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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Notebooks > $1000 refurb MBP or $1300 refurb MBP?

$1000 refurb MBP or $1300 refurb MBP?
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The Godfather
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Apr 3, 2010, 10:25 PM
 
Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - Apple Store (U.S.)
versus
Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - Apple Store (U.S.)

Given the cheapness of 250GB and 4GB (I don't know exactly what deals are out there), is the $300 difference between both 13.3" MBPs worth the extra 270MHz?

If MHz grew linearly with cost, the extra $300 should net me an extra 678MHz, but the $$$ difference also pays for the RAM and HDD.

$1000 -> 2.26GHz means I would want to pay $1120 for 2.53GHz of the same other specs
$1300 - $1120 = $180 <- is this worth going up from 2GB to 4GB, and from 160GB to 250GB?

I find that in 2010, 250GB is insufficient for my needs, as I will most likely tri-boot Linux, Windows and OSX, and probably have a few virtual machines. I would want 500GB at least. I am not even going to look at the Apple Store for extra hard-drive, so I will definitely go third party with my HDD upgrade.

On the other hand, 4GB RAM is really sufficient in my experience. Is it very worthy to get Apple RAM to get it serviced as soon as it break down?

Or should I save the $300 and use it on third party upgrades? I've heard many times that performance doesn't grow linearly with GHz, so the 12% extra GHz won't really amount to 12% extra performance. Therefore, not worth coveting.

Or should I [tortuosly] wait until the MBP is updated, and get the base model?
     
Cold Warrior
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Apr 3, 2010, 10:54 PM
 
RAM and HDD are the bottlenecks. Upgrade to at least 4 GB (although things run quite well at 2 GB for basic apps) and 320+ GB. I have a 500 GB drive I installed myself. Very easy.
     
Simon
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Apr 4, 2010, 02:13 AM
 
If you're going to have to upgrade to a 500GB third-party disk anyway, the extra $180 is actually only buying you +2GB RAM. You can easily get that for less from a third party. So from that POV you should definitely get the cheaper model.

There's one argument to be made for the 2.53 GHz model though. The CPU and clock is one of those things you will never be able to upgrade. What you get now is what you'll have for as long as you have this MBP. If you want to make sure it lasts for as long as possible, you should pay the extra $180 and get the 2.53 GHz model.

But right now if you can wait you should. Now that the GodPad has launched there's really no reason for Apple to hold back anymore on the MBP upgrades. They've been due for about two months now.
     
macaddict0001
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Apr 8, 2010, 12:04 AM
 
Its a worthwhile $300, unless you are going to upgrade the HD anyway.
     
wrambro
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Apr 9, 2010, 10:46 AM
 
Since you have plans to upgrade the hard drive regardless of which model you buy, I would go with the cheaper one. RAM is cheap.
     
The Godfather  (op)
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Apr 9, 2010, 08:22 PM
 
Today, all 2.26GHz 13" MBPs are out of stock in the Refurbished Apple Store.

I am holding out for the next 13" revision.
     
macaddict0001
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Apr 9, 2010, 11:43 PM
 
They could be back up in a day for all we know though, the refurb store is strange like that. I guess its because stock is more limited when it comes to refurb models.
     
SierraDragon
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Apr 10, 2010, 01:41 AM
 
With new MBPs imminent (days maybe) I would wait to check out new offerings, especially since SSDs may be available, possibly more RAM possible, etc. RAM benefits for many apps are HUGE and will become even more relevant during the life cycle of any new box.
     
Simon
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Apr 10, 2010, 02:25 AM
 
International refurb stores still have the 2.26 GHz model. Refurb stock varies greatly. The US store will probably get replenished soon. Even if the update arrives on Tuesday, chances are you'll still be able to get 2.26 GHz refurbs for quite a while after that. Bottom line, IMHO the refurb store is a bad way to gauge if an update is around the corner.
     
   
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