Buying advice needed MBP 09 vs. 11

I have an '09 13" Macbook Pro, 2.26 Core 2 Duo, 4GB 1066, 500 GB 5400rpm WD. I haven't really researched the used market, but it's as close to mint as reasonable and I still have all the box and stuff.
I figure it's probably worth about $800.
So what's the best bang for my buck? One of the new 13" MBP's (and which one) or $500 on a +/- 250GB SSD (OWC) in my present machine?
Any opinions on my quandry most welcomed...,
Thanks all,
Alex.

The new 13" MacBook Pro has graphics and processors you might not be interested in.
Ideally the 2.2 15" MacBook Pro or better with 1GB of video RAM is more like a real "Pro" machine.
A anti-glare screen is a vital option if you take your laptop around various places.
Quad cores are here, 32 bit/dual cores computers with their limited RAM access are on their way out.
AMD has a quad core netbook processor really to go into production. Likely the next iPad will have a quad core A6 or something.
Sell and upgrade before the price drops and the public at large realize the writting on the wall.
My PowerMac G5 Dual processor was on eBay 15 minutes after the Intel switch announcement.
Remember, people only pay for what they percieve as a good value.
Good Luck

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Buying Advice Needed! What set-up for 1080P?

Hi. I need some insight from you actual users out there. I am about to upgrade from my nearly 3-year old iMac (which was top of the line at the time). The vast majority of my usage will be for general computing work. I generally keep a lot of applications open so I can easily flip between things I need. So I want to make sure I don't get bogged down on a day-to-day basis at a minimum.
More importantly, though, the key heavy-duty function I want to tackle is editing 1080P video I import from my Canon 5D Mark II. I will mostly use FCE. I also do a fair amount of very high res photo management, although not a ton in Photoshop (use Aperture more).
Initially I had intended to get the top of the line iMac and upgrade to the ATI 4850 card. Then I decided maybe I should take the plunge and go for the Mac Pro to (1) be best prepared to take advantage of Snow Leopard's multi-core capabilities and (2) to be a little more future proof.
Here was the initial setup I thought about:
- Mac Pro 8-core 2.26 (go for octo vs. quad at 2.66 to best take advantage of Snow Leopard's upcoming GCD) and because price sort of washes out if you want to go > 8GB of RAM
- EVGA 850 video card (seems to have much more room for growth, given additional RAM, threads, etc.)
- ACD 30" -- for the real estate and in large part because the 24" Apple LED display will not work with the EVGA card
Key questions for all of you:
1. Is the Mac Pro just way overkill? Again, I will be doing occasional 1080P editing and I worry that even the 8450 top of line iMac might struggle
2. Will the EVGA card be much better for me than the ATI 4870?
3. Views on the 30" ACD? I struggle with the idea that this is a 5-year old model, but love the real estate and the tighter dot pitch. But I also am not sure that the matte effect doesn't feel like it blurs text a bit
4. Should I be wary that I find myself in the middle of a refresh cycle? e.g., should I hold off for a bit because we shouldn't be far from an update and/or price cut?
Thank you all for any input you may have!

Mac pro always. Unless you're only using it for browsing and office apps; anything graphics or video related, go for mac pro. Rather than more power cpu wise, the expansion ability always wins for me.
A lot of people talk about MP being overkill for certain things, well personally the fact that it's overkill makes me feel good. If you're presently overkilling something, it means you're getting the fastest possible speed for what you're doing. Also overkill now, will be standard in like 2 years.
Multi cores, alot of ram, and scratch disks will all help you do video and photography more faster and easier. Also having multiple hard drives gives options like consolidation of apps and user/data; giving a nice clean boot drive. Not to mention ability to install SSDs, which are very in now.
The 30" ACD is pure sickness. I want to buy one everytime I go into the apple store. Also matte display is way better than glossy, for everything. Just my opinion though.
On the issue of 285 vs. 4870, for you, either is ok imo. Do you game a lot in windows? You might though want to check the benchmarks from barefeats when they come out on the 285 with core apps.
http://www.barefeats.com/index.html
If the benchmarks for core apps is good enough for you on the 285, stick with the stock GT 120, and buy the 285. That way you also have the MDP option for newer apple displays in the future. The nvidia cards together will play better with one another.
For the refresh cycle, its up to you really...if you need it soon or not. However 6-core nehalems are coming. Not around the corner...but will be here.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/11/six-core-intel-nehalem-processors-in-the-work s/

Buying advice needed please :))

