Would I notice much difference with this upgrade

[entatlrg]

The new MBP's sound great, longer battery life, better trackpad, faster, perhaps cooler running it's got my interest

But, I'm wondering if it's worth it for me to upgrade. Price isn't a concern and I spend a lot of time on my laptops, 12 hours or more some days.


I currently have a -
15" MBP, mid '09
2.8 ghz
4 gb ram
512 vram, 9600m GT
256 ssd


if I upgraded to -
i5 15" MBP
2.53 ghz
8 gb ram
GT 330M with 256MB
256 ssd

OR

go all out and order -
i7 15" MBP
2.66 ghz
8 gb ram
GT 330M with 512MB
256ssd

The reason I listed the i5 option along with the i7 is I'm thinking the i5 may run cooler and quieter? If that's the case I'd prefer that.

My uses are -
CS4 for concept/design drawing
photo / video editing, (hobby)
heavy word processing, emaiing
web surfing
movie, video watching

Or should I stick the the 15" MBP i have now, or if I upgrade should I get the i5 or i7?

Thanks.

 

[Jazwire]

I'd go with the I7 or just keep what you have.

You would actually be degrading video performance going from 512mb to 256mb. If you never game than maybe thats not a big deal.

I was in the same position as you, my wife got the 15" 2.8 C2D and I went for a I7 17". Was torn on the I7 15" too.

 

[thecheda]

Graphics

The jump down in graphics capability is a huge cut down to your productivity. Keep the current or go i7.

 

[mirage5]

You have a decent MBP. If I were you, I would wait at least for the next refresh to buy a new MBP.

 

[mikeo007]

I'd go with the I7 or just keep what you have.

You would actually be degrading video performance going from 512mb to 256mb. If you never game than maybe thats not a big deal.

I was in the same position as you, my wife got the 15" 2.8 C2D and I went for a I7 17". Was torn on the I7 15" too.

The jump down in graphics capability is a huge cut down to your productivity. Keep the current or go i7.

Seriously people? The 330m with 256mb will still outperform the 9600m gt with 512mb.

 

[alphaod]

Seriously people? The 330m with 256mb will still outperform the 9600m gt with 512mb.

But it's still not worth the difference; the older machine will have to be sold at a loss, so the difference be even greater; that said the even the i5 2.4GHz model is the faster than the older 2.8GHz model, but if any upgrades are done, it should be to the i7 (though I wouldn't if I needed to sell my older machine).

 

[mikeo007]

But it's still not worth the difference; the older machine will have to be sold at a loss, so the difference be even greater; that said the even the i5 2.4GHz model is the faster than the older 2.8GHz model, but if any upgrades are done, it should be to the i7 (though I wouldn't if I needed to sell my older machine).

Totally relevant, I was merely commenting on the people who have no clue what they are talking about, they just see: 512 > 256, ooh bad!!

I said nothing about it being worth the switch.

 

[nconnella]

I say keep your current until Apples next GPU update at LEAST. Your computer is barely a year old and a great machine. I would keep it until it obviously just isn't cutting it anymore for your CS work. These things aren't built to be replaced every year. If your work requires top end gear at all times you should be using an upgradable desktop. The way people can burn through technology frightens me sometimes.

 

[SchneiderMan]

Go with the i7 or don't upgrade this year..