Which Manchester based store is best?

[r44b]

Im thinking of spending muchos $$$ on a mac very soon, be moving from a 1.8ghz athlon 64 / 2GB ram / x850 xt pe.

Current rig is pretty old and struggles with pretty much everything i throw at it. Im probably looking at a Mac Pro and maybe MBP, however before i buy i intend to go and spend a decent amount of time in an apple store with a personal shopper assisting me.
Problem is the closest store's to me are in Manchester (2.5 hours away) The question is do i go to the Trafford centre or the Arndale centre. Is there a difference between the two except location?
Trafford centre is on the outskirts so saves me having to get into the city centre. However if the Arndale one is significantly better for whatever reason ill make the extra effort.

Also if i decided to buy on the spot do they offer student discounts instore and if so what kind of Id do they ask for if any?

Hope you can help

 

[r44b]

Thanks for all the replies so far,

I already have a massive list of questions to ask about everything. Im going to be using it for just about anything you can think of. Digital photography, digital painting, 3d moddeling in maya/Zbrush, web design, some video and sound editing.

EVH, I was considering a MB over the MBP to begin with as I would be simply using it for a bit of web browsing, MS word and web design/coding on the go to start with. Im still not 100% sure on this aspect as I can see myself needing more power in the future while on the move.
I dont think I'll be able to make my mind up for sure on this choice before I see them next to each other in store.

 

[r44b]

@ r44b

You'll want a MacBook Pro if you place them side-by-side, but you have to ask yourself "do I NEED it all the time".

If I wanted power I'd get a MacBook Pro, there's no disputing, but equally if I had a Mac Pro at home I know that the MBP wouldn't really be needed and I'd use the extra cash to get dual displays

Just something to think about mate.

Good point. Ive spent the last 2 months going back and forth trying to balance how im going to spend the money I have saved. Im basically upgrading all of my creative "assets" such as camera lenses etc. I also intend to invest in a HD video camera shortly aswell and the money I save buying a MacBook over MBP would go quite a way towards paying for it.

Im definiatly going to the Trafford centre but probably will probably be setting off early morning to get there at about 10-11am. This will be on a saturday so I hope i dont get attacked by hordes of geek children At least i'll have my personal shopper to bash them away