Refurbished Model: 13.3" Summer 2009 vs 15" Late 2008 model

[solitarycheese]

Hello,

Apple has two MB Pro models for $1300 right now, the

Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (summer 2009 refresh)
13.3-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display
4GB memory
250GB Hard Drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
SD card slot
Built-in 7-hour battery
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
Illuminated keyboard

and

Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (late 2008)

15.4-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display
2GB memory
250GB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Built-in iSight camera
Illuminated keyboard

I think I'd prefer a 15" model, plus it has discrete graphics. However, it lacks the SD card slot and the longer lasting battery, and has half the RAM (though I'd likely upgrade), and a slightly slower processor.

Are there any other signficant differences?

I suspect there is very little real world difference in processor speed, but how big of difference is there between the GPUs?

Primary uses are day to day computing, music recording/editing, and occasional gaming.

[Belm]

If I'm not mistaken the 15.4" has a discrete video card. That might come in handy since you plan on gaming.

[thecheda]

Get the 15, I haven't regretted my decision.

[Demosthenes X]

IMO: the GPU has very little day-to-day impact. Unless you're doing lots of demanding gaming, you'll probably wind up using the 9400M most of the time anyway to maximize battery life.

The superior battery in the 13" model is something you'll notice every day, assuming you use your notebook on the go. I get a full day's productivity out of my MacBook. The 15" model you're considering will not - not without an extra battery or lugging the charger around, anyway.

The battery alone makes the 13" the better buy, imo. The (slightly) better processor and more RAM are just gravy.

[macrumorsMaster]

Originally Posted by solitarycheese

Hello,

Primary uses are day to day computing, music recording/editing, and occasional gaming.

The extra ram expandability in the 13" will come in handy with music recording, I have a friend who does that and he always talks about the need to have a lot of ram to do that.

As to gaming, get a wii or ps3.