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got your C2D MBP? please tell us....
- Thread starter shecky
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Which model would you recommend?
Humor me as I ask for your advice. A little background first. I started out years ago with a Mac as my first computer (Mac LC) but switched to PCs in the business world. For the last year or so, however, I've become fed up with PCs, virus and spyware protection, etc., and have looked to come home from the dark side. As far as what I would use a Mac for, that would be general internet use, email, pictures, some Word and Powerpoint documents, and general home use, but I'm not into video editing, making digital movies, playing games, or other intensive uses.
I initially thought I'd replace my Dell laptop with a MBP, but waited for the new chips. During my wait I replaced one of my desktops with a Mac Mini, to have something to play with in my spare time and re-learn the Mac OS. I've really enjoyed my Mac Mini.
When the C2Ds came to the MBP, I almost ordered a 17 inch model the first day, but held off, wanting to read experiences folks are having with the new MBPs before I made the plunge. I've also gone back and forth on the glossy vs matte issue. And as you know, the delays with the 17 inch model have been intolerable--I'm ready for you guys to get yours and tell me about them. Finally, for me, I don't need a new laptop right away, so I can wait.
So I've waited, and daily read every new post in this LONG string, all thinking I'd eventually order a 17 inch C2D MBP and boost the ram up to at least 2 gb. But the more I wait, the more I read about the new Santa Rosa chipset scheduled for next year, and the possible complete re-do of the MBP enclosure. I know there will always be something better, but I've hesitated, knowing that if I spent around $3K on a top of the line MBP now, I'd likely not want to upgrade any time soon. So since I don't really need a new laptop now, and could wait, would it be better to wait further before taking the plunge?
My thought was that instead of spending $3K now, only to have the MBP completely redone in 2007, would it be better to start out with something half that price, to tide me over, yet still have a new Apple laptop to learn and enjoy? I could also try out the glossy screen--I love the colors, but the glare may be a bother. My youngest son will be entering college next fall, so if I wanted to upgrade to a newer superduper MBP in 2007, I'd give my son whatever I'm using in the interim to take to college, or give it to my wife to use around the house.
So I looked for something less than the top of the line MBP that I could buy for substantially less, yet still max out the ram at 2 gb. I've come down to a couple of options. First, with the new C2D MacBooks coming out today, I priced at Apple (using education prices, which I can get) a new white 2.0 C2D MB with 2 gb ram at $1356 or a new black 2.0 C2D MB with 2 gb of ram at $1556. I also saw that Apple had a refurb black 2.0 CD MB at $1099, but if you add a couple hundred to boost ram up to 2gb the total is not that much below the new C2D models, so I think the new ones would be a better deal.
Alternatively, when I made my weekly trip tonight to my local Apple store, I found they still had a few of the old CD MBPs demo models, both matte and glossy. The 15 inch CD MBP that originally was $1999 (2.0 ghz) is available for $1299, while the one that originally was $2499 (2.16 ghz) is available for $1499. When I added OWC prices for ram upgrades to 2 gb, that increased the prices to $1549 and $1626, respectively (the cheaper model would need 2 sticks of 1 gb while the more expensive model would need only one extra stick of 1 gb). For less than $100 difference, I think the second one is the better deal.
So, you knowledgable experts, what would you prefer in my shoes? A new 2.0 C2D MB with 2 gb ram in white for $1356 or in black for $1556, or a demo 2.16 CD 15 inch MBP with 2 gb ram for $1626? or should I go ahead and make the plunge for a top of the line MBP and not care about what comes out next year? or something I've not thought about? I really appreciate your advice.
Humor me as I ask for your advice. A little background first. I started out years ago with a Mac as my first computer (Mac LC) but switched to PCs in the business world. For the last year or so, however, I've become fed up with PCs, virus and spyware protection, etc., and have looked to come home from the dark side. As far as what I would use a Mac for, that would be general internet use, email, pictures, some Word and Powerpoint documents, and general home use, but I'm not into video editing, making digital movies, playing games, or other intensive uses.
