How long should I wait?

[Sanman99]

Hello. I am thinking about purchasing a new MB, MBP, or MBA. The MBA is probably too low-powered though, as I want this to be my reliable college computer in late 2012 (I want it to keep up to the standards as best possible).

I would love to get into Photoshop, Garageband, and possibly some video-editing.

I need a decent resolution (not the 11" MBA), at least 4GB RAM, and at least 250GB HD (the bigger the better). The glass trackpad is a must, as well as a current processor such as an i5.
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I would like to get a good deal such as Open-Box at Best Buy, Refurbished from Apple Online, or the Educational discount.
The only one out with a good processor right now is the MBP. Should I wait for the MB to get an i3?

 

[Potatochobit]

if you need the computer for 2012 you should buy it around october
usually apple has been updating the computers in late fall with new models
if you want to buy a 15" sandybridge macbook pro that is fine too, it will last many years

 

[Sanman99]

Do you know of anywhere to get an inexpensive (less than $600) macbook in the meantime? The cheaper the better.

Preferably something with at least 2GB RAM.

 

[r0k]

Do you know of anywhere to get an inexpensive (less than $600) macbook in the meantime? The cheaper the better.

Preferably something with at least 2GB RAM.

ebay

You will have to log in to ebay to do this but be sure to check "completed listings only" so you get an idea what they are really selling for versus the current bid or listing price which is often meaningless.

 

[Young Spade]

Do you know of anywhere to get an inexpensive (less than $600) macbook in the meantime? The cheaper the better.

Preferably something with at least 2GB RAM.

You're going to have to go to eBay. Also, look at forums and whatnot and see if you can get a deal. I got my black MacBook (2008) off one of my main forums for under 600 bucks; incredibly lucky if I say so myself.

 

[DewGuy1999]

Do you have a Micro Center nearby as this deal is in store only.

Microcenter.com: Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A Laptop Computer - Silver

Our Price: $999.99
SKU 291856
Mfr Part #: MC700LL/A
UPC: 885909436705

• Intel® Core i5
• 4GB DDR3-1333 SDRAM
• 320GB 5,400RPM Hard Drive
• 13.3" LED-backlit Glossy Widescreen Display
• 8x SuperDrive
• Intel HD Graphics 3000
• 10/100/1000 Network
• 802.11n Wireless
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
• Silver

 

[Legion93]

If you want a decent notebook for use in late 2012, I would strongly adivse you to wait at least after the summer and see whether Apple will update or introduce new models of the MBA or the MBP. For the meantime, you can check eBay to find cheap Apple notebooks to suit your needs. The MBP boasts more power (especially the new 2010 models), but the MBA has better resolution and is much more lightweight and thin. I've used both machines and sold my MBP for the new Air, didn't really see any differences, plus the pro had 8GB RAM compared to the Air's 4GB. Overall, I am more satisfied with the MBA... it just feels beautiful.

Be sure that if you are going to get a MBA, upgrade it to 2.13gHz processor and 4GB RAM. Stock models of the MBA at Apple retail stores are the lowest upgraded models, so I strongly advise that the upgrade is a must if you are going to be using photoshop, iMovie or other intensive apps.

If I were you, I would get the Air, but since you don't need it right now it's best to wait and see what Apple will show off in its world conference in San Francisco in June at least.