Which MacBook Pro would be best to buy?

[fdefore]

Just found this forum!

My current laptop (HP dv4335nr) no longer recognizes that the power cord is in it - so it only runs on battery. I've been told that likely means the motherboard is fried so it seems it's time to buy a new machine.

I need a machine for every day stuff (web browsing, word processing, dvd watching, video streaming, etc), graphic work (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) but I would also really like to attempt video editing and sound recording (READ: I have no experience with this stuff). This is what has led me to MacBook Pros.

So questions I have about MBPs...

1) NEW VS REFURB
I know that refurbs are slightly cheaper with the same warranty and access to AppleCare as new machines, but I know plenty of people who are anti-refurb (not necessarily anti-Mac-refurb just as a general rule). Which is the better / wiser investment? Would it just be better to buy new online and customize it (with Office, Final Cut Xprs among other things)?

2) BEST SPECS / CUSTOMIZATIONS
Considering my needs, I think a 15" screen would be best but as for the other parts: What are the best specs and customizations considering my uses? Which processor would be best (2.26 vs 2.53 vs 2.66GHz)? Is size or speed more important with a hard drive (320 vs 500GB or 5400 vs 7200RPM)?

Sorry if these questions are stupid. I'm fairly familiar with using computers but not so much with the technical side.

Thanks!

 

[belvdr]

Regarding #1, the only thing the additional money gets you when you buy new vs refurb is a nicer shipping box. I just received a MBP 13" yesterday, and I have already forgotten about the box. The flashier box would have cost me $200 to obtain.

Since you get the same warranty, I'm not sure why anyone would say buying new is better.

 

[Benchmob31]

I agree, refurbished is the way to go. You get the same warrenty as a brand new out of the box computer. As far as your second question, it all depends on what you want to use the computer for.

Personally I am going to purchases a 15" because the 13" screen size is to small for my liking. Im going to purchase the 2.53 because all i will be doing is general stuff. No movies or image processing. Plus i dont need two video cards.

As far as harddrive, I would say dont pay extra for a upgraded harddrive. Apple bends you over for an upgraded harddrive. You can find them very cheap and install them easily yourself. I have a 320 hdd @ 7200 rpm in my mac mini and it is great. Depending on what your needs are once agian, I would say the bigger harddrive. Or you can just purchase a 500 hdd 7200 rpm and be done with it all at once.

 

[amusiccale]

I'm often a proponent of refurb products, but one thing to consider is that if you purchase the computer new with a platinum visa, etc. card, you often are able to get a doubled manufacturer's warranty.

I would also suggest you purchase the highest spec. processor and video combination you can reasonably afford: you can upgrade hard drives, RAM, and other components later, but the processor is a fixed component.

 

[DFTU101]

Refurbished

I'd agree with the opinions on going with a refurbished product from Apple. Don't forget, it's not cheap considering the software that you want (Final Cut, multiple Adobe products, Office) that needs to be purchased.

 

[highertechnology]

I would either go refurb from apple or new and sealed off ebay from a powerseller.

Regarding the 2.53 vs. 2.66, I got the 2.66 for the 9600GT. I have read that it will run better with Snow Leopards Open CL. If its in your budget by all means buy the most hardware possible. I was a console gamer and thought I wouldnt ever PC game. I bought the higher GPU just in case, and literally the second week I had it I bought a PC game and now appreciate the better graphics card.

Good luck.

 

[MacKiddyWiddy]

well everyone says refurb and i agree

however, sometimes there isnt the perfect refurb for you and so you'll have to go new, as for performance, go with the higher for what you are doing