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Aluminum Macbook 2.0GHz vs. 2.4GHz. Worth the upgrade?

Backlit was a major deciding factor for me, added to the fact that i was replacing my merom 2.4GHz iMac with the MB so i wanted something close to the iMac as much as possible in terms of performance.

Also as some have said the processor isn't upgradeable unlike RAM/HDD and every little performance difference counts for me especially considering the fact that Snow Leopard is just around the corner.

Finally it adds to your resale value in the future...so i just bit the bullet and went for the higher end model
 
Well, just got done setting up my new Macbook tonight. I ended up with the 2.0. I don't have any regrets. It seems like most people in this thread went with 2.4 because of the backlit keyboard. While it's totally cool, I can do without it. I'm loving the new look though. It's a bit lighter too. The trackpad is taking a little longer to get used to. I didn't realize it clicked- it's like one big button. I thought it was just a tap (which is an option if I read it correctly). I'm happy with it.
 
daneoni said:
Backlit was a major deciding factor for me, added to the fact that i was replacing my merom 2.4GHz iMac with the MB so i wanted something close to the iMac as much as possible in terms of performance.

Also as some have said the processor isn't upgradeable unlike RAM/HDD and every little performance difference counts for me especially considering the fact that Snow Leopard is just around the corner.

Finally it adds to your resale value in the future...so i just bit the bullet and went for the higher end model
Click to expand...


The 2.0 is faster than the iMac 2.4 GHz. Just go to an Apple Store and use both machines. I think the DDR3 ram contributes more performance in terms of the average user. The 0.4 Ghz is neglible in real life performance. Resale value?

The more you spend on your machine, the more it depreciates so you lose more by buying the 2.4 if you don't need it.

Snow Leopard will easily run on the 2.0.
 
8theapple said:
The 2.0 is faster than the iMac 2.4 GHz. Just go to an Apple Store and use both machines. I think the DDR3 ram contributes more performance in terms of the average user. The 0.4 Ghz is neglible in real life performance. Resale value?

The more you spend on your machine, the more it depreciates so you lose more by buying the 2.4 if you don't need it.

Snow Leopard will easily run on the 2.0.
Click to expand...

Not for me. Anytime i resell anything low-end i usually get significantly less money compared to selling a higher-end model.

Then there's the backlit thing.
 
daneoni said:
Not for me. Anytime i resell anything low-end i usually get significantly less money compared to selling a higher-end model.

Then there's the backlit thing.
Click to expand...


The backlit keyboard consists of two LEDs, one on each side of the keyboard. If you want to pay hundreds more for 2 LEDs and neglible real world performance of 0.4 Ghz, it's up to you.

To each their own.
 
daneoni said:
Not for me. Anytime i resell anything low-end i usually get significantly less money compared to selling a higher-end model.

Then there's the backlit thing.
Click to expand...

Apple's always seem to hold their value well.

I just sold my 1.83Ghz 15" MBP for $800 and my 1.25Ghz 12" iMac for $350. I'm not sure I could have got much more for either if they were the top of the line models.

The $1,150 from the sale of those two machine subsidized my new Macbook purchase nicely! :D
 
8theapple said:
The backlit keyboard consists of two LEDs, one on each side of the keyboard. If you want to pay hundreds more for 2 LEDs and neglible real world performance of 0.4 Ghz, it's up to you.

To each their own.
Click to expand...

I take it you bought the 2.0GHz model?
 
Dybbuk said:
Would that make what he said untrue?
Click to expand...

Wasn't even debating that...just curious.

To you guys it may seem foolish to spend $300 for .4GHz, Backlit keyboard (2 LEDs apparently) and a bigger hard drive.

For me its practical. I type a lot in the dark and not having to disturb my family at night with lamps is a bonus, 160GB would be a little stifling for me coming from double that on the iMac (and no i don't want to split my storage between an internal and external drive). I only view external drives as backup solutions to be kept in a safe somewhere for the just in case scenario and the .4GHz is just an added bonus.
 
daneoni said:
Wasn't even debating that...just curious.

To you guys it may seem foolish to spend $300 for .4GHz, Backlit keyboard (2 LEDs apparently) and a bigger hard drive.

For me its practical. I type a lot in the dark and not having to disturb my family at night with lamps is a bonus, 160GB would be a little stifling for me coming from double that on the iMac (and no i don't want to split my storage between an internal and external drive). I only view external drives as backup solutions to be kept in a safe somewhere for the just in case scenario and the .4GHz is just an added bonus.
Click to expand...

Don't you know using a computer screen in the dark is bad for your eyes. :)
 
I don't think anyone is arguing that the backlight isn't useful to some people, or even just cool. They are arguing whether or not it is worth the price.

This is obviously going to be relative. I can touch-type and the screen gives off more than enough light for me to see the keys as it is, and even outside of that I don't use my computer in the dark -- it's bad for your eyes!

It was an incredibly petty move of Apple to leave out the backlight on the base model. It's the Combo Drive of this generation.
 
