<p>Worth the extra 200-300 dollars for the faster processor? I just want to make sure I get 4GB of RAM on my machine. I can get the 2.26 GHz machine with 4GB for $1190 while the 2.53 GHz machine with 4GB costs $1400. </p>
<p>I really just want a laptop that can run Office (iWorks as well), iTunes, and a few tabbed browser windows open smoothly. Do I really need the 2.53 GHz processor? If I am not doing intense video editing and photoshop will I be able to tell the difference?</p>
<p>The 13.3" MacBook Pro has “2.26GHz or 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB on-chip shared L2 cache running 1:1 with processor speed.”</p>
<p>Ceteris paribus, I doubt anyone would actually be able to tell a difference between a 2.26 MBP and a 2.53 MBP. The two processors differ only by 270 Mhz and have the same amount of L2 cache. In my opinion, not worth the extra cash.</p>
<p>Yeah, it’s kind of an odd move on Apple’s part. With the only difference (that can’t be cheaply upgraded) between the two being the processor speed, I can’t imagine them selling too many of the higher-end model. I expected them to keep the backlit keyboard off of the base model. (Not that I mind! I haven’t bought mine yet )</p>
<p>So I think I will get the base 13 inch model and upgrade to 4GB RAM on my own. I hear I can get the kit to do it online for around 50 bucks while it costs 100 to do it through Apple.</p>
<p>ANOTHER QUESTION:</p>
<p>Does anyone know if the education discount works if I buy a laptop at an Apple store? I live relatively close to one and would rather buy it directly than wait for it to be mailed with my “free” iPod.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Shop for a Mac.
Shop the Apple Online Store for Education. Call 1-800-MY-APPLE. Or find your favorite Apple Retail Store or your local Apple Authorized Campus Store.</p></li>
<li><p>Buy an iPod touch.
Purchase your Mac and iPod touch at the same time to qualify for your online rebate.</p></li>
<li><p>Submit your rebate.
After you receive your Mac and iPod, submit your claim online by October 8, 2009. Once your claim has been submitted, check your rebate status at any time.</p>
<hr>
<p>So it looks like you can go to the Apple Store near you and buy one. You just have to order both the Mac and iPod at the same time.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>As fabrizio noted, with L2 cache at the same size, it’s completely worthless to pay that much extra to go from 2.26 GHz to 2.53 GHz. You won’t really notice the difference. It’s ridiculous that they didn’t switch to the 6MB cache (at least for the higher end model) when they’re trying to peddle purportedly ‘high-end’ laptops.</p>
<p>yeah you can get it. you dont have to buy the ipod if you dont want to. for example, i have a 1 1/2 month old ipod touch already and spending the extra money right now is not in my budget, even if i do get a rebate. i would recommend buying at your local apple store. they can upgrade the ram for you in 20 minutes</p>
<p>I actually bought my 15" MBP at Best Buy (I really wanted a good warranty plan since it covers dents and some more things than applecare) and I was still able to get the student discount and a free ipod (instant savings). I just talked to the APPLE REPRESENTATIVE that goes to BB’s(black shirts, Not blue BB employees) and was able to get the best of both store deals. :)</p>
<p>Mclovin09-Did you just go to your local Best Buy to get the best of both stores, and did you customize it at all?</p>
<p>Also along the lines of the original topic, is it worth the $300 upgrade from the 2.53 GHz to the 2.66 GHz 15" MBP when I will be upgrading the HD to the 320 GB @ 7200. I will be running Logic Studio, GarageBand, iMovie, Photoshop and other similar programs. I will also have 4GB of RAM. So is it necessary to get the 2.66 GHz 15"?</p>
<p>Given what you want to do, it is worth it, but not because of the processor. Both the 2.53 and the 2.66 have 3MB of of L2 cache, so you will not notice a 133Mhz speed increase.</p>
<p>The 2.66Ghz model, however, has discrete graphics and integrated graphics, whereas the 2.53Ghz model only has integrated graphics. An actual graphics card could come in handy if you want to do iMovie and Photoshop.</p>
<p>Yeah, basically what fabrizio said, the processor difference in both 15" models are verrrrry minuscule. I decided to get the 2.66 version w/ the additional dedicated graphics card so i can bootcamp windows 7 later on for games. BTW I did just go to my local Best Buy, Apple Representatives stop by a few days a week but if you are nice to them they will be willing to give you good deals from both stores plus an decent warranty from BB.</p>
<p>I know this is ~2 months late, but when you buy from them online, items are shipped separately, as soon as they’re available. So if one item was held up, it wouldn’t be waiting on the other. (Your post was a bit confusing, as you imply that the iPod is mailed to you if you buy in-store, which isn’t true)</p>
<p>I am supposed to get the 2.66 GHz processor for my macbook pro as well, but I can’t afford it. I am going to be a film major and need to be able to run final cut and photoshop pretty seamlessly. My dad wants me to buy the 13" with the 2.26 GHz, would this be a bad choice? Should I go with the 2.5 GHZ? What’s the differences between them that could actually dramatically affect how well my programs run?</p>
<p>basically the difference you are paying for between both 13" models are 2GB more memory and some more hard drive space. but then again those can be easily added on later if you wanted, so the 2.26 should be plenty for now.</p>
<p>I was reading the posts and noticed someone said you can buy a kit for the RAM online for $50? Anyone know what site that is? I also noticed someone said you can buy it at Best Buy and still get the college discount with the best buy warranty. I’m basically trying to do that all. I was going for the 2.53ghz but thankfully yall saved me some cash on telling the difference. Can anyone tell me about getting it from best buy and how to purchase the extra ram/install it?</p>
<p>i cant say anything for best buy, but ram is easy. pretty much anywhere. installing it is as simple as unscrewing a plate on the bottom, removing the old ram, and sticking the new stuff in.</p>
<p>[Newegg.com</a> - Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model CT2KIT25664BC1067 - Laptop Memory](<a href=“Not Found: 404 Error”>Not Found: 404 Error)
lowest price on newegg, if you look elsewhere, you’ll want to find PC3-8500 DDR3 ram.
the two main things you need to worry about are that its DD3 and that its got 200 pins. desktop ram doesn’t. 8500 is the maximum speed that will be utilized, but if you find slower ram for cheaper, the simple fact that its more will mean a faster computer.</p>
<p>its a very simple installation. cant find a video for the new line though.</p>
)</p>