MacBook Pro 2.26 GHz vs. 2.53 GHz

GreekBruin · 06-09-2009, 10:50 AM

Major difference?

Worth the extra 200-300 dollars for the faster processor? I just want to make sure I get 4GB of RAM on my machine. I can get the 2.26 GHz machine with 4GB for $1190 while the 2.53 GHz machine with 4GB costs $1400.

I really just want a laptop that can run Office (iWorks as well), iTunes, and a few tabbed browser windows open smoothly. Do I really need the 2.53 GHz processor? If I am not doing intense video editing and photoshop will I be able to tell the difference?

fabrizio · 06-09-2009, 11:17 AM

The 13.3" MacBook Pro has "2.26GHz or 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB on-chip shared L2 cache running 1:1 with processor speed."

Ceteris paribus, I doubt anyone would actually be able to tell a difference between a 2.26 MBP and a 2.53 MBP. The two processors differ only by 270 Mhz and have the same amount of L2 cache. In my opinion, not worth the extra cash.

Another_Adam · 06-09-2009, 01:31 PM

Yeah, it's kind of an odd move on Apple's part. With the only difference (that can't be cheaply upgraded) between the two being the processor speed, I can't imagine them selling too many of the higher-end model. I expected them to keep the backlit keyboard off of the base model. (Not that I mind! I haven't bought mine yet :P )

cewolf1 · 06-09-2009, 01:47 PM

Nope, backlit keyboard is standard now on both 13" Aluminum models.

GreekBruin · 06-09-2009, 08:41 PM

Thanks.

So I think I will get the base 13 inch model and upgrade to 4GB RAM on my own. I hear I can get the kit to do it online for around 50 bucks while it costs 100 to do it through Apple.

ANOTHER QUESTION:

Does anyone know if the education discount works if I buy a laptop at an Apple store? I live relatively close to one and would rather buy it directly than wait for it to be mailed with my "free" iPod.

clarinette52 · 06-09-2009, 09:17 PM

This is what it says on the Apple website
***
1. Shop for a Mac.
Shop the Apple Online Store for Education. Call 1-800-MY-APPLE. Or find your favorite Apple Retail Store or your local Apple Authorized Campus Store.

2. Buy an iPod touch.
Purchase your Mac and iPod touch at the same time to qualify for your online rebate.

3. Submit your rebate.
After you receive your Mac and iPod, submit your claim online by October 8, 2009. Once your claim has been submitted, check your rebate status at any time.
***
So it looks like you can go to the Apple Store near you and buy one. You just have to order both the Mac and iPod at the same time.

nj_azn_premed · 06-09-2009, 09:48 PM

As fabrizio noted, with L2 cache at the same size, it's completely worthless to pay that much extra to go from 2.26 GHz to 2.53 GHz. You won't really notice the difference. It's ridiculous that they didn't switch to the 6MB cache (at least for the higher end model) when they're trying to peddle purportedly 'high-end' laptops.

nick1221 · 07-30-2009, 02:42 PM

yeah you can get it. you dont have to buy the ipod if you dont want to. for example, i have a 1 1/2 month old ipod touch already and spending the extra money right now is not in my budget, even if i do get a rebate. i would recommend buying at your local apple store. they can upgrade the ram for you in 20 minutes

Lergnom · 07-30-2009, 09:21 PM

You understand you can sell the ipod - unopened - and make money?

Mclovin09 · 07-30-2009, 09:32 PM

I actually bought my 15" MBP at Best Buy (I really wanted a good warranty plan since it covers dents and some more things than applecare) and I was still able to get the student discount and a free ipod (instant savings). I just talked to the APPLE REPRESENTATIVE that goes to BB's(black shirts, Not blue BB employees) and was able to get the best of both store deals.

thelilodance · 07-30-2009, 10:10 PM

Mclovin09-Did you just go to your local Best Buy to get the best of both stores, and did you customize it at all?

Also along the lines of the original topic, is it worth the $300 upgrade from the 2.53 GHz to the 2.66 GHz 15" MBP when I will be upgrading the HD to the 320 GB @ 7200. I will be running Logic Studio, GarageBand, iMovie, Photoshop and other similar programs. I will also have 4GB of RAM. So is it necessary to get the 2.66 GHz 15"?

fabrizio · 07-31-2009, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Also along the lines of the original topic, is it worth the $300 upgrade from the 2.53 GHz to the 2.66 GHz 15" MBP when I will be upgrading the HD to the 320 GB @ 7200. I will be running Logic Studio, GarageBand, iMovie, Photoshop and other similar programs. I will also have 4GB of RAM. So is it necessary to get the 2.66 GHz 15"?

Given what you want to do, it is worth it, but not because of the processor. Both the 2.53 and the 2.66 have 3MB of of L2 cache, so you will not notice a 133Mhz speed increase.

The 2.66Ghz model, however, has discrete graphics and integrated graphics, whereas the 2.53Ghz model only has integrated graphics. An actual graphics card could come in handy if you want to do iMovie and Photoshop.

thelilodance · 07-31-2009, 10:45 AM

Thanks so much fabrizio!

Mclovin09 · 07-31-2009, 02:28 PM

Yeah, basically what fabrizio said, the processor difference in both 15" models are verrrrry minuscule. I decided to get the 2.66 version w/ the additional dedicated graphics card so i can bootcamp windows 7 later on for games. BTW I did just go to my local Best Buy, Apple Representatives stop by a few days a week but if you are nice to them they will be willing to give you good deals from both stores plus an decent warranty from BB.

Another_Adam · 08-01-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Does anyone know if the education discount works if I buy a laptop at an Apple store? I live relatively close to one and would rather buy it directly than wait for it to be mailed with my "free" iPod.

I know this is ~2 months late, but when you buy from them online, items are shipped separately, as soon as they're available. So if one item was held up, it wouldn't be waiting on the other. (Your post was a bit confusing, as you imply that the iPod is mailed to you if you buy in-store, which isn't true)