/ref=s9at_1-rfc_g1_subs_c6_7_23_9_4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-5&pf_rd_r=0CMP666VX4H7AP9341KH&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=278842001&pf_rd_i=507846


Am I missing something? $2,600 for this 15" MBP???

Hehe I wonder if they'll ever sell that one...

[alphaod]

If I spend $3K I want my hands to be the only ones who have touched it other than the 12-year-old slave child in Shanghai wrapped it up for me.


WTF dude; that's uncalled for; if it's any attempt at sarcasm, it's not funny. :mad:

[milan03]

WTF dude; that's uncalled for; if it's any attempt at sarcasm, it's not funny. :mad:

Plus the all refurbished ones have a brand new casing, meaning they look and feel EXACTLY like the new ones. Mint condition.

[PDE]

I was just looking around today and came across this:


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006HU56G/ref=s9at_1-rfc_g1_subs_c6_7_23_9_4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-5&pf_rd_r=0CMP666VX4H7AP9341KH&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=278842001&pf_rd_i=507846


Am I missing something? $2,600 for this 15" MBP???

That's not amazon.com though - it's one of the crazy market place vendors' - I guess they're hoping for some fool to come along.

Having said that, Amazon would be a great place to get a good deal on your MBP! They have $150 rebates, free shipping, no tax and a generous return policy.

[PowerBookRelic]

That's not amazon.com though - it's one of the crazy market place vendors' - I guess they're hoping for some fool to come along.

Having said that, Amazon would be a great place to get a good deal on your MBP! They have $150 rebates, free shipping, no tax and a generous return policy.

Yea- if you look the date available is Oct. 24, 2006. Seeing that did bring back memories though, like how my 15" PBG4 was in that price range :eek:

[spaceballl]

get #3) - bank the difference.

[milan03]

get #3) - bank the difference.

Im so close to getting #3 after all of you pretty much voted for that one... Also since i already have 24" lcd on my desk.

[Freyqq]

Well, like the title says, I can spend no more than $2,500 usd, and absolute not a penny over so please avoid the replies like "if you add just ... $, you could get blah blah.. :)

Here is what I'm looking into:

1. Refurbished 17" Hi-Res Glossy Merom 2.4Ghz 7,200rpm $2,350

2. New 15" Penryn 2.5Ghz 7,200rpm $2,350 (after the student discount)

3. New 15" Penryn 2.4Ghz 7,200rpm $1,890 (after the student discount)

My main concern is if the previous gen 17" nonLED merom screens are good enough comparing to the new LED 15" or 17" penryn MBP ones? Ive been seeing lots of complaints about the new LED panel defects, wondering if the previous gen 17 inchers had less problems.
Please share your opinions ups and downs of each generation.

Your opinion is HIGHLY appreciated! :)

#3 + http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094 + keyboard + mouse

[milan03]

#3 + http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094 + keyboard + mouse

THanks for the reply, but I already have Dell 24" WFP 1920x1200.

[Sbrocket]

I would go with #3 for multiple reasons (plus some advice thrown in randomly).


You're a student - you're going to want the portability. (Believe me, you will - I'm a student too.)
You can use the external monitor for your work that needs increased screen real estate.
The cost savings - go get yourself some 3rd party RAM (I like OWC, but whatever floats your boat and looks good...don't just buy the 'designer' brand off Newegg, buy something quality and with a good warranty)
Better battery life on the Penryn machine - Another thing you'll love as a student
Use part of your savings to get a backup hard drive to use with Time Machine. The Time Capsules from Apple are actually a pretty good deal price/gigabyte wise last I checked even if you don't care about the basestation, and you might be able to get a discount for those too.
GET A GOOD CASE. Again, you're a student - you don't want to worry about damaging your laptop while slinging a bag around. The Brain Cell from Tom Bihn (awesome products overall, I've got a Super Ego and it holds a ton, those books take up a lot of room) is what I've got and I throw my bag all over the place with nay a harm to my MBP.
Get some insurance for it. Yeah it may sound like you're overdoing it, but if you're still got the money left in your budget property insurance with accidental coverage is great for covering the stuff that AppleCare won't (spills, wear and tear, other accidental damage).
An extra power adapter if you're going to be carrying your laptop around with you everyone is a great asset too. I know it would be a pain in the ass to always pull mine out from behind my desk every day, and its really handy to have after a long class when your battery is nearing dead.