2011 15inch base NOT worth it?

[mashsensor]

Does anyone know if StarCraft2 and Civ5 will run on the new 13 inch MBP? Gaming isn't my main use of the laptop, but my 3 year old MB doesn't have the graphics power to play either.

Since I'm unlikely to go to school again (law school) after this, I figure it's as good a time to buy a replacement as any and get another use of the edu discount.

Yes on both accounts and runs fine.

 

[ajarnfalang]

I also meant to note that I have enough cash for the base, but not necessarily 400-500 more for the high end.

I hate to keep bringing this up, but this is a great example of why the Macbook Pro is really a stupid choice unless you have a lot of cash burning a hole in your pocket.

It is definitely NOT good value for money.

Look into getting a PC laptop. You will get so much more for much less.

 

[aznguyen316]

Does anyone know if StarCraft2 and Civ5 will run on the new 13 inch MBP? Gaming isn't my main use of the laptop, but my 3 year old MB doesn't have the graphics power to play either.

Since I'm unlikely to go to school again (law school) after this, I figure it's as good a time to buy a replacement as any and get another use of the edu discount.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJn_69xm1xc

Check my video on 4v4 SC2. I think you'll be happy. I also have WoW.

As for the main thread topic, why is everyone recommending him the 2.2? The 2011 15" is worth it if does what you want it to do and you're willing to pay for it. Some people need/want a 15" and don't need the extra GPU power. The OP wants to play SC2 and the HD3000 does it fine at 1280x800 on mediums as I linked. The 6490 will be better and the CPU is pretty damn amazing. From my SC2 experience GPU plays a good role especially for shaders, but for being an RTS it relies a lot on computing power for the individual unit AI. The CPU will carry SC2 a long ways before any fps dippage.

To the OP I say for your listed uses, yes it's worth it. Just don't buy it and then hope to play crysis 2 on it. I also have a 360 to play any games my computer can't handle. No use dropping $400+ JUST for a GPU (I say that b/c his uses do not look like he will max his CPU usage at all) might as well get another console or get the next gen console for that price lol.

That's my 2C.. I know the 2.2 + 6750 is an incredible machine, but really.. the OP doesn't really need that and apparently doesn't have the money for it.

Also you can look into the 2010 models as those will game slightly better if you also want to save money while you're at it.

 

[ajarnfalang]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJn_69xm1xc

Check my video on 4v4 SC2. I think you'll be happy. I also have WoW.

As for the main thread topic, why is everyone recommending him the 2.2? The 2011 15" is worth it if does what you want it to do and you're willing to pay for it. Some people need/want a 15" and don't need the extra GPU power. The OP wants to play SC2 and the HD3000 does it fine at 1280x800 on mediums as I linked. The 6490 will be better and the CPU is pretty damn amazing. From my SC2 experience GPU plays a good role especially for shaders, but for being an RTS it relies a lot on computing power for the individual unit AI. The CPU will carry SC2 a long ways before any fps dippage.

To the OP I say for your listed uses, yes it's worth it. Just don't buy it and then hope to play crysis 2 on it. I also have a 360 to play any games my computer can't handle. No use dropping $400+ JUST for a GPU (I say that b/c his uses do not look like he will max his CPU usage at all) might as well get another console or get the next gen console for that price lol.

That's my 2C.. I know the 2.2 + 6750 is an incredible machine, but really.. the OP doesn't really need that and apparently doesn't have the money for it.

Also you can look into the 2010 models as those will game slightly better if you also want to save money while you're at it.

Yes but again, for example. Let's take a look at the #1 Editor's Choice gaming laptop.. The ASUS G series. Just as an example to value for money.

ASUS G73SW Price about $1,899.

