How can anyone justify buying a new MacBook Pro with the current set of specs?

A lot of people can justify their (or is it there?) purchase.

One is the need for an MBP, and the other is the non-existent need for such high processing power as the i3/5/7/9 offer.
Not everyone wants the latest.

Btw, haven't you read any of the other similar threads about this issue?

 

#1 Because Joe Public aren't really bothered about technical specifications, all they care is that it's shiny and Apple.

#2 Some people need it. Like NEED it. Their life depends on it.

#3 They have too much money to burn.

And as far as I'm aware, OSX runs perfectly fine and quite optimised on the current gen hardware.

 

Joe Public most likely doesn't even know what Apple is.

 

I bought mine three months ago because I needed a new machine. Specs aren't everything.

 

Depends on what you need it for I suppose. If you're looking for value, a current MBP clearly isn't it right now.

The specs on the computer will handle most tasks asked of it, it just expensive compared to the competition.

 

I will second these two posts.

 

Bought mine four months ago because, well, I wanted one. And now I've been using it for those four months and it's been great - it is a fantastic machine.

So perhaps the OP should change the thread to: "How can anyone not justify simply buying a Mac when they want one?"

 

The 3.06 GHz Penryn I just ordered is still a big jump from my MBP 3,1, and it has the advantage of existing and being available.

Don't want a Hackintosh--too much headache.

Show me another 17" OS X-based notebook that's 25-30% faster than what I have now--that's available now--and I'll gladly pick one up.

 

Again, show me the comparable 17" mac notebook from another manufacturer.

 

I need a notebook for a conference next week so I'll be picking up either an MBP or Air (I was actually leaning towards the Air since this machine will only be for travel/conferences... but the trackpad feels like a Lenovo compared to the MBP!). Both machines are completely capable and they run OSX legally and natively which is what I want. I'll gladly pay a bit more rather than get stuck with a Windows machine.

 

They really can't justify it.

The Sony Vaio's kick their asses.

The F Series gives them a blu ray burner, an i7 processor, and a cutting edge 1GB dedicated GPU for cheaper than it costs to buy a 13 inch MBP!!!

Or if they want something cheaper, they can get a NW series laptop with awesome specs for under $900!

And they have excellent build quality, Sony is rated higher than Apple is customer satisfaction.

 

This whole "I can get a better equipped Windows machine for cheaper" discussion gets tiresome after a while

People make decisions based on other things besides price and specs
The OS is clearly a factor
The lack of viruses
Apple's highly rated customer support (in spite of what you read here)
And so many other factors

Each person makes their own decisions
And none of us are equipped to judge or question them
They do not have to justify anything

Clearly the MBP line is in need of a refresh
Hence the myriad of threads of users who are anxiously awaiting it

 

Knowledge of specs of a machine is one thing. Common knowledge that is pop-culture is another. I'm pretty sure public Joe has heard of a tiny fruit company called Apple.

 

And probably owns an iPod or an iPhone... maybe both

 

Op If Sony offers you everything you want besides os x , why not go with them?

 

There are people who do actual work with their computers. And not all jobs require fast processors and graphics cards.

having the newest and latest hardware is a hobby rather than an actual need to be productive.

As long as the current systems run fine why stay without a computer for longer in anticipation of an update you don't even know when will come?

 

The current model will still work for non-power users that want a Mac.

That said, the current specs are pathetic.

 

My 2008 MBP does everything I want it to do. If you don't think it's worth it to purchase a new MBP because of its price, why not consider buying an older machine?

 

i just bought a brand new one saturday (the current 15" macbook pros) because it was a LOT better than the old black macbook i just sold for $800. cut my cost in half so why not? plus i need it now for school, i'm already in pain not having microsoft word for the past 5 days with assignments due by the end of the week.

plus because the new mbps won't be released til around july, and that's pretty far away. sadly a lot of people here think the new ones are going to come out every tuesday haha.

 

Maybe, but he sure doesn't buy their products, though. Apple is very much a niche player in the PC business (having, what, 5-10 % market share?), and by definition Joe Public isn't out shopping for niche products.

I'm not saying that there aren't any "technologically challenged" Apple customers who couldn't care less about specs, I'm just saying that Joe Public isn't one of them. He's out there at Best Buy checking out that new Acer.

 

We've gone through Latitudes, Thinkpad's, Vaio's, LG's an HP and when I look at what they offer now it's same junk just with more up to date spec's, lol.

I'd buy the current 13", 15" or MBA ahead of any of the other notebooks with greater under the hood spec's.

It's about day to day user experience as much or more than spec's, Mac's can't be beat based on my experience.