New computer, hooray. I could use some advice!

[fuzzyjay]

I'm considering buying a 2.4 GHz glossy-screen MacBook Pro.

The Apple store has some refurbs for 300 bucks off. (Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo...$2199.00)


Is this a good idea?

Should I wait until Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)? (I think I can wait that long, it's been 7 years since my last new computer, what's a few months?)

What do you think?

Comments

[bootedintexas.livejournal.com]

i would for one reason only. then you dont have to pay for the "system upgrade" it will come free with your mac. if you can be patient. Just like you won't have to pay for the new upgrade to ILIFE and IWORK 08'. It would come pre-installed.

[boy-asunder.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I agree with this. And I think refurbished are probably just fine; I believe they have the same warranty as the new ones.

The other question is whether you need a Macbook Pro. I was going to get one, and then realized the plain ol' Macbook met my needs just fine, as I mostly do web surfing and word processing. Plus, I like the form factor and keyboard of the macbook better.

Pro vs. Not

[fuzzyjay.livejournal.com]

I don't need a MacBook Pro, but then again I don't need a new computer... just want!

Remember there's a lot of pent-up demand here!

I also like having a dedicated graphics card. I had to live with on-board graphics with my Power Mac 6100/60 long, long ago (1994!) and I did not enjoy it. I actually bought a video card for it.

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

Glossy screen?!?! Are you mad?? I have a macbook (non pro) and they *only* come in glossy. I can't stand it, as I am constantly adjusting the screen to get the glare out of the way.

And yeah, waiting for Leopard isn't so bad. It's only until late Oct.

[furr-a-bruin.livejournal.com]

I've never understood the glossy screen thing, particularly on laptops. I've been dealing with computers long enough to remember when it was a big deal when anti-glare coatings on CRTs that didn't blur the image became standard. Now people want glare? Weird.

[fuzzyjay.livejournal.com]

Well, OK, you know I'm mad. But doesn't the anti-glare coating reduce light transmission and clarity? I was thinking of my old eyes. I'll take a look again at the glossy ones in the Mac Store.

[mh58.livejournal.com]

If it's the new LED screen, then they are very bright and the gloss vs. matte issue is moot. As for the clarity I've not noticed an difference. But, if you like positioning the thing every few minutes to reduce the glare from ambient lighting, then glossy is your choice :)

[mettle-metal.livejournal.com]

I eventually realized you meant LCD, but I was very briefly marvelling at the fact that there would be LEDs small enough to be useful as a monitor.

[mh58.livejournal.com]

LOL - wee little LEDs :)

The LCD panel used to be lit with a florescent light source and now are using LEDs which are brighter and 'greener'.

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

I tested both when we switched to MacBooks here at the lab and the glossy screen is the suck! If you can possibly be attached to any sort of educational institution or government entity, you can get a healthy discount from Apple. (I get that through the lab as a UCal employee). If you are a vet, then the Veteran's Advantage discount program for Apple is also quite significant. My new MacBook has the LED backlight and yes, it is very nice although the automatic brightness adjustment can be a bit annoying.

[marmtx.livejournal.com]

Or you could buy one from Amazon :) For extra $150 you get a new one but (probably) without a sales tax so should be about even :)

[mettle-metal.livejournal.com]

You should get a Toshiba Satellite.

Why do I suddenly feel so very out of place?

Heheh.

[fuzzyjay.livejournal.com]

You Luddite DOS-Head. Heh.

[mettle-metal.livejournal.com]

Yesterday on the radio was a guy who said he still ran DOS. If it weren't for the fact that I'm involved, I so would've called and tried to arrange a date!

But, at least Toshibas don't have glossy screens! They do, however, have fans on the bottom. I'd like to know whose bright idea that was.

[redbackfur.livejournal.com]

Come over to my shower private office and we can discuss the pros and cons of being an early adopter!