Free Mac: Which one?

[mehanika]

I thank you all for great comments

I have decided to go with the 13 inch, with a 80 gig SSD i have!
As many of you write, an external monitor is the solution i am going for when at home.
Im sure my mother is pleased to save the 1000 bucks, and it seems only fair, that i spend my own money (the day i get my hands on some!) on a windows based stationary PC.
I am looking forward to report back on the forum, how it all turns out - as it is my very first OSX system ever.

Again, thank you all very much for your time, posting the great various of answers!

 

[elpmas]

15". Speakers are better and screen size will definitely be worth it for mobile movie watching :}

 

[daceymathers]

Hello guys,

I have been blessed (cursed?) with the oppotunity to get a free mac, which also will be my first.
It is a gift from my mother – so even if it's free, im not going to nuke her account, just because i can.
This is why i seek your advice, to confirm that my thinking is rational and logic enough, regarding my choice of Macbook.

My needs of the computer are
-Writing
- Watching Movie
- Coding
- Surfing
- Gaming, as in L4D, Portal, COD4 and such.
- Possibly 3D-rendering (Nothing hardcore)

I have identified 2 possibly computers:
Macbook Pro 13" 2.3GHz
Macbook Pro 15" 2.2GHz

My thoughts of the computers:
Macbook Pro 13" 2.3GHz
- A solid 13 inch, which is a side i cherish the most.
- Integrated graphic card, which has proven itself overpowered, compared to other.
- "Only" $1199, could be worse.
- Does the job of my most basic tasks

Macbook Pro 15" 2.2Ghz
- A big 15 inch screen
- Wicked graphic card, that should last for the years to come
- Juicy $2.119 pricetag.
- Should be a solid computer for my gaming needs, and should possibly make me avoid to buy a new gaming computer any time soon.


Now, the things that i'm having of concerns are:
- Price
- Screen size

Price: I could be seen as a investment, buying the 15", as my need for a stationary pc, would not be needed for a great period of time. But then, i could save the $1000, and when i need / want it, go buy a stationary computer, that would probably preform better than the 15" laptop. Now, why not just go with the 2.0GHz 15"? I define this one, for my needs as "the worst of both worlds", to slow proformance graphics wise, and too big a screen. Should i go for the 15", should be to make sure i came out with the best solution for future assignments and programs.

Screen Size: I'm have second thoughts regarding the screen size. When i look at the them, side by side – it seems absurd to even imagine having a 15" computer. The space the speaker grills takes up, the wristpads are just enormsly. Here also comes the thing about transportation. As i do i need to bring it back and forth from university, im sure 13" would do better, but i guess even i would adapt, should i end up with a 15 inch (i used to have 15" back in the days). Then again, for coding, which is, in the end, the reason i am even getting this computer, could be a issue with a screen that is "just" 13"? I really can't tell...

As for now i am leaning towards the 13". But then again, i am unaware if im being irrational enough regarding my choice. If anyone is either in the same position, regarding what size to pick, OR just have knowledge/advice to share – please, bring it!

- Regards Mehanika

Go for mac 15 it is the best choice what i think bbut if you find any problem with mac 15 then go for mac 13.