SPECS:
Display

* 17.3" FHD, Color-Shine (Glare-type) (1920x1080)

Processor & Chipset

* Intel® Core™ Mobile i7 Sandy Bridge Quad Core Mobile Processors
* Chipset: Intel® HM65 Express Chipse

Storage & Drives

* 2 Detachable 2.5" 9.5mm (H) SATA Hard Disk Drives
* 1 12.7mm (H) Optical Drive Bay, ATA Interface,
Interchangeable with DVD±R/RW Combo drive, Blu-ray/DVD±R/RW Combo Drive

Memory

* 64-bit wide DDRIII data channel
* Four 204 Pin SODIMM sockets
* Expandable up to 16GB DDRIII 1333MHz
* ASUS Bios Supports 1333Mhz Ram

Video Controller

* nVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 460M 1.5GB DDR5 Video Memory
* PCI-Express™ 16X
* Microsoft® DirectX® 11 Compatible
* Dual-View capable Supports two different applications open at one time; one on the External Monitor, and one on the Laptop Screen. Multi-tasking has never been more convenient.

Audio & Multimedia Features

* Support Dolby® Home Theater
* 3D Stereo Enhanced Sound System
* S/PDIF output
* 1 Built-in Microphone
* 4 Built-in Altec Lansing Speakers
* Sound Blaster compatible

Network / Communication

* Integrated V.92 MDC Fax/Modem, with AC-Link Version. 2.1 Compliant
* Built-in Gigabit Ethernet LAN
* Built-in Bluetooth™ V2.1+EDR
* Integrated 802.11 b/g/n with Optional Intel® Centrino Advance-N 6200 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module

Keyboard / Pointing Device

* Full Sized Keyboard with Numeric Key Pad
* Windows Hot keys
* Integrated Touchpad with Scrolling function

Input / Output Ports
* 1 x Microphone-in jack
* 1 x Headphone-out jack (S/PDIF)
* 1 x VGA port/Mini D-sub 15-pin for external monitor
* 3 x USB 2.0 ports
* 1 x USB 3.0 port
* 1 x RJ45 LAN
* 1 x HDMI 1.4

Cooling

* Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound optional
* Copper CPU Heatsink

Additional Features

* Backlit Keyboard
* Kensington® Lock
* Built-in 2.0M Digital Video Camera
* Optical Mouse & Carrying Bag Included


Slots

* 8 in 1 card reader, SD,MMC,MS,MS-Pro,xD,mini SD w/ adapter,MS-Duo,MS-Pro Duo via adapter



** Included in the box are a proper Gaming Mouse and a full size Backpack

Starting price of the base Macbook Pro is $1799

Now, you tell me... Value for money?

 

[aznguyen316]

Nice machine, the G53 is better =) The G73 you linked is very popular but it has a HORRIBLE defect right now. It drops keystrokes which is a NO-NO in my opinion. That's pretty fail. Now the G53... sick machine.

 

[ajarnfalang]

Nice machine, the G53 is better =) The G73 you linked is very popular but it has a HORRIBLE defect right now. It drops keystrokes which is a NO-NO in my opinion. That's pretty fail. Now the G53... sick machine.

Eh. baloney...

people cry about everything.

Keys are too stiff... waaaahhhhhhhhhhhh

call the wwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmbulance

If you type a lot, get a Thinkpad EDGE e420s. Starts at $899. You'll save a $1,000, will have a 1GB video card and a Sandy Bridge Corei5 or i7

I have an ASUS. It took me a little while to get used to the keyboard. No big deal now.

Point is there are a lot of laptops out there offering much more for the price.

 

[kitzuki]

Yes but again, for example. Let's take a look at the #1 Editor's Choice gaming laptop.. The ASUS G series. Just as an example to value for money.

ASUS G73SW Price about $1,899.

Starting price of the base Macbook Pro is $1799

Now, you tell me... Value for money?

whats the battery life on something like this had to return a envy 14 a while back because i got a hour and 10 mins on battery life >.>

 

[Jare]

whats the battery life on something like this had to return a envy 14 a while back because i got a hour and 10 mins on battery life >.>

That's also the ugliest laptop I have ever seen in the history of computers.

 

[ajarnfalang]

whats the battery life on something like this had to return a envy 14 a while back because i got a hour and 10 mins on battery life >.>

Honestly, I really don't care about that unless it's a phone or a Netbook.

