Buying a MBP 15, low end or high end model?

First, I hate threads like this, but I can't find one that someone else has posted that answers my questions!

I'm looking to buy a 15" in the next month or so and can't decicde between the low end (2.2ghz, 512mb vram) or the high end (2.4ghz, 1gb vram). With either, I'd get the 1680x1500 display and replace the hard drive with a seagate hybrid and upgrade the ram to at least 8gb. Might be able to afford 16gb if I got the low end.

I do web development now and looking to get into iOS development this summer. So I'd use the Adobe suite and XCode as my primary sool set. I don't play many games. And I don't really use an external monitor, which I what I hear the extra 512mb of vram in the high end is best for - running the 27" thunderbold display.

My last computer (a Dell m4400) has lasted 4 years and still runs well, so I'd like the Mac to be relevant for atleast that long - while being a great speed increase from where I'm at now.

I'd thought about waiting for the rumored Q2 refresh, but I'm not sure I want to jump in on a version 1 product revision. Feel like it'd better getting an "established" model that has had the manufacturing kinks worked out.

Any thoughts would be helpful, thanks in advance!

 

It's too bad you don't live near a Micro Center because they're selling the early-2011 MBP with the 1680x1050 screen for $1599. The offer is only good in store; you can't order online.

In any case, for what you need, the base configuration will be more than sufficient and should last at least 3-4 years. Just be sure to buy an AppleCare warranty to go with your machine. Since you're in Charlotte, you have a couple Apple stores nearby should you need service. The beauty of AppleCare is that you don't have to get it from Apple directly or at the time of system purchase. You can wait up to a year or purchase it from any Apple authorized reseller. I got the plan for my MBP from B&H Photo online for less than $250. You just register it online, retain a copy of your original purchase receipt from wherever you bought it, and you're good to go.

 

$250 for a 15 incher? What incentive is there for someone to sell it at $250 when apple sells it for $350 + tax?

 

The better question is why hasn't Apple cracked down on those retailers selling this product at such a steep discount versus what they themselves charge?

Apple 3-Year AppleCare for 15" & 17" MD012LL/A B&H

 

Thanks for the comments.

Y, one of the Apple Stores is about 15 mins from my house - I drop by there often and admire

i'm more concerned about the extra vram in the higher end model - don't know if i'd need that for anything down the line.

i like the discount on apple care - i'd seen them at other places. $350 is a lot! but i've seen so many issues with other people's macs that i'd never not buy it. i've had a 50/50 rate with mac's that i've owned over the years.

 

Since you're not gaming (much) or driving a large external display, it's not necessary.

 

are the two cards (6750 and 70) noticably differnt in speed or just ram (for textures etc.). From the specs doesn't look like theres much speed difference just ram.

but i probably can't afford it anway - even with the corp discount, upgrades and apple care, i'm going to approach $2300ish. going to be hard enough getting my wife to let me part with that much.

thanks for all of your information!

 

Heathen. MACs are perfect. MACs are without peer. If there was a problem it was with the user.

 

Take a hike, troll.

 

saturnotaku

...I was just teasing. That was satiric. I love my mac and pc equally.

A computer and OS is just a tool to get something done. Don't invest so much emotion into a tool so that it clouds your judgment. You will enjoy life more.

 

I got it Gerry

 

Isn't that what you were doing with the extreme affection being showed to Macs?

 

In the end, Apple is the only one selling these, and somewhere along the line apple got their cut

 

If you're gonna do that, it's customary to put put a sarc tag or smiley. That goes double if you don't have your systems listed in your signature. Y'know, the whole, can't convey emotion via text over the Internet thing.