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    New or refurb Macbook for new convert?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by chunter, Jan 11, 2009.

  1. chunter

    chunter Newbie

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    Hi,

    I'm seriously considering taking the dive into Macland after about 17 years away (my last Mac was an SE!). The new 2.4GHz Macbook retails at $1649 (academic discount), versus a refurb 2.4GHz previous-gen at $1049 from Apple.

    Workload is basic Office stuff plus some Matlab and Systat runs, but I do have a fast desktop at work if I have to offload a really nasty dataset.

    Which should I go for? Save the $600, or get the shiny new model?

    Thanks for the help!
     
    chunter, Jan 11, 2009
    #1
  2. cdnalsi

    cdnalsi Food for the funky people

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    You pretty much have to decide which generation you want. Alu or previous.

    Both the models will be in great shape, don't worry about the refurb.

    If you have the money, I'd say go for the current gen. If not, the previous Apple refurbed products are aweosome.
     
    cdnalsi, Jan 11, 2009
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  3. t3rom

    t3rom Notebook Consultant

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    If I were you, I would buy the newer model.

    My Reasons:

    -Better screen (LED Backlit)
    -Better Graphics
    -More battery life
    -Sleek Aluminum Unibody
    -Slightly more battery juice
     
    t3rom, Jan 11, 2009
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  4. chunter

    chunter Newbie

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    Hehe...you guys are supposed to convince me to save money! Not go for my gut and buy the newest, shiniest! :) Ok, ok...let me rephrase the original question:

    Can anybody offer a cogent argument for why I would go for the _older_ model, assuming I can scrape up the extra $600 if needed?

    I've seen the criticisms of the glossy screen (there are overlays people like) and the new touchpad design (I figure it'll all be new to me anyway, so no big deal).
     
    chunter, Jan 11, 2009
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  5. cdnalsi

    cdnalsi Food for the funky people

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    Not me.

    I love the new glossy screen, love the new trackpad.
    It all comes down to your budget. If you can afford it, buy the new one. If not, don't be bummed, the refurbs are great.
     
    cdnalsi, Jan 11, 2009
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  6. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    Or a third option - get the refurb, current gen 2.4. I think it retails for 1299 USD before tax, but I might be wrong.
     
    chyidean, Jan 11, 2009
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  7. chunter

    chunter Newbie

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    Sadly, I've been watching, and none are popping up on the Apple inventory. Believe me, I'd snag one in a heartbeat!
     
    chunter, Jan 11, 2009
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  8. Nitrousoxide

    Nitrousoxide Notebook Enthusiast

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    Clubmac is offering the newest Macbook for 100 off. Shipping is free and there's no tax of course.

    All things considered, you're only paying about 20 dollars more than you would if you bought refurbished from the Apple online store because you'd still need to pay tax on that 1099 pricetag.
     
    Nitrousoxide, Jan 11, 2009
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  9. lixuelai

    lixuelai Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Why not the 2GHz MacBook?
     
    lixuelai, Jan 11, 2009
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  10. Colin0317

    Colin0317 Notebook Consultant

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    I don't think it's really worth the extra $300 for the .4GHZ and the illuminated keyboard. If you buy the 2.0 you will lose less when you sell it later on and you will have the newest Macbook.
     
    Colin0317, Jan 11, 2009
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  11. Xirurg

    Xirurg ORLY???

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    look around 2am and you ll find 2.4 refurbished alu in outlet ;)
     
    Xirurg, Jan 11, 2009
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  12. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    It's there sometimes. Check a couple of times a day.
     
    chyidean, Jan 11, 2009
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  13. hydrocyanic

    hydrocyanic Notebook Evangelist

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    everything is true besides better screen, the vertical viewing angle is still as bad, CCFL vs. LED is more like "nicer-looking"

    between the two, consider what you else you can get for 600 and see if that adds to your benefit more (sorry, too much opportunity cost)

    ps. for 1600 i would consider 2.4 mbp refurb or previous gen MBA; either go fast(er) or thinn(er), and that's where the better screen take place
     
    hydrocyanic, Jan 11, 2009
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