Final Decisions before Purchase

I have finally made the decision to buy a Mac, however, I have one last thing to figure out before I do. I would like your opinion on which option is better:
Option 1 – buy 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro at my local university with 160 GB 5400 HDD
Option 2 – buy 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro at the apple online store, pay $167 more and get a 160 GB 7200 HDD and wait for it to be shipped (hopefully it won’t take too long…)

Both laptops cost the same price and I get the student deals with both. The only difference is the hard-drive speed and when I receive it. Your opinions will be appreciated and I thank you for your time.

Back in June I looked at several computers and I easily dismissed the MacBook Pro simply because it was a Mac. Boy was I wrong; I’m happy to jump on board.

 

Well, you'll be paying $167 extra for an upgrade from 5400RPM to 7200RPM as well as taxes. At your university, you can pick it up (hopefully) and not waiting for shipping. Shipping now takes quite long. I don't know if you have to pay tax at your university store though.

 

I don't think you'll need the faster hard drive speed unless you really need it, for example, in heavy video editing. The 7200 RPM is only a bit faster than 5400 RPM but consumes more power, creates more heat and noise as well.

 

i'ld say take the mbp from your univ. store .... u'll be getting it right there and then.. mbp wait times online are close to 14-20 days... i don't think 5400 rpm drives will disappoint you ...

 

Yeah.. go for the 5400 RPM drive

 

Perfect, thanks a lot, I think I am almost ready to join the Mac Bandwagon; but i have one more question.
Should I get a Glossy or Matte screen? (if i get a choice)

 

Yes, you do have a choice between glossy or matte MacBook Pros (MacBooks are all glossy). It will depend on what you will be doing with the MacBook Pro; glossy screens display colours more vibrantly, but in a sense also display colours "incorrectly", because its more vibrant than it actually is. If you work in the printing business and you need absolute "what you see is what you get", you'll want matte.

Glossy also gives reflections under sunlight or a bright light overhead...but I don't find it a big deal. I personally like glossy.

 

oh and the choice is FREE!

 

I agree with Sam. My MBP is also glossy and I don't see much noticeable reflection. Also, be sure to visit an Apple store or your university store (assuming they have them on display) and see for yourself.

 

I thought you could only get glossy screen directly at apple.com? Anyways, when I bought my MBP 17" I was debating on going with the newer 2.4 w/1920X1200 screen. However, the deal on the 2.33 was too sweet to let go. Overall I am indifferent between the two types of screens. To me resolution is more important.

 

Hrm, well I'd actually suggest the 7200rpm drive, provided you have the money and the time to wait for it.

 

you can choose glossy at local apple stores as well. Some campus places have both as well. Only the retailers like compusa or bestbuy only carry the matte version.

 

Alright, thanks a lot everyone, I can't wait, I think I'm going tomorrow to buy it. Hopefully they have some in stock. My search for a laptop has finally come to an end.