Question

I was wondering if there is going to be any update to the macbook pro during the june 9th conference WWDC?

Also is it worth it paying the extra cash for a macbook pro if its gonna be my main computer for the next four years or so?

 

1) No one knows. The new Intel chipset, Montevina (now called Centrino 2) will be released this summer, so it's feasible that an update will be announced on June 9, but it's just speculation. Most likely, the update will come further down the road, towards the start of the school year.

2) Depends what you're doing on it. If you're deciding between the MBP and the MB, then it really comes down to if you'll need the dedicated graphics card. If you do ANY sort of gaming or use any other 3D-intensive software, you'll want that card - the integrated card in the MB is pretty poor even for right now, and will be pitiful in 4 years. Also, if you want to drive a high-resolution display, you'll need the dedicated graphics to do that. However, if all you're doing is processor-intensive tasks (or simple things like word processing and internet browsing), then the MB and MBP will be quite similar - the only difference being screen size, battery life, weight, materials, etc. On the whole, though, I'd say that if you're planning to keep the computer for 4 years, you should go for the MBP - it'll be more future-proof, and if you amortize the extra few hundred dollars over four years, it isn't that much really ^_^

 

1) Its hard to say. If Montevina is released around that time, yes, WWDC would probably be the place to announce an updated MacBook Pro, but it really depends on Intel and other hardware manufacturers and when they plan to release all the components. I would expect a MBP update around summer time, yes. No one knows if it is exactly at WWDC though.

2) I'd say yes, but as niemassacre said, it depends on what you're doing. The main advantages of the MBP would be the graphics card and added little extras, as well as a larger screen/higher resolution.

 

It also depends on your budget. If you have the money for a MBP, then yes go for it. I on the other hand, have a MB (previous gen- Intel GMA 950). I don't do any gaming on it, and I dont see any problem with it lasting my another 3/4 years. Lemme just show you some prices though:
1) New, maxd out macbook- $1,899. However, NEVER get ram from apple, Im just using it now for an example.
2) Refurb baseline MBP- $1449.

 

stealthsniper brings up a good point. whatever you do with your money, be frugal about apple laptops. the hardware is all so overpowered for pretty much everything that everyone does, that it would definitely make more sense to get a refurb macbook pro than a maxed out macbook. get the cheapest model of whatever you buy, be it macbook, macbook pro, whatever.

 

Thanks for all your opinions. But I have another question on refurb macbook pro's hows the quality on them? And are refurb's eligible for a student discount and can it be applied to the back to school special with a ipod discount? I know this may sound odd but I'm trying to save some money as a college student

 

The refurb Macs are known to be extremely good quality. I've heard many say they wouldn't know it was refurbished other than the label .

And no, it can't be bundled with any other discount, unfortunately.

 

Also, if you are getting a computer now, the last generation of MBPs can usually be found at fairly steep discounts at bargain stores. There isn't a huge difference between the current generation and the last one - slightly faster processor speeds on a smaller die (so less heat generated), plus a gimmicky increase in VRAM on the video card. Oh, and also the multi-touch trackpad, but I haven't personally found any real use for that.

 

Yeah I don't really care for the multitouch trackpad. Not that its not cool, but I use firefox instead of safari and the three finger trick only works in safari. I would say if you can get a refurb for a good price go for it. The performance difference between the Feb. refresh and the refurb would be negligable at best.