17" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MBP?

[martychang]

I've decided on a Macbook Pro for university: there are a couple refurbs of this model on Apple's site for $1,999, an attractive drop in price from what a new one would cost. I don't strictly need the difference between an 8600GT and a X1600. I can upgrade it to 2 GB myself(I understand the new ones will go to 4).

My question: is this a bad deal? I know Core Duo means 32-bit, and I understand there's a fair performance difference between a Core Duo and Core 2 Duo of the same GHz speed. Also, I assume yes but did the 17" Core Duo MBPs have the 1680 x 1050 standard resolution?

Last, heat. I haven't seen many people post about heat on their Core Duos, but I seem to remember Core Duos run a lot cooler than Core 2 Duos. If the heat situation with Core Duos is significantly better that would affect my purchase, so anyone with a Core Duo Apple portable, especially a 17" MBP could you post some temp readouts?

Thanks in advance!

 

[SoLibertyDies]

I have a 15" Core Duo and I have no complaints about heat. I've used my friend's core 2 duo and I don't really notice a speed difference.

*shrug*

plus they have better luck with screens.

 

[squeeks]

here are some threads you might be interested in



[url=https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/371232/]This thread is about the 2.33 version but might be helpful

 

[martychang]

here are some threads you might be interested in



[url=https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/371232/]This thread is about the 2.33 version but might be helpful

Thanks, the temps thread was perfect. Doesn't seem like there's much difference at all in temperatures, and mileage as usual varies quite a bit..

I've got more thinking to do I guess

 

[creator2456]

I've decided on a Macbook Pro for university: there are a couple refurbs of this model on Apple's site for $1,999, an attractive drop in price from what a new one would cost. I don't strictly need the difference between an 8600GT and a X1600. I can upgrade it to 2 GB myself(I understand the new ones will go to 4).

My question: is this a bad deal? I know Core Duo means 32-bit, and I understand there's a fair performance difference between a Core Duo and Core 2 Duo of the same GHz speed. Also, I assume yes but did the 17" Core Duo MBPs have the 1680 x 1050 standard resolution?

Last, heat. I haven't seen many people post about heat on their Core Duos, but I seem to remember Core Duos run a lot cooler than Core 2 Duos. If the heat situation with Core Duos is significantly better that would affect my purchase, so anyone with a Core Duo Apple portable, especially a 17" MBP could you post some temp readouts?

Thanks in advance!

I have had mine since June 06 and had no real issues so far. I had to get the battery replaced through Applecare and my screen is starting to lose brightness and bleed from the bottom edge more noticeable, but only when I am looking for it (for now).

I run photoshop/illustrator/indesign cs3 along with adium/mail/random program simultaneously quite often with 2gb ram and the comp handles it very well. Temps don't get outrageous cause I fire up the fans with smcfancontrol before it gets hot when I know I am going to load it (65-70ºC).

So if money is the main reason you are looking at this refurb, and you dont need what the newer models offer, go for it.

 

[bntz313]

I was gonna go with the 2.16ghz mbp but i ended up getting the 2.33ghz refurbished. Love it if you have the extra cash go for the 2.33 if not get the 2.16 with 2gb ram(upgrade)