A few questions

[MarshallM]

Hello all,

Sorry about this topic - I'm sure you get thousands of these a month to answer! But any help would be greatly appreciated.

I'm looking to upgrade my laptop from my old iBook G4 to a new one (I'm in the UK). I would be using it for university next year, and might want to do a touch of gaming on it (Counter Strike probably). Looking at the MB and MBP models, the only real difference seems to be the GPU, screen size and price. I'm looking into the second MBP (15", 256mb VRAM). If it wasn't for the screen size I would buy the MB, but I do a little design/development work too.

The only questions I have are as follows:
1. Does 256mb compared to 128mb VRAM make much of a difference?
2. Are Apple planning to swap the keyboard style over to that stylish type on the new MacBooks?
3. How long should I wait before purchasing one? I'm looking at getting one around Christmas this year, but I don't know when Apple do updates (seems to be a cycle?). This could effect if I wait longer or buy sooner!
4. Discount wise - difference between FE/Dev?

Once again, thank you.

Matt.

 

[janey]

3. How long should I wait before purchasing one? I'm looking at getting one around Christmas this year, but I don't know when Apple do updates (seems to be a cycle?). This could effect if I wait longer or buy sooner!

Christmas is close to MWSF where product updates are often announced, but honestly... This is a rumor site, there's plenty of stuff floating around, and it can be hard. A good place to start is https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/ to find out more about the MBP.

4. Discount wise - difference between FE/Dev?

I believe you can look up the differences

Dev discounts on the pro machines (MBP, Mac Pro) are very nice.

 

[netdog]

1. Does 256mb compared to 128mb VRAM make much of a difference?

For 3D stuff it does. Otherwise not, though with resolution independence and god knows what else coming down the road, I feel a lot better about having 256.

2. Are Apple planning to swap the keyboard style over to that stylish type on the new MacBooks?

Who knows? That is the only thing that I miss about my MB (and the black plastic)

3. How long should I wait before purchasing one? I'm looking at getting one around Christmas this year, but I don't know when Apple do updates (seems to be a cycle?). This could effect if I wait longer or buy sooner!

The Santa Rosa upgrade coming most likely by June 11 for all MBPs (if not before) and should also feature an LED screen on the MBP 15" with the others to catchup later (including the MBs well before Christmas).

I was a MB owner who was gifted a MBP 2.33 15", and I am really surprised at how much more I like the Pro. The screen is fab.