Need Help, Upgrade or Not? Do I just WANT or really NEED a new Macbook Pro?

Good day everyone, I love these forums, so much valuable input and information from you all.
My question is, *should I upgrade* to a new 13" early 2011 Macbook Pro, from my present computer, an early 2008 white Macbook 4.1 with 4gig RAM, 180g SSD Vertex 2, new battery, and with Applecare till Oct-2011.
My questions are whether *spending almost $1,800 cdn* for a new 13" Macbook Pro, + Applecare, + 8gig ram, + various display adapters, and hopefully keep my sata II OCZ 180g Vertex2 SSD are going to be worth the upgrade? I could sell my older Macbook 4.1 for @ $700 cdn, so the difference is @ $1,100.
*The male ego* in me has a NEED for SPEED...but my realistic rational side says ...$1,100 buys lots of other things...
My present Macbook does what I need, *but is limited* because of the SATA 1.5 bus, however I love my new 180g Vertex2 SSD. It gave my older Macbook a new speed boost. Unfortunately I went to see the new Macbook Pro's and fell in love... Do I NEED, or do I WANT????
The *new Macbook Pro's specs and features* are very appealing, as I love the aluminum body, the SATA III bus, the future potential of Thunderbolt (5 gig Super Duper CCC clones...), and the 5,900 Geekbench scores, my current machine is 2,900 Geekbench (imagine with a sata-II Vertex SSD...) My current xBench specs are below:
*My present computer usage* consists of a 24" external monitor, three external HD (Super Duper, CCC, T/M) and I always have running at the same time programs like Mail, Safari (12 tabs open), VM Parallels Desktop running XP SP3, iPhoto, iTunes, aMSN, iCal, Youtube, VNC, Skype, HTML software, Time Machine, basic photo editing, etc...
*My present setup* works fine, and naturally I read the forums about the new Macbook Pro's, and there appears to be lots of issues, heating, monitor, fans, noise, wifi, etc..... hmmmmm... maybe I should wait for the next incremental Macbook Pro upgrade?
*Decisions, Decisions... :)* Keep what I have, or spend $1,800 and than sell my old Macbook...?
Thanks for reading my long post, and looking forward to *any of your thoughts,* IAN...
My CURRENT Macbook 4.1 early 2008 xbench scores
Results 233.21
System Info
Xbench Version 1.3
System Version 10.6.6 (10J567)
Physical RAM 4096 MB
Model MacBook4,1
Drive Type OCZ-VERTEX2
Disk Test 233.21
Sequential 141.82
Uncached Write 180.37 110.74 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 202.31 114.47 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 73.64 21.55 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 241.65 121.45 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Random 655.69
Uncached Write 870.11 92.11 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Write 341.78 109.42 MB/sec [256K blocks]
Uncached Read 2242.11 15.89 MB/sec [4K blocks]
Uncached Read 633.19 117.49 MB/sec [256K blocks]
BENCHMARK RESULTS "before /// after" my Vertex SSD upgrade.
Time in seconds: Before /// After
Temperature
(with VM, ext HD, 24” monitor) @150-155 F /// @131-138 F
Boot w/ext HD, monitor, etc... 75 /// 53
Boot (no peripherals) 45 /// 25
VM Parallels XP 61 /// 26
VM Parallels XP shutdown 21 /// 12
Copy 353 MB folder 20 /// 10
iPhoto 10 /// 2.7
Neo Office 25 /// 8.7
Open Office 10.8 /// 3.2
Word 2008 10 /// 2.7
Excel 2008 9 /// 2.8
Powerpoint 2008 10 /// 2.9
Firefox 5.7 /// 2.9
Safari 9 /// 2.4
iTunes 5.5 /// 2.8
Shutdown 16 /// 4.2
early 2008 Macbook 4.1, Core 2 Duo
2.1 Ghz, 4Gb Ram, Sata 1.5, OSX 10.6.6
before - 500g HD 7200rpm Seagate
after - OCZ Vertex 2 SSD 180g FW 1.28

Eww, thanks for your reply, as it makes good sense, and common sense is practical when you walk into an Apple store.
I guess all the reviews and great specs of the new MB pro's made me want one...
I should probably use my current setup till it is totally outdated or simply is beyond repair.
I could ask Santa Claus for one, but by than, the 2012's will be coming out..:)
Thanks Eww for your reply, IAN....

