buyer advice - new MBP vs. old MBP

[fusionick]

I am a college student on a tight budget debating between buying new MBP 15inch and the previous generation 15inch MBP. I am studying video production and edit daily using FCS, Avid, and After Effects. The school has Mac Pro labs that I primarily use, but I want to be able to do some work at home.

-Is the performance of the new MBP worth the price? even when compared to refurbished MBPs?

-What about the lack of matte screen option along with no FW 400 port?

 

[Balty]

I am a college student on a tight budget debating between buying new MBP 15inch and the previous generation 15inch MBP. I am studying video production and edit daily using FCS, Avid, and After Effects. The school has Mac Pro labs that I primarily use, but I want to be able to do some work at home.

-Is the performance of the new MBP worth the price? even when compared to refurbished MBPs?

-What about the lack of matte screen option along with no FW 400 port?

If you're on a tight budget, I suggest you go refurb (maybe early 2008 models).
The old MBP performs well with FCS, Avid and After Effects and since your mainly using the Mac Pros at your school, should be fine with the refurb MBP.

The Firewire 800 port is backwards compatible with Firewire 400, so you'll have no problems there.