Is this a good deal on a 2009 Macbook Pro?

Phocus · Phocus #1 (**permalink**)

07-06-2010, 10:50 AM

Need a new laptop and looking to switch to Mac. I can buy a new unopened 2009 Macbook Pro 15.4" (MC118LL) for $1300, or should I get the latest 13" Macbook Pro ($1200)? Which would you choose and why? Specs below:

2009 Macbook Pro 15.4"
2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4GB Memory
250GB 5400 rpm hard drive
NVIDIA 9400M graphics w/256MB
15.4" screen
73-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery (up to 7??? hours battery time)

Latest 2010 Macbook Pro 13"
2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4GB Memory
250GB 5400 rpm hard drive
NVIDIA 320M graphics w/256MB
13" screen
63.5-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery (up to 10 hours battery time)

Can't decide if I should get the latest and greatest 13" or go with a good deal on a year old (unopened-new) 15.4" (only $100 more).

Thanks for any recommendations...

pigoo3 · pigoo3 #2 (**permalink**)

07-06-2010, 10:52 AM

If the screen size or weight difference is not an issue...get the 13"...better graphics hardware.

- Nick

quin · quin #3 (**permalink**)

07-06-2010, 10:59 AM

Essentially both are the same computer for $100 more get the bigger screen 15.4

There's no exterior design changes from Apple so no one can tell whether the 15.4 is one year old or not.

Phocus · Phocus #4 (**permalink**)

07-06-2010, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pigoo3

If the screen size or weight difference is not an issue...get the 13"...better graphics hardware.

- Nick

Does the 320M significantly increase overall perceived performance over the 9400M? I like the idea of getting the larger screen for $100 more, but not if performance difference is noticeable.

pigoo3 · pigoo3 #5 (**permalink**)

07-06-2010, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phocus

Does the 320M significantly increase overall perceived performance over the 9400M? I like the idea of getting the larger screen for $100 more, but not if performance difference is noticeable.

Then get the bigger screen. This is probably the direction you were leaning towards in the first place.

- Nick

Loathe · Loathe #6 (**permalink**)

07-07-2010, 02:42 AM

I would get the 13' and use the extra 100$ to buy an external screen.

Returnofthemac · Returnofthemac #7 (**permalink**)

07-07-2010, 04:05 PM

It all depends on how you are going to use it. If you will be traveling around then 13 might be better but if you are using it at a desk most the time go with the bigger screen

pigoo3 #2 (permalink)
Member Since: May 20, 2008 Location: U.S. Posts: 20,348 Mac Specs: 13" MB 2.4ghz, 2gig ram, OS 10.7.4	07-06-2010, 10:52 AM If the screen size or weight difference is not an issue...get the 13"...better graphics hardware. - Nick - Computer slow, too many "beachballs", read this: Beachballs - Computer seems slower than it used to? Read this for some speedup tips: Speedup - Almost full hard drive? Some solutions. Out of Space - Apple Battery Info. Battery
	QUOTE Thanks

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Is this a good deal on a 2009 Macbook Pro?

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Phocus #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 06, 2010 Posts: 2	07-06-2010, 10:50 AM Need a new laptop and looking to switch to Mac. I can buy a new unopened 2009 Macbook Pro 15.4" (MC118LL) for $1300, or should I get the latest 13" Macbook Pro ($1200)? Which would you choose and why? Specs below: 2009 Macbook Pro 15.4" 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 4GB Memory 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive NVIDIA 9400M graphics w/256MB 15.4" screen 73-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery (up to 7??? hours battery time) Latest 2010 Macbook Pro 13" 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 4GB Memory 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive NVIDIA 320M graphics w/256MB 13" screen 63.5-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery (up to 10 hours battery time) Can't decide if I should get the latest and greatest 13" or go with a good deal on a year old (unopened-new) 15.4" (only $100 more). Thanks for any recommendations...
	QUOTE Thanks

Loathe #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 26, 2010 Location: BKK, Thailand Posts: 61 Mac Specs: MBP2.26/4GbRAM	07-07-2010, 02:42 AM I would get the 13' and use the extra 100$ to buy an external screen.
	QUOTE Thanks

Returnofthemac #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 15, 2008 Posts: 82	07-07-2010, 04:05 PM It all depends on how you are going to use it. If you will be traveling around then 13 might be better but if you are using it at a desk most the time go with the bigger screen
	QUOTE Thanks

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