MacBook or MacBook Pro?
May 15th 2007
There is a Mac in my future. There I said it.
The fact that I can run both the Mac OS and Windows on it if I need it is what finally sold me on the idea. I grew up on Macs and loved them. The fact that most of the super heroes I play with are on Mac and I can’t play with the same toys they have is getting a little old.
My debate at the moment is which one to get. I would LOVE your advice on it.
What I’ll be doing on the computer
- Writing
- PhotoShop (photo post production and such)
- Basic audio and video editing (nothing hardcore as I hate doing that stuff)
- New Media magic (aka surfing, twittering, virtual worlds, etc)
That is really what it boils down to. I’ll also be traveling with it so size is not the most important thing, it is a factor.
I’m just thinking that I don’t need the MacBook Pro for what I’m doing. It seems little overkill, but at the same time I don’t think I’d outgrow it as fast. I’m not sure.
What do you think?
Had the same thoughts when I bought my MacBook. I already had the PowerBook, so I really wanted to follow that up with a MacBook Pro. But the truth is that the MacBook is powerful enough. I don’t work with Photoshop, but I do all the other stuff and it seems to be more than enough for me. Also, at 13″, the screen feels surprisingly big (my old PowerBook was 12″). So, for me, it came down to one question: Is it really worth CA$800 more for power I don’t really need? Clearly the answer was no.
Hope this helps.
I would get the macbook pro as you will have a beefier graphics card for virtual worlds. The quality of the laptop is much better too. I wish I would have gotten my wife a macbook pro.
Go Pro. The independent graphics card is more than worth it.
Wow, I post this and now Apple announced upgraded MacBook’s but it doesn’t look like the graphics card was updated. Hmmm….
Pro, for the graphics reasons stated above, and also because going forward you don’t want some of the bottlenecking that the non-pro model might leave you with. Build quality is another aspect which will make it longer-lived. Windows wise, would you be running Vista?
I’ve got a ‘Blackbook’ which I love dearly - use it for a lot of audio and video editing and for second life. Realistically SL will never perform as well on a mac as on a pc because of lack of dedicated graphics, but I have few complaints about its performance on the macbook. No regrets at all about not going pro.
Graphics card in the pro, the aluminum case, the actual resolution of the 15″ screen is much more usable than the 13″ (it gives you more cascading window room) and MOST important is the lighted keyboard. Nothing is worse than not being able to see the keys! (of course this is very important if you are a hunt and peck typist). And oh yes, we only make a Magstay PRO currently! so I could not recommend the MacBook.
[…] MacBook vs. MacBook Pro? […]
I went through the same decision process dude… Picked the Pro, and haven’t regretted it for a single second.
But that’s just me…
Went for the black Macbook with 2Gb RAM and it is completely what I need - even for video editing and running both Ubunto and XP under Parallels.
I decided on the MacBook since I don’t need the high-end features for an extra $1,000. However, if you’ve got the money, I always advocate buying the most powerful thing you can possibly afford. After all, it’s obsolete the second you get the receipt, so get the model with the longest downhill coast.
Pax,
Matthew
I went with the Pro for the graphics reasons sited above. Also comparing the specs it was the most bang for my buck. I have a MacBook Pro 2.33GHZ 15in. Couldn’t justify the extra for the 17in. I didn’t upgrade anything when I bought it. I went with the glossy screen over the matte screen, videos look great. As you know I all but live in Second Life, so I can tell you the SL client for the Mac has a few issues, but over all not enough for me to worry about.
I got it thinking I would eventually run Windows also, haven’t had a need to install it as of yet.
oddly enough, i was just having this conversation with ryan moments before i saw your twitter. i’m getting my first laptopp and i’m thinking the pro because of the graphics card and second life… i also liked the feel of the keyboard better , and the placement of the speakers sounded better. i also don’t like the shiny screen, and i think i heard only the pro gives you the non-shiny option. i’ll have to check on that point.. i haven’t seen the lit up keys in action yet…. i can type with my eyes closed though, so no biggie for me.
