I've been waiting for the MBP revision, but now Steve has thrown a complete curve ball and I'm left befuddled. I need to buy a new computer, but I'm not sure which configuration would be best for (1) my needs/preferences, and (2) my wallet. To complicate matters, this is my first ever Mac. 
Here is some relevant info...
Proposed Tasks:
- Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and light video editing
- The odd game (nothing particularly demanding)
- Multiple Apps (8+) running simultaneously
- Office apps, internet, movies, music, and all the usual crap
I'm only an amateur photographer, so the glossy screen isn't a huge concern (although it isn't my preference), and I can live with the lack of FW 400. That said, I would really prefer a 15" screen and I want this thing to hold its own for at least 3 years - and survive for at least 5.
Clearly, the MBP is overkill for what I need to do (I think), but I'm still leaning toward it because of the 15" screen and the arrival of Snow Leopard (SL). Essentially, I wanted to invest in the screen and the CPU since I can't upgrade them at a later time, but given the proposed changes in SL, it seems that I should also invest in the video card. This inevitably leads me to the 2.53G/512MB model.
SO, what do you guys think? Is this complete overkill or a future investment? I'd be willing to spend up to $2500, but at the same time, I don't want to be throwing my money away.
All suggestions are welcome, but please keep them constructive. I also want to emphasize that my switch to Mac has nothing to do with the branding/marketing - I'm just sick of Windows crashing, the unpredictability of Linux + peripherals, and the poor build quality of most laptops.
Thanks in advance!
P.S. I actually don't mind the new design - I really like the trackpad - but those damn 'chicklets' make me want to puke!
Here is some relevant info...
Proposed Tasks:
- Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and light video editing
- The odd game (nothing particularly demanding)
- Multiple Apps (8+) running simultaneously
- Office apps, internet, movies, music, and all the usual crap
I'm only an amateur photographer, so the glossy screen isn't a huge concern (although it isn't my preference), and I can live with the lack of FW 400. That said, I would really prefer a 15" screen and I want this thing to hold its own for at least 3 years - and survive for at least 5.
Clearly, the MBP is overkill for what I need to do (I think), but I'm still leaning toward it because of the 15" screen and the arrival of Snow Leopard (SL). Essentially, I wanted to invest in the screen and the CPU since I can't upgrade them at a later time, but given the proposed changes in SL, it seems that I should also invest in the video card. This inevitably leads me to the 2.53G/512MB model.
SO, what do you guys think? Is this complete overkill or a future investment? I'd be willing to spend up to $2500, but at the same time, I don't want to be throwing my money away.
All suggestions are welcome, but please keep them constructive. I also want to emphasize that my switch to Mac has nothing to do with the branding/marketing - I'm just sick of Windows crashing, the unpredictability of Linux + peripherals, and the poor build quality of most laptops.
Thanks in advance!
P.S. I actually don't mind the new design - I really like the trackpad - but those damn 'chicklets' make me want to puke!