Is stepping up to i5 worth it?

[jw3571]

I'm debating between the base 13 mbpro and the 15 i5. Is the i5 a much better processor? I'll mostly be using ms office, editing photos in iPhoto, light gaming, etc. Opinions?

 

[Hisdem]

Do you need it now? For your uses I think the 13 inch would suffice, but the 15 inch would do it all much better. New models are supposed to be coming out early next year so, your choice.

 

[JamesGorman]

I always like to have the newest technology, which may or may not be a good thing lol. In any case, I would suggest going with the base i5. It will stay relevant for longer. And besides, the base i5, is faster than ANY previous macbook pro. Its a well worth it upgrade in my opinion.

 

[Richard1028]

For me, mobility would be the first criteria in determining a change. If the smaller footprint is what you need then the 13" is a clear choice.

If OTH you're desk bound with the occasional outing... by all means go for the extra power.

 

[vincenz]

You should probably just go for the i5. C2D works and there's nothing wrong with it, but the tech is getting a little old.

 

[TopHatPlus]

the core 2 duo is a basic dual core processor, and the i5 has hyper threading (divides the 2 cores more evenly for multi tasking) and turbo boost (safely over clocks the processor by shutting down the second for the get through bulky tasks)

 

[jw3571]

I figured the i5 would be a little more future proof. I don't need it now but I'd really like it now. It could be 5 months before a refresh

 

[maflynn]

I figured the i5 would be a little more future proof. I don't need it now but I'd really like it now. It could be 5 months before a refresh

Unless you have specific applications that will be more demanding, then the idea of future proofing is a false idea.

I'm running Aperture on my C2D MBP, and its performance is decent. It will still be decent 6 months from now, even after apple updates its computer line.

The bottom line is if you have a need now, buy the machine that best fills that need. If you can wait, then do so.

 

[AdamRock]

don't get the i5 just yet, wait a few months till the refresh THEN get the i5