13 inch macbook pro question

[nacrawley190]

I'm looking to buy my first mac. I had one that I used for work some years ago but it wasn't "mine". It was 15inch 2.2 Intel macboo pro.

I have 1200 to spend. I don't want a retina display or an air.

I need basic computing functions. YouTube, word processing, storage of family photos. Watching movies on the go. Web surfing.

My question is, will the 13inch macbook pro fit the bill? I've read bad things about the screen. I check it out my local apple store and I didn't see much glare. I assume most of was from the lighting in the store.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Also Im torn between the apple refurb and a brand new one using a student discount. $100.00 difference, is it worth it?

 

[xShane]

I'm looking to buy my first mac. I had one that I used for work some years ago but it wasn't "mine". It was 15inch 2.2 Intel macboo pro.

I have 1200 to spend. I don't want a retina display or an air.

I need basic computing functions. YouTube, word processing, storage of family photos. Watching movies on the go. Web surfing.

My question is, will the 13inch macbook pro fit the bill? I've read bad things about the screen. I check it out my local apple store and I didn't see much glare. I assume most of was from the lighting in the store.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Also Im torn between the apple refurb and a brand new one using a student discount. $100.00 difference, is it worth it?

A $1.2K budget is tough when looking for a mac. If you don't plan on doing any game or using graphic-intensive applications, then a 13" would fit your needs perfectly. In fact, for basic computing like you described, you might even be better off with a MacBook Air because they're significantly cheaper (usually). An 11" is only $800, but you can still get a MacBook Pro 13" for $1019 if you wish.

Because your needs are so miniscule in the world of computers, pretty much any MacBook will fit those requirements.

 

[brig2221]

I'm looking to buy my first mac. I had one that I used for work some years ago but it wasn't "mine". It was 15inch 2.2 Intel macboo pro.

I have 1200 to spend. I don't want a retina display or an air.

I need basic computing functions. YouTube, word processing, storage of family photos. Watching movies on the go. Web surfing.

My question is, will the 13inch macbook pro fit the bill? I've read bad things about the screen. I check it out my local apple store and I didn't see much glare. I assume most of was from the lighting in the store.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Also Im torn between the apple refurb and a brand new one using a student discount. $100.00 difference, is it worth it?

Go with the base 13" classic MacBook Pro, which is priced right at your budget of $1,200. The specs on this model will handle everything you listed with ease.

The cool thing is that over time as your budget permits, you can upgrade both the RAM and hard drive for better performance, and at a good value.

As far as the screen goes, I much prefer the MacBook Pro's when compared to the Air's. Although the Air does boast a better resolution, the colors are dark and washed out (IMHO) when compared to the lower resolution MacBook Pro. That said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so your mileage may vary.

 

[nacrawley190]

Go with the base 13" classic MacBook Pro, which is priced right at your budget of $1,200. The specs on this model will handle everything you listed with ease.

The cool thing is that over time as your budget permits, you can upgrade both the RAM and hard drive for better performance, and at a good value.

As far as the screen goes, I much prefer the MacBook Pro's when compared to the Air's. Although the Air does boast a better resolution, the colors are dark and washed out (IMHO) when compared to the lower resolution MacBook Pro. That said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so your mileage may vary.

brig

Thanks. That's what Im leaning towards. I'd love to get an ssd and upgrade the ram later on. I know the macbook air you can't which in my opinion stinks.

Also thanks for not calling my computing needs minuscule.

I read somewhere that you can put 16gigs in the 13 inch pro. Is that true?

 

[xShane]

brig

Thanks. That's what Im leaning towards. I'd love to get an ssd and upgrade the ram later on. I know the macbook air you can't which in my opinion stinks.

Also thanks for not calling my computing needs minuscule.

I read somewhere that you can put 16gigs in the 13 inch pro. Is that true?

Sorry, I didn't mean to be offensive

I was just trying to say that what you're looking to do isn't very demanding.

Also, you can put 16GB in the 15" MBP.

 

[robvas]

I read somewhere that you can put 16gigs in the 13 inch pro. Is that true?

You can, but it's pretty pointless for 99% of users.

The glossy screen on the Pro drives me nuts if I can't control the light - like if I'm in a public place or stuck by a window. At home it's not a big deal.

Go for a refurb if you can find one. Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H often have good deals as well.

 

[nacrawley190]

Sorry, I didn't mean to be offensive
I
I was just trying to say that what you're looking to do isn't very demanding.

Also, you can put 16GB in the 15" MBP.

Ha. I meant it as sarcasm. Doest translate well on here huh?

 

[brig2221]

brig

Thanks. That's what Im leaning towards. I'd love to get an ssd and upgrade the ram later on. I know the macbook air you can't which in my opinion stinks.

Also thanks for not calling my computing needs minuscule.

I read somewhere that you can put 16gigs in the 13 inch pro. Is that true?

You can put 16GB of RAM in the 13" classic MacBook Pro. I should know as I upgraded my 13" base classic MacBook Pro this weekend

Funny thing is, Apple will only configure up to 8GB if you wanted them to do it, but as I said, it does take and recognize 16GB. Great thing about RAM is that it is 1) Extremely easy to replace yourself, and 2) Is extremely cheap. I bought a 16GB Corsair kit off Amazon for $65.

 

[xShane]

You can, but it's pretty pointless for 99% of users.

The glossy screen on the Pro drives me nuts if I can't control the light - like if I'm in a public place or stuck by a window. At home it's not a big deal.

