[Duane]

I am trying to decide which of these machines is the better deal. I can buy the Dual 1.8 (educator buy) for $2299 (+ $45 the ATI 9600 upgrade), or the Dual 2.0 refurb for $2499 at the Apple Store online. I have briefly used a Dual 2.0 recently and was very impressed, but I'm sure the Dual 1.8 would be close in performance as well. I've had good experience with Apple refurbs in the past. Anyone have any thoughts or advice? Thanks...

[mac freak]

I went with the dual 1.8 so I could get a 9800 and cut out the modem and superdrive

[mousehouse]

i prefer a brand-spankin'-new machine, but your own feeling might be different. but for a referb i think the $300 difference is still a lot.

[Centris650]

Originally posted by Duane:
I am trying to decide which of these machines is the better deal. I can buy the Dual 1.8 (educator buy) for $2299 (+ $45 the ATI 9600 upgrade), or the Dual 2.0 refurb for $2499 at the Apple Store online. I have briefly used a Dual 2.0 recently and was very impressed, but I'm sure the Dual 1.8 would be close in performance as well. I've had good experience with Apple refurbs in the past. Anyone have any thoughts or advice? Thanks...

I have a refurb dual 1ghz and a refurb 10 gig iPod. I have no problems with either and have a full 1 year waranty with each. So if you are uncertain about buying a refurb...don't be!

However, I'd have to agree with one of the posters above. For $300 I don't think you'll get that much bang for your buck. Use that $300 for ram!

[DeathMan]

Like mac freak said, I'd cut the superdrive out of the dual 1.8, get some more RAM, and maybe another hard drive, and iPod, or some software. Unless of course you need the Superdrive.

What are you going to be doing?

[flanders]

i'm gonna say go with the 1.8DP. I love my 2.0, but i don't think I would notice if someone secretly switched it for a 1.8 while I wasn't looking. RAM, video and software would be worth spending on IMO.