Macbook Pro 13/15?

[navinator]

If you plan to play games then definitely go for the 15-inch - not the low-end model, but one of the ones with both the NVIDIA 9400M and 9600 GT graphics chips. The low-end 15" (and all 13" models) only has the 9400M and, being an integrated chip (meaning it shares it's workload with the CPU) it isn't too good for things that are graphics-intensive; playing games, watching movies, etc. The 9600 is a dedicated chip, which means it is able to perform much better.
You also get more screen real estate, better quality speakers (although being a notebook they don't sound the best to begin with) and, if necessary, the option to get an anti-glare display (because the standard glassy screens can be a nightmare in regards to reflections depending on where you use the computer).

I'd definitely go with the 15"

 

[3nipples]

How significant is the difference in price in the billing plan? Could a refurbished one be an option? I would tend for the better one, but not at the cost of not having any money at the end of the month.

 

[hotatlboi]

Don't buy a new Macbook Pro right now. Updated models with the Core i5/i7 chips are going to be released sometime within the next few weeks. The current models are EOL.

 

[justsimon]

I'd go with the 15" if you can. I have a 13" and it does the job, but I wish I'd been able to afford the 15". I do a lot of design work and the screen size is pretty small.

 

[hotatlboi]

When do you think that's expected? And will it make much of a difference in performance? and will it cost more?

It will be a good performance boost yes, probably will be around the same price as current models.

No one really knows when it will happen but it will be soon.

Resellers are running promotions to clear out their stock of the existing models.

 

[hotatlboi]

Apple hardly ever raises their prices for simple updates, and when they do the increase is usually small.

 

[mrcorbin]

How often are you taking it places? I have the 17 MacBook Pro and had plans on taking it places with me -- bad idea. I had to order a case and bag online and it is just a pain to carry it. Friend just bought the 13 and he is able to take it to the hospital and lock it up.

Most important: Only you know your finances!

 

[just_mills]

I think you should go for MacBook Pro 15".

It's the one I've got my eyes on.. 13" just ain't a big enough screen!

 

[Paws]

I do a lot of design work and the screen size is pretty small.

When it comes to design work, bigger is always better. If you have to get a laptop, get at least a 17" or buy an additional monitor that is >20".

 

[justsimon]

When it comes to design work, bigger is always better. If you have to get a laptop, get at least a 17" or buy an additional monitor that is >20".

I couldn't afford the bigger one or an extra monitor. Right now I'm mostly doing schoolwork and it's good enough for that. Also, there are larger monitors at my school.

 

[3nipples]

You might also consider if you really need a laptop. A Mini Mac can also do the trick if you're just moving between 2 locations where you have a monitor and keyboard to use and don't need to use it on the go.

 

[jackry]

I hate to say it but I like the 15" pro. Over all you are better off getting more machine then you need and I like the screen better. But hell, you are not loosing out to much if you go with the mac book. Right now the differences between the macbooks and the pro is not as big as they have been in the past.

 

[londonguy839]

I personally have a 13 macbook and I am fine with the size.
I find there is not much room when you have the dock on the bottom of the screen, so I put mine on the right hand side, and it gives you about and inch more screen space A little strange at first, but after a few days I am used to it. I find the 15" too large for my needs.