Finally made my mind : MacBook Pro

[ArkiStan]

So it looks like I might be working in china for a while this summer and I'll probably need to bring a laptop. Now seems like a good chance to purchase the Macbook Pro I've been drooling over for so long.

I just want to know if now would be a good time to buy it. Will there be any major advances in processor technology that would warrant me waiting a bit? I would probably be looking out for a good refurbished product for the savings, so what I buy won't be the absolute newest product anyway, but I don't want to buy one if we're at the brink of some significant technological revolution either. I don't care if the processor speed doubles a month after my purchase, I'm just trying to avoid buying before fundamental processor architecture shifts. As long as the core2duo will be around for a while, I'm just gonna get one.

BTW, I'll probably be using Windows for half of my work and Mac OS for my Adobe stuff.

[Cubsfan]

I believe that Intel has a new architecture (Santa Rosa?) coming out in May I believe. I'm thinking that they may roll out new MacBook pro's on June 11th.

http://www.macrumors.com/2007/02/25/next-generation-intel-platform-santa-rosa-tracking-for-may/

I'm also looking forward to hopefully having LED lit screens. My plan is to sell my MacBook and buy a Pro if new ones come out in June.

[ArkiStan]

Wow. Exactly what I was fearing. But if it is indeed released on June 11, that will be 4 days before I leave for the trip. I could rush to get it, but I was never an early adapter. And there won't be any refurbished items that early after the release.

However, if the new architecture doesn't provide a ground-breaking leap of performance over the previous, this may be a blessing since I would assume the prices for the older models would drop.

Hmm...I'll need to think more about this.

[Cubsfan]

Oh, and don't forget about Leopard. Most likely will be released in June. I think (don't know for sure) that usually if you've bought a Mac within 30 days of the new version of the OS coming out they'll give you the upgrade for free (I think it's $130, $70 educational)

[ArkiStan]

I just read your link again and it seems like the potential improvements for the system, and the Leopard deal you mentioned, will be reason enough to wait. Can't wait.

[Cubsfan]

Well, don't worry about the Leopard thing now :(

[ArkiStan]

Just read the news. sucks.

[Cubsfan]

GO! BUY! :) Hopefully these arrived in time for your trip.

[ArkiStan]

Thanks for the heads up. Trip got cancelled. :( But I got a better job in here in NY, so it worked out fine.
I'm still gonna get a macbook pro for sure, but there's no longer a rush to get one. I'm gonna hold off for a bit and read the reviews. The new office I'm working in uses macs, so it'll be a good chance for me to get used to the interface. BTW, the new macbook pros are looking good!!

[Cubsfan]

I plan to buy one myself after next Tuesday (just in case something cool happens). Need to sell my Macbook on ebay first though.

[zero2dash]

Leopard probably won't come out for awhile, unless something surprising is announced at WWDC'07 which starts next Monday 6/11.

New MBP's are nice especially with the 15's having LED backlit screens and the upgraded mobile gpu.