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OLD MBP vs. NEW MB/MBP

I have the classic MBP - I treated myself to it last April when I switched to Apple - it is an excellent machine and I'm very happy with it. Yes, the nVidia issue may yet surface, but that's what the warranty and Applecare (which I also bought) are there for. So, my recommendation would be the refurb classic MBP, great spec, very good power, impressive performance, that superb screen, individually tested and tried and Apple's warranty.

Cheers and good luck
 
If you're considering a classic MBP, look on craigslist for a city near you. I've seen a few people selling their classics for a decent price so they can buy the new ones. A lot of times, they've within the applecare initial warranty period, or have extended applecare already.
 
Any other sites where I can get a deal? But aren't the gfx cards getting fixed? Because I thought they could get sued bad for knowingly selling faulty material. I'm sure they're getting fixed, right? Or could I be wrong? I thought refurbishing fixes the stuff. Anyways, idk
 
I'd go with the newer Macbook. If you go with the old, you're buying a time bomb, the bomb being the graphics card.
 
MacBook Pro is worth the extra $$$.

1. Even though the high end MacBook has the same core as the low end MacBook Pro, the dedicated GeForce 9600M GT in the MBP is far superior to the MB integrated GeForce 9400M. And I don't mean just for 3D gaming. I mean for use with Core Image apps (Motion, Aperture) and even Photoshop CS4 which now uses the GPU for some of its filters and functions.

2. The MBP has a FireWire 800 port which I find very useful for connected small, fast, bus-powered, external storage devices. The MB can only use USB storage devices which means slower, smaller bus-powered storage.

3. The MBP has an ExpressCard/34 slot which I find useful for various purposes such as broadband wireless network cards, SATA adapters, and CF card readers. No slot in the MB.
 
I like the old MBP. :eek:

I like the design better. I don't like how all the ports are on the one side with the new ones. I don't like the mini displayport for the video out. I think the black keys will get greasy.
 
barefeats said:
MacBook Pro is worth the extra $$$.

1. Even though the high end MacBook has the same core as the low end MacBook Pro, the dedicated GeForce 9600M GT in the MBP is far superior to the MB integrated GeForce 9400M. And I don't mean just for 3D gaming. I mean for use with Core Image apps (Motion, Aperture) and even Photoshop CS4 which now uses the GPU for some of its filters and functions.

2. The MBP has a FireWire 800 port which I find very useful for connected small, fast, bus-powered, external storage devices. The MB can only use USB storage devices which means slower, smaller bus-powered storage.

3. The MBP has an ExpressCard/34 slot which I find useful for various purposes such as broadband wireless network cards, SATA adapters, and CF card readers. No slot in the MB.
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If you're comparing the new MacBooks to the new MacBook Pro's you might also add:

4) more RAM in the dedicated GPU (512 vs 256)

5) 6MB vs 3MB Level 2 Cache

6) Bigger, higher-resolution display (and higher-grade, like MacBook Air)

7) And of course, larger hard drive is standard

...no FireWire is a biggie IMO though



senorfrog97 said:
I like the old MBP. :eek:

I like the design better. I don't like how all the ports are on the one side with the new ones. I don't like the mini displayport for the video out. I think the black keys will get greasy.
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The MacBooks and iBooks (and MacBook Air) have had ports on one side all along. And I think it's more intuitive to have the optical drive on the side vs the front.

It sucks that you have to buy new video adapters (not included) and that for the first time there is NO support for standard video out to use with legacy or low-grade devices (although I have a workaround), but DisplayPort is supposed to be the new standard for many computers now, and comparable to HDMI (although audio not enabled yet).

If you don't want the keys to get greasy (all do, but shows up more on black) and gunk within the keyboard, just get an iSkin ProTouch Keyboard Protector. I love them and most sites give them great reviews. You can use InvisibleSHIELD all around to prevent fingerprint problem on the black MacBook.
 
Go for the prev. generation Macbook Pro...

I just spent weeks trying to decide this very thing. I was convinced I'd get the last gen, white Macbook because I was finding it for 899.00 to 949.00 new and refurb. and it's just such a great deal. But then I began looking at the new Macbooks because I'm interested in the new LED that's been built just for them. But my college bookstore had a SCREAMING deal on the previous gens Macbook Pro 2.4 2 gigs of ram 200 gig hard drive (and the Macbooks, the 2.4 white with 2gigs of ram is going for 899.00 right now new) for only 1299.00. I mean, it was just a no brainer.

And what I like most about this computer, it's the replacement for my 5 year old 12" Powerbook and I feel like I haven't switched computers at all. Keypad is nearly the same, it's the same feel and texture, only a bigger screen and better speakers and of course more oomph!

If it were me, go for the 15" prev. gen Macbook Pro. I'm loving it.
 
