which MB/MBP?

[LDB]

I'm going to get an Apple of some sort, either a MB or MBP. My budget is $1500 so that's either the last gen MB maxed out or a new base MB or a last gen 15" refurb 2.5 MBP. Both last gen models will have 667 memory while the new MB has 1066 memory. I'll need to run a couple of windows apps at times that aren't available in Apple versions. I'm not sure which version to go with. All comments welcomed and appreciated.

1. prior MB white 2.1ghz, 4gb ram, 250gb hd $1287 educ disc

2. new MB 2.4ghz, 2gb ram, 250gb hd $1499 educ disc

3. prior MBP 2.5ghz, 2gb ram, 250gb hd $1499 refurb

 

[jarenado]

i would go with the new MB. Its pretty much the equivalent of the old mbp's, and you could max out the ram for like 100 bucks on crucial.com.

 

[R2T2]

Yes I would go with the new MacBook. It offers more then the old MacBook like a backlit keyboard and an NVidia chipset.

 

[emt1]

Doing any gaming or 3D programs?

 

[GeorgeD]

the old MBP is bigger and has better specs (barely) than the new MB. I'm still trying to decide too!

whatever you do, do not get the prior mb.

 

[dougnewman]

I'd suggest the previous-gen MBP.

I would not suggest the white MacBook, I think it's overpriced at that price.

 

[LDB]

I'm not into gaming but I am looking for a gps/navigation program like streets and trips but so far haven't found one for Mac. It's one of the things I think I'll have to run in Parallels or some other windows emulator.

 

[MacinDoc]

i would go with the new MB. Its pretty much the equivalent of the old mbp's, and you could max out the ram for like 100 bucks on crucial.com.

More like $142, so Apple's price is not really that bad, relatively speaking...

Back on topic I think the new alu MB is a big step up from the white MB, and that's why I'm ordering it.
Not sure about the backlit keyboard, though, on the 2 GHz model - it said it had a backlit KB when I ordered, but tech specs say otherwise. I guess I'll just have to deal with it when the MB arrives in the next few weeks...

 

[robie1208]

I don't know if you're a college student or not (but I will assume you are since you quoted the educational disc price), they have a great deal on the previous gen mbp. I just bought one today (the 2.4ghz version - base mbp model) for $1299 plus tax. Total came out to $1414.17. I got it at my school's bookstore. You might want to go and see what kind of pricing they have at your bookstore.

 

[ucfgrad93]

I'd go with the new MacBook. Faster front-side bus, backlit keyboard, faster processor, better graphics are all worth the $200 price difference.

 

[LDB]

School district employee not student. I'm leaning fairly heavily toward the MBP for the 15" screen and dedicated video. The faster fsb and memory of the new MB is appealing but my suspicion is the performance of new MB 2.0/2/250 and old MBP 2.4/2/200 is going to be similar overall and only $10 difference in price. I'm also looking at some on craigslist that are local to me for inspection prior to sale and come with software.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I'd lean in the direction of the refurb MBP, mainly for the superb screen and for the fact that it is tested and tried, and has very good performance, and now comes with a generous discoun. I'd recommend getting Applecare as well, though.
Cheers