New 17" MBP: i5 or i7?

[FoxyKaye]

I've been saving for a new Mac for almost a year, and just pulled the trigger yesterday on an i7 17" - as of yesterday evening, you could get a refurbished i7 17" with the anti-glare screen for $2169 in the refurbished store. Great value, as configuring the same system with the educational discount is in the area of $2300, and new around $2500. Can't wait until it arrives... Good luck with your search.

I recently purchased a i7 MBP and Installed a Momentus XT Hybrid 500gb drive, this has made it incredibly fast, even over the 7200rpm drive that the computer shipped with. A great compromise of speed and price. You can pick one up for about $130.

I'm looking at one of those as well, although I might wait until they hit the 750GB-1TB range before I buy (which probably means in about a year or so).

Edit: Holy thread recycle, Batman. Just looked at the date of the OP. Oh well...

 

[AppleTech22]

I have a 15" i5, and a 17" i7. If your budget allows, I highly suggest the i7. It's noticeably faster in real world use, and insures you will have the most resources going forward. The basic rule I follow is to buy as much as I can possibly afford, then I can get the most out of my new Mac for years to come.*

I couldn't agree more, dump the money off to steve and then when it does come time to pick up a new computer you can always sell one off, in which the i7 has a better resale value. Also I HIGHLY RECOMMEND getting a Hi-Res screen. It will all come into play down the road.