01-17-2011, 11:04 PM

So I'm looking into buying a refurbished Macbook Pro. Right now it seems like I'm between a Mid-2009 or a Spring 2010 model. The differences (besides a few hundred dollars) are that the 2009 has the Intel Duo-Core Processor and the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M GT graphics card. The 2010 will have 2.53 ghz Intel i5 and the NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics.

My question is, is the difference between the processors and graphics worth the extra few hundred bucks? I'd be using the machine for Final Cut Studio, Adobe Creative Suite, and Logic Studio.

Am I right in assuming the 2009 model can run these? If the difference between the two models is a few more minutes in rendering time for videos, I'd rather take the cheaper model and save the few hundred bucks to go toward a camera or something.

Also, on a less important note, does anyone have experience with Apple's refurbs? Are they really just as good as new like Apple would have you believe?

Thanks in advance!

01-17-2011, 11:36 PM

I think the mid-2009 would serve you just fine if you don't mind a bit more time as far as rendering. Nothing wrong with saving a few bucks and getting another toy to go with the MBP!

I don't have experience with their refurb computers. My iPod touch is a refurb, and I just ordered my wife an older Nano earlier today. From what I learned here earlier today from an experienced member, was that the computers are covered with the same 12 month warranty (and are eligible to get Applecare if you so choose!) even as refurbs. My iPod touch arrived and was literally like brand new. Not a scratch or speck on it. It's still working perfectly. Apple goes through the refurbs very carefully, and are sure enough of their condition to provide the same care and coverage as on the brand new computers. I'd say you can order with total confidence But I imagine someone here has bought a refurb computer and will say for sure

01-17-2011, 11:51 PM

I have the 2010 i5 2.53, and I have also had the 2009 2.66 C2D machine. While I don't use FCP (I use FCE), I can tell you that the difference in rendering times with the 2 machines is significant! It is not just a couple minutes. On extensive projects, the i5 can cut the cut the time by nearly half.

Rendering is where the i5 shows its strength to me. You won't regret that extra cash.

01-18-2011, 11:22 AM

I'm tending to lean the other direction, with a caveat. I'd be inclined to go with the less expensive 2009 model, and use some of the saved money to replace the drive with a hybrid drive to improve performance. A 500gb Seagate Momentus XT hybrid drive goes for about $119 at Amazon right now, and provides some of the speed benefits of an SSD drive with a high speed hard drive. Reviews have been very good about this drive. Also, if you use this computer for a year, even two, odds are you can get about 80-90% of what you paid back out of it. The newer computer would be more like 65-75%.

01-18-2011, 11:52 AM

Thanks for all the tips, everyone.

Even though it'd be nice, an upgraded harddrive isn't necessary for me, really. I already have a 1tb external that runs at 7200 rpm. Unless an upgraded HDD on the laptop would be that much better.


Another question: Has anyone run Final Cut Studio on the 2009 MBP. Specifically, I'm talking about the Motion and Color programs, because I know they can be iffy with some graphics configurations. I'm not sure, but I think the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M GT combo should be able to run them, right? Anyone know for certain?