MacBook - Old MBP vs. New MB

idyllwildjoe · idyllwildjoe #1 (**permalink**)

05-02-2009, 01:00 AM

Here's my situation--looking at getting either a new Aluminum MB 2.4, or an old MBP 2.4 at roughly the same price, both are refurbished. I'm a novice--just use the computer for the basics, and am wondering which I should get? Both computers have 2G RAM, DR3. The MBP HD is 200G, which is fine for me. I don't use firewire much, so not having it on the MB is no problem. I currently have a 2006 MBP (which my wife is going to be using now), and I like the 15' screen, so keeping that size would be nice. However, I could live just fine with a 13', and am wondering if it's better to sacrifice on screen size in order to get the unibody, and all that the updated MB has to offer. Any suggestions?

CrimsonRequiem · CrimsonRequiem #2 (**permalink**)

05-02-2009, 01:38 AM

If you are willing to give up the screen real estate and the firewire, then the MB is the way to go.

The MB can handle a lot more than people think.

B&O · B&O #3 (**permalink**)

05-02-2009, 01:43 AM

Agreed. If you don't need the power the MB would be better. The unibodies have an amazing level of build quality.

idyllwildjoe · idyllwildjoe #4 (**permalink**)

05-02-2009, 06:02 AM

Thanks for your thoughts. That's helpful. Quick follow-up--if you had the choice between the unibody MB 2.4 or the 2.0, which would you pick? With my MBP I've come to like the illuminated keyboard, and it would suck not having that on the 2.0, but not sure that the the illuminated keyboard is worth the jump in price from the 2.0 to the 2.4. Thoughts?

CrimsonRequiem · CrimsonRequiem #5 (**permalink**)

05-02-2009, 07:17 AM

You won't notice the .4 difference in the CPU. You will notice the illuminated keyboard though.

bikalpapaudel · bikalpapaudel #6 (**permalink**)

05-02-2009, 09:07 AM

^+1.
---

Actually Al MacBook may be faster than the old MBP at certain tasks, or maybe all general purpose tasks. And maybe it can take more RAM than the older MBP. Check that out.

But when it would concern graphics, I think MBP wins hands down.

Also, MBP is a Pro machine. Its more expandable and robust (ExpressCard? Firewire?), it has a larger screen and the difference is imminent.

If I was a professional and was given the choice between a refurb Unibody and a refurb old MBP, I think I would go for the older MBP and max out the RAM.

CrimsonRequiem #2 (permalink)
Inactive Staff Member Since: Jul 24, 2008 Posts: 5,959 Mac Specs: MBP 2.3 Ghz 4GB RAM 860 GB SSD, iMac 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7 32GB RAM, Fusion Drive 1TB	05-02-2009, 01:38 AM If you are willing to give up the screen real estate and the firewire, then the MB is the way to go. The MB can handle a lot more than people think. 死神はリンゴしか食べない。
	QUOTE Thanks

CrimsonRequiem #5 (permalink)
Inactive Staff Member Since: Jul 24, 2008 Posts: 5,959 Mac Specs: MBP 2.3 Ghz 4GB RAM 860 GB SSD, iMac 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7 32GB RAM, Fusion Drive 1TB	05-02-2009, 07:17 AM You won't notice the .4 difference in the CPU. You will notice the illuminated keyboard though. 死神はリンゴしか食べない。
	QUOTE Thanks

bikalpapaudel #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 24, 2009 Location: Dharan, Nepal Posts: 95 Mac Specs: Aluminium MacBook \| iPod Touch	05-02-2009, 09:07 AM ^+1. --- Actually Al MacBook may be faster than the old MBP at certain tasks, or maybe all general purpose tasks. And maybe it can take more RAM than the older MBP. Check that out. But when it would concern graphics, I think MBP wins hands down. Also, MBP is a Pro machine. Its more expandable and robust (ExpressCard? Firewire?), it has a larger screen and the difference is imminent. If I was a professional and was given the choice between a refurb Unibody and a refurb old MBP, I think I would go for the older MBP and max out the RAM. Aluminum MacBook Pro 13", AOC 22" Full HD. iPod Touch, HTC Gene. Windows 7 on a dumpster. Everest, Buddha, Gorkha.
	QUOTE Thanks

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idyllwildjoe #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 01, 2008 Posts: 3	05-02-2009, 01:00 AM Here's my situation--looking at getting either a new Aluminum MB 2.4, or an old MBP 2.4 at roughly the same price, both are refurbished. I'm a novice--just use the computer for the basics, and am wondering which I should get? Both computers have 2G RAM, DR3. The MBP HD is 200G, which is fine for me. I don't use firewire much, so not having it on the MB is no problem. I currently have a 2006 MBP (which my wife is going to be using now), and I like the 15' screen, so keeping that size would be nice. However, I could live just fine with a 13', and am wondering if it's better to sacrifice on screen size in order to get the unibody, and all that the updated MB has to offer. Any suggestions?
	QUOTE Thanks

idyllwildjoe #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 01, 2008 Posts: 3	05-02-2009, 06:02 AM Thanks for your thoughts. That's helpful. Quick follow-up--if you had the choice between the unibody MB 2.4 or the 2.0, which would you pick? With my MBP I've come to like the illuminated keyboard, and it would suck not having that on the 2.0, but not sure that the the illuminated keyboard is worth the jump in price from the 2.0 to the 2.4. Thoughts?
	QUOTE Thanks

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