I initially thought I'd replace my Dell laptop with a MBP, but waited for the new chips. During my wait I replaced one of my desktops with a Mac Mini, to have something to play with in my spare time and re-learn the Mac OS. I've really enjoyed my Mac Mini.
When the C2Ds came to the MBP, I almost ordered a 17 inch model the first day, but held off, wanting to read experiences folks are having with the new MBPs before I made the plunge. I've also gone back and forth on the glossy vs matte issue. And as you know, the delays with the 17 inch model have been intolerable--I'm ready for you guys to get yours and tell me about them. Finally, for me, I don't need a new laptop right away, so I can wait.
So I've waited, and daily read every new post in this LONG string, all thinking I'd eventually order a 17 inch C2D MBP and boost the ram up to at least 2 gb. But the more I wait, the more I read about the new Santa Rosa chipset scheduled for next year, and the possible complete re-do of the MBP enclosure. I know there will always be something better, but I've hesitated, knowing that if I spent around $3K on a top of the line MBP now, I'd likely not want to upgrade any time soon. So since I don't really need a new laptop now, and could wait, would it be better to wait further before taking the plunge?
My thought was that instead of spending $3K now, only to have the MBP completely redone in 2007, would it be better to start out with something half that price, to tide me over, yet still have a new Apple laptop to learn and enjoy? I could also try out the glossy screen--I love the colors, but the glare may be a bother. My youngest son will be entering college next fall, so if I wanted to upgrade to a newer superduper MBP in 2007, I'd give my son whatever I'm using in the interim to take to college, or give it to my wife to use around the house.
So I looked for something less than the top of the line MBP that I could buy for substantially less, yet still max out the ram at 2 gb. I've come down to a couple of options. First, with the new C2D MacBooks coming out today, I priced at Apple (using education prices, which I can get) a new white 2.0 C2D MB with 2 gb ram at $1356 or a new black 2.0 C2D MB with 2 gb of ram at $1556. I also saw that Apple had a refurb black 2.0 CD MB at $1099, but if you add a couple hundred to boost ram up to 2gb the total is not that much below the new C2D models, so I think the new ones would be a better deal.
Alternatively, when I made my weekly trip tonight to my local Apple store, I found they still had a few of the old CD MBPs demo models, both matte and glossy. The 15 inch CD MBP that originally was $1999 (2.0 ghz) is available for $1299, while the one that originally was $2499 (2.16 ghz) is available for $1499. When I added OWC prices for ram upgrades to 2 gb, that increased the prices to $1549 and $1626, respectively (the cheaper model would need 2 sticks of 1 gb while the more expensive model would need only one extra stick of 1 gb). For less than $100 difference, I think the second one is the better deal.
So, you knowledgable experts, what would you prefer in my shoes? A new 2.0 C2D MB with 2 gb ram in white for $1356 or in black for $1556, or a demo 2.16 CD 15 inch MBP with 2 gb ram for $1626? or should I go ahead and make the plunge for a top of the line MBP and not care about what comes out next year? or something I've not thought about? I really appreciate your advice.
a MPB is more machine than you need, power- and features-wise. a new c2d MB would be my reccomendation.
the thing to remember about santa rosa is
1. there is zero guarantee of a complete redesign, in fact there is zero guarantee of even a minor redesign. its defiantly possible but i would not use that as a reason to influence today's purchases.
2. if there is a complete redesign, now you are talking about a rev "A" product again with all the issues and whatnot that comes with it. search the threads on here for all the heat/mooing/RSS/etc problems with the Rev A MBP and MB. right now the MB and MBP are both Rev B and Rev C products with most of the issues ironed out.
the thing to remember about santa rosa is
1. there is zero guarantee of a complete redesign, in fact there is zero guarantee of even a minor redesign. its defiantly possible but i would not use that as a reason to influence today's purchases.
2. if there is a complete redesign, now you are talking about a rev "A" product again with all the issues and whatnot that comes with it. search the threads on here for all the heat/mooing/RSS/etc problems with the Rev A MBP and MB. right now the MB and MBP are both Rev B and Rev C products with most of the issues ironed out.
