Getting a Mac soon!

Hello all,

I am getting a Mac for my graduation in July. I have a predicament, though.

I can either get the Black Macbook, which my mom wants me to get because it doesn't get as dirty, and it also looks better than the white (to me), and I'll get a $100 student discount so it will be $1400. I can also get the second white macbook with the 250gb harddrive with the discount for $1300, so is the black worth the extra $100?

I also saw this:
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nplm=FA895LL/A

Which would be nice to have, but I do not like the keyboards on the MBP, and have heard some issues that face it, such as: Overheating (what generation is this MBP? Is it Santa Rosa? It's not Penryn right?). Dents to the frame come easily. The keyboard is hard to get used to because of the curved keys. Anything else?

Is it worth it to get the MBP over the Black MB? Because I don't really need dedicated graphics, and will be using it for university, but I guess it would be nice to have the MBP. Does the student discount also apply to the refurb store? Thanks in advanced.

Here is one review of the heat:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4275

 

Yeah, that's a Santa Rosa MBP (because it has the 128 MB 8600M GT). I would definitely get the MBP over the MacBook at that price.

Overheating isn't a big deal anymore. Yes, the MBP can dent, because of the aluminum casing, but I've also heard some people say its very durable.

 

I agree with Sam. I would definetly go for the MBP. I tried a MB for a couple days and returned it because of the heat. The keyboard on the MBP is nicer in my estimation, and the construction just feels more solid than the MB. Trust me, you will not regret getting the MBP.

 

I have a macbook middle config. I am very happy with it. Its solidly built too

 

I am assuming that the MBP does not have any discoloration problems or any problems with the frame getting very dirty? I like the Blackbook, but the color isn't really worth an extra $100 to me.

It will be hard trying to convince my parents of buying a "used" product over a brand new one, but I might be able to do it. Do they have the refurbs priced that low in the actual stores? We wont be buying online, and how do I go about the student discount, and does it apply to the refurb items?

 

All Macbooks since mid 2006 or something have not had discolouration problems. Of course, dirt does show up more clearly on a white case than a black or grey one, but it is not a discolouration as it can be easily cleaned.

If your purchase at an Apple store, chances are they won't have the refurb in stock. You should realise that refurbs are basically returned and repaired or display models. As a result, their stock is very low.
Student account can be used on all qualifying Apple products in Apple stores. All you have to do is provide them with some of your details if you have never purchased from Apple before, and a proof of your studentship such as a student certificate or pass from your institution.

 

I recently got this Macbook Pro. I honestly prefer the keyboard of the MBP compared to the plastic-feeling Macbook keys. Go with the MBP.

 

My MBP is a refurb from the online Apple store, and if you put it next to a brand new one, I guarantee you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Cosmetically looks brand new, and performs like brand new.

 

Yeah, I was actually thinking about purchasing one of the refurbs. I don't believe you can use your student discount on the refurbs though. That only applies to new systems.

 

Well, I'm sure if you slab mud all over it, possibly . But yeah, nothing to worry about, really. Even my white MacBook isn't discoloured.

 

Alright sounds good. The ones in the Apple store are usually not wiped down, so they look kind of dirty hehe, I am a clean freak when it comes to expensive things.

 

Same . The display ones are terrible, yes. Given how many people touch them after eating pizza and such, I'm not surprised .

 

Sorry, but I'm calling BS here. My Nov 07 Whitebook suffers from the discolouration. Cleaning products don't help. It will likely drop the resale value of my machine.

 

contact apple........i heard that they replace the discolored palmrests

 

Yeah, I need to send mine in anyways, it's way too hot.

 

So the general consensus is that the MBP would be a better purchase than a brand new penryn MB?

Keep in mind that I will be using it for:

Schoolwork (Easy stuff, notes, surfing the web, mail, etc)
Recording music - This is the main reason I am getting a Mac, I record a LOT of music, and need a music friendly machine
Picture editing with Photoshop
Keeping and listening to music, I have a lot of gigs of music
Watching movies and editing short films I make

Is the MBP's card better for this stuff? The only thing I am concerned about is the heat, because I will be using it on my lap a lot, other than that, I am not concerned about much, so if it does heat up, will I be able to return it for another one or is that not possible with a refurb?

 

The stuff you listed in this post is pretty much entire CPU/RAM dependant... having a discrete graphics card will only help the tiniest bit, if at all.

Personally, I'd suggest the MB over the MBP for what you listed in this post. However, the matte screen and larger screen size of the MBP would help with editting pictures and movies.