SR MacBook vs. Current MBP (Refurb)

[Mistershark]

Overview:
After hearing so much about Santa Rosa, I am starting to wonder whether it would be wise in the future to get a new, Santa Rosa MacBook (Black), or a Current MacBook Pro Refurb (to purchase when the MBP's are updated). I won't be able to spend more than $1700. (I know it's a little early to decide between an existing product and something that isn't even confirmed to be released, but I want to be able to pounce on a MBP refurb -as soon as they are discounted-, if that's my best option.)

Uses:
I will mainly be using this computer for Video Editing, although Final Cut Studio (or Final Cut Pro by itself) may be too advanced for me. I have been looking at Final Cut Express on the MacBook and have heard that it runs perfectly, but only with 2 gigs of RAM. If I do go more advanced later on, I would like to have the option of Final Cut Studio.

EDIT
I'm not much of a hardcore gamer. Although it would be nice to have the option to play fairly graphic intensive games(I know, complete contradiction of adjectives) once in a while.

Warranty:
I want to keep this computer for at least three years. Is it worth it to get the extended warranty? I understand it is possible to buy the extended warranty anytime within the Manufacturer's Warranty. The extra hundred bucks I would have to fork over for the MBP would delay getting any Final Cut Software. Video is more of a hobby than anything right now, though, so a delay wouldn't hurt too much.

Well, Anyway:
This will be my first Mac and my first notebook. I have done my research, but I still can't decide. Will the Santa Rosa VRAM be enough for the MacBook to run Final Cut Studio? Is the current Macbook Pro just too good a computer to pass up? Any thoughts?

 

[juanster]

i think the best thing would be to wait until SR is out and then compare...IMO

 

[mkrishnan]

This is a little dated (CD vs C2D), but take a look at this:

http://creativemac.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=43717

I expected there to be substantial advantages for the MBP over the MB on the specific FCS apps, because of its video card, but it seemed not to be the case.

 

[Mistershark]

This is a little dated (CD vs C2D), but take a look at this:

http://creativemac.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=43717

I expected there to be substantial advantages for the MBP over the MB on the specific FCS apps, because of its video card, but it seemed not to be the case.

Yes I have seen that before, but this makes me anxious:

"All of the tests were rendering tests, which, of course, doesn't tell the whole story."

I might be latching on to a small issue, but what exactly is the whole story?

 

[CRAZYBUBBA]

If you're doing video, wait for sr. larger l2 cache.. and maybe a better v card?