Should I upgrade?

[shieldyoureyes]

I am already using the last revison of 12" Powerbook G4 with maxed out ram, and it isn't quite cutting it any more, I need some more power for aperture and adobe.

Here are my circumstances:

I am a college student

I use my Powerbook as a desktop 90% of the time - External monitor, keyboard, and mouse. I just feel more comfortable working at a desk.

However, I do find the portability useful when I do need it for school projects and taking it to the library and such.

I will most likely be studying abroad next year, so a desktop will not be a possiblity next year.

It will mainly be used for aperture and adobe products with perhaps a little bit of music production in the middle.

I'm thinking that after I sell my PC, Powerbook, and other stuff, I should have about $1900-$2300 as a low estimate based on current going prices, but would love to spend less.

If I get a desktop, expandability won't really be an issue, because I will only have it for 10-12 months, so I am leaning towards buying an iMac (20" or 24") or a Mac Pro now, selling it and buying Macbook Pro for abroad, then see about what happens when I get back.

What do you guys/gals think I should do? Should I upgrade? Does this sound like a good plan? What would hold its resale value better?

 

[Mookamoo]

Upgrade unless you need the portability.

I would ask -

If you are working abroad next year then why isn't the Powerbook a possibility? If I were you I would like to take it with me and assuming you will return home at some-point you will have all your files with you. I would think I would need that extra flexibility that a portable offers.

Also with it being a 12" you can hide it easily. I don't know about your circumstances as you are a student but if you are now living in shared accomodation, or will be when you move abroad, then a laptop can be stashed out of sight.

 

[shieldyoureyes]

I figured when I go abroad, I will most likely buy a 15" MBP, because I don't think I would want to spend 10 months editing photos on a dim 12" screen

I guess I could buy a MPB in a few months and keep it for a while, and forget buying a desktop.

By the way, photography is on of the main things I use my computer for.

I don't ever hide it, its almost always on its iCurve on my desk. I know thats probably asking to get stolen, but its covered by insurance and I have my files backed up.

 

[Mookamoo]

Where exactly is 'abroad'?

 

[shieldyoureyes]

I depends on what program I get accepted to

I get to apply to 2 different countries, so its going to be France or Mexico.

 

[solvs]

Why not just get one of the new MBPs with educational discount? If nothing else, they have some pretty good deals in the refurb section right now. I'm considering an iMac, but if I was in your situation, I'd just get a portable now.

 

[pianoman]

I guess I could buy a MPB in a few months and keep it for a while, and forget buying a desktop.

bingo.

 

[shieldyoureyes]

Looks like that is what I'm going to do. I'll have to save a few more pennies, cause I'm going to have to get the on with 256MB of video ram, etc. Just debating if I should wait for leopard and another upgrade. I probably will, seeing that I'm not in a huge rush (I want, not need).

I was at my local mac store today, and was impressed by a 1.83Ghz MBP's preformance in aperture, so I know I will love a 2.33C2D.

Thanks