Time for a Laptop Upgrade - Perhaps?

[Adamapple]

Just posted a thread about my MacBook Pro (2009 - A1286) battery going bad.

I'm having some thoughts about just replacing it with a new/used/refurbished laptop. It may be time...

Here is what I do and need:

I do some graphic design mainly using InDesign CS4, Photoshop CS4, and Dreamweaver CS4 (on occasion). Have a large collection in iTunes and iPhoto. Use Pages & Numbers. And of course the basic web browsing and email.

I have a new Mac Mini that I use at home, and it suits me well, but need a laptop when I travel, etc.

Any recommendations or thoughts are appreciated!

 

[talmy]

If it otherwise works fine, just get a new battery!

 

[sonicrobby]

If the mac mini suits all your needs, then any current 2012/2013 macbook should do what you need, whether the air, pro, or retina pro.

What's your budget like and how large is "large" in your library collection? If its in the x00GB range, I would recommend going for the regular Macbook Pro, as it contains a regular hardrive which holds a lot more than the same priced current SSDs.

 

[Adamapple]

Yes, everything works fine on it ... so the battery fix would be easiest. Otherwise, budget is $1,500 ... and my mp3/photo collection is not that large ...
I do have almost 100gb in design files though.

 

[thekingofnerds]

If it runs fast enough just get a battery and run it as long as you can.

You can also pick up 500GB SSD for around $300-350 these days to give it a real nice boost.

 

[Adamapple]

If it runs fast enough just get a battery and run it as long as you can.

You can also pick up 500GB SSD for around $300-350 these days to give it a real nice boost.

Nice idea!

 

[thekingofnerds]

Nice idea!

Thnx, you're welcome! If you go the SSD route, you may have to use something like Trim Enabler to get TRIM turned on. It'll work without it - but it slows down quite a bit after a while, depending on how you use your machine. It lets the system clear out unused blocks (deleted files) on the SSD to keep everything speedy.

 

[dollystereo]

With samsung 840 drives (bes value for the money), it's just install and have fun. No need for tweaking. (trim, ram swap, etc...)