I have a $2500 budge, and I want a 15" MBP

[applepearpp]

Hey guys,
I have a budge of 2500 USD, and I am a student so I can get the education discount from Apple. I want a 15" MBP and the ram upgrade and what not but i am not sure the most optimal way to build parts. Can you guys help me out? Much thanks.

like...
15" i5, get 2*4gb ram elsewhere, hop a SSD, whatever...

I will be using my computer mainly for web browsing and text editing, but i expect to use autocad and other more advanced/intensive software in half a year or so

 

[omgitscro]

Depending on how heavy your AutoCAD needs are, I might say that the high-end 15" with 512MB of graphics memory is worth it. However, you're probably better off just waiting until the next refresh, which isn't too far off, especially since you don't need to do anything really intensive for the moment.

 

[tjb1]

I run AutoCAD, Mastercam, Solidworks, and Vectorworks on mine...AutoCAD and Vectorworks on OS X and Mastercam/Solidworks on XP Pro and it does fine, if I remember correctly mine was $2600 but that was because I got my ram from apple...save that $360 and get it somewhere else.

 

[Blu101]

RAM:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other World Computing/8566DDR3S8GP/

They have a cheapo option (NuRam), stay away from it

Also shop around for a hard drive and do your own instal, that'll save you a few extra bucks that you can use for a sleeve or bag.

 

[paintballswimgu]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226021

this ram works great for me. Its $140 after rebate