Need some Mac advice

[-whisp-]

For the past three years I have been using a Macbook (the 13" black)for my Graphic Design studies. As a graduation present my father asked if I would like a new laptop. Excited I said I would think about it as Mac's are not the cheapest thing.

I'm not sure if I should hold on to my macbook for another year and then get a new laptop. I can't say it's at a perfect state, as the last time I went to have a check up on it for a minor issue(no sound comes through earphones when plugged in) they said I would have to replace the motherboard which basically cost the same amount as buying a new macbook.

I've been looking at the Macbook Pros and I'm not sure which one would be best to use for my profession. They all have slight differences and I simply can't decide. Right now I'm aiming for the middle (15" 2.66hz). I would have loved the 17" but the price is kinda stopping me. I just want to see what you guys think. Any help is appreciated.

15-inch : 2.4 GHz
2GB memory
250GB HD
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
9600GT with 256MB
($1,999)

15-inch : 2.66 GHz
4GB memory
320GB HD
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
9600GT with 512MB
($2,499)
------

There is always the third option which is the 'cheapest': the aluminium 13" Macbook.
2.4 GHz
2GB DDR3 Memory
250GB HD
NVIDIA Geforce 9400M graphics
($1,599)

[Animalhill]

For the past three years I have been using a Macbook (the 13" black)for my Graphic Design studies. As a graduation present my father asked if I would like a new laptop. Excited I said I would think about it as Mac's are not the cheapest thing.

I'm not sure if I should hold on to my macbook for another year and then get a new laptop. I can't say it's at a perfect state, as the last time I went to have a check up on it for a minor issue(no sound comes through earphones when plugged in) they said I would have to replace the motherboard which basically cost the same amount as buying a new macbook.

I've been looking at the Macbook Pros and I'm not sure which one would be best to use for my profession. They all have slight differences and I simply can't decide. Right now I'm aiming for the middle (15" 2.66hz). I would have loved the 17" but the price is kinda stopping me. I just want to see what you guys think. Any help is appreciated.

15-inch : 2.4 GHz
2GB memory
250GB HD
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
9600GT with 256MB
($1,999)

15-inch : 2.66 GHz
4GB memory
320GB HD
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
9600GT with 512MB
($2,499)
------

There is always the third option which is the 'cheapest': the aluminium 13" Macbook.
2.4 GHz
2GB DDR3 Memory
250GB HD
NVIDIA Geforce 9400M graphics
($1,599)

Go with the middle one. Faster processor and more memory dedication to graphics.
(I work for PC/Mac Connection)

[Justin052]

I'd also go with that one if you can spring for it.

[Zkrp]

Ok I'm a high Mac enthusiast. I waould love to buy one but I agree with you that they are indeed very expensive. Now the pro's are great for what your looking at the video editing and stuff like that. Luckily so are the midrange ones. The one for 1,500 is great jsut dont get the base one wont work for your purposes if you do have th money definatelt get the one that is 1,999 but with either one you will not be dissapointed.

[tonyC4L]

I'd say if you are financially able to get the 15"/2.66GHz, then go for it. It's definitely the best option. If not, then get the 15"/2.4GHz and at least upgrade the memory to 4GB. One thing though, I'd recommend that your hard drive speed be 7200 rpm, so either get the 250GB for $25 less or the 320GB for $50 more.

[-whisp-]

Alright awesome, thanks everyone for your input :) I'll have a chat with my dad about it in a few days.

[tonyC4L]

please let us know what you end up getting, i'm always interested to hear about people's new computers.