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How Goes It Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 393	Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 10:20 am    Post subject: MacBook Pro buying advice needed I'm thinking about getting a new computer. I want to go with a notebook, and not a desktop. I like the convenience of being able to move the computer easily, or take it with me. So a desktop is out this time. As opposed to the mid size (15") notebooks that I have been using -- this time, I want to get the larger 17". Does anyone have a guess as to when Apple will be releasing their next 17" MacBook Pro? I'd hate to buy a computer only to see the next model released within a few weeks -- as one of the apps I'm going to be using (not CAD or Modeling related) could take advantage of more horsepower. Anyone know what time of year Apple typically releases their top of the line notebooks? ------------------------ Thanks for any help, Steve
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MikeCharek Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 180	Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 12:11 pm    Post subject: MacBook Pro buying advice needed I would refer you to the ever-useful MacRumors Buyer's Guide: http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/
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John Cruet Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 352 Location: Guilford, CT	Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 12:26 pm    Post subject: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs-17inch.html I was under the impression that this was the latest and greatest so far! Am I missing something? 2.8 GHZ processor, 17 inch display- seems to be enough beyond the 15 inch to matter. _________________ John Cruet G4/733 w/1028 mb RAM & OS 10.4.10, Classic-free, skuzzy-free (runs PC7) MacBook Pro 2G Intel core duo 2 gig RAM & OS 10.5.4. PowerCadd 8, WT 9 Canon iP710 printer www.johncruet.com
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CJH Joined: 24 Apr 2004 Posts: 351	Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 12:53 pm    Post subject: I've just upgraded from a 15" matt screen to a 17" 2.8 glossy screen. I chose the glossy screen after doing side by side comparisons of the 15" matt and my son's 15" glossy, and since I don't have glare issues in my office I felt the glossy screen was sharper. The 17" is a high-resolution screen, so menus, text, etc. is about 20% smaller than on the 15". Most text you can scale up, but the menu bar and Powercadd menus are smaller which takes some getting used to for my 51 year old eyes. But, the screen is incredibly sharp, so that seems to make up for it. I'll be keeping the 15" for travel, so the size of the 17" was desirable. It is kind of big, though, if you expect to take it around with you. It is very fast running Powercadd. I have it running Snow Leopard and PC8, scrolling, panning etc. is completely fluid even on hatch intensive drawings. I think both machines are a great choice, mostly you need to look at the size and if you expect to travel a lot with it.
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John Cruet Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 352 Location: Guilford, CT	Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 2:53 pm    Post subject: CJH wrote: It is kind of big, though, if you expect to take it around with you. I actually think it weighs as much as a 15-inch machine from the dark side, since it is made from mainly lightweight materials, so only the bulk of a 17 inch size would be a factor. Of course you could not use it on a plane in coach class But for presentations, or for working in your hotel room, I think it would be a fine, albeit pricey, choice. There is nothing like the 17 inch MacBook Pro out there. I'd say, if price were no object, it would be a great choice. _________________ John Cruet G4/733 w/1028 mb RAM & OS 10.4.10, Classic-free, skuzzy-free (runs PC7) MacBook Pro 2G Intel core duo 2 gig RAM & OS 10.5.4. PowerCadd 8, WT 9 Canon iP710 printer www.johncruet.com
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Rob C Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 573 Location: Southern Connecticut	Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 7:04 pm    Post subject: I've been a proponent of the laptop route for a while (my last 6 machines - the last desktop I ever had was a 1995 PowerMac 8100/80). All the while, I've almost always had them connected to an external monitor on the desktop and set for dual display mode. For that reason, with the last three machines, I've still chosen the 15" models instead of 17", because the internal screen is the prime display only on the road, and the 15" is a lot easier to travel with, sit in an airplane seat with, etc. In fact, the 15" is still tight in most coach airline seats, especially when the person in front put's their seat back. _________________ Rob www.robertcoolidge.com
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How Goes It Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 393	Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 10:51 pm    Post subject: Mike, Thanks for the buyers guide URL. Looks like it will be awhile until the next model. So I guess I'm in the market to buy now. John, Hard for me to say how much difference the 3.06 will make over the 2.8. It's just that the app I'm looking to use it with --- well, this type of app with its' plug-ins, can put a strain on things. So I think I'll go for it and get the 3.06. Thanks for the link. CJH, Great info on the glossy screen. My mid 50 eyes are probably no better than yours. That's the fun part of aging - right ?!!! Thanks for the heads up on the reduced size menus. Sounds like the increased sharpness of the glossy screen will compensate. I think a friend of mine might have a glossy 17". I'll go check his out to see if the menus are readable to my eyes. Rob, I hear you on the 15" size. It REALLY is a NICE size. Only thing is, I may be using it by itself from time to time, when away from home. And it is at those times that I'm thinking the 17" will come in handy. For one -- I'm going to be using it on an app that has a whole lot of BIG windows -- full of controls and what not. I think that extra real estate will come in handy. I won't be using this on a flight. Thanks everybody. Your posts definitely helped. --------- Steve
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patrickm Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 399 Location: santa barbara, ca	Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 8:19 am    Post subject: I am similar to Rob -- I use a laptop with an external monitor at the office and all my machines have been laptops for the last 10 years. I currently have a 17" MacBook Pro, but will buy a 15" the next time. At the office, my 30" screen is large enough that I don't run dual monitors -- I have the laptop lid closed all of the time (and pile junk on it)...
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Alfred Scott Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Posts: 749 Location: Richmond, VA	Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:07 am    Post subject: My favorite way to buy machines is from the Refurbished Macs section of the Store at Apple.com. They come with a one-year warranty and I have never been able to tell one of these machines from a new machine. I don't have to have the latest and very fastest, so the best deals are available when Apple comes out with a new model and is clearing out its inventory. And then about two years later, I sell the old machine on eBay, explaining that it's my personal machine and that I'm not an eBay trader. I damn near get my money back when I do this. Alfred
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