I would still like to get a MacBook, now is it worth the upgrade for me?

I was in this situation back in the summer, very close to selling it and getting an Apple. As tempting as it was, I resisted. Now its 6+ months later, the new Core 2 Macbooks are out, and prices are dropping. Take a look at my specs, tell me if its worth selling my VAIO now and getting a MacBook. Im guessing my VAIO is worth maybe, $600cdn? I did put $200 worth of upgrades into it (RAM and HD)

FS830W
15.4'' X-Brite
Pentium M 1.86
6.2lbs
2GB Kingston DDR2 Ram (one stick) (lifetime warr)
80GB Seagate Momentus 2. 5400rpm (5yr warr)
Intel onboard video
Dual layer DVD-RW
All manuals, boxes and packaging intact

Its in perfect, PERFECT condition...no marks anywhere - looks and feels brand new. Never had any work done to it, and works flawlessly. With the upgrades put in, the machine runs very fast and smooth. I never ran any games on it, but it handles Photoshop, and graphic programs with no hiccups.

 

Depends on how badly you want the Macbook. Do note that although the Macbook does have a more superior CPU, the performance increase would probably not be worth it if you only run single thread processes. But it will be a nice size and weight improvement on your 3.1kg Vaio, so if you find the Sony is too big and heavy, sell it and get the Mac.

 

Hard to say. I'm not sure I would expect a major performance boost or anything compared to what you already have, but it's at least a couple of generations newer, relatively.

The bigger aspect of the upgrade would probably be the ability to use OS X though; if you like OS X, that would be the major factor I think in deciding to upgrade. Second to that would probably be the form factor, etc. and if you liked the smaller size more. Performance doesn't seem like it would come into play quite as much (although you might see more of a boost if you upgraded the MacBook to 2GB of RAM and a bigger HD).

 

Right now weight isnt a huge issue to me since I dont commute with my laptop nearly as much as when I was in school. I still do, just not as much...maybe 2 or 3 times a week.

I dont do anything super intensive but I do wish I had a core duo when I sometimes run photoshop or something and try to scan for viruses.

 

One thing, have you considered the Sony C series? It is somewhat comparable to the MacBook, but you wouldn't have to pay extra for a copy of Windows. Not sure how much OS X is a factor in wanting a MacBook to replace your Vaio or not.

 

If I get a MB, first thing I would do is upgrade to 2GB ram. HD I would leave alone, 80GB is plenty.

I love Mac OSX, I havent played around with a MB as much as I would have liked since it came out but when I first did...I loved it. Everything about it - the feel, look, keyboard when you type was heaven. Going back to my VAIO keyboard was like night and day lol. But I dont mind typing on my VAIO, its just noticeably more comfortable on the MB.

 

C series? hmm didnt even know there was such a line.

Well if I get a MB, I dont plan on running windows on it anyways - personally I think its pointless.

 

The Vaio C Series is sort of like a lower-priced version of the Sony SZ series. A bit heavier and thicker, and usually just integrated graphics and a lesser quality screen compared to the SZ series. I think they are sort of nice for what they are, and after rebates can be found in the $1000-1050 range.

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INT..._VAIONotebookComputers_CSeries&Dept=computers

-Zadillo

K, in that case then, if you did like the hardware (in particular the keyboard, which seems to be sort of a love/hate thing), and you like Mac OS X, I definitely think it would be worth it then. Usually when people ask these questions, for me at least it comes down to asking whether they will use and enjoy Mac OS X. If you do like it, I think it will definitely be a nice upgrade for you. I actually followed a somewhat similar path (I moved from a Sony S360 to a MacBook, then to a C2D MacBook Pro, but am currently waiting for the next revision of the MBP line). I actually really liked the MacBook, but returned it because I wanted dedicated graphics (although in hindsight, I don't really do much gaming on a laptop, so it isn't such a big deal).

I would say that it's still nice to have the option to install Windows on the MacBook, so you can use software from time to time that isn't available on OS X. Between Boot Camp and Parallels, it makes it really easy to use Windows when you need to, and still use OS X most of the time.

 

Hey TripleH,
Revisiting the MacBook itch eh LOL. If I remember enough of your situation from the summer, I'd say you're still better off waiting before moving towards a MacBook.

I don't think you'll get much for your Sony, especially now that it's a little further out of date, and in another six months or so a newer version of the MacBook is very likely to be on the horizon, if not already out.

I'd still suggest waiting until your current VAIO is really becoming dated--maybe in a year? That way you get your money's worth out of it. The VAIO is not obsolete in any way and will still be sufficient for a while in my opinion.

But since I know how much you've been dying to get a MacBook, perhaps you may want to do it anyway.

 

I wouldn't worry about it unless you really want OSX or need more power for a valid reason. Or just want to spend the money. Notebooks get old enough for me in about 3 years, then they just won't keep up with what I want to do, so I get a new one then. It's also when my warranty gets up.

But it comes down to your budget. Will it be light-years ahead of what you've got? Not really, unless you're a 3D gamer. Will it be a good jump? Almost certainly. Is it worth it? Your call.

 

The pentium M is still a good processor, and sufficient for most people unless you are heavy into multi-threaded apps.

 

Go for it. Macs are soo much better.

 

oops Edit: I have 2GB ram, NOT one. =)

The heaviest thing I do is photoshop, graphic programs while having a bunch of windows open Nothing 2GB ram cant handle, but I do notice when I run say anti virus at the same time or playing video, it can get bit slow.

Interesting - but 1550 is out of my price range. Though mind you I buy a MB with 2GB ram and windows it will be more lol.

I suppose it wouldnt be a bad idea to have windows installed on the MB. Fair enough.

Ya Im thinking I might wait at least a year. For my NB now, maybe what $600? I paid about $1500 with taxes and upgrades 10 months ago, it would be a hefty loss - something I could easily avoid right now.