With a 17" Screen weighing 8 LBS you won't be far from a plug.

Actually, when I use my laptop, I am never more than a foot away from a plug.

it's an 8Cell 5200mAh 75Wh Li-ion battery

and at least you can replace the battery on the ENVY.

Also, the ENVY is a crap laptop made by HP. It's a cheap Macbook imitation. HP laptops suck.

 

[ajarnfalang]

That's also the ugliest laptop I have ever seen in the history of computers.

The G Series ASUS looks awesome.

If you're a guy and you don't like it you're obviously gay.

It looks like a stealth bomber. Those are heat vents at the back. The heat gets blown out the back. Keep the laptop extremely cool at all times.

What about this one? Is it pretty enough for you?

 

[ddoolin0]

Yes but again, for example. Let's take a look at the #1 Editor's Choice gaming laptop.. The ASUS G series. Just as an example to value for money.

ASUS G73SW Price about $1,899.

Starting price of the base Macbook Pro is $1799

Now, you tell me... Value for money?

A desktop shoved into a really ugly laptop. Gross. Looks worse than a standard student ThinkPad.

 

[kitzuki]

Honestly, I really don't care about that unless it's a phone or a Netbook.

With a 17" Screen weighing 8 LBS you won't be far from a plug.

Actually, when I use my laptop, I am never more than a foot away from a plug.

it's an 8Cell 5200mAh 75Wh Li-ion battery

and at least you can replace the battery on the ENVY.

Also, the ENVY is a crap laptop made by HP. It's a cheap Macbook imitation. HP laptops suck.

meh pass

 

[ajarnfalang]

A desktop shoved into a really ugly laptop. Gross. Looks worse than a standard student ThinkPad.

It doesn't matter.

The point remains. To answer the question posed in the OP, NO, the Macbook Pro 15in., 13in. or 17in are NOT worth it. Unless they shave $500-700 bucks off the price. They are terribly overpriced and under spec'd.

The Macbook Pro is overpriced crappola.

These are the Top 5 gaming laptops

http://compreviews.about.com/od/PC-Gaming/tp/Best-Sandy-Bridge-Gaming-Laptops.htm

Pick any. They are all less than the Macbook and pack more punch.

More value for your money.

So, NO, a Macbook Pro is NOT worth it.

 

[MultiMediaWill]

The G Series ASUS looks awesome.

If you're a guy and you don't like it you're obviously gay.

It looks like a stealth bomber. Those are heat vents at the back. The heat gets blown out the back. Keep the laptop extremely cool at all times.

What about this one? Is it pretty enough for you?

I also think that laptop is so ugly. Just because I do not like how it looks does not mean I am gay. I'm sure most people on these forums think it is really ugly.

 

[ajarnfalang]

I also think that laptop is so ugly. Just because I do not like how it looks does not mean I am gay. I'm sure most people on these forums think it is really ugly.

You are missing the entire point of the thread.

Please, don't de-rail it.

The point is to show that a Macbook Pro is NOT worth it.

Pick ANY of the top laptops. They ALL give you more for less, or MUCH MUCH more for the same price of a Macbook.

And the argument about quality is bullcrap. Let's keep it real.

Pick any.

I'll pick #5 on the list I just gave you.

Maingear eX-L 15. This laptop is said to be the "fastest 15inch notebook on the market".

* 15.6-inch matte or glossy HD+ LED Display (1,920 x 1,080 resolution; 16:9 aspect ratio)
* Up to Intel Core i7 2920XM processor
* NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M (1.5GB GDDR5) or GTX 485M (2.0GB GDDR5)
* Up to 16GB of DDR3-1333 SO-DIMM memory
* 750GB 7200rpm SATA 2.5-inch hard drive or 1TB 5400rpm SATA 2.5-inch hard drive
* 2x Blu-ray Reader/8x Super Multi combo Drive
* Connectivity: Two USB 3.0 ports, Two USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, DVI-I, eSATA/USB combo, FireWire, Headphones, Microphone, Line-in, S/PDIF output, Ethernet

The Maingear eX-L 15 starts at $1,579.

