My son wants to purchase a macbook before he head back to school in two weeks.
Refurb macbook is 849.00. Microcenter has the 2.4 macbook pro for 999.00.

He could swing the extra 150.00 if need be.

Which do you guys think delivers the most bang for the buck?

he should go for the one that will attract the prettiest girls... doh!

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Sometimes it is what it is...
and then there's times when it's really better.



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I'm facing a similar situation. For me, it's worth spending the extra money for twice as much memory, Firewire, a backlit keyboard and aluminum construction.

I wish there was a Microcenter close to me, I'd take that MBP for $999. It's $20 less than Apple's refurb price and $100 less than the educational price.

Education discount from Apple comes with $199 towards an iPod or iPod touch.

I like the MBP extras myself, but the new MacBook is a very nice machine.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/19/2010 09:35PM by sekker.

For me the only real benefit of a MBP is the backlit keyboard, but that isn't worth $150.

I'd go with an Education Store Macbook and free touch (then sell the touch unopened in the box for $150-$175)

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“No persons are more frequently wrong, than those who will not admit they are wrong.”
-- François de La Rochefoucauld

Growing older is mandatory. Growing up is optional.

I'd go with the educational discount too - sell me the touch

SD slot, FW, backlit keyboard and the Al looks are worth $150 to me but clearly optional.

MB is more bang for the buck if you don't know if the MBP extras will be used or valued. If they are, the MBP is more bang for the buck.

My white MacBooks plastic broke easily. I'd say for a college kid the metal case would be worth it.

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---“What you permit, you promote. What you allow, you encourage. What you condone, you own.”

I thought the new white macbooks were metal with a white coating. Are you talking about the current generation or one of the original plastic macbooks pinion?

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"In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion." (1987) -- Carl Sagan

Current MacBooks are "UniBody" but also all white plastic still. One piece plastic. Back (outside portion) of the screen near the hinges can develop hairline cracks. I've seen them on my sister's.

I'd go the MacBook Pro.

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I'm talking about the original intel macbook 2.0 ghz. But it's the same material I think. Just one piece now like deckeda said.

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---“What you permit, you promote. What you allow, you encourage. What you condone, you own.”