MBP 13 - Buy now, or wait for a late 2010 upgrade if it's coming?

Hey all,

I'm pondering a MBP 13 purchase. I understand that the Core 2 P7550 processor was retained while the GPU and memory received upgrades.


What I would like to know is, can we expect a processor refresh to take place in fall of 2010, sometime before September when school starts? I understand that there were some engineering obstacles that may have prevented Apple from installing mobile i3 processors into the MBP 13. Is there any chance we might see the P7550 processor get replaced?

 

It doesn't seem likely to me, but I guess it's possible.

 

Finish buying up their C2D processors and they will release the Core i3.
Doesn't your Mom do this when you are younger?
Finish your dinner then you will get your dessert.

 

If Intel's still making C2D's, Apple will keep buying them, and they won't run dry for a while. Besides, coming up with a new IGP solution doesn't seem like a stopgap to me.

 

I agree with ya, which is why I'm somewhat ambivalent. I actually like what Apple did with the integrated GPU, but keeping the same CPU rightly touched some nerves even with all the convincing explanations for it. It made perfect business sense, but that doesn't mean we all have to be happy-go-lucky about it!

 

Fortunately for me, I can be, because I knew all along the Macs were going to be off my radar. Not having a personal stake in some matters does wonders for one's perspective.

 

Ehh, I'm not so sure I've had a personal stake in any matter Apple or non-Apple related. I'm a bit too old to be adopting fanboy passions or Apple-hating sentiments.

 

No, but being interested in a purchase is already a personal stake; passion isn't what I was getting at. I can't be disappointed with Apple if I knew beforehand my princess was going to be in another castle.

 

Having an interest in a product is not necessarily mutually exclusive with having a clear sense of judgment or a unique perspective.

 

Fair enough.

 

I didn't say it was, but every little bit helps. The brain is a complex thing.

 

The way I see it is that you could just keep on waiting. They refresh them every half year. Wait for the next amazing upgrade...why not wait for the one after that? Then the one after that? Then the one after that?...You see what I mean?

Still, I'd probably wait at least for Core i processors in the 13" model. Then again, you could wait altogether for the Sandy Bridge line next year...

It's your choice really. If the current setup will meet your needs perfectly then go for it. I went for my gaming laptop not because it was the very latest technology-the graphics cards were already nearly a year old, and it was only to be a few months until mobile i7 came out-but because the price was perfect, and because it suits my needs perfectly. I still don't regret waiting at all because my laptop does everything I want it to.

If you believe you'll get better use out of next-gen parts, then wait. If not, go for it now.

 

As I mentioned in the other thread, if you're happy with the overall package, and your only concern is the lack of an i3 CPU, then go ahead with the purchase.

(1) All of Intel's marketing efforts to the contrary, you won't be missing much.
(2) It's probably not going to have a huge effect on the machine's resale value (should you decide not to keep it for the long term).

edit:

The P7550 has been upgraded. If I'm not mistaken, you'll be getting a P9600 (2.66) or SP9400 (2.4). If I'm wrong, the base model might be a P8600. I don't think the 2.66 is a T9550.

 

Doubt we'll see any update/refresh to the Macbook Pro until 2011.

 

Is anyone doing work on a -13- inch laptop that requires serious power? Or anything that an i3 vs core2 is gonna make a difference?
If you are a student, and can wait until August, they'll probably offer a free ipod or itouch at that time as part of their back to school specials.

 

I think there are a number of busiess users, academics and other professionals who have a real need for a portable power. I do. A 13" powerhouse is in my future to make the former 15" desk-brick laptop more functional. That is why we are seeing powerful small units like the Lenovo X200 selling so well.

To be fair, those of us with such needs probably never really considered Apple MBP's and have been interested more in 13" units like the Sony Z or the new Acer TimelineX Series but there is no question that such a need exists. Apple doesn't really compete in that market - at least in the 13" formfactor.

Bronsky

 

Although people think I'm an Apple loving apologist for saying why the 13" is on a C2D... I really wanted a i3/i5 13"er... I was tempted for a bit at this one, but my 2008 unibody 15" isn't that old, just kinda big. I myself am going to wait for the next 13" MBP refresh/upgrade/replacement before buying a new one.

 

Did someone call?

I've gotten over my previous MBP troubles. Part of it was bad luck. Someone somewhere always gets a lemon. It was my turn. Part of the trouble was the nvidia fiasco. That's in the past, now.

I'm open to going back to another MBP. But I'd much prefer a 13" model. And it'll need to be a number-cruncher. If a future revision offered an i5-540, the MBP would be near or at the top of my list of models to check out.

 

Ok, well this is new! I'm getting the base MBP 13 model!

Can anyone confirm this is true?

Confirmed here: EveryMac.com

 

I'll just wait until then. Thanks for the heads up.

 

I personally want a i5 13 incher but I have this feeling that Apple is going to drag its feet and stick in an i3 in their next update. So I'm not playing the waiting game and get one now since I already have an i7 iMac for heavy lifting.

 

i think the one thing we can all be certain of is that apple is here to disappoint. they'll never give you what you want because they want such a wide profit margin. they'll keep you wanting more but give you less and less. But you already saved your money looking forward to it so you mihgt as well spend it because apple tells you what you want is not that much better


i mean look you can play doom 3 2 times better than before. why would you want a new cpu?

 

I'm not by any means defending Apple. But for me personally, I've decided that the difference between an I3-M and the P8600 isn't really enough to justify going for a comparable PC. I'm just looking for a unibody aluminum construction, light weight (4.5 LBS or under), thinness, screen quality, and a nice touchpad. A little integrated GPU processing power and an alright Core 2 for just over $1,000 isn't too bad for me considering the benefits of the student promotion. I don't need extra CPU and graphics processing power that I'll never need while at school.

Also come fall back-to-school shopping season, I'll gladly pay full price for a MBP 13+free iPod Touch+printer promotion. I could really use a $100 off promotion on a wifi-enabled printer. The iPod Touch will just be a nice way to burn free time when I'm bored but not in the mood for beer pong.

 

Notebook manufacturers are always refreshing their products so there is never a good time to buy one. If you wait for the next one some new technology will be right around the corner (Light Peak? etc..). Buy one when you need one.

@zeth006 - you forgot 10hr battery life.

 

Customer: Why is this car so ******* expensive?
Sales: Hey, this is a Porsche, top-of-the-line stuff. It is well worth the price.
Customer: And its engine outputs only 100HP?
Sales: Now come on, people never drive that fast in practical situations. You will never miss the extra horsepower. Trust me on this one.
Customer: .....