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mbp recommendation
- Thread starter tim100
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Any current Mac(book) will do those things just fine. You could even buy a refurb with virtually no noticeable performance difference.
I took delivery of a 13.3 current model last week to do the basics you describe in your poll. So far, I'm very pleased with the size (portability) and the performance.
The 13" rules for surfing the web, plus it is small and light (compared to my last PC). Even the regular MB would work just fine, but I prefer the pro
No point in spending a lot more money for an i5/15" screen if you don't use it.
The 13" is great for surfing the web and emailing, IMing, etc. Websites aren't all the wide, so when you're working on less-portable 15" most of the time you'll be looking at huge wide-spaces at the sides anyways. For photo's the 13" is fine too; been managing my iPhoto-collection on one for years without problems. And even for multi-tasking; Spaces is a very powerful feature.
For all these things the C2D 2.4 is already a huge overkill. Using an i5 for this is simply absurd. The C2D CPUs will run 95% idle for most of the time. Even with some HD videos it'll still be half asleep. Spending a lot of money to waste 2 more cores is a simply a waste.
The 13" MBP does have other nice features the MacBook doesn't have though: a very nice screen, great for videos and photos; very sturdy and modern unbody enclosure; backlit keyboard; SD-card slot, FireWire 800; etc. All well worth the extra price over the MacBook.
Bottom line: go for the 13" MBP.
For all these things the C2D 2.4 is already a huge overkill. Using an i5 for this is simply absurd. The C2D CPUs will run 95% idle for most of the time. Even with some HD videos it'll still be half asleep. Spending a lot of money to waste 2 more cores is a simply a waste.
The 13" MBP does have other nice features the MacBook doesn't have though: a very nice screen, great for videos and photos; very sturdy and modern unbody enclosure; backlit keyboard; SD-card slot, FireWire 800; etc. All well worth the extra price over the MacBook.
Bottom line: go for the 13" MBP.
concern re c2d
1) older tech
2) c2d maybe fine today but how about next year. i would think that apple will have to find another solution for the 13inch when c2d goes out of production. 15 inch is already has i5.
if the 13 had an i processor i would suggest the 13 hands down
1) older tech
2) c2d maybe fine today but how about next year. i would think that apple will have to find another solution for the 13inch when c2d goes out of production. 15 inch is already has i5.
if the 13 had an i processor i would suggest the 13 hands down
If Apple is still selling a computer with the Core 2 Duo they're going to support it for at least 3 years because of AppleCare. So it is going to still be a viable computer in the new few years.
Apple will most likely move to an i3 with the Macbook at some point, but it is not going to make your C2D any slower...
My 1st gen white macbook with 2.0Ghz Core Duo + 2GB RAM + GMA 950 is still adequate for what the OP wants to do. Not that I would recommend the old version because of the case cracking issues, but the current and even previous gen macbooks will be more than enough for web browsing/light photo editing.
Example: I bought my original MB Core Duo (not C2D) about 3 months before they moved up to the C2D. After 2 years and 7 months they replaced the logic board and CPU with the original spec Core Duo chip. Over 2 years after they stopped selling it they still had some way to replace my hardware.
you just hate to buy last years model.
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/apple-macbook-pro-spring/4505-3121_7-34058848.html?tag=[object%20NodeList];resultsShell#reviewPage1
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/apple-macbook-pro-spring/4505-3121_7-34058848.html?tag=[object%20NodeList];resultsShell#reviewPage1
Exactly. Plus, it's not like the C2D is going to become worthless crap when it goes out of production. I ran a Pentium 4 PC up to last year, and it never gave me trouble.The C2D in the 13" won't magically get slower in a year
The 13" should be fine for you. I have one and it runs real nice! Also if you have a microcenter around you they were on sale for $999!
its just that the c2d is 4 years old. that chip was in the mbp 15 inch 4 years ago.
The tasks you mentioned won't see any benefit from a CPU upgrade to Core i5 at ALL.
C2D is more than what you need already for web/pictures/email. Better portability and great battery life are pluses.
Buy a current model Macbook "white" or Macbook Pro 13. They have the newer trackpad, the Pro has a better screen than older 13 "Pros" and they cost $100.00 less in AppleCare than the 15. Oh, and they are already "heavy enough".
4 years ago they used Core Duo, am I right? I agree with you that the C2D is outdated, but it still performs great.
How about an ipad? "they are looking for a macbook to surf the web, email, manage pictures, and wants to be portable."
the c2d in the 13" is from the generation released just over 2 years ago. So its not as scary as you think.
It may be old, but it is also mature and provides the power needed without sacrificing price or battery life... If you're only browsing the web/emailing/photo viewing, processor power doesn't matter-- but $600 will matter...
But if you are so against the older architecture, why bother asking?