Similar Messages

  • I need help migrating my applications from my old G5 power mac to my new macbook pro

    Im struggling migrating my applications from my G5 power mac to my new macbook pro. My G5 runs on OS X 10.5.8 and when using the traditional tool of Migration assistant my new macbook urges me to update my G5 which it obviously it can't due to its original licensing agreements. I have no codes for my software as it came on the pc: I need , Logic pro 9, the complete adobe CS4 package and final cut pro . How can i put this on my new mac ??

    So you never really owned the software to begin with then. Software is licensed and has to be transferred and when you bought your Mac (PC) they really did not.
    I have no codes for my software as it came on the pc: I need , Logic pro 9, the complete adobe CS4 package and final cut pro . How can i put this on my new mac ??
    As for a temporary solution, you can run 10.6.8 as a VM under later versions of Mac OS X like Mavericks so you can have use of Rosetta and it runs the PowerPC code.
    Your new Intel Mac can run Windows natively also, can dual boot both Mac and Windows, if that is of any use, for some it is.
    Right now you are not in the MacBook Pro forum! :-) This is Mac Pro sans "Book" and is not a laptop at all, but a 'trash can' or tower.
    Lappy would be here:
    MacBook Pro

  • I am new to this but need help. Lion and iCloud have never worked on my desk top or MacBook Pro.  Slow or Stop!  Is there any way to fix the problem?

    I am new to this but need help. Lion and iCloud have never worked on my desk top or MacBook Pro.  Slow or Stop!  Is there any way to fix the problem?

    We need more information. I'm not sure what you mean by both Lion and iCloud have never worked.

  • Can anyone tell me why I can not connect my Blackberry or my iPhone to my new Macbook pro? I had no problem with my old Macbook.

    Can anyone tell me why I can not connect my Blackberry or my iPhone to my new Macbook pro? I had no problem with my old Macbook.

    What type of headphones were you using? I have a set of Microssft headsets, with the built-in mic and connected via USB, and have no problems.
    Clinton

  • External Monitor (HDMI Projector) not recognized in AE CC or AE CS6 with New Macbook Pro

    Got a really tough problem that maybe someone can help me find a solution for.  I had an old Macbook Pro (2009-ish) that I was using in conjunction with AE and my HDMI Projector to do projection mapping work.  The laptop motherboard wore out recently (not related, I don't think) but now I've bought a new Macbook Pro and am trying to use the HDMI out to the projector as my external monitor in After Effects (I've tried both CC and CS5.5 and CS6). Under Video Preview it's not showing up as an option to send to (the choices are Computer Monitor Only or Firewire). 
    I am in a real mess as I am supposed to do a show this evening with a setup I've done lots of times with my old Macbook and AE, and now can't do it at all. I have to be able to have the projector receive the AE feed - and nothing I've done so far has helped. The system sees the projector, so why doesn't AE??  I can't just slide the program window into the projector's window space and enlarge - it has to be exactly 1920x1080 in order for me to align correctly.
    If there are any Adobe folks lurking this morning I would CERTAINLY appreciate your input, as well as anyone else who might have had similar issues. This should work, it should be a no-brainer. Right now I'm running a new OOTB Apple Macbook Pro with HDMI out, and the latest version of AE CC with all updates performed. Please, please help!!!
    Thanks in advance,
    Bill

    After Effects does not come with components for HDMI output.
    Your other computer must have had additional components installed that added this functionality.
    See this thread for more information:
    http://forums.adobe.com/thread/1006705

  • HT5037 Difficulty moving old iPhoto library from 2008 (not sure which version of iPhoto it is) to new macbook pro running OSX Mavericks.