CC, still have your connections with your former education employer? If you do you may want to look at Apple’s Educational discount. You may save enough that the Pro to make it worth buying one.
I have the MacBook and am very happy with it, but if I had the dough, I would get the MacBook Pro. Just make sure you get 2G ram and you’ll want to either upgrade the HD or get the Black version.
Go with either the 15″ or the 17″ Pro.
I have a 13″ MacBook and a 17″ MacBook Pro but I travel and primarily use the Pro. Virtual worlds like Second Life really needs the “out-board” video card.
I chose the 17″ Pro over the 15″ because I work with a mostly paperless company AND because I could get a superfast hard drive that was not available in the 15″.
I like to be able to have two application windows open such as a web browser and a word processor. When I am docked at home I have an external monitor I use as a second desktop.
Some might say its overkill or unnecessary, but it is a huge productivity booster even for “simple” computer use like you are describing.
Others argue that the 17″ machine is too big for on planes, but I can usually not open my 13″ MacBook if the person in front of me has their seat reclined in coach anyway.
That said, the 17″ opens up just fine on the Acela and Amtrak.
And besides, whether its 15″ or 17″, you still need to carry the same size “diaper bag” of power cords and accessories.
-Swords
The MacBook Pro has a better graphics card and FireWire 800 support. You’ll also want the larger screen for Photoshop and editing. I’m not a Mac guy, but I have to say, I’ve used the MacBook Pro as part of a portable editing suite (incl. DVCAM deck and external hard drives connected via FireWire) several times. I put it through its paces digitizing and editing a ton of footage and it ran like a champ for days at a time. I recommend it without hesitation.
As far as web stuff, I recommend using Firefox or Camino to browse. Safari is in dire need of a major release.
Two negatives on the MacBook Pro:
* It’s heavy. Carting one around is like slinging a cinder block over your shoulder.
* The ExpressCard/34 slot is fairly useless. I’m not sure why Apple included it instead of a PCMCIA slot. The number of manufacturers making devices utilizing ExpressCard/34 is comparatively miniscule, so you’re not going to get much “expansion” out of that expansion slot. The MacBook doesn’t have appear to have either ExpressCard/34 or PCMCIA, so as a feature comparison, that point is almost a wash.
I’ve been on the fence about switching from a PC to a Mac (well, at least dipping my toes into the Mac). I want it for the same reasons as you and I know the Mac Book Pro would be better for video editing so I’m leaning in that direction. I’m now thinking I may want to wait after Apple announced the updated Mac Book line today because the Mac Book Pro update may be next.
I look at the price for the Mac Book Pro and wonder if getting the basic Mac Book would be good enough for traveling and learning if the “Mac Life” is for me. I figure I could sell the Mac Book and move up to the Pro if needed. Decision, decisions.
-Tom
Since you work in SL, I would get the pro. SL on the MCbook just doesn’t look right most of the time. Plus with a pro you can run Final Cut later, if you want.
Get a MacBook Pro.
I’ve got a 15 inch pro and a 13 inch lightweight PC and find the extra screen real-estate makes an enormous difference to my productivity.
The better graphics and speed do make a difference, but its the screen size which is the main thing.
Great blog, by the way - I’ve put it on my personalised Google page!
Rusty.
Classic: “There is a Mac in my future. There I said it.” - CC
My retort: I feel your anxiety. Just tell me how much it costs. I’m curious about doing the switch too.
Cheers!
I’m planning on going Pro…doesn’t hurt to have the Firewire 800 port in addition to what’s been listed before.
Hey CC. I’ve had both of these macs (heck I think I’ve owned everything Apple’s put out for years now).
I sold my MacBook Core1Duo 2.0Ghz for the MBP Core2Duos when they were released. Instantly it felt like a better machine. The screen is SIGNIFICANTLY larger, the look and feel, it is certainly a better machine in the way it’s put together.
I also take price into consideration when buying my macs, and this has happened once quite some time ago, when the iBooks and PowerBooks were at the same stats, much like the MB and MBPs are now.
