Previous Gen MBP Questions

I am considering getting one of the clearance models of the MBP and have a few questions. I just returned the new aluminum Macbook, just too small for my aging eyes.

1. Does the MBP have the multi touch track pad features?
2. How well does the previous gen MBP compare to the new Macbook as far as speed goes?
3. Are there any problems or concerns with the previous gen. MBP that i should take into consideration?

I appreciate any and all advice as I am really struggling to make my decisions. I will use the computer for family photos, videos and streaming video.

 

1.) Can't say for sure, buy my August 2007 MBP does not have multi-touch track pad features. The MBP that was released in early 2008 may.

2.) The previous MBP generation featured the NVidia GeForce 8600m GT graphics processor, which is not significantly different from the 9600m GT used in current models. The 8600m GT will provide better performance than the 9400m in current MB's and MBP's. However, it's just a smidgen slower than the 9600m GT.

3.) There are numerous concerns. Some individuals had a yellow tinge near the bottom of the display panel. Some, such as myself, have the "missing first letter" issue when typing in a new text field. "pple Computers never have problems!" The biggest problem, is that they're susceptible to a graphics core failure due to the faulty 8600m GT's. As long as you're not gaming, you shouldn't push the graphics core to the point of failure.

While my MBP is now considered old, and the graphics core could fail if I push it too hard, I still love my MBP.

 

1) Early 08 models have it.
2) It is faster compared to the AluBook. It is cheaper to upgrade too since it uses DDR2
3) I have the Early 08 model and have not had any issues aside from the 8600m. Id just get the CompleteCare.

 

if heating is an issue, use a cooling pad, i've found 400 for applecare is a little steep in my pocket, and isn't apple are willing to repair the notebook without cost even after warranty? if that happens it is a faulty product after all.

please be reminded though, 2.6ghz and 256mb video ram = 07 spec'ed mbp

 

1. Does the MBP have the multi touch track pad features?

Yes. The Penryn models do (the most recent generation before the unibody)

2. How well does the previous gen MBP compare to the new Macbook as far as speed goes?

Very similar in speed. The newest generation of both lines were evolutionary rather than revolutionary since little has changed on Intel's side. Macworld does very good benchmarking of this, macworld.com

3. Are there any problems or concerns with the previous gen. MBP that i should take into consideration?

Not really. The only thing I didn't love about my old MBP was the construction quality (but that's mainly just exacerbated by how well constructed the new ones are). Heat isn't much of a concern because the Penryn chips in the previous generation MBP ran far cooler than the early MBPs.