Which is the best 15 Inch Macbook Pro choice for me?

Question

So I am a currently attending college and studying at the moment CIM (Computer Information Management). I work a lot on my computer either on school work, personal projects, and some minor freelance work. I use a lot of Adobe CS4 software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Flash and Dreamweaver. But I am going to want to get into studying more 3D software products as well. Such as Z-Brush, Maya and what ever 3D software is the best and easiest to use. I can look into that later. But here is the deal. I know what ever choice I make, regarding any MacBook product. It's an upgrade from the laptop I am currently using. I am not dying for the need of a new computer. But with the study and field I want to get into. I definitely need it pretty soon. So my help/question in request is:
Which Macbook Pro (15in/ if 13in will hit it right on the mark of requirements) I should get.
Alright so I am currently running this:
Windows 7
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU T2390 @ 1.86GHz 1.87GHz
Installed memory (RAM): 3.00GB
System Type: 32-bit Operating System
I do have some what of a total budget. Which is: 2,450. That is the Online cost for the Macbook Pro 15in - 2.66GHz Intel Core i7 w/ the Apple are protection plan. (Student discount applied)
That leaves a huge hit on my wallet for a bit. So 2,000 would work best. But I don't mind taking the risk since Macbook Pros were recently updated and MacBook Pro products are a lot more longer lasting.
I would love to hear from as many people as possible. The more lamest terms the better. Any information would help. I know the battery life info and such. I have a few External Hard drives. So I don't have an issue with space. But if you have any more question that might be able to help you give me more information to help me make the right choice by all means.
I'd prefer less answers saying. i7 cause its better and will last you for a while anyways. More in depth reason would help. If not just your input on which works best.

Answer 1

Personally, I would say go for the 2.4 GHz 15-inch model to drop the price so you can then upgrade the RAM to 8 gb or/and to an SSD. Apple's processing speed differences of 2.4/2.53/2.66 are insignificant, and the only reason I see of going to the i7 model is because of a small boost in the graphics cache (512mb) for gaming.
It all really depends on 2 things:
1) how many and how huge of programs you like to run at once
2) how much space you need on your computer for data
If you run a lot of programs at once or use larger programs like Final Cut, an upgrade to 8gb of RAM will make your computer much faster. A .13 GHz increase in speed won't do anything except cause the program you're using at the moment to possibly work more quickly. RAM is crucial for an abundance of work. It is also more expensive to add 4 gb though...
On the data note, I prefer using an external hard drive to not only backup my files but to also use it as a hard drive. For example, I keep what I need to use at the moment (like current videos i'm editing) on the computer and keep the stuff I won't use for weeks or stuff I'll probably never use again on the external drive. It keeps my computer from having 100s of gigabytes of info on it...easier to manage the computer and its contents. Even being someone who does a lot of video editing, a 128 gb SSD is the perfect size for me if not more than enough. Bonuses of the SSD: faster read/write, no mechanical parts such as spinning dics, silent. The HD that comes standard is really the only thing that makes noise on a computer aside from the cooling. Once again though, SSD is a more expensive upgrade.
As always, it's personal opinion and up to you man!
If you'd like to keep it at 2000, go for the 2.4 GHz model (1699 with student discount I think), and use the 300 for whatever you'd like to add on, whether it be the care plan or what I've mentioned. This might sound complicated, but if you do decide to buy the SSD, then consider the 2.53 GHz model because it only costs 60 more than the SSD on the 2.4 model. You get an extra 50 off with the student discount AND the SSD upgrade is cheaper because your base memory is different.
Good luck!