MacBook v MacBook Pro

[toasty]

Hey Mac People-

My acquisition of a MacBook/MBP is coming ever closer. What I'm wondering is this -- how big of a difference is there between a MB v MBP?

I'll be using this computer primarily for use while traveling, sitting around the house, etc. I will not be playing any games on it, nor do I see myself using any CAD software or anything. I could definitely see myself using the iLife software for casual audio/video editing, but probably nothing more resource-intensive than that. Apart from that, it would just be for basic productivity software, web surfing, etc.

Pricing out a MB vs a comparably outfitted MBP (both with 200 GB drives/2 GB RAM), it looks like I'd be paying over $500 more for 2 inches of screen I don't really care about (truth be told, since it's for travel, I'm looking for something compact -- tired of lugging around a massive laptop), .04 MHz in clock speed (2.16 v 2.20), and an upgraded video card.

For what I'm doing, am I going to see enough of a difference in performance to justify that kind of price jump?

Any input appreciated.

[Jenks]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

isn't the pro upgradeable? and the regular one isn't? or something?

macbook doesn't have firewire either. pro does.

[toasty]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

isn't the pro upgradeable? and the regular one isn't? or something?

macbook doesn't have firewire either. pro does.

Well, I suppose it's more upgradable, for sure, because I'd basically be maxing out the MB to get the specs comparable. Then again, I'm not sure I've ever actually upgraded a computer -- pretty much just replace them. Of course, they've been PCs lately, so there's not been a lot of incentive to do anything other than just replace them.

Macbook does have firewire, BTW.

[Jenks]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

Macbook does have firewire, BTW.

800mbps ?

[Jenks]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

Then again, I'm not sure I've ever actually upgraded a computer -- pretty much just replace them. Of course, they've been PCs lately, so there's not been a lot of incentive to do anything other than just replace them.

exactly. figure i'll run the mbpro until pigs fly, want to be able to add as much to it down the road as possible.

[toasty]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

800mbps ?

looks like 400. Never had occasion to use Firewire, though, so I've never really thought about it as a must-have port. Been considering getting a camcorder, though, so I'd probably want it for that, right? What else is firewire good for?

[Caley Martin]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

The current macbook pros are tons better than the macbooks... they have a GeForce 8600 GT graphics card, FW 800, LED backlit displays, up to 4GB of RAM, bigger screen and faster CPU speeds... up to 2.4 ghz...

If you want professional portable power, go with the MacBook Pro, otherwise if you want to save some money and don't care about certain features then go with the MacBook...

[feather]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

From the way he described what he does on the computer, it doesn't sound like he needs the extra oomph with a macbook pro. Firewire and fancy back-lit LED aside, the main upgrade to a macbook pro is its video card. If he's not doing anything graphic intensive, I'd say a macbook with enough ram will suffice.

One thing that does bug me is the keyboard on the macbook, I think the macbookpro's kb is nicer to type on, and the macbook pro feels like it is a better / sturdier build than the macbook. These are useability factors you'll have to go into the shop and have a feel for yourself, they might be important enough to swing you towards the MBP.

[ddr]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

hey toasty, i was in the exact same spot as you not too long ago.

i could not justify the price jump for the mbp so i ended up getting the black macbook with 2gb of ram. got it a week ago.
im in the same spot as you, not a gamer, not really a huge resource user, but wanted something thin and with enough power that it will last awhile. i have no need for firewire, i use usb

i am definately happy with my purchase

[Caley Martin]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

forgot to mention backlit keyboard

[Caley Martin]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

but yeah, sounds like the macbook is a better value for him

[ddr]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

forgot to mention backlit keyboard

backlit keyboard... pfft... if you have electricity to plug it into the wall, turn on a light imo =p

of course the only real place i can see the backlit keyboard coming to use would be on a airplane flying in the middle of teh night

but yeah, sounds like the macbook is a better value for him

but yea i definately agree, sounds like a macbook would suit your needs

[Jenks]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

1. toasty travels a lot.
2. toasty WILL want to upgrade in the future, hence wanting a new computer now.
3. macbook pro dude. drop the extra bills and be done with it. yeah, you may not use the capabilities now, but it would be nice to know you CAN in the future if you want to. And..we're really not taking about that much money here between the two. Skip three Cards games and you're set.

i've already made up my mind. going mac book pro as soon as my investment property closes next month.

i'm so done with PC.

can't wait.

[toasty]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

Skip three Cards games and you're set.

This would be the year to miss a few...

[Jenks]

Re: MacBook v MacBook Pro

that's what i'm sayin.