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$1699 vs $1999 Macbook pro what one to get?

Airforcekid

Airforcekid

macrumors 68000
Original poster
:apple:I decided against a MacBook Air iMac Duo. Im sure this laptop will be great for my needs however is it worth the $300? I am upgrading the hard drive from 250GB to 320GB 7200RPM. Is the GT graphics worth it?

This will be my main machine along with my iMac G3 thats only good for internet and light photo/music. The hardest thing it will do is burn dvds and maybe light games and some light video editing.

Also I haven't paid attention to the pro line any hinge screen issues etc? Has anyone really got 8hrs of battery life that was a big role in my decision.:apple:
 
I got the 2.66 GHz Macbook Pro for $1850 with the education discount and have not looked back. I was also thinking about getting the air but this is pretty much my main and only computer and i think that i made the right choice.
What are your other concerns...
 
I strongly encourage those needing portability to get a laptop powerful enough to handle all their needs. One computer is, IMHO, better than two.
 
iMav said:
I strongly encourage those needing portability to get a laptop powerful enough to handle all their needs. One computer is, IMHO, better than two.
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...until your one machine breaks and you have some work to do... its really not hard to keep computers up to date with USB flash drives...
 
MacLover4491 said:
get the cheaper one. Lesss profit for apple.
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Why did you pick your user name? A "MacLover" that hates apple...hmmm.

To the OP, the upgrade to the 7200RPM drive is a smart choice. I personally have the 2.66GHz MBP and it seems to be perfect for everything that I do which includes some more intensive applications than just easy internet browsing. As for graphics, worry about it if you do gaming or hard core movie editing otherwise I don't think it matters that much.
 
Same Issue

Hello!

I went through the same problem not to long ago, and made several posts to try and help my decision and all, but I will share my train of though to help.

I went with the 2.8 MacBook Pro but was really torn. I do recommend getting the better model because its always nicer to have more horsepower and that will lead to a higher resale at the end of the day. But with that being said, I think the base model would suit you fine. I rarely boot up my 9600 because my priority for now is better battery life and you need to log out and back in to switch between cards. Sounds to me like your biggest concern should be memory and 4gb across the board dosent help make your decision any easier haha 😀. I can tell you the battery life is quite impressive but I have not got 8 hours out of it. You will definitely NOT get that much on the 9600 so keep in mind that the 9400 which they all have is what you will be using most of the time.

BEST OF LUCK, you will love it :apple:
 
upinflames900 said:
Why did you pick your user name? A "MacLover" that hates apple...hmmm.

To the OP, the upgrade to the 7200RPM drive is a smart choice. I personally have the 2.66GHz MBP and it seems to be perfect for everything that I do which includes some more intensive applications than just easy internet browsing. As for graphics, worry about it if you do gaming or hard core movie editing otherwise I don't think it matters that much.
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i can love mac but still can hate apple too. i have a rev b mba, iphone, ipod shuffle 2nd gen. All was purchased at half price.
 
J&JPolangin said:
...until your one machine breaks and you have some work to do... its really not hard to keep computers up to date with USB flash drives...
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Following that logic, if the OP needs portability, they should buy two laptops. If they have one desktop and one laptop, and the laptop takes a dump, they are equally screwed...being left with no mobile option.
 
When Snow Leopard hits, you'll be a lot happier that you got the more powerful graphics card, even if you never touch 3D. With OpenCL, who knows what kind of improvements we'll see in terms of GPU-based processing.
 
I would edge towards the one with the dedicated GPU.. most likely the cheaper refurb. It will make a world of difference when gaming and when snow leopard is released.
signature_silverapple.jpg
 
Banbeerd said:
When Snow Leopard hits, you'll be a lot happier that you got the more powerful graphics card, even if you never touch 3D. With OpenCL, who knows what kind of improvements we'll see in terms of GPU-based processing.
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I will probley buy the $2,299 model. Im changing the hard drive down to 320GB at 7200RPM but buying iWork so no big change in price.:apple:
 
MacLover4491 said:
i can love mac but still can hate apple too. i have a rev b mba, iphone, ipod shuffle 2nd gen. All was purchased at half price.
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I agree. I never can understand the blind devotion some seem to have for Apple-- or anything for that matter, but especially to a company. Apple has been a trailblazer in technology and design, but they've also been arrogant and product quality has been less than what I've come to expect from Apple lately.

Overall, I am impressed with Apple, but will call them out for their flaws.
 
Eidorian said:
This is the best refurbished model to pick right now.
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I'm kinda in the same boat as the OP. I'm decided on a 15" MBP, but didn't consider a refurb until recent posts about them, like the one you mentioned. However, I'm wondering, wouldn't it be better to get a brand new 2.66 MBP with iPod touch and printer, and sell off the two items to offset the cost on the MBP? In the end, it may cost a little more than the refurbs mentioned here, but it's brand new and slightly better specs, with the longer battery. Obviously, you have to cough up more money up front, and wait for money back, and also worry about selling off the two items, but if we're talking final costs, would it still make sense to go refurb? I feel like I'm missing something "magical" about the refurbs.
 
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