Is the previous gen MBP's video card that much of a time bomb? Even when buying refurb, there is a concern?

Also when buying a refurb MBP (last-gen) is there a way to also get a student discount on top of that or no?
 
I would get the Macbook Pro, but it's just soooooooooooo expensive. I've already got 14,000 high school tuition that my parents have to pay. :-/ For all you people that have been watching mac prices for a while, how long do you think it will take until the new mbps start going on the refurb line? And if you had to guess, how much do you think it would cost refurb?
JEEZ, If only apple would give discounts to aspiring professionals or something I could bullsh*t
 
mjfor40 said:
Is the previous gen MBP's video card that much of a time bomb? Even when buying refurb, there is a concern?

Also when buying a refurb MBP (last-gen) is there a way to also get a student discount on top of that or no?
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You'll find people debating this on the forums all day long until they're blue in the face. Apple's offering a two year warranty on the GPU's, even after the initial one year warranty. You can buy applecare on it, (as you darned well should with ANY apple portable) and have three years of total protection. With the intel chip roadmap, you'll probably want a new machine before three years anyway.

But it doesn't look like the apple website is giving a educational discount to refurbished machines. I opened up two browsers to the refurb page, one going through the education store, and the other without, and the prices are the same. Your college bookstore may be able to accomodate you.

If you, or your folks, have the cash to buy one (not credit) you can skulk about on craigslist and find a deal. A lot of people here in OKC are trying to sell their systems to buy the new ones. Good luck!
 
clyde2801 said:
You'll find people debating this on the forums all day long until they're blue in the face. Apple's offering a two year warranty on the GPU's, even after the initial one year warranty. You can buy applecare on it, (as you darned well should with ANY apple portable) and have three years of total protection. With the intel chip roadmap, you'll probably want a new machine before three years anyway.

But it doesn't look like the apple website is giving a educational discount to refurbished machines. I opened up two browsers to the refurb page, one going through the education store, and the other without, and the prices are the same. Your college bookstore may be able to accomodate you.

If you, or your folks, have the cash to buy one (not credit) you can skulk about on craigslist and find a deal. A lot of people here in OKC are trying to sell their systems to buy the new ones. Good luck!
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The only problem is that I'm in high school. :/ I don't know. By the time, I've got enough money saved for the high end mbp, there will already be new technology out.
 
pyromaniaque said:
Hmm.....But I thought that the education store was only for college students, Not High school students. Am I correct in this assertion?
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Are discounts over here are absolutely pathetic

We have to be 18 in the UK to get a discount

What a joke of a system.

luckily found one place that are going to be offering me one. I dont understand the problem sometimes. We go to college normally from the age of 16 here. I would of thought people of the age of 15/16 would need more of a discount than 18 + as they have more of a chance of being in work depending what there studying or what not. I am doing a full time course on music technology which means i dont have much coming in at all!
 
MatLane said:
Are discounts over here are absolutely pathetic

We have to be 18 in the UK to get a discount

What a joke of a system.

luckily found one place that are going to be offering me one. I dont understand the problem sometimes. We go to college normally from the age of 16 here. I would of thought people of the age of 15/16 would need more of a discount than 18 + as they have more of a chance of being in work depending what there studying or what not. I am doing a full time course on music technology which means i dont have much coming in at all!
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Well, I'm pretty sure Apple goes with the standard, at least here in the U.S. Very few minors are going to college; high school typically spans 14 thru 17 or 18. My sister has been a high school teacher for 20 years. I know they offer a K-12 discount of 10%.
 
I would suggest a new MB, using your educational discount. It's the least hassle and you'll be getting a good machine for a good price.

If you're set on a MBP, a Penryn would be a good money-conscious choice. I just sold my 7-month old Penryn MBP 2.4 with 4GB RAM in like-new condition for $1,400, or $200-ish less than a refurb one. If you're lucky you can probably get a similar deal on Craigslist but it's a bigger hassle than getting a new MB from Apple.
 
It's all about the keybaord for me. I never liked the feel of the silver keyboard on the old MBP.

I like the newer keyboards more, so I'd go with the new MBP.
 
parents bought a 2.5 GHz Penryn MBP the other day for 1.2k through my sisters edu disc.

over the mid/high macbook? Hell yea its a better deal.
 
1) How portable is the new Macbook (not pro) compared to the old Macbook Pro? I mean will the extra 2 inch screen size difference and difference in weight between the old and new make a difference when I'm trying to use my computer in the schoolyard with no desk?

2) With which deal would you really get the most for your money? The new MB or old MBP? I understand that the old MBP has the dying gfx card, but applecare can fix that. Is the new MB's graphics card, the 9400 better than the 8600 in benchmarks?

