It's time for an upgrade, what should I do?

[soigne3]

Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts!

I've been a patient "jedi" for some time now. I bought my first and only Macbook Pro back in 2008. I've been waiting on a update for awhile now and most recently Apple (lightly) updated their Macbook Pro. I've read muliple threads on the MacRumor forums; people either saying wait or just upgrade if you haven't in awhile.

I told myself I would upgrade this year as soon as there was an update. So these are the three options I came up with so far;

1. Get the newest MBP and just enjoy - it's been awhile.

2. Get an older model for around $1300-1800 either on Craigslist or Amazon. Enjoy it for a year or so and if Apple redesigns and does a major update to the MBP, I'll sell my current laptop, swallow my loss and get the newest MBP. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G2KNGT4/?tag=marcoorg-20

3. Upgrade my MBP Ram and Hard-drive on my current old MBP, estimating a total of $500. Here's my MBP Specs: http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/scanview/050DCFC031D926C3

*** Side notes: I'm a graphic designer. So I use Adobe CS5. Also, if option 3 is suggested, what SSD do you recommend? ***

 

[ayzee]

Depends what you are waiting for when apple does their "major update"

What features do you feel you would miss out on if you splash out on a brand new machine now.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

If it's time for an upgrade then upgrade, at 7 years old for your current computer anything apple makes wll be a massive upgrade.

 

[zarathu]

Get a refurbished 2015 MBP for much cheaper than a current machine, and get a major upgrade for you. My iMac 2011 i5 was WAY WAY FASTER than my 2008 MBP. My new to me late 2013 15" 2.6 GHZ rMBP is 5-7 times faster than the iMac.

When I made hour movies with your machine, I used to leave for about 3 hours while it chugged away. Then the iMac made the moviES IN ABOUT 50 MINUTES. Now my late 2013 makes the movies in about 6 minutes.

 

[Another Day]

Get a refurbished 2015 MBP for much cheaper than a current machine, and get a major upgrade for you. My iMac 2011 i5 was WAY WAY FASTER than my 2008 MBP. My new to me late 2013 15" 2.6 GHZ rMBP is 5-7 times faster than the iMac.

When I made hour movies with your machine, I used to leave for about 3 hours while it chugged away. Then the iMac made the moviES IN ABOUT 50 MINUTES. Now my late 2013 makes the movies in about 6 minutes.

I'm pretty sure OP made up his mind like 2 years ago.

 

[maerz001]

Apple won't redesign the MBP for the next 3-4years. You will get minor spec bumps but that's it.

So keeping option 2 for a year doesn't help you.
Option3: I wouldn't spend $500 on a 2008 laptop. For that money you can get a 2012 MBPr.
Which leaves us option 1: I would recommend a refurbished 2016 MBP to save 15% from Apple or some resellers give u this discount on new machines.