Worth the money to switch to MBP?

I've been debating this for a few weeks now. I'm in the market for a new laptop to use the final 3 years of undergrad, so I want/need something to last me. Also, I'm the type of person who likes to have the newest/coolest electronics. I've just ordered a Dell (1420...1200 shipped), but it is not going to ship for another month (I have no computer ATM, so getting a MBP now is even more tempting). Is it worth the extra 500+ for: better overall specs, awesome looking design, OSX, having it today?

Help meeee!

Also, money is sort of an issue for me. I'm a student, but I landed a nice internship this summer with a very nice stipend. Its not that I couldn't spend the money; its just whether or not it is worth it.

 

If you're thinking of macs as "better overall specs, awesome design, OSX, having it today" you are going to get it.

So don't delay it anymore, it will only make you want it more!

 

Since you're tight on cash, what are the specs on your Dell and how much was it?

 

That's a very personal question, and only you can quantify how much design, "coolness" and etc will be worth to you. My thoughts:

1. You mentioned OSX as a plus. If you want OS X, of course you have to get either the MB or MBP.

2. If it's just specs you want without the OS, you could compromise and take a look at other laptops such as the Asus G1S. It's got a good design in a different sense than the MBP, but it has equal or better specs for performance (not counting the LCD).

 

i got the 1420

T7100
1440x900screen
2GB
8400GS
3 year warranty (a big plus)

for a little more than 1200 shipped. dell has some amazing deals right now on the new inspirons.

its not that im 'tight' on money, but 500 bones is 500 bones.

 

its not just the coolness.

the MBP has the 2.2ghz processor (basically a 150-200 upgrade) and the 8600GT. it is a better machine, just going by the specs.

I had a G1S (sold it), it was too big and too 'gamer.'

 

To make the long story short, I think it is worth it.

 

I'm not too up to date on USA pricing, but if the $500 includes the 3-year warranty on the MBP, you like OSX, and you're willing to spend the cash I'd say you should go for it. Also remember to log in as a student so that you get the ipod and the discount. I was going to get the MBP but ended up opting for the M1330 because of my situation. It seems like it would fit well with you, though.

One thing to remember though, if you're in to games you're probably going to want to have Windows installed as well. If you don't have a spare, full version (not upgrade), copy of Windows XP SP2 or Vista lying around you'll have to add that as an additional cost.

 

The 500+ does not include an extra warranty. I've had an iPod for 3.5+ years now with no problems, so I'm just gonna cross my fingers.

My University provides free copies of OSes and Office.

 

Well I personally would buy a 3-year warranty on a laptop just becuase of everything that can go wrong.. but you also have the option of purchasing it any time before your 1-year warranty is up.

 

I apologize for sounding a bit harsh but I keep reading posts here from time to time that people are considering a MBP but are also considering a non-Mac such as the Dell. If you are even considering a Dell then it's obvious you have no intention of using OS X on the MBP. Correct? Reason I am mentioning this is because the $500.00 difference is not worth it if you are not going to use the Mac as a "Mac". If it's just going to be a Windows machine for you then get the Dell.
I mentioned this on other posts that the Mac is not a "Windows Machine" by design. The keyboard for one thing is all Macintosh as well as the trackpad. Try typing in Windows and your palm will touch the trackpad everytime and result in your cursor moving about on the screen.
If you notice on Windows notebooks the trackpad is slightly off center to the left to accommodate typing. On the OS X side trackpad input is controllable.

 

There are some programs that will require me to use Windows, but for everyday use, I intend to use whatever OS is the default OS. I have no problems checking my email in OSX. Writing a paper, I have no problems using OSX. Listening to music, I have no problems using OSX.

 

Linux will conquer the world, Vista's become nothing more than a gaming front end, and Leopard needs to be released already.

Seriously though, plot out what you like about the MBP, what you dislike, and what you're indifferent about. If the "indifferent" or "dislike" list includes most of what makes the MBP unique, you can probably find something that fits what you want for cheaper on a PC laptop. If, on the other hand, what you "like" about the MBP includes stuff that only the MBP has (i.e. OSX for example), then it's probably worth the money.