3) What are your opinions regarding the new MB's glossy screen and lower resolution than the old MBP with the matte screen and higher resolution? Does the glare get bad when the lights are on? How is the glare in the sunlight? Also, don't glossy screens produce nicer looking visuals?

4) Is there any difference in the iSight Cameras?

5) If I were to drop the old MBP and the new MB, which would be less susceptible to damage?

6) How does the new MB's LED screen bone out against the old MBP's screen in terms of quality, contrast ratio, and viewing angles. It has already been shown that the new MB's screen is worse than the new MBP.

7) The simplest question yet. Macbook Pro (early 08) vs. Macbook (late 08)?
 
1. Pro is not much less portable than the macbook. it's still thinner.
2. The later MBPs now ship with a REV2 logic board, and future logic board repairs are now using REV2 boards. Nvidia issue is done and gone. The *600 will ALWAYS be better than the *400. Even if its one generation ahead.
3. Screen quality is just better on the MBP. MB uses cheaper panels w/ smaller viewing angles. obviously any laptop screen short of IPS is not good for photo editing anyhow.
4. No.
5. Neither. though some may argue the unibody is stronger. You shouldn't drop a laptop no matter what its made of. If you're afraid of that get a Toughbook.
6. Read 3.
7. Early 08 MBP. Done and Done.

p.s. and if you're really into photoshop, the only official display for this mini displayport is apple's own CD. old MBP is still compatible with a lot of other high quality monitors right out of the box. no adapters needed.
 
e12a said:
5. Neither. though some may argue the unibody is stronger. You shouldn't drop a laptop no matter what its made of. If you're afraid of that get a Toughbook.

7. Early 08 MBP. Done and Done.
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As an owner of both the classic MBP and unibody MBP, I agree with most of what has been said here. That being said, I would say the classic MBP body is not as rigid as the unibody MBP. The unibody MBP definitely feels like it can take more of a licking than the classic MBP and the body doesn't give as much if you apply pressure.

e12a said:
7. Early 08 MBP. Done and Done.
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I agree. I still prefer the early 08 MBP's over the unibody MBP. I was given the unibody MBP... so I can't complain, but if I had to choose, I would choose the higher end early 08 MBP. The glossy screen on the unibody MBP really annoys me - and as mentioned, I'm also a fan of the standard DVI instead of the miniDisplay port, which requires adapters.
 
The new mbp hands down.

No defeective gpu, new unibody feels so much sturdier and built perfectly, lid closes evenly, screen imho looks more gorgeous and I was a matte fan, dual gpu option and the keyboard is much better than I expected and actually like it better than the old keyboard.
 
six.four said:
As an owner of both the classic MBP and unibody MBP, I agree with most of what has been said here. That being said, I would say the classic MBP body is not as rigid as the unibody MBP. The unibody MBP definitely feels like it can take more of a licking than the classic MBP and the body doesn't give as much if you apply pressure.
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oh yea for sure the unibody is stiffer. but regardless of that fact a drop would damage any laptop short of a toughbook. more often than not your LCD and hard drive take the most beating from drops.

its like asking what BMW is more resilient in case i crash it...the 7 series or the 1 series. Either way, just hope it never comes to that. all comes down to the owner and how well he/she takes care of it.

The new MBP isn't really bad. I just dont like the loss of a firewire 400 port (unlike a 56k modem, a lot of people still use FW400), Mini-DP, and other first gen quibbles. My biggest complaint is the monopoly on miniDP. oh and the uni macbook looses Target boot capability. I wont mind the glossy screen when they fix the flickering issue.

but feature to price ratio, the early 2008 MBP absolutely smacks the unibody macbook (non-pro). Sure you can go for the Uni MBP (+$1k), but i think the OP's budget is no more than a uni macbook. Great deals can be had on the early 2008s, just like the one my parents got for themselves. for just about the same price as a mid-high Macbook (non pro) you can get the high end macbook pro of early this year. With that you get a larger, better screen, FW400/800, Dual Link DVI, and 512MB 8600. Unless size is your utmost priority, disregarding features, early 2008 is for you.
 
I forgot to mention the trackpad which makes the new mbp a thousand times more enjoyable to use.

The smooth surface of the trackpad is so silky smooth and feels alot more responsive as to the older trackpad and I love the big size + the clickable trackpad works like a charm especially when you use 2 finger click is so much easier just click with 2 fingers saves u time too and much easier.
 
e12a said:
1. Pro is not much less portable than the macbook. it's still thinner.
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Which were you referring to as thinner?
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I don't care too much about a trackpad. If it works, it works. What I DO hate is that when you use a laptop often, the trackpad becomes worn out, which makes it a tad bit harder to slide on as nicely as you would want. Since the new one is made of glass, is this more or less going to be nonexistant?
 
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