    I tried downloading AND RUNNING the upgrader and I'm stuck in an infinite loop.  After running the upgrader from the utilities folder, it looks like things are working.  Then a window pops up asking me to launch iphoto to complete the upgrade.  After launching iphoto, iphoto goes back to the original error message that I need to download the upgrader.
    I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling the upgrader multiple times to no avail.  I've also tried dragging my iphoto library from the external hard drive it is housed on to many different areas before trying to launch the upgrader, none of them worked.  The external hard drive format is Mac OS Extended (Journaled). I also tried dragging the iphoto library folder in the pictures file onto my new Macbook right next to my new iphoto library folder.  This allowed me to open up iphoto (Yay!) but of course, none of the photos from my old iphoto library were in their, even when the old library was selected.
    I've read what seems like hundreds of posts on this same issue, but can't seem to find a solution that works for me.  I want to simply transfer my iphoto library from an external hard drive (my old macbook just crashed, so this is the only option) to my new macbook, keeping the albums, slideshows, and organization intact.
    I would appreciate any help or feedback.  Thank you in advance for reading this!

    Option 1
    Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Repair Database. If that doesn't help, then try again, this time using Rebuild Database.
    If that fails:
    Option 2
    Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. (In early versions of Library Manager it's the File -> Rebuild command. In later versions it's under the Library menu.)
    This will create an entirely new library. It will then copy (or try to) your photos and all the associated metadata and versions to this new Library, and arrange it as close as it can to what you had in the damaged Library. It does this based on information it finds in the iPhoto sharing mechanism - but that means that things not shared won't be there, so no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your events, albums and keywords, faces and places back.
    Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one.  
    Regards
    TD

  • I need to move email from windows notebook, outlook to mac mail on my new macbook pro

    i need to move email from windows notebook-outlook to mac
    mail? need help?

    Hi Linc, I started setting up my new computer a few months ago so don't remember the details.  I did not use migration assistant, nor do I wish to, I believe it was set up through icloud.   Now that I needed my calendar while doing taxes I discover there are no events for 2014 and earlier (except 2 oddly enough).  I do remember that iCloud instructions were not clear as to what would happen in the choices it gave.
    I copied my old user files over from my external back up after my old computer stopped working, was hoping I could put ical folders in the right place to be used by Calendar or import somehow.

  • I just got a virus on my new MacBook Pro I used to get on my PC!

    This is my first Mac, and I am freaking out. I was just browsing the internet with Safari, and all of a sudden I had a popup that said, "Your PC is running slower than normal. You need to scan for viruses!" I tried just closing it, but it just kept popping up more and more. I eventually had to force quit Safari.
    What do I need to do to get rid of this thing??? PLEASE HELP!!

    I think you are freaking out a little. The pop-ups are probably just advertising and wants you to click somewhere so they can sell something. Ignore them. Don't visit that page again.
    If your computer seems sluggish it might be the worldwide Internet that is sluggish somewhere. It happens to me too. It was very pronounced during the Olympic Games. It is also a bit of a problem when America wakes up and I want to access an american site! It usually resolves it self if one has a little patience.

  • I just bought a used(but like new) MacBook Pro.

    The previous owner did not restore the computer to like new and it will not let me in without his apple ID password.  It will only let me on as a guest.  I would like to know how to get around this and set up as my own.  Also, any advice for the easiest way to transfer all files, email, pics and docs from my old laptop to this new one?  Thanks in advance.

