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Is 2.0 GHz sufficient or is 2.16 better?
- Thread starter zub3qin
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Thanks for the quick response!
So if you had the option of getting a new Black MB (2.16GHz) or a refurb Black MB (2.0GHz) for $300 less... you would get the 2.0?
$300 is a nice discount. I would strongly consider it if the refurb is covered under a valid warranty and doesn't have any obvious issues.
Personally speaking, I would go for the refurb model.
The benefit of getting the new machine is:
a) Slightly faster processor, which you're not really going to notice (there are benchmarks floating around - if you want to check this for yourself).
b) 802.11n wireless - but you can get a wireless update for a couple of bucks from Apple to enable the refurb model to use that standard and bring it up to speed (no pun intended!).
c) Slightly bigger hard drive (an extra 40GB) - as it's a doddle installing hard drives in MBs, you could do this yourself and if you get an enclosure, then you've got a pocket drive too!
d) Improved Superdive - I think it's now 8x compared to 6x for DVD; slightly faster admittedly, but if speedy DVD burning is that important, you would probably be considering an external FW burner anyway.
As I say, I would go for the refurb model as the above doesn't sound like $300 worth to me - I would either spend some or all of of the savings on more RAM, hard drive and other accessories.
Also, don't forget it's cheaper buying the 2.16GHz white MB with a bigger HD to match the 2.16GHz blackbook, than it is to buy the latter. Effectively, you are paying extra for the color - but they doo look so good!
For what you're spending, the refurb is the better value - in my opinion anyway!
The benefit of getting the new machine is:
a) Slightly faster processor, which you're not really going to notice (there are benchmarks floating around - if you want to check this for yourself).
b) 802.11n wireless - but you can get a wireless update for a couple of bucks from Apple to enable the refurb model to use that standard and bring it up to speed (no pun intended!).
c) Slightly bigger hard drive (an extra 40GB) - as it's a doddle installing hard drives in MBs, you could do this yourself and if you get an enclosure, then you've got a pocket drive too!
d) Improved Superdive - I think it's now 8x compared to 6x for DVD; slightly faster admittedly, but if speedy DVD burning is that important, you would probably be considering an external FW burner anyway.
As I say, I would go for the refurb model as the above doesn't sound like $300 worth to me - I would either spend some or all of of the savings on more RAM, hard drive and other accessories.
Also, don't forget it's cheaper buying the 2.16GHz white MB with a bigger HD to match the 2.16GHz blackbook, than it is to buy the latter. Effectively, you are paying extra for the color - but they doo look so good!
For what you're spending, the refurb is the better value - in my opinion anyway!
Personally, I would save the $300 and get the refurb. The extra 40GB HDD space and faster processor is not worth the difference.
I have bought a refurb before, and had nothing but problems with it, maybe luck of the draw, i did get a maxed out 24"imac...for a great deal, i am going to buy a macbook, think i will buy new this tme 
Thanks!
Thanks so much for the detailed response Igantius!
I took your advice and pulled the trigger on my first mac (well i had a mac 9 years ago, but that doesn't count)
I got Apple Refurb-
Refurbished MacBook 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - Black
13.3-inch glossy widescreen display
1GB memory
120GB hard drive
6x SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Built-in iSight camera
Learn More
Save 31% off the original price
Original price: $1,499.00
Your price: $1,049.00
Estimated Ship:
5-7 business days
Free Shipping
Of course, I need to now order 2Gb ram, I got my mini-DVI to DVI cable, I got an Apple Cinema Display (old one that needs a DVI to ADC adapter) so I need to buy one of those as well.
Anything else you recommend buying?
Hope I don't get a refurbished dud!
Thanks so much for the detailed response Igantius!
I took your advice and pulled the trigger on my first mac (well i had a mac 9 years ago, but that doesn't count)
I got Apple Refurb-
Refurbished MacBook 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - Black
13.3-inch glossy widescreen display
1GB memory
120GB hard drive
6x SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Built-in iSight camera
Learn More
Save 31% off the original price
Original price: $1,499.00
Your price: $1,049.00
Estimated Ship:
5-7 business days
Free Shipping
Of course, I need to now order 2Gb ram, I got my mini-DVI to DVI cable, I got an Apple Cinema Display (old one that needs a DVI to ADC adapter) so I need to buy one of those as well.
Anything else you recommend buying?
Hope I don't get a refurbished dud!
My pleasure!