I am in the UAE and shortly returning to the UK. An approved Apple Retailer has assured me that they sell European model iPad 2's that will allow my iTunes account to have FaceTime and not to restrict it. Is the Apple Retailer correct or just after an easy sale? Is there any way I can tell by serial number on the reverse of the iPad 2 what country it's designated too i.e US - America, AE - UAE etc what is the UK / European code?
Many thanks if you can help me out

Your "authorized" reseller is either lying to you, is not really authorized, or is taking a big risk both with Apple and with the UAE government.
There is no way I know of to tell from the serial number what country the iPad was released for. I would strongly suggest you just wait until you return to the UK to buy your iPad. Then you won't have to worry about Facetime locking.
Regards.

Advice needed on buying iphone as gift

I went to apple store, they do not want to sell iphone to me unless I sign AT&T 2 years plan. I thought AT&T has locked the phone and users must subscribe in order to use it. Why Apple store still not allow me to buy?
Please advice, if I want to buy online iphone for my brother, do I or my brother have obligation to sign out AT&T plan?
One more advice needed, I found the shipment takes weeks, do I have option to arrange for self-collection?
My brother birthday is coming soon, I need above advice urgently.
Thank you very much

Tamara wrote:
I'm guessing English is not your first language. It's possible that you misunderstood them. Apple Store employees won't refuse to sell you an iPhone and you don't have to sign up for service in the store.
Well that's not entirely true.
Apple Stores have been instructed not to sell you an iPhone if any of the following is true:
You state that you will not be signing up with AT&T.
You do not have an ID from a US state, also indicating you will not be activating with AT&T
You do not have a credit card
For example, I've seen US Apple Store managers refuse to sell iPhones to European residents because of the AT&T lock-in.

When should I buy a new MBP?

I'm leaving for college in the fall and I would like some help deciding when it makes sense to buy a new computer. I'm planning on buying a new MBP with Retina display, but I'm not sure if it's totally worth updating yet. I currently have a Late (October) 2009 White Macbook (2.26Ghz, 8GB RAM, 250GB HD), that works decently, but isn't wonderful--it's slowing down. I would appreciate some ideas and thoughts on when it makes sense to upgrade: now, before I leave for college; sometime during the fall semester, after I really know my computing needs (my least preferred option); or, this Christmastime? If anyone has some advice, it would be much appreciated.
Cheers!

ccshaw wrote:
Wouldn't it just make sense to put the money for the 7200rpm drive towards one more upgrade on the MBP? I could just cut that up front cost.
You can choose to forgo the hard drive upgrade, however 250GB is quite small, meaning your likely using a great portion of the second 50% of the drive, which the read/wrire performance is substancially reduced.
7,200 RPM doesn't make that much of a battery life dent that one will notice it, but one will notice the speedier response.
S0 by incrreasing the RPM's and the storage size, plus newer drive with better read/write speeds through technology improvments combined with a zero erase + fresh install of 10.6.1 (your original disks) and Software Updated to 10.6.8 (10.7 is slow) should make a dramatic improvement on that model.
However a erase + fresh install of 10.6 on that present 250GB can do the job well too, 10.7 is slow and you likely have other problems the 10.6 install will also cure.
How to erase and install Snow Leopard 10.6
How to revert your Mac to Snow Leopard
I'm not sure where I can get a copy of 10.6.8. Do you know where I could obtain that?
Your computer came with 10.6.1 install disks, hold c or option key down and boot off the disks, use Disk Utility to erase the entire drive (select the drive makers name and size on the left) with Security Option > Zero all data, wait, then when finished quit and install 10.6.1 and Software Update fully to 10.6.8.
If you no longer have the 10.6.1 disks, call Apple for a machine specific replacement disks for your 2009 Late 13" White MacBook.
You can also use the $29 10.6.3 white Snow Leopard retail disks sold here
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A
f it turns out that I do need Windows for class applications, do I install it on a partition by using disk utility and partitioning my HD (also, how big does that partition for windows need to be)?
There are two methods to use Windows on a Mac.
1: Apple's Bootcamp, which takes the bottom free space on your boot drive (250GB isn't much if you have a lot of OSX data) and allows you to direct install Windows 7 (only) there.
2: Virtual machine software, which allows one to run Windows (any flavor and Linux's) in a window in OS X.
You can read about both (pro's and cons) here:
Windows in BootCamp or Virtual Machine?

