considering the MBP 13

I am considering purchasing a MBP 13. I`ve always been a pc user, all through undergraduate and graduate school. My daughter has been using a Mac for a couple of years and has been completely happy with it. My needs are very basic, surfing the web and some light photo editing. I like the size of the 13 inch and like what I`ve seen of the operating system, but I`m concerned that the processor is outdated by the I5 and I7. Is there a possibility that the next upgrade will impact significantly on the 13 inch model? I don`t mind waiting a couple of months if it`s going to be worth the wait. Just wondering what you guys think.

 

The last refresh to the MBP13 was in April of 2010. It might be better to wait another 3-4 months at least to see what Apple does to the MBP line. This guide provides a trending of when Apple refreshes it's product lines.

 

Definitely wait, the MBP is due for refresh.

Only the Air is worth buying now.

 

I dont know. Honestly, if you're waiting for the next best thing, you're going to be stuck waiting all the time. This happens with phones and anything tech related. I find myself always wanting the next best upgrade or product and it really serves me terribly. I've learned to be happy and satisfied with what I have. Obviously it would suck if the update came out say tomorrow, but within a few months or during 2011, I'm not sure. It's up to you.


the MBP 13 right now, with the core 2 duo is perfect. For me, an i5 or i7 wouldn't make me change my mind because the 2.4ghz c2d processor can handle anything i want it to while giving me really amazing battery life. I put it in SSD and I really cannot ask for anything more of this laptop. I just got mine 1-2 weeks ago and its the best computer ive ever had. Counting the Lenovo y460, y650, elitebook 6930p, alienware m11x.

Basically, ive learned not to snoop around for a lambo if my needs are satisfied with a porsche. Unless theyre releasing some i5 ultra low voltage, battery life will probably be not as good as the newest 2010 core 2 duo with extended battery life. If they change the functionality or look of it, then maybe its worth the wait but otherwise i'd just pull the trigger on this one and spend the money on a ssd and some accessories.

 

I would have to disagree .... I would wait for a new refresh, I find that with apple, not only do they not increase the price of the laptop, but if they decide to clearance out the older models a good deal can be had (granted that usually you have to buy that from a thrid party reseller who is trying to clear stock, not apple directly usually)

I would really consider waiting if you can, also if you are looking for an ultra portable then get the MBA, but I have mentioned this on many threads, I think it is a great secondary notebook or a supplement to a desktop, however based on what you have mentioned above the MBA might be a good option....

Overall... wait in my opinion.

 

This is all part of the Intel marketing hype that surrounds each CPU/platform release. Are the new CPUs/Platforms more powerful? Absolutely, but typical notebook usage like Internet and light photo editing don't push the CPU enough to were you'd notice a difference between a T2400 or an i5. Now, there users who do push their machines, but the tend to be the exception, not the rule. For most users the hard drive and not the CPU is the performance bottleneck. Given the usage, the Core 2 Duo will offer performance aplenty.

Me, I like the MacBook Air. It's light and portable. It's fast, mainly due to the SSD. It's also got an above average high resolution screen. Those are much more tangible benefits than any purported performance increases a newer CPU would offer.

 

What are you daily tasks? I just got a macbook pro 13 and i find that the 2.4 ghz with 4 gb ram can handle anything I throw at it for my needs which are just really heavy browsing with youtube, pdfs and multiple work spaces, chat agents and word documents going. I take full advantage of spaces and expose. However, the macbook air is lighter only thing is i like the bigger resolution. Not sure about the 1.8 ghz or the ram though. Just thought to compare

 

Exactly what I'm thinking.
There will always be something better around the corner.
Just get what you need now.

Also, Apple is known for not having the most stable Rev A products and based on my experiences I would not risk buying a brand new Macbook Pro refresh.
The current models are pretty much end of the line right now and all the kinks and quirks have been worked out.

 

I will concur wholeheartedly with the eloquent and correct statements that Zaz makes.

Users don't stress their machines enough to reap the benefits of a faster CPU in 90+% of people, and for the intended uses that OP philly describes any of the MB or MBP line will be more than sufficient. For the MBAir, one would want to take the 4GB RAM option for the photo editing but otherwise that (also) will be quite sufficient.

No need to wait until summer for refresh unless 1) you happen to just feel like waiting, or 2) you just *must* have newer tech. Any refreshed models are unlikely to gain more than 5-10% performance increase over current 13" MBP, unless Apple bites the bullet and installs Intel integrated graphics rather than the nVidia so the chipset will accept the i5 ... which I just do not see them doing since the 13" MBP is still essentially considered an entry-level product by their marketing dept.

 

This may delay the refresh a few weeks
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/intel-hit-with-chipset-design-flaw-in-sandy-bridge-rollout/44257

Intel finds Sandy Bridge chipset design flaw, shipments stopped and recalls beginning -- Engadget

 

Couple that with diminishing stock of 15" and 17" being noticed in the stores (presumably in advance of a refresh), and we could be looking at a spring-time Apple shortage. Yikes!

 

Apple.com says the next version of OSX will be out this summer, chances are the MBP refresh will coincide with it, so probably june-sept 2011.

 

I personally couldn't imagine being without a computer for very long.

If I needed a computer I would go out and buy one. Getting your money's worth is a good thing, but when it comes to computers, I see them as a necessity.

 

Thanks for all the input. I don`t usually try to chase technology, I know there always something better coming down the road. I`m pretty sure the current offering will be fine for my needs. I`m not familiar with Mac updates and just wanted to hear some different opinions.

Thanks again.