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Should I Really Get An MBP?

L

lisalover1

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 29, 2011
23
0
I am going to college soon, and I will be getting the laptop of my choice as a gift for school. I have narrowed my search for a new machine down to a MBP 15" and a high-end MSI laptop: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152266

I was wondering if I could get some help in deciding. I want my new laptop to be a capable gaming machine, so some powerful specs are a must. On one hand, the MBP has supposedly excellent build quality and longevity, and a multitouch trackpad, as well as the obvious benefit of having OS X pre-installed. (I will be triple-booting the MBP with Linux and Windows if I do decide on it, though, so OS X is more of a bonus feature). However, the MSI laptop has much more raw power (12 GB RAM, 1 TB HDD, etc.), and is several hundred dollars cheaper, even with the student discount. But, I am wary of the build quality of an MSI laptop; it may not last me as long. It is also a much bulkier laptop, but it has all the specs I want. A comparable MBP is not even available without after-market user upgrades, and would cost close to $1,000 more.

So, what should I get? Does the hardware quality of an MBP and usability of OS X justify the high price tag?
 
A MacBook Pro is not a gaming machine. If this is your primary concern, then you would be better suited with something else.

However, if this is a machine for college, perhaps gaming should not be your primary concern.
 
If your main concern is gaming, do not get a MacBook Pro.

There are better options that the MSI that are closer to the price of a MacBook Pro and will likely offer more comparable build-quality.
 
Although not touted as a gaming machine.... MBPs are still quite capable playing games!

I routinely play MMORPG's on my 13" 2009 MBP with no issues at all. Graphics rendering etc are all fine!

Having said that, gaming is probably what I do least on this. Graphics / web design / photo editing being at the top with surfing (and bringing to starbucks) being next LOL.
 
I play BC2 on all high settings and still hit up 60fps. My friends can get 40-50fps on very high in Crysis 2. If you ever wanted to try out OS X, then an MBP would be great for you.

And guys....he doesn't have to be studying and learning 24/7 while at college. There's some downtime too :D
 
Yes, the MacBook Pro can run games, but nowhere near as well as Windows machines that cost half the price.

ahdickter said:
And guys....he doesn't have to be studying and learning 24/7 while at college. There's some downtime too :D
Click to expand...

I did more, umm, interesting things in my downtime while in college. But to each their own. ;)
 
wat is more interesting than gaming?? :p
Anyway, OP if gaming is a concern buy the MSi or a Sager, they are better quality than the MBP and much better performing but you loose stuff like portability and build quality
 
getz76 said:
"Social Networking" was a bit different back then... :)
Click to expand...

Damn when I was at Uni it was work all day then get ****ed up hardcore almost every night. Couldn't do it now but was hilariously good fun for the 3-4 years.

Really sad some people waste it playing video-games...this is coming from an avid gamer.
 
smali said:
Damn when I was at Uni it was work all day then get ****ed up hardcore almost every night. Couldn't do it now but was hilariously good fun for the 3-4 years.

Really sad some people waste it playing video-games...this is coming from an avid gamer.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately now I am much matured from my college days, but it seems my schedule was quite similar. Class if necessary, party hard every other minute, work through the University and golf whenever possible. :D
 
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