Macbook Pro query

[Dames]

I have a quick question. I am not the dabbest of hands when it comes to knowing these things so I apologise if this seems trivial. Basically, I am looking into purchasing a Macbook Pro in the next few weeks. What I want to know is, how much will the 9600GT graphics card in the upper models extend the 'life' of the machine when compared to the 9400?

What I mean is, will the 9600GT be compatible for that much longer into the future when compared to 9400 with regard to performance and being able to handle software etc. in the years to come.

So I guess the Basic question is, 2.53Ghz Macbook Pro 13", or the 2.66Ghz Macbook Pro 15". I would far prefer the 13" for many reasons, but I am just wondering whether it is worth spending the extra to get the better graphics when one thinks of the long-term usability of the machine.

One last question, how long do you reckon the 13" one would be a decent machine before it becomes pretty much 'unusable'? I know that is a wishy washy question, but does anyone have any idea roughly?

 

[Rashaad_Sallie]

Okay, I have the MacBook Pro 2.4 with both cards, I always use the 9600GT co I do video editing and Graphic Design, so, the higher card wont shorten the life of the machine. macs are made to go on and on. You dont need to worry about that

The 13-inch is abit small. i suggest getting the 15-inch and yes it is worth the extra pennies. If had extra I would have gone for the 17 inch.

Let us know when you get your MBP and where you got it from.

 

[PeterCH]

Okay, I have the MacBook Pro 2.4 with both cards, I always use the 9600GT co I do video editing and Graphic Design, so, the higher card wont shorten the life of the machine. macs are made to go on and on. You dont need to worry about that

The 13-inch is abit small. i suggest getting the 15-inch and yes it is worth the extra pennies. If had extra I would have gone for the 17 inch.

Let us know when you get your MBP and where you got it from.

I would rather buy a dedicated 30 inch monitor or at least a 24 inch from NEC.
17 inch is also too small. Once you work on 30 inches, everything else is small.

 

[PeterCH]

Okay, I have the MacBook Pro 2.4 with both cards, I always use the 9600GT co I do video editing and Graphic Design, so, the higher card wont shorten the life of the machine. macs are made to go on and on. You dont need to worry about that

The 13-inch is abit small. i suggest getting the 15-inch and yes it is worth the extra pennies. If had extra I would have gone for the 17 inch.

Let us know when you get your MBP and where you got it from.

Not all editing packages take advantage of OpenGL accelleration. If you're using Final Cut Pro, then plugins using FxPlug and Motion 2 take advantage of the GPU but standard plugins for things such as colour correction, image stabilisation, etc don't.

 

[Synaesthesia]

The 9400GT is still a great card for almost everything. So I would say go for the 13" like you want to - it has everything you need.

 

[Dames]

Thanks for the replies guys. Think I will probably go with the 15" as I do plan to a little bit of gaming etc. in Windows so the better card will definitely be a plus there!! But obviously that isn't gonna be my main use of the machine so I am gonna just go through it in my head a few times till I make my mind up...

Shardie, I am thinking of getting it from Digicape as I hear only good things about them. But busy trying to organise a deal with my dad (I am a student...) so depending on what he is willing to contribute for me, I will then add what I have extra and get the best for what I can spend

I can't wait...I have been wanting a Mac for about 8 years now...It is absolute torture, lol. Lots of my friends have one and I have used them before. I am in love...

 

[Rashaad_Sallie]

let us know what happens

 

[syntax]

Thanks for the replies guys. Think I will probably go with the 15" as I do plan to a little bit of gaming etc. in Windows so the better card will definitely be a plus there!! But obviously that isn't gonna be my main use of the machine so I am gonna just go through it in my head a few times till I make my mind up...

Shardie, I am thinking of getting it from Digicape as I hear only good things about them. But busy trying to organise a deal with my dad (I am a student...) so depending on what he is willing to contribute for me, I will then add what I have extra and get the best for what I can spend

I can't wait...I have been wanting a Mac for about 8 years now...It is absolute torture, lol. Lots of my friends have one and I have used them before. I am in love...

If you buy from Digi, I would definitely recommend getting the 3yr warranty protection plan they sell.
Enjoy.

*Edit* I cant remember exactly but I think there are student discounts available as well. Cant hurt to ask.

 

[Dames]

Apparently the offer a 5% discount for students so I will definitely take advantage of that. I am seriously considering the 3 year warranty too. I imagine it will be well worth it.

 

[Ou grote]

Digi have some specials on macbooks, just got their mail.

 

[Dames]

Ya I know, those are for the outgoing models. I am caught up with what to do! Another question, does anybody have any idea how much the insurance is on one of these things?

 

[piazza]

i want to sell my macbook pro unibody 15" .if u interested with 512mb 9600gt. 2 mnths old.
im not sure if this is the right section to advertise.

 

[PAYBACK]

i want to sell my macbook pro unibody 15" .if u interested with 512mb 9600gt. 2 mnths old.
im not sure if this is the right section to advertise.

lol someone's got 'AUF' Apple upgrade fever.

 

[Synaesthesia]

The Mybroadband classifieds would be the right place to advertise.

 

[Moklet Kcuf]

Higher specs on any computer are worth the investment, if it can be afforded. The 9600 may very well extend the usability of your Lappy.