Macbook and/or Macbook Pro (and need advice!)

[GoogolGA]

Hello everybody. So after almost 20 years as a PC user, I think I'm finally through with PC's and I'm ready to join the dark side and get a Mac :) . I plan to use my laptop to do some music recording (through firewire) and simple web/graphic design

I currently have an HP tx2000 tablet PC, AMD Turion x64 dual core processor, 250gb harddrive, 4gb ram, 12.1" screen, etc.

Are there any deals out there that you guys are aware of? I've taken the time to find three possible candidates:

I see Macbooks like this one (http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MB881LL-13-3-Inch-Processor-SuperDrive/dp/B001QCWQNK/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1235398866&sr=1-21): 2.0gHz, 2gb ram, 120gb harddrive, 13" screen. The HD is a bit small, but I can live with that. I'm cool with the screen size, and I can upgrade the ram. What do you guys think about the price? The processor?

Then I see something like this (http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MB134LL-15-4-inch-Processor-SuperDrive/dp/B0013FLTNS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1235402683&sr=1-5): 2.5gHz, 2gb ram, 250gb harddrive, 15.4" screen. $650 more than the macbook above. So my questions: is this a good price? How much of this $650 do you think I'm paying for the bigger screen and how big of a difference do you think that extra 0.5gHz will make in terms of processing power and speed?

OK, and one more that I saw at LA Computer (http://www.lacomputercompany.com/cgi-bin/rpcart/index.cgi?command=dispitem&type=sku&sku=26232): 2.4gHz, 2gb ram, 200gb harddrive, 15.4" screen. This one is between the two at $1399. So is the computer above this one worth the extra $200 bucks? Is that 0.1gHz difference significant?

Are there any other good places/prices that you guys recommend? I'm so sorry to ask so many questions! I'm trying to make the most informed purchase possible and all the combinations out there start to get confusing to me! Thank you all in advance for your help and advice!

[damnyou]

Buying from Amazon is a better option now since it is cheaper than Apple store

Another place to look at it is jr.com

http://www.jr.com/category/computers/notebooks-and-tablets/apple-macintosh/sort-by-salePrice-0/

With 6% live cashback at JR, you might be able to get cheaper than Amazon

Macconnection (a sister site of Pcconnection) is also selling Macs for less

http://www.macconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Detail.htm?sku=8252991

you can always check reseller ratings for the store

[GoogolGA]

I decided to pull the trigger and get the Macbook Pro from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MB134LL-15-4-inch-Processor-SuperDrive/dp/B0013FLTNS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1235412400&sr=1-2).
$1599 and has 250gb hard drive, 2.5gHz Intel CoreDuo processor, 2gb ram, and 15.4" screen.

Hope I made a good decision! Seems like this is a really, really good computer. Thanks + reps for your advice!

[heavylee]

Apple is not the dark side :)

For others' benefit, check these out too:
http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail.asp?Redir=1&description=Apple%2D13%2E3%22+MacBook+Intel+Core+2 +Duo+2GHz%2C+2GB%2C+120GB%2C+Super+Drive+%2D+White +polycarbonate+shell%2DMacBook&dpno=7739823
http://www.macconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Detail.htm?sku=8252991

[z4m]

I decided to pull the trigger and get the Macbook Pro from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MB134LL-15-4-inch-Processor-SuperDrive/dp/B0013FLTNS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1235412400&sr=1-2).
$1599 and has 250gb hard drive, 2.5gHz Intel CoreDuo processor, 2gb ram, and 15.4" screen.

Hope I made a good decision! Seems like this is a really, really good computer. Thanks + reps for your advice!

Congratulations on your purchase. You will quickly realize how Mac never seizes to amaze, in a good way of course.

[mentalattica]

Not sure if you have a BB, but my BB often has open box MB and MBP's. Recently I saw the previous gen MBP for $1219 (it's the second one you listed.) I've seen the unibody 2.0ghz for around $1100 and I bought a open box unibody MBP for around $1700. Not stellar deals but depending on your sales tax you can save a couple bucks and grab applecare off of flee-bay.

As far as the $650 difference your paying for a bigger and better screen, more processing power, bigger HD, FW800+FW400, an improved graphics card that doesn't use shared RAM (if I'm not mistaken). IMO a sturdier build quality, and I want to say a faster FSB. I'm sure someone can correct me if I'm wrong. It's definitely a fair price @ $1,599. I think you made a good choice.

[GoogolGA]

Thanks + Reps to both of you for the excellent comments and advice. I didn't even think to check for open boxes @ BB, but I will definitely keep that in mind when looking for accessories (would love to get the Apple wireless mouse and keyboard, etc.). Best wishes.

[homer2324]

i was relieved when i saw that you bought Macbook Pro as I scroll down the page...

typical MacBook does not have firewire

[deekortiz3]

i was relieved when i saw that you bought Macbook Pro as I scroll down the page...

typical MacBook does not have firewire

The updated white MacBook still has firewire.

[jayeskreezy]

The updated white MacBook still has firewire.
so does the newer body higher priced model....there are 2 diff alum. macbooks and the more expensive one has a firewire port

[smachine]

If your not a gamer, I would not look at the Pro models. The 13 inch one is just soo much easier to carry around. My advice would be to get the 13 inch model, and a 23 inch 1080P Acer monitor for around $170 off slickdeals (do a search). Pros real advantage is the 9600gt video card, and a useless firewire port which 99% of the population doesnt use. 9600gt will be prone to more heat also.

[mentalattica]

If your not a gamer, I would not look at the Pro models. The 13 inch one is just soo much easier to carry around. My advice would be to get the 13 inch model, and a 23 inch 1080P Acer monitor for around $170 off slickdeals (do a search). Pros real advantage is the 9600gt video card, and a useless firewire port which 99% of the population doesnt use. 9600gt will be prone to more heat also.

Good point. Though I'm not a gamer I do appreciate the 9600 and firewire when editing video. Sometimes that extra RAM can make a pretty significant difference doing intensive stuff. Your absolutely right about the heat, sometimes this thing gets so hot it's scary!

[macpro10]

I decided to pull the trigger and get the Macbook Pro from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MB134LL-15-4-inch-Processor-SuperDrive/dp/B0013FLTNS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1235412400&sr=1-2).
$1599 and has 250gb hard drive, 2.5gHz Intel CoreDuo processor, 2gb ram, and 15.4" screen.

Hope I made a good decision! Seems like this is a really, really good computer. Thanks + reps for your advice!

Congratulations!!
Is it a new one (unibody) or old one (discontinued model)?
I don't see macbook pro for $1599 on amazon. I am also looking for newer model.
Can you please send me the link ?
Thanks!