I'm planning to pick up a new Macbook tonight, but can't decide between the 2.0GHz and 2.4GHz models. Is it worth $300 to get the 2.4? I don't think I really need a backlit keyboard. I can always upgrade the hard drive at a later time. I really just need something to carry around. It's not going to be my main computer. I have an iMac at home. The Macbook will be for travel. Is there a major performance difference between the 2 models? I guess that's what it comes down to.
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Aluminum Macbook 2.0GHz vs. 2.4GHz. Worth the upgrade?
- Thread starter wellsws
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i couldn't justify it
i will be upgrading the HDD to 7200 rpm drive (320 GB most likely) and the RAM to 4 GB shortly; the price for those upgrades is about $230 on newegg and will give you far more performance gain that 400 MHz
i will be upgrading the HDD to 7200 rpm drive (320 GB most likely) and the RAM to 4 GB shortly; the price for those upgrades is about $230 on newegg and will give you far more performance gain that 400 MHz
this is true.
to OP:
what are you going to be doing on the MB? how long do you plan on keeping it?
if it is just mail, web, chat i wouldn't worry about the 2.4, but if you are going to use it at night or in any low light situation, the backlit kb would be nice. it is harder to type in low light with the black kb than it was with my whitebook and white kb
I was in the same exact position last night. I decided to go for the blacklit keyboard and have not regretted it one bit. It was basically the selling point for me. I doubt you will notice the difference in 400MHz although, I guess it really depends on what you are planning on doing with it. I produce music on Logic and sometimes edit video with Final Cut Express, so speed is always a plus. Besides you can always get ram and hard drive upgrades for any of the 2.
Processor speed wasn't the deciding factor. Backlit keyboard was. With my old MacBook I was always having to squint or adjust the screen so I could see the keys in the dark. The new backlit keyboard is great. I convinced myself that I would be keeping this MacBook for quite awhile. All metal construction should allow this machine to last for awhile.
Another vote for "Go Big"
DH
Another vote for "Go Big"
DH
Bigger is better...
All my stuff has 2.4 Ghz right now with 2x2GB Ram. I could definitely notice a difference. I bought online, it's cheaper than going to the store and having them put it in. In the store they take out the 2 - 1GB, replace them with 2 - 2GB and give you the singles back. Online they just build it so you don't pay the extra for the 2 singles. found that out the hard way.
All my stuff has 2.4 Ghz right now with 2x2GB Ram. I could definitely notice a difference. I bought online, it's cheaper than going to the store and having them put it in. In the store they take out the 2 - 1GB, replace them with 2 - 2GB and give you the singles back. Online they just build it so you don't pay the extra for the 2 singles. found that out the hard way.
I think is key in your decision - what is your replacement timeframe as well as your usage needs? If you're planning on keeping this particular laptop a while and can swing the extra $, you'll likely appreciate "going big." On the other hand, if you switch every 12-18 months, then it may not make a difference to you.
My general principle is always buy as much speed as you can afford at the time, keeping in mind to save $ for RAM as that will also enhance your user experience greatly.
I had the same thoughts & ended up going with the 2.4 - haven't regretted it one bit.
Best wishes!
Honestly, the real life benefit of the speed bump is almost non-existant. I would say unless you need the backlit keyboard then you're ok with the base model. For me, the backlit keyboard was a deal breaker ... I would have otherwise saved my money.
Lots of advice to take, thanks! I can really see the benefits of going for 2.4. I tend to upgrade every couple of years and this laptop is not going to be a "work" computer. It's more for travel, watching movies, surfing the web at cafes, etc... As for the backlit keyboard, I do like to watch movies in bed, but I don't generally type in complete darkness. So, I don't really need it. I believe I'll go with 2.0. I think for me, it will be enough. I can pocket the extra $300 for something else later down the road. Thanks everyone for your advice! I love this forum!
i say go for the 2.4 so you won't have any regrets. it's only $20 more a month and yes you CAN afford that. the backlit keyboard alone is worth the money to me
thanks. There's as big of a difference in processing speeds as I thought there would be.
I just got my new Aluminum MacBook last night, and I must say the backlit keyboard is totally worth it!
If they had a 2.0GHz with backlit keyboard, I'd go for it in a heartbeat. As someone said in an earlier post, the backlit keyboard was also the deciding factor for me, not the faster processor or the bigger hard drive.
If they had a 2.0GHz with backlit keyboard, I'd go for it in a heartbeat. As someone said in an earlier post, the backlit keyboard was also the deciding factor for me, not the faster processor or the bigger hard drive.
yep
Like some of the other people on here also I decided to go with the 2.4 because of the backlit keyboard is what got me.
Like some of the other people on here also I decided to go with the 2.4 because of the backlit keyboard is what got me.
The backlit keyboard really wasn't the deciding factor for me.
I had been in the market for the black MacBook and waited to see what the new ones were like. The processor bump and the extra HDD space weighed more to me. It was $100 more than I had planned to spend so the improved graphics accounted for that difference for me.
I had been in the market for the black MacBook and waited to see what the new ones were like. The processor bump and the extra HDD space weighed more to me. It was $100 more than I had planned to spend so the improved graphics accounted for that difference for me.