Help! 2008 Macbook Pro vs. 2010 PC?

[magubb23]

I need to choose which computer I want for my next work laptop. The options are...

- HP 2540P - Intel i7 L640 2.13GHz
- Macbook Pro 15" - Intel Core 2 Duo 2.53GHz

(Everything else is the same. 4GB memory, 250GB hard drive, DVD drive, etc.)

I am leaning towards the PC because a) it has 2010 technology and b) this is going to be a work computer and I'm afraid the learning curve with the Mac could affect my productivity (I'm a novice). I'm in marketing and the most intense tasks I do are:

1) Working with a VERY large Outlook PST file (I get tons of email)
2) Working with and creating PowerPoint presentations with a lot of graphics in them
3) Opening/manipulating logos and images in Photoshop once-in-a-while
4) Having A LOT of windows open
5) All major chat programs (I work with people around the world and no one can decide which messenger to use)
6) HD Porn

Just kidding about the last one. Our lease cycles are 3 years and while I'm sooooo tempted by the sexiness of the Mac, I'm afraid that 2008 technology will be unusable in 2013.

What should I get?

 

[nerp]

Nothing you've indicated would point you towards the mac, IMHO.

 

[magubb23]

They're sooooooooooooo sexy. It's like having an extra penis!

 

[mfenn]

If you're in marketing you def. need the Mac to project a hip and trendy image.

But seriously, given your usage I would take the HP.

Oh, an re: number 5. Pidgin.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Go with the HP. The #1 reason? A 2-year old battery will definitely have degraded over time. You probably won't get excellent battery life from it.

 

[magubb23]

CurseTheSky, it's actually a new Macbook, just an older model. Not sure why they aren't doing the i5/i7 versions. Bummer.

 

[lsv]

i7. Seriously why would you take a C2D over an i7? Mac or not, only the OS matters oh right and the mac is shiny.

 

[CurseTheSky]

CurseTheSky, it's actually a new Macbook, just an older model. Not sure why they aren't doing the i5/i7 versions. Bummer.

Brand new? Like, directly from Apple and not a refurb?

Li-ion batteries degrade with time, not just charge cycles. So, if it's something that's been sitting on a shelf somewhere "new in box" for two years, the battery will still be less than perfect.

The MBP will most likely have superior build quality, but if you don't know OSX off the bat, it will definitely hamper your productivity. If it was for personal use it wouldn't be a problem, but for business use that's a no-no.

I'd stick with the HP.

 

[Firsttime]

Only the i7 is up to the task of 21st century HD porn.

Seriously though. For your listed tasks the HP will perform better.

 

[GTSRguy]

The mac will be alot nicer/ higher quality. If you want to save money, and get more bang for your buck, go with the PC. Both will be more than capable of running HD...uhh..videos and the other things you listed.

 

[TheStu]

If it was the current gen MBP vs the HP, then this would be trickier... But, for your list here is my opinion, which neatly echoes what everyone else has said.

1: PC
2: PC
3: PC
4: Mac (There is just something about it, I think that OS X handles a lot of windows better than Windows, ironically)
5: Toss Up. Pidgin on Windows, Adium on OS X.
6: Toss Up.

However, since the HP is a Core i7 and the Mac is a C2D, then get the HP.

 

[magubb23]

Thanks guys. HP it is!