I have been debating a new Macbook pro I have several options.
I am settled on a ssd:
Do I get 8gb of ram on a duo core 13 inch
Or ....4gb on a quad core 15 inch (better video)
* What are the important things for L4; Processor, Ram or Video.... what order of importance?
I think on the new Sandy Bridge Macbooks I'd opt for a discrete video card first which would put you in the 15 inch or better machine. Pony up for more RAM second. The processor is really third at this stage in the game. I really wish they would have a discrete card for the 13 inch model--it hamstrings what would otherwise be a perfect computer for a lot of people.
Second thought now: at this juncture I'd wait for Lion if possible. I don't know what effect it will have re Logos or OS X requirements in general--it might change the game plan a bit. It's just down the road so you might want to read up on it. I am thinking it will probably increase the desirability of more RAM and video power unless there's some efficiencies under the hood I haven't heard about.
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Mike Tourangeau:* What are the important things for L4; Processor, Ram or Video.... what order of importance?
RAM can be upgraded later. Also, hard drive can be upgraded after purchase; may want to buy Mac Book Pro with a hard drive, then purchase a Do It Yourself (DIY) laptop upgrade with SSD => http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/2.5-Notebook/SATA/DIY/ (after upgrade, could use original hard drive for Time Machine backups).
Found many Mac OS X Lion articles => http://www.appleinsider.com/topics/Inside_Mac_OS_X_Lion.html
If wait for Mac OS X Lion to ship, then Mac Book Pro purchase could include Mac OS X Lion. For several past Mac OS X releases, Apple has added media with new Mac OS X to box. Do not know if Apple will offer any Mac discounts on day Mac OS X Lion released.
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I just ordered a new MacBook Pro. I went to the semi-local Apple Store and they told my wife and myself that it would void the warranty on the laptop if I swapped out the drive and memory, so I pretty much had to buy it factory built with 8GB ram and the 256GB SSD. I think my gal is tired of me peeling open computers anyway. =)
The manual for my new MacBook Pro tells how to change out the drive and memory, so don't believe everything an Apple Store employee tells you.
I got mine now so I can have Snow Leopard -and- Lion. Lion comes with all of the server stuff that used to cost $500.
Difficulty of swapping hard drives in Mac Book Pro depends on model; I FIx It web site has photos showing disassembly => http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Browse/MacBook_Pro
I think the key to the 13" vs 15" decision is the screen size. I believe most L4 users will tell you that working with L4 on a hires 15" screen is not fun but tolerable, but working on a lowres 13" screen is downright purgatory.
Lankford Oxendine:I think the key to the 13" vs 15" decision is the screen size.
Good idea to visit an Apple Store => http://www.apple.com/retail/storelist/ to compare screen sizes (possibly use some web sites to gauge readability on different screens).
Looking at MacBook Pro specifications => http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs-compare.html, noticed 15" model has 2 screen resolution choices.
I just upgraded from a first gen Macbook Air to a 15" MacBook Pro 2 Ghz Core I7, 500 GB HD 5400 and bumped up the RAM with 8 GB. It was a long process to get here since I had enjoyed the portability of my MB Air. But the screen size (Low Res) the power and RAM upgrade are more than enough to compensate for the extra pounds that I now lug around. L4 runs great for me. I also think that it future proofs it for at least 5 years. After Applecare runs out, I just upgrade the drive to SSD. So if you value screen size and intend to keep it for a long time, the more the better I would say...