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Macbook Pro Advice?

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H8CH
Posts: 2709 - Karma: 218

Right then - i've never owned a Mac before - but i've had it with my PC lappy - it's just got totally r*ped by viruses and died.... and is a bunch of balls..

I want to get a new MB Pro and want to know what is worth getting as the base setup - and yeah i know it's how much money do you wanna spend. But let's keep it

Sep 9 2009 11:44AM
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H8CH
Posts: 2709 - Karma: 218

^^ FAIL.

I wanna keep it under 2G's.... 

I'm also keen on a small laptop, so was thinking of getting the 13 in MBP.  Any limitations to this?

Recommendations please!! I'm a total MB N00b so want to get hooked in with that shiz and maybe start making some decent edits etc....   so general advice please....

Sep 9 2009 11:47AM
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Chaka
Posts: 424 - Karma: 79
i was a MB noob to and then i got one and it is wayy better than a pc.... do it but upgrade the memory

Sep 9 2009 11:54AM
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H8CH
Posts: 2709 - Karma: 218

Is it best to buy it direct from Apple then?

Sep 9 2009 12:07PM
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BWalmer
Posts: 9141 - Karma: 12,885
yes, or an authorized dealer (I.E. Best Buy) because then it will easier to get repairs/returns during your warranty period, plus they are the same price no matter where you get them. As far as what to get, it depends on screen size (13in, 15in, or 17in) Memory (2gb, or 4gb - you can get 8gb on them, but it's an extra grand) and Hard Drive space (250GB, 320GB, or 500gb), all their models are basically the same - minor processor speed differences but it's not very noticable on macs - by the way, I've been told by many people at Best Buy that 4gb of memory on a mac is like 8 or 9gbs on a PC - so take that into consideration. Basically, I'll tell you what I plan on getting for my next one, and you can decide on what you need. I using it for basic web browsing/typing/music/video/ect. stuff, but also doing a lot of Graphic Design work (I.E. Photoshop and Illustrator) and some minor video editing (using Final Cut Pro), I'm getting the 13in MBP (I like it cause it's very portable, but still has a lot of power), with 4gb ram, and 500 gb HDD. Hope that helps.
Sep 9 2009 12:45PM
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factory81
Posts: 3967 - Karma: 63
Buy the base model with the CPU you want / screen you want. Any hard drive / memory upgrades can be done for cheaper then what Apple will offer you, and it allows you to get one now....but upgrade it when you have funds become available.


Sep 9 2009 1:11PM
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H8CH
Posts: 2709 - Karma: 218
Thanks man for the sick reply....
Sep 9 2009 1:15PM
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Loco-Deer-Slayer
Posts: 1401 - Karma: 701
I'm a freshman in college so I just bought a laptop, have the Macbook pro, the lesser of the two versions, I believe. I like it, I only use it for internet, notes, and itunes though. Haven't had any problems with it, looks good stickered up.

I am severely computer retarded though so that's about all I can tell you about mine.
Sep 9 2009 2:16PM
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Tronic
Posts: 236 - Karma: 11
I would throw you the link to the Apple refurbished page, but its down because of the Ipod event happening right now. anyway, BUY A REFURB! It is the best deal. Just go to apple.com, hit store, scroll down to refurb macs on the left. Its a small link. There you will see almost every size and configuration possible for $300 - $500 off MSRP. These are brand new computers that were returned for some odd reason that apple can no longer be sold as "new". Say for instance a university purchases 1000 laptops but then they only need 900 so they return 100. These are the ones sold as refurbs. Most are never even opened. I bought my most recent UMBP in June for $1600 as a refurb. Its the best way to buy macs. They all come in pristine condition. Its best to buy the stock configurations and then upgrade at home.
Sep 9 2009 2:18PM
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japanada
Posts: 13785 - Karma: 1,956
I was in the same boat as you, i was between the 13" and 15" MBP. I ended up going with the 15" cause it has 4gb ddr3 ram and a 250gb hard drive, to get the 13" to those specs it would have cost only $50 bucks more for the 15" version with the same specs. The 17" was too big for me, but the 15" is a good compromise, still decent screen size, and its not a huge heavy comp to take with you.
Sep 9 2009 2:40PM
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H8CH
Posts: 2709 - Karma: 218

Is it true that they don't get so messed up with Viruses like PCc's? My Sony Vaio is shant for that and has finally just pushed me over the edge with how it runs like a slug once it gets a bit full / exposed to viruses and stuff....

That to me is the biggest appeal of the MBP...

Sep 9 2009 2:43PM
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BWalmer
Posts: 9141 - Karma: 12,885
they can, but it's harder to get them. Mine runs almost just as fast as it did when I first got it (I'm not sure if it's actually slower, or if it seems slower cause other's I've used are newer and have more memory/faster processors - this is actually my guess). But, they still run fast over the years (I have the white macbook from like 2 or 3 years ago and the only reason I want a new one is the plastic is starting to crack around the edges - but all the new ones are aluminum so that wont happen any more)
Sep 9 2009 5:34PM
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b-kul
Posts: 4350 - Karma: 1,111
mbp's are the best for porn. seriously though get the 13'' with the upgraded ram and stuff. not super expensive.
Sep 9 2009 7:54PM
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japanada
Posts: 13785 - Karma: 1,956
after the ram and HD upgrades you can get the 15" for 50 bucks more.
Sep 9 2009 8:47PM
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psychkub
Posts: 1788 - Karma: 16
I'm a student and I fine the 13" is more than perfect. Unless you will be doing some kind of design, dont get the 15" or the 17".

The 13" screen is big enough and it's uber transportable. It fits in my dakine backpack with the laptop sleeve perfect and when I'm taking notes in class, it fits perfect on the desk.

Oh, and I got the 250gb HD with the 4gigs of RAM MBP and it came to 1799 because I'm a student. I also got their 3 year warranty which was $181 and since I had a buttload of music on my PC I bought the one-to-one to have apple do all the transfer of files and with the one-to-one you can go and do tutorial sessions with a mac guru at the apple store.

Best purchase ever. I don't know how I lived with PC all these years.
Sep 11 2009 3:26AM
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japanada
Posts: 13785 - Karma: 1,956
I paid 1599 for the 15 inch with 4gb ram and 250 hard drive. Did you get the student discount? I guess for me a decent sized screen was a must. But then again a 13" is too small for me.
Sep 11 2009 5:35AM
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psychkub
Posts: 1788 - Karma: 16
gah, you're right, I just checked my receipt:

$1399 for MBP 2.53GHz, 250GB HD and 4Gigs of RAM
$183 for the Applecare protection plan

and of course my free iPod touch :-)
Sep 11 2009 2:03PM
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b-kul
Posts: 4350 - Karma: 1,111
your right! 13 inches is far too small for watching porn.
Sep 11 2009 9:28PM
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GKO
Posts: 1467 - Karma: 1,410
just got my 13in a week ago and i love it.
Sep 11 2009 10:51PM
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