MBP (Previous Generation vs. Current Model)

On a budget of about 2k, which model would you purchase?

The $1899 new MBP or the previous generation MBP on Clearence for $1399?

Just wanted some honest opinions from current Apple users? Worth the extra money in the long run with the new model or save money and buy the older model?

 

In my opinion it really depends on you. For example, do you care about having the newest technology? Do you care about having the newest and coolest stuff? Do you care about saving money? Can you afford it? Will saving the $500 or so be worth getting the older model for you?

Both computers will serve your needs very well and both are extremely good machines.

If you can afford the 1899 and like the new design and want the newest and greatest, by all means go for it.

But if you'd rather save the 500 and use it towards something more useful, then get the cheaper one.

I have a MBP from April 2007, and it still performs flawlessly for my needs. So it's really all relative to what you want.

 

Is the old model that you are looking at matte? And do you prefer matte screens? The new MBP don't come with a matte option anymore and I know some people are happy that they have the older matte models.

CPU speed-wise, it isn't a big difference since clock speeds haven't really changed. Dual core Penryns aren't particularly bandwidth limited so the 1066MHz FSB and DDR3-1066 aren't really that critical. The 9600M GT does seem to be about 20% faster than the 8600M GT though, noticeable, but not earth-shattering.

 

It all comes down to performance for me. If the new specs in the MBP dont really cause that much of an improvement from the previous MBP, then I would go with the older model.

I do like the new design, but I wouldn't buy it for that reason alone. I would to like save money, but if the new MBP is worth it performance-wise, I have no problem shelling out the extra money for it.

To be more specific - I plan on using it for a lot of Video Editing with programs like Final Cut and Adobe Premiere. Also other software like Photoshop. I'm planning buying more RAM to get the full 4gb. Speed and overall performance are the biggest things I'm looking for.

 

if you don't mind glossy I'd say get the new one. If you hate glossy than get the old gen.

 

With a 2k budget it would probably more practical to get a old gen, few upgrades and Applecare. Performance wise, if you check out all the review/benchmarking sites, the difference between old and new is negligible.

 

How significant do you think the NVIDIA problem is? I hear it probably won't happen to you, but there still is an increased risk isn't there? I know Apple's extending the warranty on that part two years after purchase, but aren't you taking a hit if it fails sometime after those two years?

 

no brainer - get the old one

 

My suggestion would be to get the previous generation, buy upgraded ram and a SSD hard drive to upgrade, and the apple care just on the off chance you run into problems such as the GPU or something else. This would put you still within your budget range, but allow for a better performing unit. Also, it give you the ability to sell off the old ram and hard drive for parts and get some more money back to offset costs.

Yes and no. While if your notebook does end up being one of the unlucky ones, yes it means your unit won't show anything on the screen and you will have to send it in for repair, that comes to personal choice. For those individuals who need a computer 24/7 and can't live without their rig for a week or two while it is being fixed, then yes, it is something to consider. If a small time without your MBP is ok should something give out, then that's something to look at as well. Ultimately, it is not a catastophic data failure, so you should still have access to files if needed, but we all know everyone backs up their documents right...right?

BBGus

 

The truth is, both are very powerful and the gap is not really that big. If you intend to use your new MBP for extended periods of time then look more at ergonomics... which keyboard and monitor is more comfortable for you? Eventually, that will count for more than the specs.

Just my 2 cents there