topic Re: New Penryn based MacBook Pros dilemma in Installation & update

New Penryn based MacBook Pros dilemma

Rob — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 22:26:33 GMT

I was waiting for my MacBook Pro as soon as Leopard kicks in, now Apple announced new line of MacBook Pros based on Penryn chips (supposedly 20% faster and not so power hungry as current ones) in 1Q 2008.

Is it better to wait and get one with Penryn? or it is not worth of waiting for another 3-4 months (assuming that Leopard will be out in late October or so).

What do you reckon?

Re: New Penryn based MacBook Pros dilemma

Anonymous — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 01:02:26 GMT

Thats technology for ya. Have to make the leap at some point....

Apple haven't actually announced anything, details were leaked. but it all fits.
20% sounds like it is worth waiting for but it all comes down to the state of your current system and how long you can wait.

Re: New Penryn based MacBook Pros dilemma

TomWaltz — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 01:15:23 GMT

I'd say a 20% increase in the next 6 months is falling behind Moore's Law. At some point you have to take the plunge. There is ALWAYS a new product somewhere on the horizon.

Re: New Penryn based MacBook Pros dilemma

Rob — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 06:49:55 GMT

everything was so nicely prepared and now this temptation...
it's a hard one.

Re: New Penryn based MacBook Pros dilemma

Dwight — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:38:36 GMT

Once you think it is time for a new system, waiting makes things worse. Except for Leopard.

The idea is that you suffer your old system now to get the increase in speed later, but you could be using today's technology to be productive and accelerate your learning today. There is no saving or advantage in waiting once you are dissatisfied with your machine.

But: waiting for a 20% speed increase is silly, since today's machines are quite fast. Less power demand, not so important since battery power declines rapidly as a machine ages. You can never truly be freed from a power cord until the magic eternal power supply arrives.

If you wait, wait for a 200% speed increase.

Re: New Penryn based MacBook Pros dilemma

Thomas Holm — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:09:36 GMT

Dwight wrote:
If you wait, wait for a 200% speed increase.

+20% = 1.2X = hardly noticeable.

+ 200% = 2X = definitely noticable. But means waiting a couple of years at least.

I agree with Dwight. Look at your own work. If you need the new machine now, buy. If not, not.

That's why we once kept our old MacIIfx for 12 years

Re: New Penryn based MacBook Pros dilemma

Erich — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 00:27:18 GMT

Everyone is spot on don't let numbers sway you to wait.

Besides, once you have a new machine it won't matter what comes out next. The changes aren't that dramatic in the short term.

Re: New Penryn based MacBook Pros dilemma

Rob — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 08:09:42 GMT

thanks for your opinions fellas.
I think I will stick with the original scenario and I will get one in October.

Re: New Penryn based MacBook Pros dilemma

Karl Ottenstein — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 22:57:58 GMT

Dwight wrote:
...Less power demand, not so important since battery power declines rapidly as a machine ages..

Regardless of a battery or not...less power demand equals less carbon footprint. Not something to be taken so lightly given the current state of things...

Karl