Which mac is right for me?

Hello again, I had a topic on should i get a Mac a while back.

It's been a couple weeks and i'm still bit by the mac bug, so we'll have to remedy this.

I think i've settled on a macbook (pro probably).

I have a 17" HP laptop, and a Gaming rig already (both on vista).

I'd be getting a macbook with pretty much no interested in boot camp. This means i wouldn't game on it most likely.

So i think i want a 15.4 inch since i already have a 17" HP. Also, i like the LED backlit and it's cheaper and smaller

I'm gonna go play at the apple store to decide that finally, because i do like the size of the 17".

So basically, I'm a power user on windows PCs, I do it all. My question is should i spend the extra dough on the 2.4 GHz MBP?

I like the more VRAM especially with leopard coming up and being (somewhat) more graphically intensive.

Thanks for input guys.

 

Don't worry about Leopard, it looks very nice in terms of graphics but that's mostly from Core Animation, Apple's implementation of graphics effects without much graphics power needed or coding. The MacBook's GMA950 will run Leopard all fine.

I would say since you already have a powerful computer (the PC), get a MacBook.

 

Yea, I was thinking about the macbook. Thing is, 13" is pretty small, and i'm a screen resolution fan.

Plus, i wouldn't own it in white (personal reasons ) and the black one is damn near the price of a MBP.

 

Ah, well, if you don't want a white MacBook then get a MacBook Pro. The black MacBook's too expensive, or at least, too close in pricing to the MacBook Pro, which has much better features.

 

I agree.

What about the difference between the two macbook pro's? (the 15.4 inch ones). Worth the money? (I'm inclined to think absolutely not but thats just me).

Also trying to find out how to buy it the cheapest. I have the student discount thing but it's still more than a refurb. Any good deals i don't know about?

 

Well, considering you won't be gaming on it I'd say the base model MBP is enough. The biggest difference between the two 15.4-inch MBPs is more VRAM and .2 GHz faster in the higher model. I would say you won't need the extra VRAM or the .2 GHz.

I can get you a 2.2 GHz MacBook Pro for $1850 at MacMall...but with the free iPod Nano the Student Discount will be a better deal.

http://www.macmall.com/macmall/families/new_promo~dp~7254324~family~macbookpro~promo~1.asp

 

I know about the difference, and i say i won't be gaming, but i'm a dirty gadget freak and I might regret the lower MBP if i got it. I'm just kinda torn up about it.

What about the refurbs? Heard anything about them? I'd assume they're of great quality.

 

The refurbs are a great option. They are usually *like* new and save you some $$.

 

Yeah, I've heard nothing but good things about refurbed Macs. Many times people say they don't realize its a refurb until you tell them.

 

From what i can tell it's the same warranty and such as a new one right?

I can't find out on the site if it comes with the original packaging and such?

Thanks guys, you're awesome.

 

Yes, refurbished Macs come with a standard one year warranty and you can add AppleCare on it if you want. Which is pretty awesome, adding 3 years' warranty on a refurbished product .

From what I've heard, I believe it doesn't come with original packaging...I'm sure the power cords and Remote are there but I think it comes in a brown cardboard box...don't quote me on it though.

 

Thanks, I think the iPhone refurbs come with original packaging. I think you may be right about macs though.

I'll head tot he store tomorrow

 

Be sure to check out the glossy and matte screens! Many people ask for recommendations, but I believe the best way for make a proper decision is to see it for yourself.

 

I think i'm a fan of Matte. I have a glossy HP right now, and it's pretty and all, but glare drives me crazy.