First of all, I know I want a MacBook Pro. I've wanted one for as long as I remember. Also the fact that I want to be a web designer and the industry standard for designers is a mac persuades me to buy a Mac because sooner or later, I will need to know how t o use a Mac.
But I'm conflicted. I have a Windows desktop for quite a while now and want to make the switch. I can still do basic things on the desktop, but it was a pre-built so I can't upgrade any more, and it doesn't have enough memory for the apps I'll need.
Still a student with a student budget, I can only spend 3G on the laptop (and that is still expensive). Even with the student discount, the price is still a bit far-fetched. I've heard from colleagues and read on AppleInsider's website that Apple will come out with a new MBP soon. MacRumor's Buyer's Guide recommended I buy the MBP ONLY if I really need it, because it's approaching the end of its cycle. I've been told by others that I should wait for the new ones to come out. Is this a good idea to wait and how soon will the new one come out? But what's the point if the new one comes out and I can't afford it?
I mean, I don't need another computer simply for the sake of having another computer because I already have a functioning one. But at the same time, I feel I need this MBP because it will enrich my life better as a designer.
But even after this decision, I'm conflicted as to which model to buy -- the 15" or the 17"? The 17" does give me 30% more laptop screen space, the extra Hi-Res Glossy screen, and the resolution surpasses that of the 15". However, I'm a small person, and I'll be carrying it around with me, so wouldn't the 15" be more ideal for portability? And also the 17" will end up being $500 extra over budget.
I mention this because I'm thinking about getting TimeCapsule too, which sits at an additional $300. Is TimeCapsule even necessary? The laptop configuration I'll be getting is 200GB hard drive @ 7200rpm. Is that fast transfer speed? I know the apps I need takes up a lot of storage space, so is it ideal and practical to buy TimeCapsule too to back up my data?
So if I get the MBP at 17" and the 8GB ipod (with the student promo), plus TimeCapsule, I'll be paying $3750 upfront, then get the rebate later for the "free" 8GB ipod. But if I get the MBP at 15" and the 8GB ipod, plus TimeCapsule, I'll be paying $3330 upfront, and a savings of $299 after rebate (the ipod). BOTH of these totals are waaayy over my student budget, but the 15" sounds more practical money-wise.
I want to know what I should do before school starts next week and the end of the student promo on Sept. 15. Any advice, Mac veterans?
But I'm conflicted. I have a Windows desktop for quite a while now and want to make the switch. I can still do basic things on the desktop, but it was a pre-built so I can't upgrade any more, and it doesn't have enough memory for the apps I'll need.
Still a student with a student budget, I can only spend 3G on the laptop (and that is still expensive). Even with the student discount, the price is still a bit far-fetched. I've heard from colleagues and read on AppleInsider's website that Apple will come out with a new MBP soon. MacRumor's Buyer's Guide recommended I buy the MBP ONLY if I really need it, because it's approaching the end of its cycle. I've been told by others that I should wait for the new ones to come out. Is this a good idea to wait and how soon will the new one come out? But what's the point if the new one comes out and I can't afford it?
I mean, I don't need another computer simply for the sake of having another computer because I already have a functioning one. But at the same time, I feel I need this MBP because it will enrich my life better as a designer.
But even after this decision, I'm conflicted as to which model to buy -- the 15" or the 17"? The 17" does give me 30% more laptop screen space, the extra Hi-Res Glossy screen, and the resolution surpasses that of the 15". However, I'm a small person, and I'll be carrying it around with me, so wouldn't the 15" be more ideal for portability? And also the 17" will end up being $500 extra over budget.
I mention this because I'm thinking about getting TimeCapsule too, which sits at an additional $300. Is TimeCapsule even necessary? The laptop configuration I'll be getting is 200GB hard drive @ 7200rpm. Is that fast transfer speed? I know the apps I need takes up a lot of storage space, so is it ideal and practical to buy TimeCapsule too to back up my data?
So if I get the MBP at 17" and the 8GB ipod (with the student promo), plus TimeCapsule, I'll be paying $3750 upfront, then get the rebate later for the "free" 8GB ipod. But if I get the MBP at 15" and the 8GB ipod, plus TimeCapsule, I'll be paying $3330 upfront, and a savings of $299 after rebate (the ipod). BOTH of these totals are waaayy over my student budget, but the 15" sounds more practical money-wise.
I want to know what I should do before school starts next week and the end of the student promo on Sept. 15. Any advice, Mac veterans?