Old & New Macbook Pro questions

[smitty007]

So, I have the opportunity to purchase a brand new, previous model Apple 15'' Macbook Pro for $1199 (initially, it retailed for $2499).

Here are some of the specs:

• 15-inch, matte finish (non-glossy, no glass screen)
• 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• 1440 x 900 pixels
• 2GB memory
• 250GB hard drive
• 8x double-layer superdrive (dVd + RW/cd-RW)
• nVidiA GeForce 8600m GT graphics with 512mB sdRAm
• solid-state trackpad with multi-Touch gesture support
• full-size backlit keyboard
• AirPort extreme wireless networking (802.11n)
• Bluetooth 2.1+edR
• expresscard/34 expansion slot
• dual-link dVi and VGA video out
• Gigabit ethernet
• UsB 2.0
• FireWire 400
• FireWire 800
• optical digital and analog audio in/out.
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
• Built-in iSight camera
• AirPort Extreme wireless networking (802.11n)
• NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
• Mac OS X Leopard
• iLife ‘08

The New 15'' Macbook Pro's with the LED backlit screens are $1899. Here are the differences I could find:

• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M GT
• Mini DisplayPort for connection to Apple LED Cinema Display; also supports DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI video output via adapters (sold separately)
• All-new smooth glass Multi-Touch trackpad
• LED Backlit glossy widescreen display (glass screen)

Apparently, the new LED backlight screen gives it almost an extra hour of battery power.

So, I'm wondering what some experts might thing about the difference between these two? Is the new glass, LED backlit glossy widescreen & better video card worth the extra money?

[dammitjim]

We'll answer your question after you get us that Fun-Nite hookup.

[ericmalone]

What are you going to be using the computer for?

Not worth the extra cost IMO. Go for the older model, but offer them $1050.

[SuckoutKing]

I am no expert in Mac's but wasn't there problems with the :nVidiA GeForce 8600m GT graphics with 512mB sdRAm

I remember seeing a lot of posts about issues with these cards. Just something to consider.

[smitty007]

Originally Posted by ericmalone

What are you going to be using the computer for?

Not worth the extra cost IMO. Go for the older model, but offer them $1050.

That's the thing, realistically, I'd be fine with the previous model Macbook that is $949, but for $250 more I could get double the RAM, more HD space, better video card, & bigger screen with the 15'' previous model macbook pro. Also, not a big fan of the glossy screen on the 13'' previous model macbook because of the glare. I just want it for ppt/keynote, internet, pictures, music, documents, spreadsheets, teaching.

unfortunately, I can't barter with them at all...it's through a campus bookstore with an education discount. Otherwise, I'd be all over it!

[smitty007]

Originally Posted by SuckoutKing

I am no expert in Mac's but wasn't there problems with the :nVidiA GeForce 8600m GT graphics with 512mB sdRAm

I remember seeing a lot of posts about issues with these cards. Just something to consider.

did not know that...can anyone confirm?

[SuckoutKing]

Here is a good forum for researching laptops. I spent about 2 months researching mine before I made a purchase. Just reading the various threads and articles.

Notebook Forums and Laptop Discussion - Powered by vBulletin

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by smitty007

did not know that...can anyone confirm?

Spotty issues stemming from faulty Nvidia hardware. YMMV.

Unless you need the $250, go for one of the newer units. They're universally better across the board for nearly the same money as these older models were. As long as you can stand the glossy screen.

EDIT: Are you a power user? If no, buy Macbook, save big monies.

[smitty007]

Originally Posted by imthatguy

Spotty issues stemming from faulty Nvidia hardware. YMMV.

Unless you need the $250, go for one of the newer units. They're universally better across the board for nearly the same money as these older models were. As long as you can stand the glossy screen.

EDIT: Are you a power user? If no, buy Macbook, save big monies.

Actually, the $250 is the difference between the previous model Macbook & the previous model Macbook Pro.

The price difference between the previous model Macbook Pro & new model Macbook Pro is $700, which I definitely need!

I don't know that I'm a power user, but the new Macbook is more expensive than the previous model Macbook Pro! Also, it seems worth the $250 to get the previous model Macbook Pro over the prevoius model Macbook...but I could be wrong.

As for the glossy screen...can't stand the glare on those things and still don't understand why people would like it better unless they never used in in the light!

[JM]

Have you checked the refurbished section on the apple store site? They typically have great deals on refurb and previous generation units. Plus you get warranties, lastest software, etc.