Might Purchase MacBook Pro 15.4

I have a Dell E1505 That i Got last year ( specs in sig) but i really am hooked to macs and want to switch over. Im going to be a freshman in college so my money is tight.

I am looking to get a refurbished macbook pro 2.2ghz but the apple store is out of them right now but from what i recall they go for $1599?

How will the laptop compare to what i have right now?

Intel core solo 1.6 ghz
1 gb ram
vista ultimate
128mb at x1300 card
80gb hdd

im trying to get my money together for this...


the macbook black is like 1299 or white basic one is like 999 which is a lot cheaper but i think that would be a downgrade?

 

Well, the MacBook Pro will definitely be much more powerful than your current system. The black version is the top model of the MacBooks but it does cost more than the white version with the same configuration.

Everyone, disregard the sudden change in lack of avatar, new sig and new location. I'm switching identities with another member right now .

 

well.

you can get a macbook pro for 1799 (edu discount) with a 200 dollar ipod (incentive), which you could then conceivably sell for 200 dollars, bringing the practical sticker price close to 1599.

processor is probably more than twice as fast. twice as much ram. os x instead of vista ultimate. the 8600m gt is MUCH faster than the x1300, and i think it has a 120 gig hard drive.

 

btw, i purchased an iphone for 600 bucks so i hope i can find some money to buy a mbp haha.

i dont want to deal with selling an ipod because if i cant sell it im screwed.

 

refurb then.

 

Refurbs are fine. However, you can spend $1,799 with the education discount, plus get the free iPod (which you can sell on eBay for $175-$200). I guess it all depends on your needs and how soon you want your machine.

I wouldn't even consider the Macbook. They are long overdue for a refresh and the $300 difference between the Macbook and MBP is more than worth it. If the black Macbook carried the same price as the white one, then it would be debatable. The MBP is just a better machine and it will last longer on a constrained college budget.

Good luck.

 

Do you think this current MBP will last all 4 years of college?

 

As long as you aren't planning on hardcore gaming, yes. I would feel much more comfortable placing odds on an MBP lasting 4 years, as opposed to the alternative creaky, plastic Dell or HP. I owned a 15" Powerbook for 3 years and it held up perfectly. Plus, Apple products carry a great resale value once you decide to buy new again (I got $510 on eBay).

 

seconded. outside of playing the newest 3d games made 4 years down the line, the macbook pro will be set for 4 years.

 

If you can get one new (a MBP) with the edcational discount, go for it. Otherwise there is nothing wrong with a refurb. You just have to check often with the Apple website as once they're posted they go pretty quick.

BTW, I had a Dell, had nothing but problems with it (and the company support), took the plunge and switched to a MBP, and have never been happier with a computer or a laptop.

Good luck to you.

 

Why isn't the price of AppleCare included in the MBP or MB prices you quote? Isn't it almost necessary?

 

I just got my MBP recently. So far, I am having my honeymoon with it. Honestly, it is worth every penny. I think current MBP will last 3 years down the road. Probably one or two extra years depending on the technological pace. It is really difficult to give a good estimate as recent advances are on steroids. Probably SSD will be a norm within 2 years time or 4-core CPU will be practical for notebooks. Who knows? So, no matter wad notebook u decide on getting (MBP or not), u probably need to upgrade it before 3 years. Just get what ur heart desires right now and replace it when needed. Just my two cents.

 

I have a Dell 500m (see signature) and have had it for 4.5 years. It's the only think keeping me from buying a MBP. It all depends on how well u maintain your PC (and a little luck) to determine how long it will last. If you get 3-4 years on your notebook, then I would say that you definitely got your moneys' worth.

With the lower maintenance of Macs, I would expect that it should last you 3-4 years (barring any hardware problems).