They both feature 2.0 or 2.16Ghz processors, 1 gig of ram (make sure to upgrade to 2 gigs aftermarket), and large enough hard drives to do whatever you need. The price difference now is around $800 from a MB and MBP, and all you get is a 2.1″ bigger screen and better video card.
Video editing would be better with the MBP, but everything else you want to do can be done just as well with the MB. I do love the MBP, and would never consider going back to the MB, but for the price the MB is the better deal right now. It obviously is always cheaper then the MBP, but currently it features the EXACT same specs on Processor, HD, Ram, etc.
Remember this, it is YOUR laptop, and YOU will be the one carrying it around all the time. You want to get a machine that you will feel happy with. If you buy the one you don’t really want, you will be kicking yourself EVERYY time you open up the laptop.
The weight difference is 5.1lb and 5.6lb (nothing noticeable). The size of the bag you will need will be the same as well, so portability is about the same with either model.
If I were to buy one right now, I’d say go with the price/performance aka the MB, but if you wait another month or two, the MBP will have upgraded processor specs and maybe the newer LCD monitors Apple is talking about.
In the end it is your decision, I say get the one that you WANT, but practically right now the MB is the better financial decision.
I can’t thank everyone enough for how great all this advice has been. All the REAL world experience and arguments on both sides. The variety of voices has been amazing.
And just remember, Chris Penn has that great post about what apps to put on first for all of us converts; He’s local for you, so tell him to make you the first contestant on the new game show I’m pitching : “Christopher S. Penn- Pimp My Drive!”
(there’s a slackercast in there somewhere…..
Whit
[…] this week I put out a call looking for input on if I should get a MacBook or a MacBook Pro. For some reason Apple.com doesn’t this this is valuable information and don’t do a […]
When is the MBP coming out with an upgraded processor? I’m still hesitant about buying a MB or MBP - it just doesn’t seem like a lot more for $700 dollars. However, I want to be able to play wow, so I’m guessing that I need to go with the MBP. Any input from a gaming standpoint, I only play wow for the most part. The rest of the time it’s basic college and work related usage.
I think I am more confussed then ever on this topic. I am looking to buy my “soon to be” college student a MB or MBP. I am so on the fence. She is going to minor in graphic design so I was leaning towards the MBP but then you see the price difference for what?? A bigger screen and sep. graphics card? Is it really worth it?? Especially for a college student?
New MBP out today!!! Faster chipset, faster processors, LED monitor on the 15″
Any gaming, you should really either go with the MBP or spend the same amount but get the MB and build yourself a PC gaming box.
Susan - rest assured that any college with a decent graphic design program will have plenty of screaming top notch macs to do work on in the labs. However, if she is doing design work then the bigger screen and extra processing power will be worth it. But, a MB is still plenty powerful - unimaginable compared to the mac I was running photoshop, illustrator, and final cut pro just fine on 8 years ago
I’m a junior in high school and have used a PC all my life, but I’m sick of them and have decided it is time to change to a Mac. Of course, I can’t decide between a MBP or just the MB. I need it for all the normal school/everyday stuff as well as for advanced sound editing/engineering work. The larger screen is nice, but no big deal. I’m just concerned that in a few years the MB will be obsolete and the MBP will be a little less obsolete due to better expandability. Will not having a dedicated graphics card hinder performance and speed, or is it not worth the money? So many questions, but I need a flat answer. For the common person not doing graphical design or even playing many games, which one is going to be the safest/best bet?
Seth…I currently am considering both the mb and mbp. As a soon to be junior in college I am broke and currently own a 2.33 iMac 20″ and a 1.2 iBook. I want to upgrade (watching $$$) and from what I have researched the mb is just as nice as the mbp. I see the mb as a better deal its cheaper and more “disposable”, if you want a practical laptop go mb.
If budget is an issue, go with MB. If not, go with MBP.
