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First MBP very confused as to which would be best for me.

J

jennybella

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 29, 2009
3
0
First, let me preface this by apologizing for what I'm sure has been asked a million times. I've tried searching the forums, but my pc is ancient and really on its last legs, barely functioning.
Between that and my baby always pressing the power button (ugh), I fear it will take me forever to make a decision and keep researching.

I've always had a desktop, but am finding it hard being tied down to one room with a mobile baby, a laptop would be more functional I believe.

I was thinking about a 15 inch option but was reading about the resolution issues on the forum last night, so now I'm not sure.

Basically would be for general internet browsing, word/excel docs, and photoshop/illustrator. Not a pro by any means but I do take a ton of photos of my boy and do like to use the programs.

I would really appreciate a suggested model. Need to buy one asap, this computer of mine is just useless.
Many thanks in advance!
 
The entry 15" model will be fine for your tasks, as I also use Photoshop quite a lot with the 9400m integrated graphics, and it works more than okay.

What resolution issue are you referring to?

The 15" MBP has a resolution of 1440x900 pixel.
The 13" has 1280x800 pixel and the 17" has 1920x1200 pixel (which I currently use, and any screen smaller than that takes quite some time getting used to, and that coming from a 12" iBook).
 
I would go with the 15" 1440x900 is good for a 15" laptop (many Dells for example are 1280x800). The base 15" should do everything you need it to and last you for a long time.
 
Perfect, so the entry level 15 inch should more than do it for me? There was an earlier thread I had found that was quite long about the resolution not being ideal for the 15 inch.

Should I upgrade the hard drive at all or just buy the entry 15inch as shown.
Thanks again, can't wait to buy it and end my current computer nightmare.
 
jennybella said:
Perfect, so the entry level 15 inch should more than do it for me? There was an earlier thread I had found that was quite long about the resolution not being ideal for the 15 inch.

Should I upgrade the hard drive at all or just buy the entry 15inch as shown.
Thanks again, can't wait to buy it and end my current computer nightmare.
Click to expand...

The entry drive should do fine.

And as I asid, 1440x900 is good for 15" display, most Dell 15" laptops are at 1280x800 (which is what the 13" MacBook model does).
 
jennybella said:
http://store.apple.com/ca/product/FB471LL/A?mco=MTEyNjcwOTk

does the above look like a good deal? it's a refurb...
or should i just buy new? never purchased a refurb, i know they get good reviews for the most part.
thoughts?
Click to expand...

Oh yeah! The graphics on that are significantly superior than the base MBP which is $50 more (refurbed).

For $50 less you get:

DEDICATED 512MB 9600GT vs. Integrated 9400M
320GB HDD vs. 250GB HDD
Expresscard 34 slot vs. SD card slot
Removable battery vs. Longer lasting battery

You take a 2 hour hit on battery, but get the fastest notebook graphics Apple offers. Along with a larger hard drive and express card slot.
 
jennybella said:
Perfect, so the entry level 15 inch should more than do it for me? There was an earlier thread I had found that was quite long about the resolution not being ideal for the 15 inch.
Click to expand...

It's all a personal preference. Like uberamd said, other manufacturers have 15" displays with lower res like 1280x800 or higher like 1680x1050. 1440x900 is a solid middle ground.
 
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