Because if I'm going 15", I'm debating these two options... although 13" is looking like the most attractive coming from an early 2008 mbp.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Would you get 15" unibody refurb or 15" base?
- Thread starter thadoggfather
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
If you get the refurb, you will have the ability to swap out batteries should one go bad.
If you really need extended battery time, like you're going on an ALL DAY photo exposition in the woods .... that 7 hour battery may not be enough. Carrying a couple of spares could get you as many hours as you have batteries.
I think the Express Card slot would be more useful than the SD slot, unless you have a device that uses SD cards. Even so, you can get an SD Card Reader for the Express Card Slot.
I just bought a Brand New 15" MBP, a month ago. I am happy I did not wait!!!
If you really need extended battery time, like you're going on an ALL DAY photo exposition in the woods .... that 7 hour battery may not be enough. Carrying a couple of spares could get you as many hours as you have batteries.
I think the Express Card slot would be more useful than the SD slot, unless you have a device that uses SD cards. Even so, you can get an SD Card Reader for the Express Card Slot.
I just bought a Brand New 15" MBP, a month ago. I am happy I did not wait!!!
I would go for the refurb. The 2.53 one with extra RAM and hard drive space makes a lot more sense...
I'd probably get the 2.4 and upgrade the HD and ram myself. if i went 15" refurb.
I got the 2.53 refurb with upgraded (from the 2.4GHz) RAM and HD, L2 cache and VRAM. For $100 more the 2.53 is the better buy than the 2.4 (look closely at the specs of both machines).
And it's a MUCH better buy, IMO, than the new wave just released.
And it's a MUCH better buy, IMO, than the new wave just released.
it's only 100$ more for 2.53. And 4GB RAM will cost at least 50$, not to say this is directly from apple. Also, a 320GB HD will cost another 50$ minimum. Plus you got 512 VRAM and slightly faster CPU (with 6MB cache instead of 3). That's why I would go for the 2.53 one...
I'd go refurb for raw power, but I'd go for the new base model if you want better battery life.
You probably won't notice a L2 cache increase in normal activities, and you'll only notice the better graphics with intense 3D applications.
You probably won't notice a L2 cache increase in normal activities, and you'll only notice the better graphics with intense 3D applications.
I heard the battery life on 13" MBP is solid (7-8 hours) but on the new 15" MBP it's a let down and comparable to the older unibodies. Any truth to this?
Also can you get a free iPod touch (with edu) if you get a refurb'd laptop?
Also can you get a free iPod touch (with edu) if you get a refurb'd laptop?
It's definitely a better battery life on the new 15" systems as well. On CNET's video drain test, the 15" got 5 hours. I think the older uMBP 15" got less than 3.5 hours.
I guess people exaggerated the difference. is the base 2.53 CPU/chipset the same as refurb 2.53?
I believe the refurb 2.53 has a 6mb L2 cache, whereas the new base system has a 3mb L2.
Honestly at this point a 7200 RPM drive is a waste of money.
Read this report .....
Conclusion Page .... http://www.techreport.com/articles.x/17010/14
Beginning At Page 1 ..... http://www.techreport.com/articles.x/17010/1
Here is what they recommend after testing several 5400 drives against a 7200 drive .....