13 inch Macbook Pro 2.53 for $1000 or wait

[dubels]

I am currently deciding if I really need to upgrade to the new Macbook Pro or not. My current computer is a Core Duo 2.0 ghz Macbook with 2gb of ram. The most intensive program that I use is Photoshop, so I am not too sure if I really need to spend the money right now because my current MB isn't exactly slow but it still is starting to show its age. Currently I am visiting family in Canada and was offered a open box Macbook Pro 2.53 for $1000, and I am really considering it.

Why I am considering the upgrade:
Current Macbook Problems:
*Bluetooth problems where the bluetooth all the sudden becomes unavailable
*It is about time for a new MB battery even though it is at 94% health the battery only last 2.5 hours (Has 420 Cycles)
*When shutting down the computer it does not shut down but rather it restarts, the only way I can shut it down is by pulling the battery before it hits the restart cycle
*Screen flickering has disappeared about a year ago but it might come back
*White keyboard is impossible to clean (I have a black MB keyboard I have yet to install)
*Run's hot when running streaming video from the internet
*No longer covered under apple care, and I am looking to apply to law school for next year so a new computer covered under apple care would be nice.
*Cannot even get 4gb of ram, maxed out at 2gb of ram really does suck
Superficial reasons:
*The new MBP to me looks so nice
*I do want a LED screen but I have been hearing problems with glare and reflections

Why I am holding back:
*Do I really need a new macbook to surf the web, organizing & editing photos, write papers?
*How much can I realistically get for a Rev A. Core Duo Macbook?
*A new OEM battery is only $70 on ebay
*Currently out of the country (in Canada) and traveling with two laptops will be troublesome (Still have to travel to NYC for a wedding before returning to SF, Cali)
*The SD slot is nice but is carrying a USB reader that hard while traveling?
*I still have the black keyboard I can install on my current macbook
*I have a 500gb hdd in my current macbook that I need to transfer to the new MBP if I do get it.

If there is anything that I have overlooked that the new MBP offers or even if you have any general comments please post it up. Thanks.

[clyde2801]

$1000 for an open box 2.53 is a heck of a deal.

But if you can coax a little more use out of your current system, try to keep your current system and wait. God knows new processors will probably be out in a year, and new features.

[alphaod]

Open box? Is it from a retailer?

I would proceed with caution.

[dubels]

The person got it the day I got to Toronto, Sept. 8th. I went with them to get it but they are finding the switch to OSX a little hard so they went out and bought a brand new Windows machine. The person knows I want one and is holding on to it instead of returning it, and is also offering me this deal. I think offering me around 40% off instead of paying the 15% restocking fee is a very generous offer. So I doubt there is much wrong with the machine besides the person not wanting to switch over to OSX.

Thanks for the responses Cylde2801, and alphaod.

[boston44]

It's a great deal, if you can, buy it. I paid more than that for my 2.26 even after the free iPod, and I love the machine.. I only write papers, surf the web, and check email with mine but it's still my favorite computer to date, having tried Dell, Gateway, and HP.

[Scepticalscribe]

As you feel you can trust the seller, it sounds like an excellent deal. It seems as though you need one now, or will need a change in the fairly near future, so go for it, and make sure you get full enjoyment out of it. Above all, don't torture yourself with thoughts of upgrades; that's life, they happen and that's technology. Instead, enjoy what you have - hopefully, will have - for it is an excellent computer.

Cheers and good luck