Macbook Pro 13" - 2010 model vs 2009 model

[jb7]

Hi, I am trying to decide whether to get the 2010 model or the cheaper 2009 model. These are the differences that I've found so far for the base model. For arguments sake, let's say they both have 4gb ram (most people selling them have upgraded to 4gb)

2010: 2.4ghz, longer battery, nvidia 320m

2009: 2.26ghz, (slightly) shorter battery, nvidia 9400m

Having a slightly slower cpu, less battery life (about 7 hours rather than 9) and a slightly weaker gpu don't bother me so much, as I will be mostly using the macbook pro for internet surfing and writing word documents

My question is, are there any other differences? (that would make me go for the 2010 rather than the 2009 model) - maybe differences in the display? shape? something else?

many thanks

 

[OzyOly]

The mini display port on the 2010 model allows you to send audio over HDMI meaning you will only need to connect one cable to your TV/Display (HDMI) where as the 2009 model only sends video through the mini display port.

If you don't need audio sent to a TV then the 2009 would be fine. The graphics chips aren't amazingly different.

 

[Hisdem]

Unless it is spec'd, that 2009 model has only 2GB of RAM. What is the price difference on them?

 

[aimbdd]

If all your doing is word and internet browsing then go for the 2009 model.

 

[jb7]

quick question, I have found an ebay store selling the 2010 model. It is a big store, but in the description it says that the NEW 2010 model (2.4ghz) has 2GB of ram.

I thought all the 2010 models came with 4gb as standard? Could this be a typo? Afterall, they have written 2gb ddr2 ram

 

[OzyOly]

quick question, I have found an ebay store selling the 2010 model. It is a big store, but in the description it says that the NEW 2010 model (2.4ghz) has 2GB of ram.

I thought all the 2010 models came with 4gb as standard? Could this be a typo? Afterall, they have written 2gb ddr2 ram

Could be a typo as the 2010 models have 4GB DDR3 ram, but this is the bay, not a store. You get what is described so if it turns out to be a 2008/9 model you'll have no come back.

 

[jb7]

Could be a typo as the 2010 models have 4GB DDR3 ram, but this is the bay, not a store. You get what is described so if it turns out to be a 2008/9 model you'll have no come back.

it's the ebay "refurb store" of a BIG department store here in the UK. It clearly states "2010 model" , "250gb hard drive" , "nvidia 320m"... but then it does say 2gb ddr2 and 4 USB ports?! lol

they have feedback of almost 500,000... I'm thinking that if I buy it and it has 2gb ram (as advertised).. then I can return it due to the argument that it doesn't have 4 usb ports? lol

although to be honest it isn't that expensive to upgrade to 4gb anyway... about £50. Think I'll take the risk. Even if it's a 2010 model with 2gb (as advertised).. I'd keep it as it's a good price.

 

[DannySmurf]

it's the ebay "refurb store" of a BIG department store here in the UK. It clearly states "2010 model" , "250gb hard drive" , "nvidia 320m"... but then it does say 2gb ddr2 and 4 USB ports?! lol

Don't know about the USB ports, but a lot of places that refurbish Macs take some of the RAM out of them (for what, I don't know; it's not worth much). There's a store in my city that's selling 2008/2009 Macs refurbished with as little as 1GB of RAM in them.

 

[OzyOly]

it's the ebay "refurb store" of a BIG department store here in the UK. It clearly states "2010 model" , "250gb hard drive" , "nvidia 320m"... but then it does say 2gb ddr2 and 4 USB ports?! lol

they have feedback of almost 500,000... I'm thinking that if I buy it and it has 2gb ram (as advertised).. then I can return it due to the argument that it doesn't have 4 usb ports? lol

although to be honest it isn't that expensive to upgrade to 4gb anyway... about £50. Think I'll take the risk. Even if it's a 2010 model with 2gb (as advertised).. I'd keep it as it's a good price.

It you want to risk it, go for it. What's the big store by the way? It's not the purple shirt company is it?

 

[1BadMac]

The 2010 model supports the inertia scrolling option for the trackpad. I'm pretty sure the 2009's do not.

There is a pretty significant difference in the 320m and the 9400. I get double the framerate of STO online running in Wine. Your results may vary, but if you plan to play any games at any point in the future, you'll be more happy with the 320m.