    Write down your AppleID and password, write down your fast reliable Internet connection name and password. If your Wifi is a busy one, you may have to use a Ethernet cable to the router or modem (reset power to it)
    Using the built in keyboard, hold the command and r keys down while booting the computer, or hold the option key down for Startup Manager and boot the machine into Recovery HD.
    You'll enter Recovery HD, or Startup Manager will appear and Recovery HD will be a selectable option to boot into.
    Once there is Disk Utility, launch that and select the Macintosh HD partition and if a secure erase slider option is available, then choose the middle one, else just click erase and wait.
    Once that is completed, then quit and choose the OS X installer, get online via the top right corner and download OS X from Apple's servers using your AppleID and password onto the Macintosh HD partition.
    If both Mac's have Firewire and you have a cable or matching FW 800/400 adapter, then the older Mac's laptop can be "hold T booted" into Firewire target disk mode and appears to the new Mac.
    When you reboot the new Mac with a new copy of OS X, you will go through Setup Assistant, with the other Mac in FW target disk mode, you can then use Setup Assistant to transfer users from the older Mac. Don't go through Setup Assistant unless you have the older Mac connected in FW Target Disk mode, because if you do then it's Utilities > Migration Assistant and you have two users on your machine instead of one.  Some people like having another Admin user to boot into in case of problems logging into the main one, you decide.
    If either Mac doesnt' have Firewire, you don't have a cable/adapter, or the other laptop is a PC, then you will need a external drive, formatted on the old Mac or PC first (exFAT if PC) then files transferred to it, then connected to the new Mac.
    If possible, use the same name on the new Mac as the old, this way iTunes playlists will be preserved and other things.

  • Its been more than 24 hours and i have not received the claim of mountain lion for my new macbook pro.

    its more than 24 hours and i havent received the claim of mountain lion for my new macbook pro

    Brace yourself - I've been waiting over 48 hours and Apple claims it will take up to 72 hours. After that, God only knows! Oh yeah, if you get your code there's a chance someone's already used it too!

  • My T key just got stuck on my brand new Macbook Pro Retina

    I've managed to sort it out but it was all stiff on a brand new $1500 Macbook Pro.

    Hi
    Welcome to the forums, Luckily your mac is new and under warranty, so if its broken return to a mac genius
    There is no one from apple on these forums.
    http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/geniusbar/

  • I'm trying to upgrade 9.0 academic version to 9.1.7 to use on a new MacBook pro.  When I try to do incremental upgrades to 9.0.1 or 9.0. it says I don't need them.  When I try to upgrade to 9.1.7 it says there is no version eligible to upgrade.

    I'm trying to upgrade Logoc Pro 9.0 academic version to 9.1.7 to use on a new MacBook pro.  When I try to do incremental upgrades to 9.0.1 or 9.0.2 it says I don't need them.  When I try to upgrade to 9.1.7 it says there is no version eligible to upgrade. This all on the older MacBook currentlu running 9.0.  But I need to upgrade to 9.1.7 to transfer it over tp the new MacBook w/ Retina display.

    I think I just got it.  I had the actual Logic Pro.app in a folder called Logic Pro inside the applications folder.  When I moved the actual app out of the folder and into applications it worked.  I am in the process of updating now.  However it seems a little strange because that's how it installed from the discs - into a folder named Logic Pro within the applications folder.  I would never have figured that out on my own.  So thanks for those who posted solutions to other users similar requests. 

  • Need Help Connecting New MacBook Pro with Wireless Network Password

    Hi Linksys Community,
    I would like to ask for your help and advice.
    I recently purchased a new MacBook Pro, OS X, Version 10.8.3.
    I need to setup a password to the wireless internet network (I've successfully done this)
    I have a Wireless G,  WRT54G Router. 
    When I setup the password, I'm not able to connect to the internet with my new MacBook Pro, which is running Mac OS X Version 10.8.3.  I get the message 'cannot connect to Internet, connection timeout) However, I'm able to connect to the internet with an older MacBook Pro, and my iPad. The password works fine with other models.
    Would anyone be able to help me troubleshoot what is going on, or how I can solve this problem?
    I would like to be able to have a password on my network, and use the internet with my new MacBook Pro.
    I have read about manually adding in the MAC address of computers, and setting up a Wireless MAC fiter.
    Does anyone think this would solve the problem?  if so, how can I find out the MAC address of my MacBook Pro?
    Thanks in advance for you help and time!