I like my choice, but I respect yours.

unchecked said:
http://www.macworld.com/article/136251/2008/10/macbookgraphics.html

Well I wouldn't get the 2.4ghz since it'll be used for some school work and light gaming and I surely wouldn't mind the lower fps of 1-4. HDD and ram are upgradable by yourself, so the extra cash really boils down to the back-lit keyboard.
Click to expand...

My reasoning was the same for buying the 2.0 last week. I'm figuring the .4 is negligible for my purposes, and that I can upgrade the HDD and ram later on when prices drop on those items later on.

I can see the reasoning others had for buying the top MB, including the backlit keyboard.

Two points come to mind:

1. Apple is pretty good about setting price points/features and reasons to buy different models. Until you reach the premium MBP's it's set in $300 increments. There's competing reasons to spend the amounts on different models of MB and MBP's based on differing needs, tastes and (frankly) wallets.

2. There's not a lot of reason to bash other people's choices. For me, getting on a forum and poo-poohing someone else's choice to buy another model of MB or MBP is the same as screaming at the top of my lungs why grape pop tarts are clearly superior to every other variety or possible breakfast food. Different people with different tastes, needs and wallets have different choices.

Got that 2 year old DV camcorder with FW400 you cant justify getting rid of? Want to ge t the newest portable that will work for it without spending the cash for a MBP? Buy a white 2.1 MB for half the price of the MBP. Want the newer design to run consumer stuff, and you don't plan on editing photos or movies in a darkened room? Entry level new MB. And the list goes on.

Personally, I like this lineup better than the old one, considering the intel integrated graphics and plastics of the old MB's. I'm not hating on the prior models, but giving my PERSONAL OPINION. It's nice to have a variety of choices. I like my choice of the entry level MB, but I understand that someone else's needs, etc, may compel them to get a different model.

IT'S MY COMPUTER, NOT MY RELIGION.
 
A lot of people in this thread are willing to pay for a backlit keyboard, which is perfectly fine. That shows me is Apple really knows what they are doing in product differentiation. With one simple feature and a couple of small upgrades, they were able to up sell customers to the next model. The same could be said for the MBP for people who needed FW. Not sure how many people moved up from MB to MBP just for Firewire.
 
If I didn't have anything that $300 would help with, I would buy the 2.4.
But, unfortunately I have a lot of things that extra $300 could go towards.
$300 is a little too much to spend for "cool factor".

Apple is really good at that, though. I am justifying spending $300 more on the Alum macbook...then I could justify spending $300 more on the 2.4 model... then I may as well just bite the bullet and buy the MacbookPro.
It can keep going if you let it. :rolleyes: I just have to remember what I really need, and remember how much better this notebook will be than my dell was. :D

Only eight more days till I buy mine.

I agree with everyone here, it is a matter of opinion- and cash. I'm just not comfortable spending $300 more when I am already spending $300 more than I planned on spending in September.;)
 
mathieuheartmac said:
Apple is really good at that, though. I am justifying spending $300 more on the Alum macbook...then I could justify spending $300 more on the 2.4 model... then I may as well just bite the bullet and buy the MacbookPro.
It can keep going if you let it. :rolleyes: I just have to remember what I really need, and remember how much better this notebook will be than my dell was. :D
Click to expand...

To be fair, going from $999 to $1299 gives you much increased real world performance, but going from $1299 to $1599 gives you a few perks.
 
8theapple said:
The backlit keyboard consists of two LEDs, one on each side of the keyboard. If you want to pay hundreds more for 2 LEDs and neglible real world performance of 0.4 Ghz, it's up to you.

To each their own.
Click to expand...

Amen Brotha! I know where the keys are located. I guess the lights are kind of like bling though.
 
After 1 week of using the 2.0, I didn't realize how much I use my MB in lowlight areas. I wish I would have bought the 2.4 for the backlit kb. $300. is a bit much though so I don't feel too bad.
 
I agree... I just can't justify spending $300 more dollars for a lit keyboard.. Just can't do it.

I've never needed or wanted a backlit keyboard..

I'm definitely NOT bashing anyone that has bought the top model. That's their own decision.. it's their money so I don't care. If I did have an extra $300 just laying around and I didn't need it, I would go ahead and probably get the more expensive model.

But I'm a student working a part-time job, so I can't justify spending an extra $300.
 
Obama said:
After 1 week of using the 2.0, I didn't realize how much I use my MB in lowlight areas. I wish I would have bought the 2.4 for the backlit kb. $300. is a bit much though so I don't feel too bad.
Click to expand...

I really wanted the 2.4 ghz... never even gave the backlit keys a 2nd thought. But I've noticed the same thing. Never noticed that I live in the dark either! It is really is a nice feature. You can't exchange your MB?
 
I hate Apple for this.... they force us to buy expensive stuff for trivial things like the Black matte finish previously and now a damn Backlit keyboard........

But as far as black v/s white was concerned..... it was OK since I liked the white more than black but backlit.... no question I need to pay $300 more when Nehalem comes around!
 
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