I have the original Macbook Pro 15 inch. I've been taking a close look at the unibodies, and while the engineering is impressive, I'm struggling to find a reason to upgrade. I like having the ability to swap out multiple batteries. The 2GHZ speed and 667mhz bus speed on the original seem fine for most uses. I use Final Cut Pro, Aperture, iTunes, iPhoto primarily. While it would be occasionally nice to have faster FCP rendering, this isn't a huge deal for me.
So, am I missing anything? I don't see a compelling reason to move away from my 2GHZ.
Discussion about
Time to upgrade?
For what you're doing, no, we're not missing much. In fact, with every new iteration of the 15 inch, I am liking my '07 MBP even more. The new ones have lost FW400, DVI, and removable batteries, so I still love my MBP. If it seems slower, you can always try reinstalling, I do twice a year and my machine is always fast. :-)
I'm in the same boat as you. As of now, there's a 50% chance that I'll buy a new macbook pro. If I do buy one, I'll wait to see if there are any hardware updates when they release snow leopard. Having had the original 15' macbook pro for 2 full years, there are a few advantages to the new macbook pros. Whether they are worth buying a new one is a question im still thinking about.
advantages of new macbook pro:
- better performance for lower cost. I bought my mbp for $2500. Apple now sells the midline mbp for $2000.
- better battery life. As of now, my battery last about 20 minutes...
- new trackpad. I like that you can use more gestures, however i'm not sure if I like that the trackpad doubles as a click.
- larger hard drive
- runs cooler. My mbp becomes extremely hot after a while, apparently the new ones don't have this problem.
If i do buy a new mbp, hopefully I can sell my current one for around $1000.
advantages of new macbook pro:
- better performance for lower cost. I bought my mbp for $2500. Apple now sells the midline mbp for $2000.
- better battery life. As of now, my battery last about 20 minutes...
- new trackpad. I like that you can use more gestures, however i'm not sure if I like that the trackpad doubles as a click.
- larger hard drive
- runs cooler. My mbp becomes extremely hot after a while, apparently the new ones don't have this problem.
If i do buy a new mbp, hopefully I can sell my current one for around $1000.
Or you could save about 1500 and buy a new battery and hd. Thats what I did. My battery was in similar shape to yours, lasting about 20 minutes. I got a replacement for 150. Also, my original HD was basically maxed out (about 94% full all the time) So I but a 320 GB, the swapout was not that difficult a task.
If its not too important, just wait. Then you've got something to look forward too and you'll save some money.
My original Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro is just turning 3 years old. I'm itching to upgrade it, however it is stil chugging along acceptably. At this rate I'm waiting for a hardware failure or at least one more revision or two. The i7 iMacs to replace my original Quad Mac Pro is another discussion...
FCP takes advantage of processor and memory. I don't think you can use aesthetics as a reason to upgrade. But the unibodies do have a rather appealing taste to the eye. The only big vantages from the unibodies are the multi-touch trackpad. Rather than upgrade the MBP, it's a good time to look into the latest iMac.
I hate it when someone tell me to wait on buying an IT product because that's what I eventually do. However, the longer I wait, the longer time it takes for me to get the item because Apple upgrades their product line at least twice a year. And each time they upgrade a product, it makes you think if you should wait again for an upgrade of the upgraded product to be upgraded.
What I eventually ended up doing is having my company pay for my hardware or sell it online and add how ever much is needed.
I hate it when someone tell me to wait on buying an IT product because that's what I eventually do. However, the longer I wait, the longer time it takes for me to get the item because Apple upgrades their product line at least twice a year. And each time they upgrade a product, it makes you think if you should wait again for an upgrade of the upgraded product to be upgraded.
What I eventually ended up doing is having my company pay for my hardware or sell it online and add how ever much is needed.
