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Time to Switch? (2006 Macbook -> 2009 Mini)

N

norbiu

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 23, 2007
64
69
I currently own an early 2006 MacBook 1.83 Core Duo + 2GB RAM that's connected to an external monitor and I was wondering if it was time for a switch.

I work as a web developer, but also use Photoshop for design. If I make the mistake of having both PS and Aperture open, the Mac becomes incredibly slow.

I also have Parallels running Windows from time to time for testing purposes, which again slows my productivity down.

So is it worth upgrading? How much of a difference are we talking here? Should I wait for a 2010 refresh of the Mini?
 
Actually there is a pretty noticeable difference in processor speed, his is a Core Duo and the new mini is Core 2 Duo which is supposed to be around a 15% performance increase over the original at the same clock speed, add that to the .7 Ghz increase in clock speed, increased RAM and the 9400m it will definitely be a noticeable difference.

If you are running Parallels you definitely want the extra 2GB of RAM in the $799 model.

I also have a little first hand experience, I just bought a 2.26 Ghz Mini as a desktop to compliment my 06 Macbook (2.0Ghz) I just bought it a few days ago and haven't installed all my software yet so I don't know how photoshop performance compares, but so far it feels really snappy. I am going to upgrade the RAM to 4GB eventually.

Now if you can wait there will always be a new model around the corner that will get yo more for your money, but the last Mini update was only 2 months ago so it will probably be around another 3-6 months but you really never know with Apple...
 
You'll absolutely feel the upgrade from a 1.83 Core Duo to a 2.26 or 2.53 GHz Processor, also the graphics card, i think it's a good choice for you, i do similar stuff and those specs are ok for me, wait for January 27th to see if apple upgrades that one too
 
MacMini2009 said:
Get the 2.53GHz Mac Mini. It already comes with 4GB and a 320GB hard drive which is great for your needs.
Click to expand...

...you get the faster CPU, same GPU but it defaults to 256mb shared graphics memory and with current RAM and HDD prices, the fact that you don't have to open up the mini and that its all covered by applecare = for the $799 price (or less if you can find it), its the best value on the mini right now...
 
norbiu said:
They will most likely refresh the Pro line, but you never know with Apple. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Yup, you never know if they drop a price, add some stuff or something like that, so waiting a week might be worth it :)
 
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