Student need help with chosing new comp.

[saisaij]

First of all i would like to say hi to everyone in this forum, this is my first post and i have been trolling in this forum for awhile already.

I am currently a design student and thinking to purchase my 1st Mac. I have been waiting for the Merom to come for a few months already, so here is my problem.

should i go for the "top model" Macbook if the merom is not going be update in it (cheaper) or should i go for MBP with merom that is more likely to come out at the end of sept.
OR
macbook with merom / macbook pro with merom

I plan on doing a equal payment finance for 24months at bestbuy/ futureshop because i can't afford to pay off that much at once. Please give me some suggestion on the issue, i know this problem has been bought up many times, your comments are greatly appreciated!

Thanks everyone!

 

[emw]

It sounds like your best bet would be to wait for the Merom update in the MBP, since from what I can tell you won't be upgrading your new purchase for some time due to financial considerations. If you can wait until the update, that is.

If you can't wait, well, there's a veritable fruit salad of options out there - from refurbed G4s and Intels to new Intels. For that matter, you could also go with an iMac, depending on your need for a portable.

 

[JDN]

If you are a design student, and will be designing stuff on ur Mac id get the Merom MBP with 2Gb RAM. That way it will handle pretty much anything you throw at it, within reason.

 

[saisaij]

yes, portable is the key for me, i have a 17" monitor at home so i would like to bring my mac to school and use it when i am at home.
would macbook with 2GB ram enough for my work? mainly photoshop , illustrator, flash, etc..

 

[JDN]

The GPU in the MBP is better than in the MacBook. If you are going to be doing those kinds of tasks then id get the MBP. It will keep you happier for longer. And the screens a better size, and resolution.