Macbook Pro Buying Help

[Chazz_Goodtimes]

Ok- so I have decided its time for a mac notebook. This is my first new mac in about 6 years, and my first mac notebook in about 11 years. Needless to say I'm a little behind. I've ruled out the base Macbook and Macbook Air- I definitely want a 15 inch screen. I'm just not sure on what spec's a need.

 

Here is what I intend to use the machine for:

- Basic internet /email etc

- World of Warcraft

- Itunes (never more than 3000 songs / podcasts)

- Photos- I'm into photography and would like to use an app a little more advanced then Iphoto- I will usually keep between 500-1000 high res photos on the machine.

- Watching tv / movies online, Hulu, fancast, etc

 

Here's whats important to me:

- Speed

- Durability

- Longevity - I don't want to have to replace this thing in two years

- Noise / Heat

 

Based on my price range here are my options:

Option 1 / Option 2 / Option 3 / Option 4

Screen: 13 / 15 / 15 / 15

Processor: 2.53 / 2.53 / 2.53 / 2.66

Memory: 8GB / 4GB / 4GB / 4GB

HD: 320GB ATA / 500GB ATA / 128GB SSD / 500GB ATA

Graphics 9400M / 9400M / 9400M / 9400M+9600M GT w 256MB

 

Finally- if I extend myself a little bit I could go as high as (assuming there would be a significant pickup in peformance):

 

Option 5 / Option 6

Screen: 13 / 15

Processor: 2.53 / 2.66

Memory: 4GB / 4GB

HD: 256GB SSD / 128GB SSD

Graphics 9400M / 9400M+9600M GT w 256MB

 

 

Any insight would be appreciated. I'm tech savy enough to have a basic understanding of mac/computers in general but if you could keep responses in relatively layman's terms that would be great.

[beermacht]

get a i7 notebook

 

sorry

 

MBP - nice but expensive, there are faster machines on the market (if it's only about the benchmarks)

styling - ok, a MBP is nice, but don't wear a wristwatch

 

you can't do anything wrong with a big one, but don't forget the few bucks to get photoshop (and the external hdd for the itunes stuff and the pictures - always work with copies!)

[schwamm]

I have a macbook pro 15" with the 9600gt and I use photoshop quite a bit on it on both graphics cards, and there is definitely a difference in performance between it and the 9400m. The mid-grade 15" would be a fine machine for what you want, the one with a 2.66ghz processor, 4gb ram, and a 320gb hard drive. I'd avoid the base model because of its integrated graphics. 4gb Ram should be plenty unless you're doing serious video editing or something. Upgrading the hard drive is probably cheaper if you do it yourself. The solid state drives are great for reliability and increased speed, but come at a huge price. I do perfectly fine with the standard 320gb drive.

 

If you're ok with a refurbished model, check out the refurbished section. For instance, you can get that same mid-grade model refurbished with the full warranty for $300 less. If you watch often enough, you might find one like mine, an older 2.4ghz model that has both graphics cards. It's a great value for someone who doesn't care about a small difference in processor speeds but wants the 9600gt graphics card. It's usually $1299 when they have one available, but you'll want 4gb of ram and maybe a larger drive. Hope this helps!

[Chazz_Goodtimes]

I have a macbook pro 15" with the 9600gt............ Hope this helps!

 

Thank you! Its funny I've posted this question on multiple forums and this was by far the most helpful answer. I think the 2.66 with the two graphics cards and 320 GB ATA is definitely the way to go. I can always upgrade to an SSD down the road.

 

I hope to have my new machine by the end of the week! (thought about the refurbished / open box ones but since I only buy a computer every 5 or 6 years I like to get something brand-new. Again- thanks for your insight.