Laptop question

[starvingscientist]

I need to replace my laptop since the screen is going out on it (its not worth fixing). I want something smaller and more portable than I had before and Im thinking of this
store.apple.com/us/product/FC968LL/A

Does anyone know if that's a good deal on what you're getting or should I build from scratch and get a higher processor or memory capacity? There are also other refurbed ones with more options, but of course they are also more money. I think the discount on the refurb is about 20%

[ryry]

I think my experience is unique, but I would not purchase a refurbed Apple product again. I purchased my first iPhone refurbished and had to replace it after just a couple of months. They gave me a new refurbed phone, which had to be replaced again...and again...and again. All told I went through 4 refurbed iPhones in 2 years until I upgraded to the newest iPhone. I purchased a MacBook Pro in January and would not considered refurbed because of my experience with the phones.
Again...I think that was a pretty unique experience, but just wanted to throw it out there

[compassrose]

I would also spring for the new one. Can you get one through work? If you are going to run matlab or something similar, I'd get the quadcore processor. If you are going to have lots of programs like powerpoint, many excel windows, word, graphing software, sequencing software, etc. (can't remember which field you are in), then I would get more RAM, too. I know when I am writing I have so many files open that it slowed down my old macbook considerably, but I haven't had any issues with my new macbook pro.

[BravoBravo]

I have a refurb Macbook Pro. It has been great, no issues at all. It has the same warranty as if you bought new so I was fine with it.

I went with the Pro because it had a cd drive.

[starvingscientist]

I like to have lots of files open at one time so the RAM and processor comments are probably something I should consider. I just have such a hard time spending so much money!!! Im used to having computers provided for me by my job so I always got something awesome when it came to a laptop and it was free to me. I cant decide if I should go basic level for a home computer and then whatever job I get I will at least have a desktop fully equipped... what do you think?

[laigut]

I have never had a single problem with refurb Apple products. I have had a Macbook Pro, ipod and iphone all work perfect after getting them refurbished from Apple. I always get the same warrenty on the refurbished product that I would get on the new one. If you can get a better CPU for cheaper, I say go for it!