17" MBP i7 - worth it to upgrade? And a RAM question....

[timnosenzo]

I currently have a 17" 2.8GHz MBP, it's the previous edition just replaced in this latest release (purchased about a year ago). I'm considering selling my current MBP and replacing it with the new i7, but I'm not sure it's worth it. I'm a photographer and do all of my editing on this laptop, so any boost in speed *should* help my workflow. I'm also a p/t student, so I qualify for academic pricing, and the free iPod they're currently offering.

So do you think its worth upgrading? Think I'll notice a speed increase? Based on similar prices I've found online, the upgrade will probably wind up costing me a few hundred bucks, so we're not talking about a ton of money here, but it won't be worth it if I won't notice a performance increase.

Also, would the RAM in my current MBP work in an i7? The specs look the same on Crucial.com, but their part numbers are different.

Thanks!

 

[Hellhammer]

i7 is ~28% faster according to http://www.primatelabs.ca/blog/2010/04/macbookpro-benchmarks/

Both use DDR3 so the RAM will work fine

 

[Jaro65]

It may just make more sense to get an SSD.

 

[dsprimal]

i wouldn't buy directly through apple, i would just buy aftermarket. cheaper + better (in some cases).

 

[timnosenzo]

Thanks for the responses. I don't think an SSD is in the cards--I need a 500GB, and they're like $1500.

 

[mingoglia]

Honestly, you have a great machine. If I were to put myself in your shoes, I don't believe the ends justify the means. I don't think you're going to see that much of a difference for the amount of cash you're going to plop down. Now if you have another reason such as moving to a anti-glare screen then it may be a bit more worth it. I just wouldn't go through the hassle and cost for a bit faster processor unless you're crunching video all day long.

Mike

 

[tim100]

i went from a 2.8 c2d 17 inch to an i7 anti glare 17 MBP.

 

[waynema]

wait for the Quadcore mobile i7 to come out. SSD system upgrade is $ better spent for you right now. Put your 500gb in optibay.

 

[Jaxdialation]

I had the same thought. I have an i7 17" which I use extensively with CS5 and lightroom. I installed an OWC SSD and these two apps benefit a -lot- from it. It is very obvious.

I think these apps test the drive more than the video or processor. The SSD
could be just what you need, and you can keep it if you do sell.

It may just make more sense to get an SSD.