So, my point still stands.

Sorry Mactards just like to look at their laptops and talk about how pretty they are, but more real regular people want SUBSTANCE and BANG FOR THE BUCK

With a macbook pro you'll get a lot of Fluff, not enough substance.

Unless you think a 13inch laptop with a Corei5 and NO graphics card is a good deal for $1,200 dollars. You must be joking.

 

[kitzuki]

You are missing the entire point of the thread.

Please, don't de-rail it.

The point is to show that a Macbook Pro is NOT worth it.

Pick ANY of the top laptops. They ALL give you more for less, or MUCH MUCH more for the same price of a Macbook.

And the argument about quality is bullcrap. Let's keep it real.

Pick any.

I'll pick #5 on the list I just gave you.

Maingear eX-L 15. This laptop is said to be the "fastest 15inch notebook on the market".

The Maingear eX-L 15 starts at $1,579.

So, my point still stands.

yes macs are more expensive than most laptops new information is new

 

[ajarnfalang]

yes macs are more expensive than most laptops new information is new

No no..

You miss the point.

He is asking if it is WORTH buying a base 15in. Macbook Pro 2011.

My answer is NO. No WAY. Unless they bring the price down about $500 bucks.

He can get a MUCH better deal somewhere else.


Ive is going to leave. I don't think he has done much work lately. The iPhone 4 design was probably done back between the 3G and the 3Gs.

The Macbooks look exactly the same. They haven't done anything with the macbooks. They are starting to look dated, ugly with all that Aluminum sharp edge that cuts your wrists when you are typing.

 

[namethisfile]

apple doesn't have the most expensive laptops. maingear does.

Primary Display:* 15.6" HD+ 16:9 LED Display (1920x1080)

Chassis:* eX-L 15 Performance Chassis With Matte Black Finish

Processor:* Intel® Core™ i7 2920XM 2.5GHz/3.5GHz Turbo 8MB L3 Cache

Graphics and GPGPU Accelerator:* NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 485m 2.0GB GDDR5 with Super Clear Glossy Screen

Memory:* 16GB Kingston DDR3-1333 SO-DIMM (Dual Channel)

Hard Drive Bay One:* 480GB OCZ® Vertex 3 SSD SATA 6G (w/TRIM) [550MB/s Reads]*

Memory Card Reader:* All-in-One Integrated USB 2.0 Flash Card Reader & Writer

Optical Drive One:* 2x Blu-ray Reader/8x Super Multi Combo

Network Adapter:* On-board Gigabit Ethernet

Wireless Network Adapter:* Integrated 802.11b/g/n Wireless - up to 300Mbps!

Audio:* Integrated High Definition Audio

Bluetooth:* Integrated Bluetooth Technology Module

Web Cam:* Integrated 2.0MP Webcam

Primary Battery:* Removeable Li-Polymer battery pack 3800mAh, 42.18Wh
Included

Operating System:* Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit

Angelic Service Warranty:* Lifetime Angelic Service Labor and Phone Support with 1 Year Hardware Warranty

Advanced Warranty:* 30-day ZERO dead pixel guarantee

Product Subtotal:
$5,649.00
*

 

[herooftime2]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJn_69xm1xc

Check my video on 4v4 SC2. I think you'll be happy. I also have WoW.

.

Nice. Thanks to you and mashsensor for the input!
I don't do much computer gaming but I still go back to the Blizzard and Civ franchises from time to time. If there's another game I'll probably get it for the 360. Just didn't want to get the 13 if it couldn't run basic modern games.

 

[slackpacker]

True, they're already paying for the 1799 base 15, so I don't see why they wouldn't want me to pay more for an upgrade. I just feel kinda weird asking to pay $400 to upgrade to the better one, since its like spending $400 for that computer.

Why shouldn't you get what you want - You are the customer... you owe nothing to Apple for buying their products. You are the person with the money and they will be happy to upgrade your order and if not then cancel it and start again.

 

[ricardobeat]

You are missing the entire point of the thread.

Please, don't de-rail it.

The point is to show that a Macbook Pro is NOT worth it.

