Good Price for this 15" MBP Core 2 Duo??

[kevinnho]

I'm looking to buy this used 15" MBP Core 2 Duo. 320gb HD and 8GB Ram. 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo processor

I can buy this for $850. What do you guys think? I don't do any extensive graphic work. Just the basic web surfing 70%, and photo editing.

 

[dlimes13]

Is it a late-2008/early-2009? Unibody? What's the condition of it? Sounds like a decent deal if it's a Unibody.

 

[kevinnho]

Late 2009 Unibody.

 

[gtessier00]

Good price IMO. Get it if it's in good condition.

 

[RC85]

What graphics chipset does it have?

 

[kevinnho]

video chipset- that I'm unsure

 

[RC85]

video chipset- that I'm unsure

I know that in 2009 there were issues with the Nvidia graphics chipsets. Find out what it's running and then do some Googling and searching on here. My brother had one of the disaster 09' unibody MBP's which he dumped in late 2010 for Core iSeries.

 

[FuNGi]

Sounds like a good deal. If there was any Applecare left on it you'd have a bit more piece of mind.

 

[dukebound85]

I know that in 2009 there were issues with the Nvidia graphics chipsets. Find out what it's running and then do some Googling and searching on here. My brother had one of the disaster 09' unibody MBP's which he dumped in late 2010 for Core iSeries.

Huh? It was the mbp's that had the bad 8600 chipset. These were not the unibodies

 

[RC85]

Huh? It was the mbp's that had the bad 8600 chipset. These were not the unibodies

I just realized that... my bad.

 

[kevinnho]

So MBP Unibody did not have bad video chipset? Only non unibody?

 

[RC85]

So MBP Unibody did not have bad video chipset? Only non unibody?

I guess so. I am not as knowledgeable with the 2009 models.

 

[Coldmode]

So MBP Unibody did not have bad video chipset? Only non unibody?

Correct. I have one of the unibody models and have never had any problems with it.

 

[dukebound85]

So MBP Unibody did not have bad video chipset? Only non unibody?

Correct. I have one of the unibody models and have never had any problems with it.

Yea, yours should be fine

My only concern is that you are paying 850 for a close to 3 year old machine with a last gen proc. You can get the latest 13in mbp at microcenter for 999. To me, that would be worth the 150

However, for your needs, the mbp in question is adequate, but thought I would mention

 

[kevinnho]

13" MBP thru Microcenter- is it a huge difference in video card and processor than this 15" MBP (3years old)? I mean, it's nice that it is equipped with 8gb memory.

I currently have 15" MBP Non Unibody, was hoping for an upgrade.

 

[Mojo1]

I recently sold a mint-condition early 2008 15" MBP with 4GB RAM and a nice case for $900, so depending on the condition it may be a decent deal.

However, the base model 13" MBP that replaced it is significantly faster, accepts more RAM and isn't subject to GPU problems like the 15" MacBook Pro. I also appreciate the smaller size and weight. So if I were in your shoes I would buy an early 2011 13" MacBook Pro that has been discounted now that the late 2011 are on the market. Apple regular has refurbs for $929.

 

[dukebound85]

13" MBP thru Microcenter- is it a huge difference in video card and processor than this 15" MBP (3years old)? I mean, it's nice that it is equipped with 8gb memory.

I currently have 15" MBP Non Unibody, was hoping for an upgrade.

The 13 does not have dedicated graphics so it will be poorer in that regard I would imagine....though the onboard chipsets have been improving. Processor wise, it will be alot better.

As far as memory, 8 gigs is super cheap (sub 50)

 

[Mojo1]

I'm using the 13" MBP with a high-end 24" NEC display and I am satisfied with the results. Keep in mind that upgrading the RAM to 8GB or higher increases the shared VRAM from 384MB to 512MB, which I assume makes a difference in performance, albeit minimal.