Video intensive work on Mac Pro? Advice Needed

Hi everyone,
I've been originally saving up for a while now for an iMac 24" as it offers the best specification price wise. But now I leaning on the Mac Pro and therefore need some advice.
I know that there are alot of posts on advice - need to buy mac etc. so therfore I would really appreciate if I am afforded some help.
I am mostly going to do ALOT of video encoding (via handbrake) and I am looking for the best configuration available to achieve lowest waiting time.

I think you should go back and look at the other threads with advice, your budget. There is "ideal" and "affordable."
Will it pay for itself in 24 months so you can afford the next revision at that time?
Start with an 8-Core 3GHz.
Add a Port Multiplier controller and two drive cases, 5 drives each, nearly 400MB/sec RAID.
Throw in 8GB RAM.
Add in costs for software upgrades, two sets of backups, four internal 500GB drives.
Seagate has 750GB, as does WD. Hitachi has their $450 1000GB monster.
Give yourself time to build, test, and optimize your setup, and expect to change it over time as you learn more.
Can't afford that? then trim the 8-core. But Apple has shown how efficient next generation applications already are for video when it comes to 3GHz 8-core Mac Pro.

Right time to buy a new MBP?

I am looking to buy a new MBP, but I was wondering if the time is right? Are they about to release a new model or should I go ahead and buy one now?

Only Apple knows when new models will be introduced and they only will tell on the day of release. If the current crop of models fulfill your needs, purchase one. If not, you are welcome to wait but you will not know for how long.
Ciao.

Where to buy a new MBP?

looking to buy my first macbook pro (and first apple actually!) and am really excited - but i'd love some advice from more seasoned users.
when i buy the machine, i definitely plan to purchase applecare. there is a local apple dealer that sells MBPs with _another_ service plan that can piggyback on to applecare. before i lay out the details of said plan below, what i'd like to know is basically whether this is necessary and/or worth the $99 this plan costs.
here's what this piggyback plan would give me:
MacTraining
Get free access to our introductory training classes: Intro toMac, Intro to iLife and Intro to iWork.
4thYear Warranty
We will cover the cost of labor (but not parts) for repairs for a fourth year, if you purchase a Mac and AppleCare from us.
FreeLoaner Laptop
Bring your computer in for repair to us and we’ll loan you a MacBook to tide you over.
HomeSetup
We’ll set up your computer, Airport network or Time Capsule at your homeat discounted rates.
MacSetup
We’ll install your software and transfer files onto your new Mac.
PriorityRepair Service
Get automatically moved to the front of the line for in-house repairs.
MacAssessment & Tune Up
Get your computer optimized and cleaned up—inside & out—eachyear.
10%Off Ink & Paper
Save an additional 10 percent off the manufacturer’s suggested price onink jet printer supplies.
10%Off any Used Mac
Get an additional 10 percent off any of our pre-owned Macs.
what looks potentially the most attractive to me is the 4th year warranty and the free loaner laptop in case of repairs (as i have no other backup computer at home, should the new one fail). i also appreciate the mac assessment and tune-up, though i wonder whether that is actually necessary for the maintenance/performance of the machine (?).
so my main question: should i buy my new MBP and applecare at a regular apple store or other retailer (best buy, etc.) - or should i go to this specific apple dealer in order to spring for this piggyback plan as well?
any thoughts and/or advice is most welcome...thanks in advance!!

The plan is only as good as the company backing it. If you've done your due-diligence on the company then I'd say it's a pretty good deal. You can compare how much they would sell the system for vs Apple or Best Buy etc.
If they aren't asking a premium, I'd say go for it.
Regards,
Captfred

Should I go ahead and buy my 17inch MBP ?

Here's my situation, need MBP for my business. I'm a CPA who needs windows to run tax and acct'ing software. Was going to buy 17inch MBP 2gig ram ..., parallels, and windows xp.
Is there any good reason to wait ? Will core 2 duo mean anything for me as far as performance ?
Thanks

Core2Duo chips generally provide 10% better performance than the equivalent CoreDuo, they also generate more heat. I suspect that one reason behind Apple's hesitation in launching a new MacBook Pro immediately is a rethinking of the cooling mechanisms and, as such, I am inclined to believe that we won't see a new MBP until January. If you need one now, buy it now. You won't be disappointed. I run windows in parallels daily for working with Oracle and usually just suspend it along with OS X when I shut my lid. Works fine.