Pick ANY of the top laptops. They ALL give you more for less, or MUCH MUCH more for the same price of a Macbook.

And the argument about quality is bullcrap. Let's keep it real.

Pick any.

I'll pick #5 on the list I just gave you.

Maingear eX-L 15. This laptop is said to be the "fastest 15inch notebook on the market".

The Maingear eX-L 15 starts at $1,579.

So, my point still stands.

Sorry Mactards just like to look at their laptops and talk about how pretty they are, but more real regular people want SUBSTANCE and BANG FOR THE BUCK

With a macbook pro you'll get a lot of Fluff, not enough substance.

Unless you think a 13inch laptop with a Corei5 and NO graphics card is a good deal for $1,200 dollars. You must be joking.

You seem to be forgetting few things...

• 7h REAL battery life
• OSX - stability, best interfaces, power of linux shell, better apps and performance
• Build quality
• Support
• Quality screens
• Great (lit) keyboard
• Recyclable materials
• Lightweight
• Very low heat
• Just seamless design of everything, from power cord to desktop icons...

There is so much more beyond CPU/GPU/RAM that matter to daily use, it's never a fair comparison. A PC simply can't compete. If you want "serious" gaming get a PS3

 

[shamash]

Why shouldn't you get what you want - You are the customer... you owe nothing to Apple for buying their products. You are the person with the money and they will be happy to upgrade your order and if not then cancel it and start again.

Because it isn't really an order, it is a free replacement..

 

[jeffy.dee-lux]

let me know how that goes. i just got a 2.0 as a replacement, and i didn't think to offer to buy the better one. its replacing a 2007 mbp though so i guess i shouldn't complain.

 

[dagamer34]

You are missing the entire point of the thread.

Please, don't de-rail it.

The point is to show that a Macbook Pro is NOT worth it.

Pick ANY of the top laptops. They ALL give you more for less, or MUCH MUCH more for the same price of a Macbook.

And the argument about quality is bullcrap. Let's keep it real.

Pick any.

I'll pick #5 on the list I just gave you.

Maingear eX-L 15. This laptop is said to be the "fastest 15inch notebook on the market".

The Maingear eX-L 15 starts at $1,579.

So, my point still stands.

Sorry Mactards just like to look at their laptops and talk about how pretty they are, but more real regular people want SUBSTANCE and BANG FOR THE BUCK

With a macbook pro you'll get a lot of Fluff, not enough substance.

Unless you think a 13inch laptop with a Corei5 and NO graphics card is a good deal for $1,200 dollars. You must be joking.

The true value of Apple hardware is that if something breaks you can take it to your local Apple store, speak with a real human who speaks your language, have it triaged on the spot, and with most simple repairs, can be returned to you within 2 days. If you know how much that would cost on a traditional PC, you would agree that Apple offers a VERY competitive product.

No other company offers such support without you paying through the nose for it. And local support is few and far between (unless you really want to spend the big bucks for business-class support). Do keep in mind that a lot of the "free" services at the Apple store are financed by the cost of their computers. You "pay more" upfront for access to services later. And in most cases software issues are fixed even if you don't have AppleCare.

That's the value proposition I present to people who want to spend $699 on a Windows PC versus $999 on a Mac. And as we've seen in Apple's quarterly reports, their business model works rather well.

 

[macduke]

Here's the deal. The base model is a capable machine. But for the relatively small price difference that brings much improved performance, at least for me, the base 15" isn't worth it.

Also, a $90 SSD is worth it. IMO.

For the windows laptop postings: Specs aren't everything. One of my wise design professors, Frank Chimero, said "A person only flails around in regards to their rig when they don’t have a clear idea of what constitutes their work. Suitability and fit is paramount, and one is never going to find what they’re looking for if they don’t know what they need."

I know what constitutes my work. A Macbook Pro not only suits my work, but my life and my thought process, and it seamlessly integrates with my mobile devices. Working together in harmony, they keep me focused on my school, work, and play. I want to be as successful as possible, and owning a Mac is a big part of achieving that goal.