Which one to get: 15" MBP i5 or 17" MBP C2D

[kinezu]

Hello guys,

i'm a newbie here but i have a really big question for you.

I'm presented with an offer for 2 Macbook Pro's:

The first one is
2010 Macbook Pro 15" 2.4 i5
Glossy Display with standard resolution
320GB HDD
Used for 1 month but in perfect condition / as new
Price: 1050E


The second one is
2009 Macbook Pro 17" 2.80 C2D
Glossy High Resolution display
500GB HDD
Brand new in a sealed box
Price: 1250E


The 17" is 200E more expensive than the 15" i5. My preferences are: high resolution, portable, capable and "future proof", good battery and to be able to run some of the newer games under bootcamp.

I'm leaning towards the 17" model but the price on the 15" is one heck of a deal.

What do you guys recommend?

 

[Mac-key]

Hello guys,

i'm a newbie here but i have a really big question for you.

I'm presented with an offer for 2 Macbook Pro's:

The first one is
2010 Macbook Pro 15" 2.4 i5
Glossy Display with standard resolution
320GB HDD
Used for 1 month but in perfect condition / as new
Price: 1050E


The second one is
2009 Macbook Pro 17" 2.80 C2D
Glossy High Resolution display
500GB HDD
Brand new in a sealed box
Price: 1250E


The 17" is 200E more expensive than the 15" i5. My preferences are: high resolution, portable, capable and "future proof", good battery and to be able to run some of the newer games under bootcamp.

I'm leaning towards the 17" model but the price on the 15" is one heck of a deal.

What do you guys recommend?

Hi res - 17 wins
portability - 15
capable - 15 (according to TONS of reports the i5 is 25% faster than the 2.8c2d, AND it future proofs your rig, for a while at least
battery - probably a push between the two

Of course this all depends on what you're going to be doing, BUT the i5 will be, no doubt, faster than the 17 inch machine.

So I'd go with the i5

 

[kinezu]

Thank you for your reply. Do you think it is possible to replace the glossy display on the 15" with the higher resolution one at a later date at an Apple Store?

 

[Littlefields]

I think the first thing you have to consider is whether size or performance is more important to you. If you anticipate using your Macbook Pro on the go a lot, then obviously the 15" wins, you can then go from there regarding the specs. If size doesn't matter and you care more about performance, then go with the 17" and choose from the configurations.

 

[kr4yzi3]

I used to consider this one too. And I turned out to choose the Core i5 over the C2D 17". It is more powerful, more portable, better battery life.

Gaming, "future proof" -> not so sure about the future proof but my MBP right now can be put into good used for at least 4 years more.

 

[TheBritishBloke]

Thank you for your reply. Do you think it is possible to replace the glossy display on the 15" with the higher resolution one at a later date at an Apple Store?

No. You have to get it AT PURCHASE via a Custom-to-Order unit which will be shipped to you.

 

[myke323]

Neither.

You should just buy a brand new i5 or i7 with the exact specs that you want.

Why settle just to save a few bucks? You are spending a lot regardless, so spend a bit more and get exactly what you want.

Then you will be happy, so it's worth it.