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Aluminum Macbook users: Did you buy 2.0 or 2.4 GHz?
- Thread starter hierobryan
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Got the 2.4 with the extra RAM. Apple's prices for this are reasonable this time around.
Will update the HD myself with the Seagate Scorpio Blue 500GB, which seems the best option for that capacity: speedier, quieter and more energy efficient than Samsung's offering.
Will update the HD myself with the Seagate Scorpio Blue 500GB, which seems the best option for that capacity: speedier, quieter and more energy efficient than Samsung's offering.
Not really!!
check the prices and you'll be surprisedI chose the 2.0 model..not paying 275 for a backlight keyboard and a 400mhz faster cpu, which is actually the same chip (same cache size).
Well. Who keeps their computer for 3 years? Im planning to switch in a year, and here the 2.4 is $450 more. U'd prolly lose $200 of that while selling. So you'd lose $200 more for a backlit keyboard. Seems a bit of a waste.
I keep my computers for 3 years. The way I see it, if you keep upgrading to the newest model every year, you lose more money than if you upgrade every 3 years.
I bought the 2.4 model MacBook, and I couldn't be happier. The performance is great, and the small tweaks in the UI versus the previous generation MacBooks are a welcome addition.
Overall, I am quite satisfied.
Overall, I am quite satisfied.
Got the 2,4. Mainly because larger HD and backlit keyboard. Also went for the 4GB (Don't have ithe memory yet, I'll get it when they get it) Also planning on holding on to this until it says no more, so maybe "top of the line" allows me to hold on for a littlebit longer.
Getting a 2.4 stock when my grades get better. My dad said he would but 200 in for it so it's kinda worth it now!
My reason for buying top-of-the-line too.
My current machine is a 4 yrs old P4 3.4 GHz.
I plan on keeping this one as my prime computer for the same amount of time. I'll enjoy those extras for a good while.
2.0, as a seventeen year old, working <16 hours a week, I couldn't justify spending 2 extra paychecks on marginal upgrades...and if I want to game, I have my PC. I don't use Pro apps.
Actually, after taxes, the price difference is bigger...
here in canada it's 1399$+13% tax = 1580.90$ for the 2.0
and it's 1749$+13% tax = 1976.40$ for the 2.4
so really, it's more like 4-5 more paychecks...
for 90GB more HDD space and .4GHz proc increase...
yeah, I could have built another gaming rig for this price, but the experience will (hopefully) be worth every penny...
Actually, after taxes, the price difference is bigger...
here in canada it's 1399$+13% tax = 1580.90$ for the 2.0
and it's 1749$+13% tax = 1976.40$ for the 2.4
so really, it's more like 4-5 more paychecks...
for 90GB more HDD space and .4GHz proc increase...
yeah, I could have built another gaming rig for this price, but the experience will (hopefully) be worth every penny...
You upgrade a perfectly good computer after one year? Sounds like you're the one wasting money. Unless you sell your computer for what you paid for it + the extra cost you have to include to get the new one, you just lost a few dollars.
I don't have a new MacBook (I'm one of those who keep their computers for 3 years or more) so I don't have the backlighting option. I'm also a touch typist so it wouldn't be a big deal to me whether or not a computer had it. My point is people value different things, and if you think $250 for a backlight is a waste then so be it, but don't come in calling people stupid or idiots for their decisions. It's THEIR money not yours.
I personally think non-professionals who chase the latest and greatest are wasting their money but I don't come in acting bitter about it and making others feel like they made the wrong decision. You want to know why? It's THEIR money not mine.
$250 is not a sum worth arguing over. ESPECIALLY for a computer that costs over $1000. That's a measly sum when you look at the total cost of the computer. $250 is worth getting exactly what you wanted. An extra $7 month is not going to put a dent in my piggy bank. That's not losing money, it's giving up a fast food meal.
When looking to buy a computer you should buy what you NEED not what you WANT. There is a fundamental difference between these two.
The way that technology advances in the computer industry if you spend more money on a computer now you lose a lot more down the road. It's parallel to the automotive industry. Some people all they need is a Honda Civic but rather would want a BMW. Which person is financially better off in the future? The person who bought the Civic because they have saved more money and have lost less in depreciation.
For those of you who get the 2.4Ghz (needs vs. wants) who think the technology will allow you to use your computer longer - what's the point?
In 2-3 years quadcore will be long out for mobile computing and you would have wasted the extra money and your 2.4Ghz when all you require was a 2.0GHz etc. In real world performance, the 0.4 Ghz extra is not noticeable.
To each their own I suppose but if you're a regular user the 2.0 Ghz and 2.0 ram is more than enough computer for email, browsing, itunes, adobe photoshop elements, etc.
And I still don't get why the backlit keyboard is such a deal breaker. How did everyone survive for all these years without the technology? Bottom line is that it is not necessary. I graduated University with a Commerce degree and I am now completing my MBA and when I'm working at night on papers I'll have lights on. This way I can see my textbooks and papers on the desk etc so it's inconsequential to have a backlight keyboard. The only time I can see anyone REALLY needing a backlight keyboard is typing in pitch black in your bedroom when your mom told you to go to bed but who does that for prolonged periods of time? Needs vs wants again.