    Hi,
    Thanks for your response.
    Yes, my computer connects when your network is open (no password set)?
    I used WPA Pre-Shared Key.
    Do you know how I could check if my new MacBook Pro is compatible with this?
    Thanks!

  • HT4796 recently purchaced a macbook pro and cannot transfer music,contacts,notes etc. from my iphone 4 onto my new macbook pro!! please help

    Im a ex windows vista user, who evently became fed up and converted to a macbook pro. i just purchesed the macbook pro yesterday and have been trying to transfer all my music, contacts, notes, apps, etc. from my iphone 4 onto my new macbook pro. nothing seem to be working without it trying to erase all my info off of my iphone 4. I didnt think this would be a issue where they are both apple devices, but im now starting to regret the decision to purchace this macbook pro. please help me so i dont loose all my info trying to sync both devices. thanks for you help and advice

    Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
    You can only sync the iPhone with one Mac or PC, so your Mac is asking you to erase the device because you synced it with another Mac or PC. To avoid this, I recommend you to copy the "iTunes" folder of your old Mac or PC (in Music folder) to the Music folder of your Mac, so you'll have the same data on your Mac as the data you had on the PC.
    To transfer contacts, notes, etc., I recommend iCloud > http://www.apple.com/icloud/setup/

  • Bought New Macbook Pro and Lightroom 5 in store -Need to install but don't have a CD/DVD drive

    Just got home from purchasing a new Macbook Pro and Lightroom 5.  Problem is I do not have a CD/DVD drive.  Just opened my Lightroom 5 to install and I'm clueless how to install it on my new laptop UGH! What can I do?  Is it possible to install my new Lightroom 5 without a CD/DVD drive? 

    install lr 5.5,
    Downloads available:
    Suites and Programs:  CC 2014 | CC | CS6 | CS5.5 | CS5 | CS4 | CS3
    Acrobat:  XI, X | 9,8 | 9 standard
    Premiere Elements:  12 | 11, 10 | 9, 8, 7
    Photoshop Elements:  12 | 11, 10 | 9,8,7
    Lightroom:  5.5 (win), 5.5 (mac) | 5.4 (win), 5.4 (mac) | 5 | 4 | 3
    Captivate:  8 | 7 | 6 | 5
    Contribute:  CS5 | CS4, CS3
    Download and installation help for Adobe links
    Download and installation help for Prodesigntools links are listed on most linked pages.  They are critical; especially steps 1, 2 and 3.  If you click a link that does not have those steps listed, open a second window using the Lightroom 3 link to see those 'Important Instructions'.

Maybe you are looking for

  • Cannot edit lightroom 2 photo in photoshop elements 9, help please.

    I am using OS 10.6.5. I have Lightroom 2.7 installed and I just purchased Photoshop Elements 9. I am trying to edit my Lightroom photos in Elements by going to the menu, selecting photos and then the Edit In, but I am not able to select any of the op

  • Intermittent start up problem

    Sometimes our Mac mini just does nothing. The cable to the PSU is hot. I tried resetting the PMU and even pulled out the logic board battery to reset that too. Still doesn't work. Then a wee while later it does start up. Any ideas? There don't seem t

  • Adobe Updater overloads data line while updating from Acrobat Reader 8.1.2 to 8.1.3

    Hello I'm from germany but I'm doing my best to get you understanding me. I'm experiencing some problems updating Adobe Reader from version 8.1.2 to 8.1.3 in our company. Our users have no administrative rights on their PCs and therefore are not able

  • How do I install a downloaded .dat park in roller coaster tycoon?

    I founds lot's of fantastic parks on the web but cannot figure out where to place the .dat file in order for me to be able to load it from within the game. I'm hoping it will add to new games or saved games in the sandbox but maybe that depends on wh

  • Forgot Cisco MARS's username and password

    Hi I have Cisco MARS server and I forgot password to access. However, I try to follow this instruction http://www.securitytut.com/mars-642-545/share-your-mars-experience I can't access to MARS. Anyone have solution to solve this problem and i wouldn'