[houstonmacbro]

i am in the market (kind of) for a new mac. i have saved up and have about $1,300 (goes farther than you think in the online apple refurb store and/or with my college staff discount).

but here is my question(s):

1. buy a refurbished macbook (not pro) ... might have to save a little more to cover shipping and taxes AND apple care eventually, but i'd have a year to save for that
2. buy (outright and new) an iMac c2d 17" possibly keeping the powerbook for mobile use (class, etc.)
3. save even more and sell my current powerbook to get a refurbished 15" macbook pro

i know this sounds incredibly complicated and i sometimes overthing things. just concerned about timing (is this the best time to buy a new mac) or should i wait a little longer -meroms? santa rosas? sockets? dedicated memory? it goes on and on.

i'm in no real rush other than i finally have a little cash saved ( i do not use credit any more ) and feeling the need for more speed and realize i will eventually need a new laptop and/or a home machine.

i currently ONLY use a powerbook at home and like portability ... also, will be entering a university program in the spring '07 and would like continue to have ability to be able to compute on the go if needed, but know that my powerbook is failing (blown memory socket and firewire port) and may go out on me (not covered by apple care) eventually.

sorry if this sounds loopy, but that is how my brain works sometimes.

oh yeah ... there is something else...

i am NOT a gamer (at all), do some very light picture editing from time to time, and work on websites (usually macromedia/adobe dreamweaver). i do like ability to burn dvds and cd-roms for backing up photos, and of course the usual iLife stuff (iTunes, garageband for podcasting, etc.), web browsing, and some banking w/quicken.

[Kr0nos]

I'd say get a top of the line MacBook loaded with RAM, if mobility is important to you.

[houstonmacbro]

macbook, not the pro?

[Kr0nos]

Originally Posted by houstonmacbro

macbook, not the pro?

Yes, if you're only doing 'light graphics' work, a MacBook is the way to go, IMO.

Coding, iLife, iWork etc. should be a breeze (save maybe hard-core iMovie editintg) with a MacBook.

I'd also recommand a hand-coding app like TextMate or BBedit for your webdesign work (the next (Intel native) version of DW probably won't be out until Q1/2 07)

Maybe wait for the first revision.

[Andy8]

Short it

[mac128k-1984]

Unless there's mitigating circumstances I don't see a reason why you would keep your powerbook if your buying another laptop, so with that said here's my opinion on things.

1. Macbook (non-pro) is an excellent computer rugged exterior (at least compared to the MBP) but a somewhat anemic GPU. If you want to play certain games are working with programs that will leverage the GPU then this may not be a good choice. While you did say you don't play games, OSX continues to really more and more on the GPU.

Another thing to keep in mind with the MB. The glossy screen, you have a choice with the MBP but not so with the MB. If your doing anything with images such as photography then they'll be coming out over saturated. Display size could be an issue but as long as your comfortable with it, then it will be fine. Reflections are also an issue with the glossy screen so it can give you more eyestrain but for the most part I've been happy with my MPB.


2. MacBook Pro, more expensive, somewhat faster but a better GPU then the MBP. If your laptop is going to be a complete replacement of your desktop then I think your going to get more bang for your buck with a MBP, the only downside is the aluminum exterior. You need to be careful but then if you already own an alu. powerbook your already aware of this. Physical size may or may not be an issue, I like the smaller MB formfactor myself.

3. iMac, I think because mobility is a concern this is a distant #3, while it does give you improved performance, you may find it a hinderance especially if you like to use the laptop in different rooms in your house/apartment/dorm

I currently own MacBook and for the most part I'm very pleased with the laptop and its performance. The chief selling points for me on the MB over the MBP; price, form factor and rugged exterior. I'll be putting the MB in a backpack and loading it in a plane it can take more abuse in that way and still look good. Also for me the MB isn't my main computer so having a smaller screen wasn't an issue because I do most of my work on a desktop.

Mike
P.S. I almost forget, if your going to be taking notes in class consider how large the footprint of the laptop is. How much space will be left for books or such and how readable will the displays be in the harsh fluorescent lighting that schools have. MBP has the edge with the matte display but will you feel it too large on a desk in class?

[houstonmacbro]

thanks ... i am really leaning towards the macbook, but yeah, the graphics thing concerns me too. just don't want it (or whatever i eventually purchase) to be obsolete when the latest greatest graphics doodads hit (widgets, new extreme whatever... just babbling here).

the other concern is how will it FEEL to migrate from an alum powerbook to a carbonate-bodied macbook. will i somehow feel slighted because the powerbooks are well constructed. never had a problem getting it scratched or anything, although if i look closely i am sure there are scratches all over it.

i am not too concerned with reflection, but i will check them out again.

if i do decide to go the macbook (non pro) route i will still have some money left over to buy something when i sell my aluminum powebook (few shares of apple stock? maybe it will split in a year or two and i could retire and just play on my macs all day ... lol)

yes, this machine would be a complete desktop replacement, but i've never had a problem with my powerbook as sole machine. was thinking about getting a core duo mini with a larger screen for day to day stuff. might still be an option.

thanks for your thoughtful and well-received reply!