Help Me, I Have An Important Decision To Make

I was the proud owner of a 15.4 inch MBP Penryn. I had to sell it last month for some much needed money. I was able to purchase a hp dv7-1125 laptop with the money I had left over. The hp is a real nice computer. It is 17 inches, 1680X???? display, 4MB RAM, P8400 Core 2 Duo, Nvidia 9600M GT 512MB video card.

I feel like I miss my MacBook Pro. I love the smaller size and probably most is the feeling of not having to worry about viruses. I have come into a situation where I can purchase a new MBP for my computer plus $600.00. I paid $1200.00 for my computer. I don't really know if the extra $600.00 is worth me giving up my computer. The hp is more spec'ed out with the a more powerful video card and very nice display.

I have heard of some problems with the new MBP. The screen is way to glossy and bright, and the loss of power when hooked up to an a/c adapter. I don't know whether to purchase the $99 extended accidental damage warranty on the hp and wait for Apple to refresh the new MBP.

 

What do you mean the HP has a more powerful GPU? The specs you quote seems indicate they both use the 9600M GT. 512MB of VRAM isn't particularly useful for a mid-range mobile GPU. And the MBP uses GDDR3. If the HP uses cheap DDR2 for video memory then it will be slower. Apple also uses DDR3-1066 for system memory and it's almost a certainty that HP uses DDR2-800.

Personally, I'm not a fan of changing computers so often since you're probably wasting so much time moving files back and forth and setting things up to your satisfaction. I probably wouldn't do it. The MBP will likely be faster since it has the faster CPU and uses GDDR3 for the GPU, but it probably isn't worth $600, especially if money has been a concern in the past.

 

you should do it today and take advantage of the 40% off ebay. (30% cashback and 10% paypal coupon)

 

What do you intend to do with your laptop? Both versions are very capable of running the same things. I wouldn't waste much time and trouble in selling the HP which is quite nicely spec'd out.

About the glossy screen on the new MBP's, they are glossy but that is a matter of personal tastes. When I was at the Apple store, they were glossy but the brightness of the screen overcame that negative aspect. If you can, go to a local Apple store or Best Buy or Apple retailer to check 'em out. You don't want to be forced to switch yet again because of this.

 

You usually don't want other people to make important decisions FOR YOU.

 

Just so you know, the live cashback feature explicitly states that it can't be combined with any other coupon. Some people have gotten away with it, but I don't know if its worth the risk.

 

i know what u mean bro i ditched PC notebook all together because i love the MBP so much. How could i not? it looks like my wife

 

True and you will regret it if you do.

 

I wouldn't do it. The specs are almost exactly the same as the 2.4Ghz MBP.

Unless you

a) Dying to have the new MBP or
b) Can't stand Windows

I wouldn't pony up the $600 for something for something that is this similar.

Then again that's just me and this is your money.

 

I'm not asking you all to make my decision, just to give me some reasons why or why not. I bought the hp at Best Buy and can return it and pay the difference on a open box they have. The difference will be paid with a BB credit card.

 

My opinion is that you'll lose A LOT on the transition back to the MBP.

Don't let us come up with the reasons why/why not get an MBP. It all boils down to what you want and need, which you haven't really specified yet.

 

If you need more portability in your notebook, return the 17". I do not know if you should get the new MBP though because I hate most glossy screens.

 

If money issues was what led you to sell the MBP in the first place, then why would you want to go and get another one and just sink yourself into some debt? If I were you, I would evaluate what I actually needed in a desktop replacement (which is really what a 17" notebook is) and make my decision based on that. Are you looking for power (are you using it?), size, portability, battery life, what? Can you just return the HP, and get a refurb last-gen macbook pro (available for $1350 here)?

 

It's not the money that is the problem. When I sold my other MBP, my job was in jeopardy with lay offs and such. I'm graduating college soon and the money issue has been resolved. BB has no interest for 24 months.

I really like my hp but as far as portability, that is somewhat of an issue. I mainly use my laptop at home, on my lap doing school work and playing World of Warcraft. I really like MBP and the OS X. I like the quick start up and shut down, no viruses, and the applications that come pre-installed.

I have until this Saturday to return the hp to Best Buy and trade up with no restocking fee.