<p>I already have a laptop (Newegg.com</a> - Acer Aspire AS5739G-6959 NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo T6600(2.20GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory DDR3 1066 320GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce GT 130M) but sadly, Cal Poly Pomona's Graphic Design program requires a Macbook...</p>
<p>MacBook (Minimum):
2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB memory, 80GB hard drive1, Double-layer SuperDrive</p>
<p>or </p>
<p>MacBook Pro (Suggested ):
2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1440 x 900 pixels, 2GB memory, 120GB hard drive1,
6x double-layer SuperDrive, ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics with 256MB SDRAM</p>
<p>Now, never owning a Macbook but from looking at Apple's site, I can assume that those are older versions of Macbooks. But since I'm going to have to purchase a Macbook anyways, I'm wanting to get a new Macbook vs. used ones/refurbished ones, but my money-sense tells me otherwise...</p>
<p>The cheapest refurbished Macbook Pro I found on Apple.com was Refurbished</a> MacBook Pro 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - Apple Store (U.S.), but I'm wanting to get a new 15-inch Macbook Pro(the most basic one).</p>
<p>What do you guys and gals think I should do? Buy a new one, a refurbished one, eBay one, or any other alternatives you guys can think of.</p>
<p>I’ve heard quite a bit of good reviews on apple refurbished products and manufacturer refurb products in general. It saves you money and ensures the system has been checked thoroughly. Although there is nothing wrong with buying new since it will give you a better, more up-to-date system that is made for todays computing. If you want a new one and can afford it, i’d go for it.</p>
<p>Refurbished; Macs usually last a long time and a slightly used one would surely last your 4 years in college. It’ll save you money, and you won’t be upset when Apple releases the new MacBook Pro Generation (x).</p>
<p>Read: [What</a> it’s like to own an Apple product](<a href=“http://theoatmeal.com/comics/apple]What”>What it's like to own an Apple product - The Oatmeal)</p>
<p>For graphic design, I would definitely have to recommend a MacBook Pro. If you can afford a new one, there’s no reason to not go for the new 15" - you might want to consider upgrading to the next step up from basic, since it comes with an i5 processor & I’ve been told that’ll handle graphic design programs better than the Core 2 Duo. But, I have no doubt that the refurbished one will absolutely suffice - I hear lots of them are open-box products, anyway.</p>
<p>What’s with the outdated specs? I assume you need a cheap mac because you already have a good laptop… but you can still get a cheap refurbished macbook.</p>
<p>Since money is tight, get a >1 year old macbook which is the previous generation. Because laptops always get bumped and worn out. Macs aren’t physically invincible. Get one with the geforce 9400m or 320m graphic card since you’re going to graphic design. Get at least 2 gb of RAM. Try to get one with Apple care warranty.</p>
<p>I definitely recommend getting a Macbook Pro. I will be doing so once I return to the US from my summer vacation.</p>
<p>Since you’re also looking for alternatives to buying it…try this place…my younger sister got a free USB drive on her first purchase. They’ve always have great deals. A couple months ago (they only do this once or twice a year) the same computer was about $700. I was super bummed we didn’t find out about it until later. =/</p>
<p>[Micro</a> Center | Apple Store](<a href=“http://www.microcenter.com/storefronts/apple/index.html]Micro”>Apple Showcase | Micro Center)</p>