[NeverTriedApple]

Hey folks,

My missus is after a replacement for her 2 year old 17" MBP. Should we wait for 17" Core i7 or go for current model, which frankly speaking is also more than enough for her needs? What would YOU do.

Thanks.

[Simon]

It's quite likely the next revision won't include the i7. The i5 is pretty much a given though.

That said, I'd only buy now if I absolutely needed the MBP now. There's an update bound to happen within the next two months. And even if you don't need any of the new features, I'd still rather pay less for the current feature set. Unless of course you need it right now.

[Simon]

One question though. If the current generation MBP is sufficient for her needs as you say, what isn't sufficient about the two year old MBP? Just curious.

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by Simon 

It's quite likely the next revision won't include the i7. The i5 is pretty much a given though.

That said, I'd only buy now if I absolutely needed the MBP now. There's an update bound to happen within the next two months. And even if you don't need any of the new features, I'd still rather pay less for the current feature set. Unless of course you need it right now.

Yeah, but then you run the risk that they'll remove something critical, like the last remaining ExpressCard slot in the lineup.

[NeverTriedApple]

Originally Posted by Simon 

It's quite likely the next revision won't include the i7. The i5 is pretty much a given though.

That said, I'd only buy now if I absolutely needed the MBP now. There's an update bound to happen within the next two months. And even if you don't need any of the new features, I'd still rather pay less for the current feature set. Unless of course you need it right now.

We can get 'June 09 release' unibody for a few hundreds less than Core iX is going to be in February - March, hence the dilemma. Whether to go for cheaper or for newer.

Originally Posted by Simon 

One question though. If the current generation MBP is sufficient for her needs as you say, what isn't sufficient about the two year old MBP? Just curious.

Nothing wrong with her MBP, it is still strong. However she likes the aesthetics of a unibody MBP, it's multi finger touchpad, plus we can sell her MBP for 1/2 of what we paid two years back so why not.

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally Posted by CharlesS 

Yeah, but then you run the risk that they'll remove something critical, like the last remaining ExpressCard slot in the lineup.

Which is more than likely completely irrelevant to the scenario described in the original post.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by CharlesS 

Yeah, but then you run the risk that they'll remove something critical, like the last remaining ExpressCard slot in the lineup.

Not really a problem. Get a current generation MBP for hundreds less once the new (and possibly crippled) revision is out. Apart from all kinds of retail offers, there's Apple's own clearance and refurb sections, plus the stock that Apple dealerships will be eager to get rid of. Usually it's not a big issue to get the previous generation model shortly after the new rev has come out.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by NeverTriedApple 

We can get 'June 09 release' unibody for a few hundreds less than Core iX is going to be in February - March, hence the dilemma. Whether to go for cheaper or for newer.

You'll be able to get Mid 2009 MBP models even once the Early 2010 models are released. And they'll be significantly cheaper too.

However, in order to properly determine what's the best deal you need to know the specs of the Early 2010 models first. IOW you need to wait until the actual release happens. As I understand you're in no special hurry. So you might as well wait. It's only going to become cheaper.

[NeverTriedApple]

Thanks guys. Will see how it goes and advise back.

[amazing]

Originally Posted by Simon 

You'll be able to get Mid 2009 MBP models even once the Early 2010 models are released. And they'll be significantly cheaper too.

However, in order to properly determine what's the best deal you need to know the specs of the Early 2010 models first. IOW you need to wait until the actual release happens. As I understand you're in no special hurry. So you might as well wait. It's only going to become cheaper.

That's great advice! Once the new models are released, you'll get terrific deals on the previous generation. Plus, if the new generation has something you really want, you'll have a significant choice to make--which is a good position to be in.

[mduell]

Since hers is only 2 years old and the next bump will be so significant (40% for many CPU bound tasks), I say wait. I also expect quad core i7 to be at least an option on the 17".

[NeverTriedApple]

Here's an update. Yesterday we went to visit local Apple Store as missus wanted to familiarise herself with current 15 & 17 inch models. Contrary to popular advice to wait we ended up with one Antiglare 15" 2.8/4GB/500GB MBP for her and 2.13/2GB/128 MBA for me. I realise there's an update around the corner but personally I didn't feel like waiting a few months before new models come out, mature and get revised. Plus the temptation was just too high! So we're all set for now until upgrade bug starts again.

[Simon]

So she actually ended up going from a 17" to a 15"?

[amazing]

Reminds me of the old adage: never go shopping while you're hungry!

On the plus side, you're both happy now! So, congratulations!

[Eriamjh]

My MBP is a 1st generation CD and is now over 3 years old.

I'm waitin'.

[NeverTriedApple]

Originally Posted by Simon 

So she actually ended up going from a 17" to a 15"?

That's right. At least for now. Go figure.

[NeverTriedApple]

Originally Posted by amazing 

Reminds me of the old adage: never go shopping while you're hungry!

On the plus side, you're both happy now! So, congratulations!

Thank you, kind Sir