MacBook Pro 13.3-inch 2.26 GHZ or 2.53 GHZ?

Question

I'm thinking about moving up from my MacBook 13.3 2.0 GHZ (mid-2007) with 2GB RAM to the new unibody MacBook Pro 13.3 with either the 2.26 or 2.53 GHz processor.
Stock, there's a $300 difference between the two, but when you add a 250 GB HD and 2 GB more RAM to get the 2.26 GHz version comparable to the 2.53 GHz the difference is about $150.
I mostly use my laptop to surf the web, check email, watch movies, do some MS Word and Adobe Photoshop work. No heavy duty stuff like gaming or making videos. MacWorld says there's an overall 7% speed improvement and a 21% Photoshop bump up between the two models.
So my question is it worth $150 to get the faster processor or will the difference be insignificant?

Answer 1

I purchased the 2.53ghz model -- upgrading from a 1.25ghz Powerbook G4 that was almost 6 years old. I loved my P-book, but this MacBook Pro is awesome. My only complaint would be the glossy screen is not usable outside in the sun. My Powerbook (matte screen) didn't have the reflection problem but it was no where near as bright so I could not use that in bright sun either.
I always get the fastest processor I can since I keep them for several years. The $100 - $150 price difference over 6 years is only $25 a year -- well worth it for me and I can afford it. Since you are upgrading from a 2 year old MacBook, you may also want to consider re-sale if you trade-up that often. Will you get the $100 - $150 difference if you sell it in 2 years?
Randy