Should I upgrade or get a new MacBook Pro?

Question

Here are the specs for my macbook pro I have now:
Model Name:    MacBook Pro 17"
  Model Identifier:    MacBookPro2,1
  Processor Name:    Intel Core 2 Duo
  Processor Speed:    2.33 GHz
  Number Of Processors:    1
  Total Number Of Cores:    2
  L2 Cache (per processor):    4 MB
  Memory:    2 GB
  Bus Speed:    667 MHz
  Boot ROM Version:    MBP21.00A5.B08
  SMC Version:    1.14f5
MacBook OS X  Version 10.4.11
We got it in February of 2007 and I'm just not sure what we should do.  Does anyone have a ballpark idea of what it may cost me to upgrade if I bring it into an Apple store?  is it worth it?  It still runs well, it's just getting annoying that the newer apps (and iTunes) won't work with this version. Luckily also have a Windows vista desktop that I can plug my iPad and iPhone into.  Is my MacBook Pro capable of an upgrade? Frankly I only half understand some of the info above.
Thanks in advance for the help/suggestions.
Holly

Answer 1

hollyK82 wrote:
 Is my MacBook Pro capable of an upgrade?
Yes, you have a dam fine machine still.
In your case, I would have a local Mac/PC computer support type backup your files and install Snow Leopard 10.6   $29
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A
I do not advise 10.7 for your machine, it's just a tad outdated for it. As I've have so learned myself on a similar machine.
1: You can choose to add more RAM to 4GB, $20+ plus installation.
2: You can choose to add a 7,200 RPM hard drive, that will increase the machines performance bit more, $100+ plus installation.
However either isn't necessary for 10.6 Snow Leopard and Apple won't do it, or if they do it's going to be a huge charge.
So you would have to do it yourself or hire a Mac geek locally. I advise the local Mac geek if your not familiar with computers.
With 10.6 your going to see a remarkable speed improvement over 10.4 and for $29 is the cheapest performance upgrade you can do.
Unfortunatly your going to have to get new versions of software, but you don't have to buy Office.
https://www.libreoffice.org/
So a ballpark figure, anywhere from $29 if you self-install Snow Leopard, to $180 or so plus whatever the computer guy charges.
If you find a Mac person who's good with computers you can likely get something he needs, like more memory or another hard drive.
FYI: I was quoted $600 by a Apple Authorized Reseller to replace my hard drive and $435 by Apple to upgrade the RAM from 4GB to 8GB
I got a drive myself for $300 (at the time) and more RAM for $80 and installed both myself.
So I'd say your likely looking at about $300-$350 with present drive and RAM prices including labor with a local Mac computer type.