Best places to buy RAM OWC or Newegg, I think - Im not in the States! But theres a few threads about this.
Definitely get Applecare before your warranty runs out check threads about places to buy. I think some sellers on eBay do it cheaply.
I would get a sleeve (e.g. Radtech) to protect it when youre transporting it or not using it. Some sleeves also come with a screen protector that sits between the keyboard and screen, so when the MB is closed, oil (from your fingers) doesnt transfer from the keyboard to the screen. You can also buy these screen protectors separately plus they often designed to also act as a mouse mat or screen cleaner. You could also just use a piece of silk to do this, but I would recommend using something.
A good bag.
You could think about a keyboard protector, like iSkin a plastic covering that is placed over the keyboard to protect it from crumbs and spilt liquids.
Personally, I would get a mouse as well choosing the right one is very personal, so if you can, go to a store where theyve got some on display to try them out (you dont have to buy them there after all!). Logitech are great though.
If youre working at desk, a keyboard is handy. Likewise, a laptop stand the iLap has the added bonus of allowing you to use use it on your lap as well.
You can palm guards but as youve a blackbook, thats probably of only marginal use.
That may sound a lot but you dont have to get it all at once and I suggest it as food for thought. There are some decent threads discussing the merits of the above, so see what you think!
Best places to buy RAM OWC or Newegg, I think - Im not in the States! But theres a few threads about this.
Definitely get Applecare before your warranty runs out check threads about places to buy. I think some sellers on eBay do it cheaply.
I would get a sleeve (e.g. Radtech) to protect it when youre transporting it or not using it. Some sleeves also come with a screen protector that sits between the keyboard and screen, so when the MB is closed, oil (from your fingers) doesnt transfer from the keyboard to the screen. You can also buy these screen protectors separately plus they often designed to also act as a mouse mat or screen cleaner. You could also just use a piece of silk to do this, but I would recommend using something.
A good bag.
You could think about a keyboard protector, like iSkin a plastic covering that is placed over the keyboard to protect it from crumbs and spilt liquids.
Personally, I would get a mouse as well choosing the right one is very personal, so if you can, go to a store where theyve got some on display to try them out (you dont have to buy them there after all!). Logitech are great though.
If youre working at desk, a keyboard is handy. Likewise, a laptop stand the iLap has the added bonus of allowing you to use use it on your lap as well.
You can palm guards but as youve a blackbook, thats probably of only marginal use.
That may sound a lot but you dont have to get it all at once and I suggest it as food for thought. There are some decent threads discussing the merits of the above, so see what you think!
And consider this...and consider a keyboard protector as well
:https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/312768/
I have been looking at the same refurb since my grifriend got her White Macbook. I currently have a PBG4 (see sig) that I am looking to get rid of, my big issue is the extra real-estate, I really don't want to lose it. I think that I could get used to it but I am just not sure.
Christopher
Christopher
Well for what it's worth, I use a 15" Dell and was worried about real estate as well. But Expose seemed to make my concerns of the 13" screen go away-- and I have the 22" external LCD for home use. I think the Blackbook is far better looking than the MBP anyway. Also, I was in the Apple store and closed the lid on the MBP there. When I opened the lid, the MBP refused to turn on. It scared me. I say go for the refurb Blackbook. Seems like a killer deal to me.
I am also a graphic suite user (CS3) so what I will also need to know is if there is a slow down when doing some photoshop work or not?? Can anyone comment on this?
There have also been some other things that really peaked my interest in the newer model laptops, they seem to have better and more reliable wireless reception. My PBG4 is rather flaky on the reception, I can put it on a table in the nursery and will have good signal one day and then the next I am struggling to get 1 on the airport. Well my girlfriend's MacBook will get great reception, 3 to 4 bars, in places that mine will not get signal at all. This alone is a major selling point for me.
Christopher
There have also been some other things that really peaked my interest in the newer model laptops, they seem to have better and more reliable wireless reception. My PBG4 is rather flaky on the reception, I can put it on a table in the nursery and will have good signal one day and then the next I am struggling to get 1 on the airport. Well my girlfriend's MacBook will get great reception, 3 to 4 bars, in places that mine will not get signal at all. This alone is a major selling point for me.
Christopher
The MBs handle Photoshop pretty nicely - I don't have any bookmarks to hand, but if you do a Google search, I'm sure you'll find plenty!
User feedback is generally v good too. You probably would be best off installing 3GB of RAM though.