To buy a MacBook Pro?

[pknz]

My sister (21yrs old) is in her final year (of four I think) of completing a graphics design degree at university. She is wanting to get a Mac for this year. She uses Photoshop, InDesign etc.

She only has $NZ2000 to spend on a computer and so originally was looking at a second hand PowerBook but could not find one for $NZ2000.

So Mum and Dad are considering buying a MacBook Pro, giving it to her for this year while she is still at university and then giving it to me as I go into university next year to study (probably) a computer sciences or similar course.

The PowerBook and MacBook are similary priced and 4000-5000 on a PowerBook seems wasteful as I wouldn't be to keen on it after a year.

Would it be worth getting the higher model, inevitable the RAM will be upgraded to a gig, but is the bigger graphics and slight speed increase be worth almost an extra $1000

What do you guys think? Is this a smart way to go?

In NZ Prices

 

[weg]

What do you guys think? Is this a smart way to go?

Wait at least two more weeks...

 

[MacDonaldsd]

Dont get a powerbook, there already out of date.

 

[the Helix]

?

Dont get a powerbook, there already out of date.

What does that mean?

In actual use now, the PB is still, hands down, the more reliable computer when working with the most important programs built for the Mac.

For all the kick a$$ speed of the MBP, they still display some sporadic anomalies when running non-native applications. Whether or not you want to risk or tolerate this in a notebook now is a matter of choice.

 

[MacDonaldsd]

What I mean is that there going to phase out the powerbook it depends on the price you can get one for.

The MBP is the latest technologie so you will be able to use it for a greater length of time.

I agree the MBP has bugs but it is a lot faster than the PowerBook.

I think even running apps under rosetta on the MBP would be faster than running on a PowerBook.

Dont get me wrong PowerBooks are great, Infact a 12" PowerBook is my computer, but the G4 have been out of date for a long time.

 

[ieani]

What does that mean?

In actual use now, the PB is still, hands down, the more reliable computer when working with the most important programs built for the Mac.

For all the kick a$$ speed of the MBP, they still display some sporadic anomalies when running non-native applications. Whether or not you want to risk or tolerate this in a notebook now is a matter of choice.

If hes going to use his laptop for four years. his powerbook will be fine the first year but what about the next three years of dealing with slow, ancient technology?

 

[Deepdale]

Would it be worth getting the higher model, inevitable the RAM will be upgraded to a gig, but is the bigger graphics and slight speed increase be worth almost an extra $1000

Your parents would be looking at a decent expenditure for an MBP with the specs you cited. Given that there is now a new kid in town, it may be best to purchase the latest technology and maximize usage well beyond the one year you say you would be interested in using a PB after your sister finishes her studies. Between money she was planning to spend, your parents can add what is needed to get the MBP that should keep both users happy.

 

[celebrian23]

If this laptop was a short term purchase, like a year or so, the pb would be fine, but the problem arises that the pb is going to be going out of style rather quick, especially once a smaller and larger version of the current mbp come out. I think an intel computer (perhaps if april 1 brings an intel ibook that could be a good idea) is a need for someone, like me, who wants to use this as their primary computer for quite a while.

 

[GimmeSlack12]

You'll get your money's worth for the MBP (and the extra $1000). That machine will be good for at least 4 years.