Having problem buying online.need your help since it's my first time here.apple is asking for my billing address but when i enter my address here in qatar,it's saying i should enter a valid zip code within the u.s.does it mean i can't buy online

having problem buying online.need your help since it's my first time here.apple is asking for my billing address but when i enter my address here in qatar,it's saying i should enter a valid zip code within the u.s.does it mean i can't buy online even if it wil be shipped within u.s. only?

To buy in for delivery in Qatar, you should be starting from the Apple Qatar site:
http://www.apple.com/qa/
Do you have an Apple-ID? if you do, then you should not have to enter your Address again, and may be able to sidestep the US Zip Code issue.

Had to have a rebuild of my laptop....advice needed!

Had to have a rebuild of my laptop....have now lost all my music from my itunes, but I can't transfer back on from my ipod. Also had to register my laptop (same) as another computers, so now no music showing as purchased, though I have. Also have hours of uploaded music from my own purchased, legitimate CDs, but won't transfer from ipod...it says it will erase. So very frustrated....thanks mr technician! PLEASE ....help, advice needed!

I believe that if you do a clean reinstall from your HD's recovery sector (D) or Recovery disks, the hard drive sector C is wiped clean. Everything goes, apps, data, address books, music, pix, viruses
Is that what you did?

I am using InDesign CS5. I have a body of text which is ranged left with tabbed indents. My client now wants the copy to be justifed, keeping the tabbed indents. Help and advice needed please!

I am using InDesign CS5. I have a body of text which is ranged left with tabbed indents. My client now wants the copy to be justifed, keeping the tabbed indents. Help and advice needed please!

Hi
That screen grab helps a lot. There’s a much easier way of doing what you’re doing.
Remove all your tabs and set the text in justified paragraphs.
I’ve typed in dummy text in the example I made below, but after “19.1” put in a space and put your blinking cursor after the space and before the ’N’ of ‘Notices'.
Then hold down the Command key and hit Backspace (on Mac at least - it’s the key between the Inverted commas/ apostrophe key and the return key).
The text will jump into place the way you want it to.
Hope that helps
Paul
PS You can set a tab, instead of using a space, in the description I gave above. So, after 19.1 or 19.2 or 19.185 etc etc insert a tab, then hit the Command Backspace after every paragraph number and they'll all line up exactly together. You'll find that editing text within the paragraphs
after you've set it will be LOADS easier this way.
You can put the tab anywhere you want it to be using 'Command-ShiftT' and putting a 'left align' tab just after the number. Just type the Command Backspace after the paragraph number and it'll work

Can I buy the new MBP(updated 2011-10-24) in HongKong Apple Store now?

Can I buy the new MBP(updated 2011-10-24) in HongKong Apple Store now?

I would call them and simply ask.

Would you buy a refurbished MBP from Apple?

I'm like 2 seconds away from buying a new MBP. But then I noticed the Apple Refurbs. They come with all the same software and specs, and the 1-year warranty. Is there any reason not to save a few hundred bucks on get one of these?

Hello,
Just wanted to follow up on my experience on buying a refurb. I posted a few weeks ago under the alias of action74 (above), that I was considering a refurb. I bought a 15" MBP 2.2 standard configuation refurb model from the online store. It would have been a great deal saving me about $250.
When I received the computer, there were some imediate things that I noticed were wrong. Leopard wasnt preinstalled like I was led to believe, so I had to install it myself which not only took about 2 hours of my time, but also another 5 gigs of my already small harddrive. I also noticed that the keyboard "squeeked"... it was very annoying, and the keys were abnormally stiff. But most concerning was that I couldnt even run a repair permissions from disk utility without the whole computer freezing. I had to manually turn off the computer and restart from the power button. There were a few other minor things as well, but I wont go into detail here. Suffice it to say that I wasnt happy after paying over $1700 for a semi working computer. I sent it back and bought a new one... and upgraded to the 2.4 model.
The one bright spot here was the Customer Service. Both of the folks I talked to during this 1 week ordeal were very curtious and expedited the new model to my overnight at no charge as well as providing free return shipping and no restock fee. I would hope that anyone business would do that for their customers, but these days..... who knows. I was happy and satisfied with the way they handled it.
My new MBP has been working great.
Thanks
action

If we buy a refurbished MBP with qwerty can apple change it to azerty before sending us the computer?

If we buy a refurbished MBP with qwerty can apple change it into azerty before sending us the computer? Because I'm going to buy one (online) when I will be in the US.
Thanks!

Refurbished MBPs are as presented. No changes can/will be made.
Ciao.

Buying advice needed MBP 09 vs. 11

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