Anyone bought a new Macbook lately

[RacFocus]

Didn't know where else to put this but I am in the market for a new Macbook. Thinking about the 13 inch Macbook pro with the 256 gb flash storage and the 8 gb of ram storage. I was looking at the Macbook Air, but was concerned by the slower processor. Is the 8 gb of ram storage enough? It can be upgraded to 16 but I am not sure if it's worth the extra $200. I currently have a 7 year old Macbook with a 250 gb hard drive and 4 gb of ram.

I mostly use the computer for your usual internet browsing and some photo editing. Occasional video editing as well. Thanks for any advice.

 

[smokinghole]

I bought one in the late spring. However I went with the hard drive because it had an internal CD drive. Plus it was actually on sale. So basically I am no help to your question....

 

[RacFocus]

I also looked at that one but I have an external cd drive already so I don't really need it.

 

[sofc]

I'm about to replace mine but haven't done much research on it either, so I'm pretty useless right about now. I know I loved my 2010 but really don't like the 2011 cause it heats up much faster and is slower.

 

[RacFocus]

Mine is from2007 and heats up really fast now. Didn't use to do that. My wireless card has become unreliable about finding and staying on a network as well. I know I could probably replace the card but really don't think it's worth it on an old machine that heats up and may not last anyway.

 

[Eric_kruger]

I have a 2009 and it still works like the day I got it. I've had to replace about half of the parts in it over the years though, I've replaced the MagSafe port three times now and it's on it's way out again... Also on the third or fourth power cord. Still love it though! We picked up a MacBook Pro in 2013 that's awesome. Wife uses it most of the time. I'm not sure if the new os is shipping or not but I watched the las keynote and it looked awesome. Bein able to have my laptop, tablet, and phone all jive together is really really nice!

 

[Smoqman]

I replace ours frequently. The 2006-2007 mbp's fans need cleaning. Use a vacuum, not a dust can, and consider placing it on an upside down cookie sheet to dissipate heat.

If you are upgrading, get an ssd. No moving parts - far less heat, extreme speed.

 

[RacFocus]

Yeah I was going to get a ssd. The 128 seems to small so I will probably go with the 256. Smoqman do you take the MacBook apart to vacuum the fan?

 

[sofc]

I was going to buy regular hd. The ssds are not cheap

 

[RacFocus]

True the ssd is not cheap but there are no moving parts and they are supposed to be faster. I am going to go with the 256 and probably 16 gb of ram. I am starting to figure if I can get another 7 years out of a laptop I will get my money's worth. Might as well max out the 13 inch. Plus they have 12 months no interest financing.

 

[plumber1965]

ssd is much faster, My boy has an ssd for his OS on his desktop thing will resatrt in 28 seconds.

 

[Monsterdg]

+1 on the ssd, I have one on my gaming desktop & it makes rebooting lightening fast.

Rule of thumb on most RAM, HD memory, etc. is get more than you think you need. If you are in for a grand already, why are you trying to save $200 on a part.

 

[RacFocus]

For the one I am looking at it's more like $1500 with 8 gb of ram. 16 would make it 1700. I will probably go with the 16 just so that hopefully that will future proof me.

 

[sofc]

+1 on the ssd, I have one on my gaming desktop & it makes rebooting lightening fast.

Rule of thumb on most RAM, HD memory, etc. is get more than you think you need. If you are in for a grand already, why are you trying to save $200 on a part.

That's 200 more for shoes or cigars or golf.

 

[Smoqman]

I have taken apart many MacBook Pros, and the newer models (new within 2007) Are far and away easier to take apart than the older models.

I've built hackinTosh, and replaced almost every part of the MacBook Pro many times over (except for the bezel on the old model screen)

I highly recommend an SSD. I also recommend that you look at the refurbished MacBook pros at the Apple website (if you didn't already mention it) and, if you decide to purchase directly from Apple… Send me a private message in advance.

 

[sofc]

I have taken apart many MacBook Pros, and the newer models (new within 2007) Are far and away easier to take apart than the older models.

I've built hackinTosh, and replaced almost every part of the MacBook Pro many times over (except for the bezel on the old model screen)

I highly recommend an SSD. I also recommend that you look at the refurbished MacBook pros at the Apple website (if you didn't already mention it) and, if you decide to purchase directly from Apple… Send me a private message in advance.

what if I'm shy and don't want to send a PM

 

[Smoqman]

Then you have bigger problems than computing

 

[sofc]

It's there much difference between the new ones and older models for just regular type computing?

 

[Smoqman]

Yes there are differences of course, but it depends on what you're looking for. If you just want something to surf the Internet with, do email… Perhaps watch YouTube videos, or put together a standard document, an iPad maybe the way to go.

Portable, uses internal memory… The screen is big enough to do any type of wordprocessing, and great fun.

 

[RacFocus]

If the iPad would just handle photoshop and my video editing needs it would be perfect! I will probably be buying new and direct from Apple. I don't know why, but a computer for some reason I just don't want to buy used. Car yes, computer no. Just my personal preference.