Can't decide on which macbook...

Well I'm going to buy a macbook in a day or two but I just can't decide on which one to go with. My current laptop (alienware m9750) is completely unportable imo, and felt outdated within 6months of purchase.

I wanted to go with the 13inch 2.53, but I don't want to be hindered by too small of screen so I'm thinking about the base 15inch (9400m only)....but then I don't want to end up without portability again.

Then in a completely different route I was thinking about getting the base 13inch 2.26 and buying the 24inch led screen with the extra money difference....

I'm leaning towards the 13inch 2.26 +led screen but I'm unsure of how long the processor will feel 'fast' and not outdated compared to the 2.53. Mostly looking down the road 2-3 years and wondering if I'll ever notice the difference or if I'll be kicking myself for not getting the few extra ghz. Mostly completely for school work and the occasional editing....I just don't want to end up hating myself for my purchase after how I felt about my alienware.

(also the ram and hdd aren't really too much an issue as I have extra hard drives and ram laying around already)

 

You have to ask yourself if 1280x800 is enough for regular use. I find it sufficient for web-surfing and many apps like Office.

Check my signature. I'm a firm believer in desktop LCDs (HDTV in my case) as my MAIN display when I'm at home. Laptop screens can only dream of approaching this kind of quality.

If I were you, I'd get the 2.26GHz + the best high-res LCD that you can afford, regardless of brand (you don't HAVE to get Apple).

 

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=715418

 

my 15" is very portable, More portable than my 3.9kg dell vostro 1700

 

Clearly a 15" laptop is more portable than a 17"!

 

i guess you are correct.i've still not got over the fact that my laptop is sooo portable. I can now bring it everywhere i want.

 

Well I had the 2.4 aluminum macbook for a week and sent it back so I can get the pro 2.53. I was completely happy with it so I guess I should force myself into getting the 2.53 since I know I will already be happy.

I'm just leaning towards the 2.26 vs 2.53 now. I know theres another thread here but that just verifies what I already know....that the 2.26 will handle everything NOW. I'm just worried about a year or two from now if I will kick myself for not tossing the extra $300 out.

 

I am wondering the same thing - I went with the 2.26 based on what I did - I am also adding an intel X25 160GB SSD and 4GB ram - (I already have both of those) based on what I am thinking I believe that I will notice it far faster in the drive than I will in the processor - but LOL - I am wondering the same thing. Also important is how you use the machine and honestly - I am a casual user. I put the extra $300 towards iworks and apple care.

 

I think I'm also going to go with the 2.26. Thinking about a SSD now too. Where did you get your x25 and how much did you pay?