New Macbook or Previous Gen Macbook Pro?

I'm all over the place...thinking of purchasing a used Air, new Macbook, or previous gen Macbook Pro.

This would be my only, all-purpose computer for school and home.

Look at the latest aluminum Macbook and the previous gen MBP, I find myself rather torn. I live in Canada so our prices are rather inflated, but Apple's refurb store is offering the previous gen MBP @ 2.4ghz with the 8600M GT for $1449...the 2.5ghz with 512mb 8600M GT for $1599.

That's about even with or slightly more expensive than the 2ghz Macbook.

Which would you guys recommend?

 

I'm in the same boat. I really can't decide either. I'd like to make a decision soon so I can get away from my old desktop.

 

take a look @ ebay-they have great prices on current macbook pros + they offer 25% M$ cashback!

 

Haha!! Now that's funny.

 

sounds like a matter of personal preference. if you want the latest and greatest, go for the macbook. if you want a bigger screen (matte), and more horsepower, go for the macbook pro. if its portability and a nice screen, go for the air.

 

get the refurb pro. It's better than the macbook, and in my opinion looks better also. back lit keyboard, better GPU, it's just a better deal.

 

Only thing I can say is that there are issues with the new gen MBs and if you don't need the latest and greatest, the early 2008 models are fine.

 

i dont know if the current issues are any worse than the issues with the plastic models. Cracking plastic, bad screens, wrist pad discoloration vs. loose battery cover, bad screens, and finicky touchpads.

 

need more info, what are you going to be using the notebook for, programs? how much will you be moving around?

 

How does it have a better GPU? They're like the same...except one has a lot less chance of failing...

 

8600gt vs. 9400m? i think its better, no?

 

Ohhh lol I thought the title read "New Macbook Pro or Previous Gen Macbook Pro"! lol my bad. 8600m GT > 9400m (except for the failing 8600m GT part).

 

yes,but 1600$ for a new MBP looks appealing

 

Don't forget that the new MB's screen whilst better than the older MB is still not quite as good as either of the MBPs.

 

The 8600GT is much more powerful than the 9400M in the new MB.

 

wow thats cheap for the pro. I would get that
forget the new macbook. MBP has a way better graphics card and processor
plus screen is bigger.

I would buy that pro in a heartbeat

 

The new MB/MBP is a bit overpriced compared to what it brings to the table. I'd say you can't go wrong with the previous generation (2007 models) of the MBP. The internals are a still very powerful (at least with the 2007 MBP's).

 

The ability to ask the right question is more than half the battle of finding the answer." Thomas J. Watson

 

My apologies, ladies and gentleman.

I ended up purchasing a used MBP just two days ago. $1300 flat; mint, April 2008 model, with multitouch and LED screen.

Love it. Apple elevates computing to an AESTHETIC experience.

The only trouble I've been having are quasi-stuck keys, or at least what seems to be that way. Double-typing letters or turning on caps lock sometimes doesn't work...perhaps I need to apply more pressure?

Also, it seems for for its near faultless aesthetic, the old MBP doesn't close FLUSH. With the latch locked, there are a few millimetres of space along the edges of the laptop. I did some research and apparently this is normal...what a shame!

 

I believe Apple released a firmware update for the keyboard that resolves this. The keys are indeed a bit "mushy", and that leads some people to think that lightly pressing a key would register as a full keypress. Run the Apple software updater and see if the firmware update comes up.

 

The last owner ran all the updates. Just checked and there were none more.

Perhaps the issue was worse before. In any case, while a bit trickier to type on than my old Dell (or older Lenovo), I imagine I'll adjust over time. I think the MBP just requires slightly more conscientious finger movements...my body will get used to it. Good to know, however, that the issue is not isolated.

Thanks.

 

Yeah, you will get used to it. It took me about 2 months of typing on my MBP to get used to it. I'm still working on strengthening my left pinky finger for hitting the caps lock key more accurately though...

 

Good for you bro.

 

Don't get a used prev gen MacBook Pro. They are nice but living with a ticking time bomb is a pain. It looks like the new MBs and MBPs run at much lower GPU temperatures.

BTW, I have three prev-gen MPBs. One died and Apple replaced the motherboard for free but that was before they supposedly fixed the problem so I expect it to die again. I expect my other two to die as well. Hopefully it's within the warranty period.

I do love my 17 inch MBP. Very nice machine. But the nVidia 8600 issue puts a damper on the experience.

 

I went to Best Buy here in Florida. I noticed that the Air was quite hot back towards the battery.

The new MBP and MB are significantly cooler to the touch - with the new MB coolest of them all.

The reason I ask this is that my friend has a 2 or 3 year old MBP and it was definitely hot. Are the 2008s cooler?

 

^yes,they are.

 

exactly...i'll gladly take the 9400 over the faulty 8600

 

i just bought my refurb mbp 15 2.5 512mb version

i would consider the price to be worthwhile but i am leaning toward extending the warranty through applecare in case if 8600 cheats on me

i am glad another person was on the same boat as i was (except 9400m be a little weak on games)

matte screen too, reason why i switch(first mac) is b/c i am on a x41t for notes and lenovo doesn't offer ips screen anymore (sad)

still waiting for it to be delivered

 

Lol, I'm pretty sure Apple doesn't use IPS screens on their laptops... do they? I thought they used TNs.

 

I also would strongly recommend the last-gen Macbook Pro- the screen has amazing brightness & clarity, and will let you view a lot more than the other mb screens. edit: I see you did- good choice. My girlfriends' 1280 x 800 screen on her macbook always reminds me how much I prefer my 1440 x 900 screen, especially if you'll be doing anything technical (programming, graphing). Personally, I prefer the last generation mbp as well: the screen is not glossy, the're lighter and have a smaller footprint. The CPU on the last-gen MBP is the same as the new one (with slightly weaker gpu) so I doubt it would be much hotter. If you happen to be at McGill, they're offering the 2.5GHz last-gen MBP for 1799$ CAD (1440 USD) with 3 yr. apple care, which is almost *half* the price of the new high-end MBP avec warranty. For once things are actually cheaper in Canada (b/c the pricing hasn't adjusted to the soaring USD).

 

i am not advocating that, simply mean since lenovo doesn't use ips anymore, i no longer have bond with them