Refurb 15" vs New 13" MBP

[ShocK x10]

Im still unsure of which model to buy, a 13 low end and upgrade it myself or a high end 15 and exchange the hdd. I was set on buying a 13 as I would prefer it to be smaller/lighter and to be able to take it with me; but I would likely use it around the home more than anything until I move up to SixthForm (AS/A2*) where I would use it at school as well (in 1 yr).

may have read my other thread, but this ones a little different.. I was set on the 13 for portability, price and all things for it.. except I was thinking of possibly playing a bit of SPORE or CoD4 on it aswell as possible media fabrication (lol.. PS CSx and mébé some iMovie or Final Cut)

The models I have found to be worth considering are:
13 New, Low http://store.apple.com/uk/configure/MB990B/A?mco=Nzk2NzU0OA
13 New, High http://store.apple.com/uk/configure/MB991B/A?mco=Nzk2NzU0NQ
15 Refurb, Med http://store.apple.com/uk/product/FB985B/A?mco=Nzk2MTU0Mw
15 Refurb, High http://store.apple.com/uk/product/FB986B/A?mco=Nzk2MTU0Mw
Which would give me the most value for money? This is a Bday+Xmas present and if I need to, I would consider selling my Win Gaming PC for this - my first mac


4GB RAM is a must, and im likely to put an SSD in at some point. (they run faster and silent but are they cooler than HDD? Any recommendations?)

ShocK x10:\> Many Thanks_


*I think the equivalent to an A Level is an International Baccalaureate? For those of you not from the UK

 

[omarjk]

The answer to your question lies in which screen size you prefer.

The reasoning is pretty much common sense - would I be significantly physically handicapped by carrying around a bulkier 15" screen; will that inconvenience be outweighed by benefits of movie/photo editing/watching on a bigger screen; do I hook up machine to a bigger screen when at home; do I play games or use apps that are VRAM-intensive?

Those are questions that you have it in you to answer, and I would find it tough to answer on your behalf.

 

[MacFanUK]

I'm actually trying to decide between these as well, although, I think it's a rather big jump to go from the low end 13" to high end 15". I'm actually trying to decide between the low end 13" or low end 15".

What kind of software will you be running on your MBP?

 

[ditzy]

I think for gaming the mid and high end 15" would be desirable, but I think that either 13" would satisfy your needs.