Given these points, esp...I'd ask your son if he likes white or black and get that C2D MB. You don't really need the MBP for what you'd use it for and the CD MBP's have had quite a bit of problems, so the old demos don't seem like a good deal.
I think for your purposes you'd be very happy with a C2D Macbook and may not even want to pass it on to your son or wife...but if the Santa Rosa redesign convinces you to upgrade, they'd be glad to have the MB as well.
Hope that helps some.....as of today, my new 15" MBP/2.33/160/glossy had just left AK. Does FedEx deliver on Friday even though it's a holiday?
If you don't need the MBP ..... you don't need the MBP... If time is MONEY and you want to crunch as fast as you can.... GO MBP... if not.. then MB is the answer....
speaking of which.. WHEN THE FRICK is my 17 inch MBP gonna get here!!!
iloveyou
yeah.. i said GONNA....
speaking of which.. WHEN THE FRICK is my 17 inch MBP gonna get here!!!
iloveyou
yeah.. i said GONNA....
My MBP C2D - DOA
Well it was faulty straight out of the box... weird... it like the space bar was stuck down (except the key looked fine), it kept making the cursor scroll across the screen whenever a text field was active. Sounds a bit trivial compared to dead pixels and moo's and whine's etc, but it makes the laptop completely unusable!
After 15min on the phone with apple they declared it DOA.
Estimated turn around time for a new CTO 2.33 with the 160G HDD is 15 days.
I nearly went for an off the shelf 2.33 ("it will ship within 24 hrs of notice of collection of your MBP sir") ... it was very tempting - I want my precious now !
Oh I thought about taking it to a service centre to get the keyboard looked at, but i was told there was a two week wait for service
Well it was faulty straight out of the box... weird... it like the space bar was stuck down (except the key looked fine), it kept making the cursor scroll across the screen whenever a text field was active. Sounds a bit trivial compared to dead pixels and moo's and whine's etc, but it makes the laptop completely unusable!
After 15min on the phone with apple they declared it DOA.
Estimated turn around time for a new CTO 2.33 with the 160G HDD is 15 days.
I nearly went for an off the shelf 2.33 ("it will ship within 24 hrs of notice of collection of your MBP sir") ... it was very tempting - I want my precious now ! Oh I thought about taking it to a service centre to get the keyboard looked at, but i was told there was a two week wait for service
dead pixel.....???? yikes??
Is that common?
SOUNDS YUCKY
It's very common on any LCD screen. It is why most manufacturers consider a certain number of dead and stuck pixels to be normal and within specifications - and why zero dead pixel policies (i.e. where a return will be accepted with no restocking fee) are incredibly uncommon.
My 2 2.33ghz/3gb/160gb MBPs ordered on Oct. 25th FINALLY shipped
11:17 AM Left origin SHANGHAI CN
i have the same note on my machine (only at 3:42PM november 9) - does "left origin" mean "on the plane and in the air"?
Based on my tracking info:
Nov 9, 2006 1:37 AM Int'l shipment release INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Nov 8, 2006 11:25 PM Arrived at FedEx location INDIANAPOLIS, IN 1:23 PM Departed FedEx location ANCHORAGE, AK
12:04 PM Arrived at FedEx location ANCHORAGE, AK Nov 7, 2006 8:22 PM Picked up SHANGHAI CN Package received after FedEx cutoff
8:21 PM Left origin SHANGHAI CN
5:55 PM Package data transmitted to FedEx
I would think "Left origin" meant, left the Apple factory. First, they scheduled the pickup, then it left origin and was picked up, then it magically arrived in AK.
Keep in mind my FedEx tracking seems to "freeze" in one spot for a day or more then overnight it all updates and my computer is much closer to me then before. When I thought it was still stuck in China, the next update had it already leaving AK on it's way to IN.
I'm just hoping they deliver tomorrow (US Holiday).
