Macbook pro: Loaded core duo vs. reg. core 2

[rdhmario3suit]

Alright, at my school the feasible discounts for Macbook Pros are as follows:

1800 for the 15" standard core2duo 2.16 GHz with 1gb RAM (what they sell at the apple store)

or

$1700 for core duo (I think 2.16ghz..) and 1GB RAM, and X1600 256vram.

So is 100 bucks saved plus the better card worth it?

I want to use final cut pro and also I'll be gaming some on it.

Also, is there any easy way to manually upgrade the video card?

Thanks

 

[clevin]

depends how you use it, gaming probably need better graphic card.
I never heard anybody update cpu or graphic card on their laptop, but i m sure you can do it if you want.

 

[Kendall015]

I don't think that upgrading the GPU is possible later on...it's kinda soldered onto the logic board.

Keep in mind that the Core 2 Duo is about 10-15% faster than a Core Duo of equivalent clock speed, depending on what you're doing. Also, forgive me if I am mistaken but I beleive the X1600 is running at a higher clock speed in the Core 2 Duo macbook pro (400+MHz vs. 330MHz if I remember correctly).

I'm usually all for saving money, but I would go for the Core 2 Duo.

 

[clevin]

its mainly 256 vram vs. 128 vram,
also, im curious about ur clock speed statement, care to share a link?
anyway, clock speed can be cracked, while vram is a rigid hardware, can not be changed.

 

[EvryDayImShufln]

I'd go for C2D if mainly for the heat issue being fixed. You dont need to worry about this burning holes into your plastic tables anymore

 

[rdhmario3suit]

I'd go for C2D if mainly for the heat issue being fixed. You dont need to worry about this burning holes into your plastic tables anymore

Hmm good to know.

I'm not 100% sure on what to do since my budget is 1500 but I may just do the 90 days SAC...