It all comes down to your needs. If you're a graphics designer etc. then the 2.4 might be a better route but a regular student is well positioned with just the 2.0ghz. Real world performance in neglible - just walk into a Apple Store and test both computers side by side. You'll be hardpressed to find a difference as I did.
To put into perspective, I have more than enough money to buy the top end MBP many times over but I am going to buy the 2.0Ghz with 2.0GB ram with EPP discount. And I'll use the computer for 3- 4 years just as I have used my old windows laptop for that long (the specs on this are emabarassing).
And fyi, $300-400 in today's economic situation is alot of money that can be saved for a rainy day (unless your mommy or daddy are paying for your macbook). It can also be wisely invested and in 3-4 years you could easily use that to buy a newer machine.
IMO, the more money in your pocket the better.
You're right Jak3, the pre-tax monetary difference in Canada is close to $400 so that is why the 2.0 is selling faster than the 2.4 at Apple stores. There is a bigger difference in price which would make the 2.0 more attractive due to price point.
I got the 2.4, and I'll admit I paid the extra $250 for the backlit keyboard. I don't even really use my computer at night but I liked the way it looked. I know that's a stupid reason and that some people consider it a waste of money, but if I'm spending a big chunk of change anyway, what's a couple of hundred more for the one I really want.
Got the 2.0. The 2.4 didn't make any sense to me....0.4 GHz (negligible), 90 gigs more HD (ok, more important), and a backlit keyboard (big deal), all for $300 more. Got AppleCare instead. =)
If you want it (even if you don't need it), then the cost is justified. No need to defend your purchase. Congratulations!
But then again, I went for the 2,4GHz MacBook for the same reason. Well actually, it's just that getting the 250GB hard drive for €90, already gets you nearly one third towards the extra price (€300) of the top end model. Therefore, I don't think it's overly expensive. For 'only' €210 you get the faster processor and the backlit keyboard.
The hard drive is a moot point because it can be easily swapped out with the new access panel and can be upgraded at a way cheaper cost in the future.
To each their own. No need to defend your purchases but it is much more wiser to be a savvy disciplined consumer in today's world.
I have been trying to get a MacBook since they were released on Tuesday from Apple Stores across London, but they are selling out really fast so I decided to order it online from work and since I work at a University I get an educational discount. I have ordered a custom configured MacBook.
2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4 GB of DDR3 RAM
320 GB Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
It came to £1,133.88 which is cheaper than the stock configuration of the MacBook, I basically got the upgrades for free. I am going to buy AppleCare at the end of the month, educational price is only £50.
2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4 GB of DDR3 RAM
320 GB Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
It came to £1,133.88 which is cheaper than the stock configuration of the MacBook, I basically got the upgrades for free. I am going to buy AppleCare at the end of the month, educational price is only £50.
Yeah, bummer. Mine'll probably be here either the 3rd or 4th of November. But then again, if it's the 4th then I will see that as a sign that Obama wins the elections. So, just for once, I'm actually hoping it'll come later rather than sooner.ordered 2.0Ghz 6 days ago...
estimated delivery 5-Nov.....
You upgrade a perfectly good computer after one year? Sounds like you're the one wasting money. Unless you sell your computer for what you paid for it + the extra cost you have to include to get the new one, you just lost a few dollars.
I don't have a new MacBook (I'm one of those who keep their computers for 3 years or more) so I don't have the backlighting option. I'm also a touch typist so it wouldn't be a big deal to me whether or not a computer had it. My point is people value different things, and if you think $250 for a backlight is a waste then so be it, but don't come in calling people stupid or idiots for their decisions. It's THEIR money not yours.
I personally think non-professionals who chase the latest and greatest are wasting their money but I don't come in acting bitter about it and making others feel like they made the wrong decision. You want to know why? It's THEIR money not mine.
$250 is not a sum worth arguing over. ESPECIALLY for a computer that costs over $1000. That's a measly sum when you look at the total cost of the computer. $250 is worth getting exactly what you wanted. An extra $7 month is not going to put a dent in my piggy bank. That's not losing money, it's giving up a fast food meal.
Im actually saving money by switching. My old MB cost me $1450, after 1 year I had a choice, either spend $160 on applecare or sell it. I sold it for $1130, and got the new one for $1450 (2.0 Ghz). There for I added $320, $160 of these would have been put into applecare just to get warranty, so I ended up paying $160 more this year then I would if I kept the computer. And I for sure would have lost more then that if I kept it for another year and sold it then.
Thank you and congratulations to you, too! And I agree, it all depends on the person. Want might be just as important as need to some people.
I don't blame the people who think paying extra is stupid, nor do I think anyone should blame the people who want to pay extra. Let's face it, we're probably all overpaying for our Macbooks whether we got the 2.0 or 2.4.
Lol, you're right no one should hate on others for buying what they choose to do so.
But you're wrong on wants and needs. When you have a mortgage, insurance, bills to pay etc. then you will understand the clear difference between wants vs needs.
The "wants" of consumers is largely what is causing the current financial meltdown (but that is left for another disccussion on another board lol). People wanting nicer cars and bigger homes, living beyond their means.
On one hand if you're saying that everyone is overpaying for their macbooks then the 2.0 buyers have overpaid less than 2.4 owners.
The bottom line is just to enjoy these great machines and buy it for what you'll be using it for.
I spent a large amount of time at the Apple store using the 2.0 stock and found it to be amazingly fast and more than capable.