New MBPs - how much speed do I need?

Question

I'm about to replace my ageing G4 with a new 15" MBP but need some help from you fine people on the best option. Only apps I use are iPhoto (30GB of photos and growing), iTunes (16GB incl some videos) and Safari. The only extra app I'm likely to use in future is Photoshop.
I want at least 320GB which narrows the choice to 2 - the questions I'd love to have answered are:
1. how much difference will the step from 2.66 to 2.8GHz make? And is it worth paying for the upgrade to 3GHz? (I've been given conflicting advice).
2. Will the step up from Cache of 3MB (2.66 model) to 6MB (2.8 model) make a big difference?
3. I'm happy to stay with 4GB RAM for now til prices come down - but keen to know will upgrading to 8GB in the future make a big difference to speed?
Many thanks for your help
Nathan

Answer 1

Hi Nate,
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a computer that I like to consider:
*1.) What is my budget?*
I typically have a "range" I want to shop in and normally that run will encompass two, sometimes three computers. One is usually right in the middle, one on the lower end and one either right on the top or a bit beyond. I'm not a big fan of stepping outside of my budget, simply because there usually other things I may want to get within the time frame I purchase the machine. I always allow for Applecare and will often times get some other accessories for the machine.
*2.) How will I use the machine, right now*
When I get it home, how will I use the computer over the next 3-8 months. Does the computer meet all of my needs and does it give me any room to expand at a later point in time? Or did get a machine that's "topped out" right off the bat.
*3.) How will I use the machine, tomorrow*
In a year or two from now, will my needs for the computer remain the same? Will the programs, games, or other hardware specific requirements I need allow me to grow and evolve with the machine? Or will I be using the machine in an environment where I do not need the latest and greatest and can happily enjoy the unit without ever upgrading.
In your scenario it sounds like you've narrowed it down pretty well. The processor decision is definitely a tough one. Especially considering, unlike the HD and RAM options this choice is a final decision situation. I've never used my computer for anything that's so processor intensive that I've needed the fastest CPU available, so I can't exactly comment on how much of a difference you'd see between 2.66GHz and 3.0GHz (I'd imagine the difference up to the 2.8GHz would be even less noticeable unless your needs for the machine are specifically processor intensive).
Regarding the L2 Cache debate, I think between 4GB of RAM and a 7200rpm you'll not see a difference in day-to-day processes. I know I stumbled across a ton of various benchmark discussions on ARS Technica and other "tech blogs" and of course the more... the merrier but in the day-to-day usage I really don't see the end user increasing productivity as a result of it.
You can always upgrade the RAM at a later point in time when the 8GB option becomes more reasonable, as we all know it will. I'm sure if we revisit this conversation in 6 months from now we'll see a price shift.