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Student dilemma :(

W

whmees

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 8, 2006
23
0
Howdy all,

Here's my current situation:
I'm a poor college student (yay!) who recently procured a brand new 1.83 Ghz 15" Macbook Pro via a giftsite (long story). Whatever the case, I'm not entirely sure I even want this laptop, as it seems like more bang than I really need.

What I'm trying to decide is the following:
Should I go ahead and try to sell this laptop (hopefully able to get around 1700$ for it... it hasn't been opened or anything... is this too much?), and then buy a new (probably black) Macbook, get a 30 gig iPod, and upgrade to 2 gigs of ram via 3rd party (setting me back probably around 200$, after subtracting the expected earnings from selling the MBP)... or should I just go ahead and buy 2 gigs of ram and install them on my current MBP?

Additionally, just how reliable are refurbished machines? I've noticed that the refurb discount is actually better than the educational discount (unfortunately you don't get the 169$ discount on the ipod when buying refurb though...)... but are these machines more likely to mess up?

Thanks!
whmees
 
Refurb machines have been fully tested by Apple and have the same warranty as new ones. Lots of people here have bought them, and have had no problems.

As for your dillema, I'd say it depends on what you need. If you want more screen space and a better graphics card, keep the MBP. If you want something a bit smaller (but not lighter) and don't need the extra graphics power, go with the MacBook. Keep in mind that selling a laptop can be tedious and time-consuming, and can sometimes be costly (PayPal fees, etc). You might wanna try a trade on the Marketplace here.
 
I'd stick with the MBP, because it might seem like too much machine now, but in 3 years it will still be a very capable computer. Hell, I'd even say 5 years from now it will be only beginning to show it's age.

It isn't totally about what you need (as far as computer power) right now. There is also how long what you buy will last you.
 
If I am in your position my decision will pivot solely on the following question.. "Will this be my sole computer?"

Since you are a student, my guess is you also game:p , and if you do then of course the discrete graphics chip would come in handy. Sure, the MBP also has backlight keyboard and a whole host of other handy features, but IMO the only real thing that it has going for it is really the dedicated graphics chip.

You can probably sell it for quite a good price, and get a MB with a faster processor, and even an iPod to go along with it. Ultimately it is your decision.
 
generik said:
If I am in your position my decision will pivot solely on the following question.. "Will this be my sole computer?"

Since you are a student, my guess is you also game:p , and if you do then of course the discrete graphics chip would come in handy. Sure, the MBP also has backlight keyboard and a whole host of other handy features, but IMO the only real thing that it has going for it is really the dedicated graphics chip.

You can probably sell it for quite a good price, and get a MB with a faster processor, and even an iPod to go along with it. Ultimately it is your decision.
Click to expand...


Good point generik, if you plan on doing any gaming whmees, you will appreciate the MacBook Pro's dedicated gpu. :)
 
Have to further add that IMO the Macbook is really a very good bargain, it is quite hard to justify the MBP when the MB gives so much for so little ;)

Hence almost everyone who is in the market for a MBP right now is holding out for Merom, it is not that much faster, but at least it lends more leverage for Apple to loot your wallet :)
 
Well I would say, MBP>MB, obviously. I mean personally I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't want to go MacBook if I'd the choice.
 
DarkNetworks said:
Well I would say, MBP>MB, obviously. I mean personally I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't want to go MacBook if I'd the choice.
Click to expand...

It really depends on needs, I still prefer to see a smaller MBP. Quite frankly while I'm leaning towards the MBP it won't take much for me to get a MB in its place either.
 
as much as i like the MBP, i'd rather have a Macbook b/c of size. i just wish it had better graphics, but other than that, i don't see anything wrong with it. yeah the casing of the MBP looks good, but the wireless reception is better on the Macbook.
 
I think it more then a MBP is better then a MB. He also wants an Ipod and some cash in pocket.

Is a MBP > MB + 2GB + IPOD + $200

I really doubt that , for somebody who will be using it for school work, music and web. If he isnt a graphic designer or a gamer the MB is fine. He wont notice the difference.

If he can sell the MBP for $1700.... it might be worth it if he needs money. But might think of buying the MB used can save another $100 or $200


Do not open the Macbook Pro if you plan to sell it. The value will drop $200or more.


The MBP isnt cut for games either buy an Xbox 360.
 
My gut reaction (And what I might choose, if I was in this situation) would be to sell the MBP and soup up the MB.

However...

This is a great point.
GimmeSlack12 said:
I'd stick with the MBP, because it might seem like too much machine now, but in 3 years it will still be a very capable computer. Hell, I'd even say 5 years from now it will be only beginning to show it's age.

It isn't totally about what you need (as far as computer power) right now. There is also how long what you buy will last you.
Click to expand...
 
Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the replies.

I was originally planning on using the marketplace here to sell/trade it, but because I haven't posted 100 posts, I can't do anything there. Kind of sucks :(. If you guys know someone who wants it though, tell them to message me ;).


I'm not a ridiculously heavy gamer, but I have been known to dabble in Diablo 2 for weeks at a time. However, as some other people noticed, this isn't just about the laptop itself, but the possibility of getting an iPod as well (not to mention the smaller form factor).
If I was to sell the MBP for around 1700$ (which, as I said, I hope is reasonable enough price), that would allow me to get a MB with a faster processor, in addition to purchasing 2 gigs of RAM AND a new iPod. Does the dedicated graphics chip/card/whatever in the MBP really justify that?

Additionally, I have a feeling that the 15" might be a bit too big for me... I wish they had a 12" MBP :(.

Decisions decisions :(. Any other things you guys think I should consider?
Thanks!
-Whmees
 
Your troubles

Man wish I had those troubles. Free is free. Keep the MBP and get more longer use out of it than a downgraded MB. Refurbed iPods or used iPods are all over. You can always play your tunes from you MBP. Bigger better faster for free is always the route to take. More ram can always be added. The free iPod is not enough of an incentive.
 
whmees said:
Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the replies.

I was originally planning on using the marketplace here to sell/trade it, but because I haven't posted 100 posts, I can't do anything there. Kind of sucks :(. If you guys know someone who wants it though, tell them to message me ;).

-Whmees
Click to expand...


Try Craigslist.org, find your city and post there. If you didnt open it might sell. If its open you probably looking at best $1500..But get the money before you let somebody open it.

You could always stand outside the apple store asking people if they want a macbook pro cheap. But you probably get kicked out , or the police might be called.
 
again, thanks for the replies!

i'm starting to think i'm just going to keep the MBP. however, does upgrading the RAM void the warranty? Is it possible to just keep the old RAM and put it back in the laptop before sending it off should I need to? thanks!
 
whmees said:
again, thanks for the replies!

i'm starting to think i'm just going to keep the MBP. however, does upgrading the RAM void the warranty? Is it possible to just keep the old RAM and put it back in the laptop before sending it off should I need to? thanks!
Click to expand...

No it doesn't, but I heard stories about how Apple refuses to diagnose faults when third party ram is installed, so it is not a bad idea to keep the original modules.
 
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