New MBP vs. Last MBP

So, I'm thinking about picking up the last version of the MBP instead of the new version given the deep discounts that are going on. However, I want to make sure I know what I'm missing/gaining by doing this.

New advantages:

1) Newer/Faster video
2) Updated touch pad
3) Better heat handling
4) Faster DDR3 memory
5) Higher top end processor (2.8 vs. 2.6)

Same between:

1) Glossy LED is the same from the notebookreview review
2) wireless ??
3) Both seem to support 6GB of memory (cheaper for old)

Old advantage:

1) Can get a matte screen
2) slightly smaller in dimensions/weight
3) DVI port instead of mini displayport (although mini displayport probably supports HDCP)


In sum, if you don't play games and would rather have a matte screen (photo editing is important for me), then it seems the old and the new are fairly similar although I don't know how you right click in Vista on the old one. Am I missing anything important?

Thanks,
Chris

 

is the new glossy the same as the old glossy? the old glossy wasn't very glossy at all. its a fine screen and im happy with it.

the only thing i really don't like about the new one is the weird keyboard color dissonance.

 

Well, I don't know for sure.. that's what the review says:

"The new MacBook Pro's 15.4 inch LED screen is the same 1440 x 900 resolution as its predecessor..."

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4684

THe most important application for this machine is Photoshop CS4. Because the Windows version is 64bit, it would be run in Vista64 via bootcamp.

THanks
Chris

EDIT: Maybe they just mean it's the same resolution?

 

No, what masterchef341 is saying is that they have a new glossy screen in the sense that its no longer the same production method as it used to be, more like the iMac than the old MBP. I don't believe it has a glass coating like on the iMac though, I'm not sure, although I assume that would be quite heavy.

And yeah, I'm pretty sure the review is just referring to the resolution!

 

I thought the newer one was worse with fewer ports.

 

another advantage of the new one is its unibody construction. i think its much more durable than the old mbp line.

 

The new MacBook Pro actually uses a higher-quality display on top of being glossy. It also uses faster RAM ans the unibody chassis looks better all around. I also prefer the new touchpad to any other laptop I've used. I wasn't sure how much I'd like the keyboard, but after using it for a few days, it's the best keyboard I've ever used. The glossy screen doesn't get too annoying. If price isn't an issue, I would say definitely get the new MacBook Pro.

 

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm sure this is blasphamy (sp) but did anyone look at the XPS M1530? It has an LED screen with a similar resolution.

Thanks again,
Chris

 

It's funny that you brought that up. My uncle had a XPS M1530 and he's replacing it with a MacBook Pro. The screens don't even compare. The MacBook Pro screen is just so much more vivid, with deeper and richer colors, and it's just better all-around. There's a lot more to a screen than the finish covering it and its' resolution.

 

yeah,mac sucks,don't buy one...

 

BTW,can you post a pic of them together?

 

I doubt that I'll be able to since I barely see him with the M1530 and he might've already gotten rid of it (his company switch to all Apple computers). I could take a picture of my MacBook Pro and my dad's Latitude E6500, which has a LED 1440x900 display that's better than the M1530, though still lacking compared to the MacBook Pro.

 

where are u getting a discount on the old revision of the macbook pro?
i was planning on doing that to but couldnt cuz i couldnt find one in the 1200-1400 range

 

How about this? http://www.macmall.com/macmall/families/new_promo~dp~7691239~family~macbookpro~promo~17.asp

 

Most of them are Glossy. And the ones that aren't, you pay a premium for. I guess the matte last gen MBPs are very much in demand now.

 

I guess one question is how well can the screens be calibrated. I mean, deeper colors may or may not be good depending on how the screen can be calibrated...

 

As long as the Nvidia graphics problem isn't a concern for you (Apple is fixing any defective units for free in or out of warranty anyway), go for a Matte last gen. In my opinion, its one of the finest notebooks you can get at any price.

Perfect design, perfect ergonomics, wonderful screen, you can't go wrong. A 17" high-res should also be on your short list if its in your price range. The high res matte screen is simply stunning.

Let us know what you pick!

Andrei

 

that is the main advantage, everything else the O.P. mentioned means very little compared to this.

the biggest benefit of this is that you can actually upgrade the HDD in the future. HDDs come out in larger formats very often, it is very possible that one could upgrade their HDD every year to something that is nearly double the size of their original.

and also, in my own experience with very high end scanning and printing, I am talking 384megapixels, and large canvas printing plotters, it really isn't possible or necessary on any level to have a properly calibrated screen. atleast with the idea that you are going to be seeing exactly what a printer is going to print out right on your screen, unless you are willing to spend some serious skrilla. like very very serious skrilla.

also what are people doing printing their own photos anyway? that is the most boring and frustrating part about photography, make a printing service pay for all the issues and mistakes that pop up with color accuracy and have fun taking photos. magazine photographers have it figured out.

also keep in mind that most people involved in digital photography are going to be presenting their work online in many forms, so color calibration of your screen isn't going to be incredibly important when no one elses screen out there will look like yours, even more so if you have calibrated it for a very specific purpose. I say if you are going to print yourself go all the way or don't go. and by all the way I mean making your own paper, using a proper down shooter and a darkroom, and a large format film camera. if you aren't going to be doing that, stick to digital forms of presentation.

 

+1

After spending time in both Best Buy (where I saw an XPS) and the local Apple Store (toyed with a MBP while I was waiting for someone) yesterday, can def. vouch for this

 

This will work too