Help needed: new MBP vs. 2010 Refurb

[frunk]

I have a piss poor white MacBook from Mid 2009 (2.13Ghz C2D) with 4GB RAM and a 160GB HD. My shell is cracking. It's time for an upgrade.

Basically, I have narrowed it down to 2 options:

13.3" 2.7Ghz i7 Dual Core
4 GB RAM
500 GB Hard Drive
1280x800 LED

$1,399 (Education Discount)

OR

15.4" 2.53Ghz i5 Dual Core
4 GB RAM
500GB Hard Drive
1440x900 LED

$1,439 (Education Discount)

I'm using this computer for moderate-intense Photoshop CS5 and Dreamweaver in addition to basic student tasks. I want a future-proof computer that will last me at least 4 years.

I am aware that the 13.3" has the slightly inferior graphics card, but I doubt it will hinder my PS CS5 much, if at all.

In the future, I will be upgrading the HD to a SSD, so don't compare those aspects or the RAM.

So basically, which one will be getting higher speeds after Turbo Boost/Hyper Threading?

 

[frunk]

Any input is appreciated.

 

[laser71]

I would go for the 15" based on screen size, especially for Photoshop and Dreamweaver. Otherwise the specs are fairly close and neither will have a stunning advantage.

 

[frunk]

I would go for the 15" based on screen size, especially for Photoshop and Dreamweaver. Otherwise the specs are fairly close and neither will have a stunning advantage.

The 13 inch screen is fine for me for Photoshop right now. I'm only worried about 'future-proofing' the computer so that it doesn't lag behind TOO much in 3-4 years.

 

[smallnshort247]

Even though I have the 15 inch 2010, I'd probably go w/ the 13 just because it was "newer". But I'd personally recommend the 15inch i5

In all seriousness though, I think the 13 inch screen is just too small. I used it before and I prefer the 15 inch so much more.

 

[AbyssImpact]

Get the 2011 13". It has light peak.

 

[Zman5225]

Im using my new 13" MBP and i'm loving it! I got rid of a 15" MBP to "upgrade" to this one and i'm glad I did. When I need more screen real estate I hook up to an external monitor. I really hated lugging around a 15".

 

[frunk]

Hmmm, interesting. Thanks everyone! I've kinda ruled out the 2010 15.4, but now I'm curious about the new Quad 2.0.

(all of this is after education pricing)
The 2.7Ghz i7 13.3" costs $1,400, and I intend to switch out the hard drive for an SSD for extra speed. So for all intents, let's say it costs $1,600.

The 2.0Ghz i7Quad 15.4" costs $1,700.

Would I be getting significantly faster speeds with a 15.4" 2.0 Quad (even compared to an SSD 2.7Ghz Dual)?