Yippie.... maybe mine will be shipping too.My 2 2.33ghz/3gb/160gb MBPs ordered on Oct. 25th FINALLY shipped
11:17 AM Left origin SHANGHAI CN
maybe, maybe not. Mine updated to Nov 27. My friends (Edu - ordered Nov 3) just shipped. frustrating!
Edit: I don't mean to sound negative - i really hope it does ship!
With the C2D MBP venting system pretty much solving the heat problems, I wouldn't be surprised if they left the case as is. It's still the best looking computer made and it's not going to get any thinner.
Also, I couldn't see them adding the MB-style keyboard to the MBP - it seems like one of those things that might upset some professionals, and professional laptops (see the Thinkpads and Latitudes) are usually slow to change. And the magnetic latch is kind of cool but I actually prefer a regular latch - the MB latch is sort of harder to open then it should be.
The one thing that would be great though is if they made the hard drive user upgradable.
Hey Multimedia, i just saw this post, and Monolingual sounds like a great program. But the readme mentions the possibility of screwing up certain applications like Adobe Acrobat if you remove languages. Did you have any problems like that? I use acrobat 7 pro, CS2, etc. and i don't want to have to re-install them if i can help it.
From AppleInsider reffering to 17"
One AppleInsider correspondent with a bulk order for the new notebooks at stake did some additional digging. He was informed through his Apple channel that the company did not foresee manufacturing ramp of the new models beginning for at least another week.
One AppleInsider correspondent with a bulk order for the new notebooks at stake did some additional digging. He was informed through his Apple channel that the company did not foresee manufacturing ramp of the new models beginning for at least another week.
My 2 2.33ghz/3gb/160gb MBPs ordered on Oct. 25th FINALLY shipped
11:17 AM Left origin SHANGHAI CN
sent you a PM too, but what time did you order? and were yours glossy or matte screens? if you ordered Matte screens and your order time was later than mine there is no reason mine shouldnt ship today as well. Just need a bit more info before I call my rep. Was your order delayed to 11/29 also, I thinks so but cant remember exactly and there are way too may pages to dig through.
We are both k-12 institutional orders with the exact same machine (if yours are matte) ordered on the 25th. so Im gonna keep my fingers crossed. different
I've been following this thread since I ordered my MBP 15" / 2.33 / 160 to replace my PBG4 1.25. Obviously a lot has changed in three years. I'm loving the keyboard (lighting is so much better), the glossy hi-res screen, tons of HD space, and the speed obviously.
Had trouble getting my projector recognised. Ended up restarting with it connected which did the trick. Hope it will recognise it straight away (like the PB does) next time I plug in.
Nervously used the migration assistant to transfer data and users, but not applications. It's so clever the way you're up and running exactly where you left off, but I want to make a clean start with applications. Installing some stuff now. Do I have to reinstall iWork or can I register with my current key?
Had trouble getting my projector recognised. Ended up restarting with it connected which did the trick. Hope it will recognise it straight away (like the PB does) next time I plug in.
Nervously used the migration assistant to transfer data and users, but not applications. It's so clever the way you're up and running exactly where you left off, but I want to make a clean start with applications. Installing some stuff now. Do I have to reinstall iWork or can I register with my current key?
njp142, I think you're spot-on. The design currently being used is perfect, with the sole exception of not having an easy to upgrade HD, and perhaps adding a 3rd USB2 drive, as the 17" MBP has. This baby is sleek, beautiful, durable, fast-as-hell and includes every option I can imagine!
iBorg
Never Had A Problem With Monolingual
Don't run Acrobat very often. I doubt it will hurt to remove all but English. But I can't promise.Hey Multimedia, i just saw this post, and Monolingual sounds like a great program. But the readme mentions the possibility of screwing up certain applications like Adobe Acrobat if you remove languages. Did you have any problems like that? I use acrobat 7 pro, CS2, etc. and i don't want to have to re-install them if i can help it.
Why Did You Switch To Glossy?
Register with your current key I think. Would you mind elaborating on why you switched to Glossy? I have the same PB you just left behind from 3 years ago.