Go for a refurb if you can find one. Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H often have good deals as well.

Don't forget dealmac, too. Every now and then they have some really good deals listed.

 

[T5BRICK]

Also Im torn between the apple refurb and a brand new one using a student discount. $100.00 difference, is it worth it?

Refurbs are usually the way to go, but shop around before you buy from Apple. I've seen the base model 13" MBP on sale at Frys for $999 several times. I'm not sure where you're located, but if you're near a Frys, watch their prices too.

And yes, the 13" MBP can use 16GB of RAM. If you want to max it out, I say go for it! You'll notice a bigger difference in usability when upgrading to a SSD.

 

[xShane]

Ha. I meant it as sarcasm. Doest translate well on here huh?

Haha my bad ;P

 

[robvas]

I've seen the base model 13" MBP on sale at Frys for $999 several times. I'm not sure where you're located, but if you're near a Frys, watch their prices too.

Check Microcenter, if you have one near you, too.

 

[nacrawley190]

Don't know where any of those places are. I assume they aren't near by. I live in the Raleigh NC area.

So would the ram upgrade and ssd swap on the base 13" mbp be worth it? Is there a point in so much upgrading?

Also Im interested to know how many out there use their macs for normal computing. Most of the posts I've read tend to sound like users that have a bad attitude towards anyone that wants a good solid everyday computer. Not you guys, you all seem to be very helpful to a newb. What gives?

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Haha my bad ;P

No, mine.

 

[brig2221]

Don't know where any of those places are. I assume they aren't near by. I live in the Raleigh NC area.

So would the ram upgrade and ssd swap on the base 13" mbp be worth it? Is there a point in so much upgrading?

Also Im interested to know how many out there use their macs for normal computing. Most of the posts I've read tend to sound like users that have a bad attitude towards anyone that wants a good solid everyday computer. Not you guys, you all seem to be very helpful to a newb. What gives?

----------



No, mine.

You sound exactly like me. I'm not a computer programmer/professional photographer/video renderer, etc. I'm just a normal every day Joe that wanted to get away from Windows and try OSX, and I admit that I love the design and quality of the MacBook line.

I watch a lot of video, view and post to a lot forums, Facebook, online banking, fantasy football, very minor photo and video editing (pics and vids from my iPhone 5).

I can tell you without a doubt that you will immediately notice a big difference using an SSD over a mechanical hard drive. It makes just about everything snappier and almost instantaneous. I can't recommend this upgrade enough.

The RAM is somewhat noticeable as well, but nowhere near as much as the SSD.

 

[nacrawley190]

You sound exactly like me. I'm not a computer programmer/professional photographer/video renderer, etc. I'm just a normal every day Joe that wanted to get away from Windows and try OSX, and I admit that I love the design and quality of the MacBook line.

I watch a lot of video, view and post to a lot forums, Facebook, online banking, fantasy football, very minor photo and video editing (pics and vids from my iPhone 5).

I can tell you without a doubt that you will immediately notice a big difference using an SSD over a mechanical hard drive. It makes just about everything snappier and almost instantaneous. I can't recommend this upgrade enough.

The RAM is somewhat noticeable as well, but nowhere near as much as the SSD.

Good to know. I've noticed a lot of snobishness up here.

What sort of ssd should i look at? They may be an upgrade for the fall when i get more money from my scholarship.

 

[duervo]

I went with a Crucial m4 256GB in my 13" when I had it. Worked like a charm. There seem to be quite a few around here that either go with a Crucial m4, or one of the Samsung (830, 840, or 840 Pro) SSD. Some also prefer the OWC drives or the Corsair ones, but I'd say that Crucial or Samsung are the more popular ones.

 

[brig2221]

I went with a Crucial m4 256GB in my 13" when I had it. Worked like a charm. There seem to be quite a few around here that either go with a Crucial m4, or one of the Samsung (830, 840, or 840 Pro) SSD. Some also prefer the OWC drives or the Corsair ones, but I'd say that Crucial or Samsung are the more popular ones.

I would second this. I put in a Samsung 840 Pro myself. That said, the Crucial M4 would probably be your best bet for value/performance. You can get a 256GB drive for less than 200, or a 128GB drive for close to $100.

As far as installation goes, it's a complete breeze. HD videos and tutorials all over the place on YouTube to walk you through each step.

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Good to know. I've noticed a lot of snobishness up here.

Don't let a few fools get to you. There are bad apples in every bunch. There are lots of great posters here who aren't judgmental and try to help where they can, so don't let them turn you off from these forums

 

[nacrawley190]

How does the current 13 inch compare to the old 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo macbook pro with 2gb of ram? That's what I used for laying out magazines a few years back.

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I would second this. I put in a Samsung 840 Pro myself. That said, the Crucial M4 would probably be your best bet for value/performance. You can get a 256GB drive for less than 200, or a 128GB drive for close to $100.

As far as installation goes, it's a complete breeze. HD videos and tutorials all over the place on YouTube to walk you through each step.

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Don't let a few fools get to you. There are bad apples in every bunch. There are lots of great posters here who aren't judgmental and try to help where they can, so don't let them turn you off from these forums

I will check out the install videos. Ram I can do. But I've never installed a ssd. A few Hdd.

Bad apples? Nice pun.

I understand. I think most people have good intentions. I just cannot stand people that won't just let other people be.

 

[T5BRICK]

As the other posters have said, the Samsung 840 or 840 Pro are great drives. I've got a Crucial M4 in my MBP and it's been fast and trouble free for several months now.