Buying a MBP... Have a few questions

[lowrd03vr6]

I am new to this forum and have a few questions as I am looking to buy a MBP in the next few weeks.

This will be my first MacBook, but I have used them in the past, so I am not totally new to the Mac scene.

I currently use a 17" Dell that I have had for several years, it still runs good, but I am looking to upgrade. I got almost $1000 in Best Buy gift cards, so I figure there is no better time than now to do so. I am looking to down size to a 13" MBP so I have better mobility. I am not looking for the top of the line laptop as I only use for web browsing, watching movies, and spreadsheets, ect, but I am looking for something that performs well and will last for a while.

Right now Best Buy is offering 3 13" MBP's and I am unsure of what will be the best bang for my buck. They have a i7 with a 750gb HD for $1425, a i5 with a 500gb HD for $1140, and a i5 with a 320gb HD for $1000.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[miles01110]

Just get the cheapest one. Processor won't make any difference for your needs.

 

[sweetbrat]

Doing a comparison of the three, any of them would suit your needs. The i5 should be fine; with what you're doing you wouldn't notice a difference with the i7. It says the i5 with the 320HDD ships with Snow Leopard instead of Lion, in case you didn't notice that...and it also says that one is sold out online. SO if you're purchasing online, I'd get the i5 that's still in stock.

 

[Akack]

entry level 13" MBP.

 

[lowrd03vr6]

Thanks for the information. I have a second question. If I am using the macbook at my desk, is there a way to hook it up to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse and use it like a desktop computer?

 

[MrBullet]

i5 with 320 GB HDD will easily meet your needs.

 

[Bending Pixels]

My personal recommendation would be to go with the 15" base model. If you're going from a 17" screen to 13", you'll be in for a huge adjustment. IMHO, the 15" offers a decent sized screen (minimal eye strain) and still quite easy to carry.

 

[tmagman]

Thanks for the information. I have a second question. If I am using the macbook at my desk, is there a way to hook it up to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse and use it like a desktop computer?

yeah absolutely. You'll need a miniDisplayPort to VGA or DVI adapter ($30) for your monitor cable and then just plug in your keyboard and mouse to your USB ports! Once it detects the monitor and the external mouse/keyboard plugged in, you can close the laptop and put it aside and use the external monitor as your main screen.

 

[vincenz]

Definitely go with the cheapest version. He only difference between the bottom 2 is the hard drive. It's not worth an extra $140 for the larger one. You can easily get that replaced if you need more storage in the future.

 

[keith4594]

basic 13" macbook pro will suit all your needs

come back here when you get it and ask or search how to type the apple logo on a mac

 

[snaky69]

Thanks for the information. I have a second question. If I am using the macbook at my desk, is there a way to hook it up to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse and use it like a desktop computer?

Yes, like every other laptop on the market.

Simply plug in your favourite USB keyboard and mouse(or bluetooth in my case), buy the correct adapter and cable to use with whatever display you want to use, and you're done.

 

[vitzr]

My personal recommendation would be to go with the 15" base model. If you're going from a 17" screen to 13", you'll be in for a huge adjustment. IMHO, the 15" offers a decent sized screen (minimal eye strain) and still quite easy to carry.

I strongly agree with this suggestion. I've got 13", 15", & 17" MBP's. All for the very different and specific needs I have. In my opinion for all purpose general usage the base model 15" MBP, is an outstanding choice. A great value, and a long lasting model.

 

[sweetbrat]

I strongly agree with this suggestion. I've got 13", 15", & 17" MBP's. All for the very different and specific needs I have. In my opinion for all purpose general usage the base model 15" MBP, is an outstanding choice. A great value, and a long lasting model.

The 15" is easier to look at for long periods of time, very true. OP, it depends on how you're going to be using it. You mentioned your other monitors...if you're going to use it with those a lot of the time, then the 13" is probably fine and will save you some money. If you're going to be using it by itself the majority of the time, you might want to consider the 15". It might be best to go to a store, try them both out and see what you like best.