Is this a good deal on a 2009 Macbook Pro?

[Phocus]

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]

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

- Nick

 

[quin]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Returnofthemac]

Mbp

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