Which to buy? 13'' or 15''?

[brandonb123]

Hey all,

Long time lurker here and have just signed up to get some advice. I was originaly planning on getting a 13'' MBP when they were updated and now since the update, the CD2 is kind of pushing me away.

I am a full time college student, currently half way through my engineering degree. I would be using the computer for word, power point, excel, music, garageband, movies, light photo editing and running school programs like AutoCad and Solidworks.

I currently have a black book 13'' so I am used to the screen.

Now to me, the 13'' size is very nice. I think a 15'' would be to big and awkward for me to carry around all the time and take on trips and what not so the size is a huge factor. However, i want this computer to last me atleast 3 years so do I really want to pay almost 2000$ (after apple care and taxes) for technology that is not top of the line? This is where I am stuck.

Also, If i were to go with the 13'' and updated to 8GB ram would it give me an increase in general performance? Would it be worth it?

Thanks a million guys.


Edit: One more piece of info, I can afford both so that is not an issue.

 

[GoCubsGo]

The C2D machine will last you 3 years. There's no doubt about it. The 15" may withstand changes in software longer, but both will last you 3 years. I'd get whatever you can afford and whatever is comfortable to carry.

 

[swish2351]

Hey all,

Long time lurker here and have just signed up to get some advice. I was originaly planning on getting a 13'' MBP when they were updated and now since the update, the CD2 is kind of pushing me away.

I am a full time college student, currently half way through my engineering degree. I would be using the computer for word, power point, excel, music, garageband, movies, light photo editing and running school programs like AutoCad and Solidworks.

I currently have a black book 13'' so I am used to the screen.

Now to me, the 13'' size is very nice. I think a 15'' would be to big and awkward for me to carry around all the time and take on trips and what not so the size is a huge factor. However, i want this computer to last me atleast 3 years so do I really want to pay almost 2000$ (after apple care and taxes) for technology that is not top of the line? This is where I am stuck.

Also, If i were to go with the 13'' and updated to 8GB ram would it give me an increase in general performance? Would it be worth it?

Thanks a million guys.


Edit: One more piece of info, I can afford both so that is not an issue.

Even with core2duo the 13" is great. I think both with last 4-5 years, I think the 13" will last longer though, because this is the last version of core2duo so it will still be good, while i5 will get updates and after 2 years you will feel like you have an old processor. The 13" will be better.

I get where your coming from about the 13" not having the newest processor, but it really doesn't need it. The LOW-END 13" has 4GB RAM and a 10hour battery life(about), it has a decently good graphics card. Go 13". That's what I'm getting too.

 

[brandonb123]

So what about possibly upgrading to 8 GB?

 

[enberg]

So what about possibly upgrading to 8 GB?

I did that with the 13" I just ordered. Aftermarket RAM won't save you much money, so you might as well get it preinstalled.

 

[brandonb123]

will the performance boosts be noticable though?

 

[greg400]

will the performance boosts be noticable though?

Only if you plan on doing some very intensive work that involves a lot of applications being used at once. Or if you plan on running virtual machines.

 

[brandonb123]

okay no I will be running bootcamp thats about it. I was just wondering if overall general speed would increase and if it did I would probably get it but sounds good, thanks!