I believe that for an investment such as a laptop, you should be cautious of spending money on other things so that you can afford such investments like the MBP.
IMO, don’t buy the MB for the purpose of saving money, because you would be saving money for the wrong reason. Go with the MBP if you can, and think twice next time you decide to spend money on something truly unnecessary.
I purchased the macbook pro (core duo) almost a year ago from my school for 1299 with apple care. Do you guys think its worth it for me to sell it to get a more up to date mbp or macbook?
Thanks to all for your valuable comments… I am on the edge of deciding MB vs MBP..Machine will be use primarily for web, email, minor photo and video editing and lot of movies during travel in car an plane. I looking forward to see the difference when connecting MB vs MBP to a HD projector for presentations and Movies. Occationally we also use my portable screen for outdoor movies and i am planning to use the laptop for screening. My wife is a student so i will be eligible for student discounts from apple. Thanks in advance for your inputs..
Senthill
Okay, I just bought a Macbook and I’m so used to desktops…the 13” screen is driving me CRAAAZY. Now I’m kind of wishing that I would have gotten the macbook pro. =[ I think I just need a bigger screen or something? Does anyone suggest something? Is there a way I can sell this and get a macbook pro? I mean, I’ve only had the macbook for two days so far.
I just bought a Macbook at a student bookstore, and also would prefer a bigger screen. But so many people love it who had bigger screens before, I know I can just adjust. If not, I have 30 days to turn it in/ pay for a pro, you prolly have something like that too. But I’m likely sticking to the macbook; everyone likes theirs so much that I’m not worried.
Thirty day thing? What’s that?
I think I’m starting to get used to it though.
Very useful to read all the comments…thanks
Another question - One of the main things for me is the difference between the glossy and matte screen - am leaning toward MBP over MB because of matte preference (and 15″).
Any comments?
I opted for the one without the glossy screen so that I could work outside easier. I was worried about too much glare with the glossy one
MacBook or MacBook Pro?
I glad to see that I am not the only one struggling with this dilemma.
I’ve been a “MacGeek” (as my friends call me) since 1997 when I bought an iMac for my product design degree – ‘cause everyone knows Mac are better at this kind of thing – apparently. Some friends at Uni had PowerMacs. I thought they were too expensive, and I never really noticed the difference with the software we were using. It was only after we got our hands on some “Industry standard” software that the iMac fell down. I primarily ran Photoshop, Strata Studio and Imagine and I never had any real problems except when trying to do a complex filter on a large image or create a complex 3D model. The iMac served me well and did all that I asked of it, it is even running happily under OSX today, although it has pretty much been relegated to internet and iTunes use.
In 2003 I bought a G3 iBook as I was going travelling and back to Uni. I thought about the PowerBook, but once again I thought it too expensive for my needs. My little G3 has been a complete trooper. My design stuff is on hold, but I still use photoshop (7) on it and it works fine. Once again, heavy filters on large images slows her down, but nothing too long, gives me an excuse to go and make a cup of tea.
So, why do I want a new laptop? Simply put I want to be able to use all the new software and games. I want Photoshop CS3, I want to be able to create DVDs and MP4s and I really want to play with Garage Band. Most of this is impossible on a G3, and although I can run Garage Band I have to keep my track number below 5 otherwise my little G3 processor has a tantrum.
Naturally, because of my designy, photoshopy, arty crafty tendencies, I’m leaning toward the MacBook Pro. This is primarily because of the words - NVIDIA GeForce. I have been led to believe that this is a good make, and an independent card is best. I am currently scouring the web to find some technical backup for these theories and have as yet found nothing of use. Except of course the page where I find I am not the only one suffering.
Things have been made even more complicated because yesterday I came across this company’s website and almost had an impulse to buy.
http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook
It is essentially a hardware modification for a MacBook that converts it into “the only Tablet Mac” ever. It is very cool. You can up the Ram to 3Gb, install GPS and even swap out the DVD drive for a 2nd HD if that takes your fancy.
However, the dilemma remains. Is the MacBook graphics card capable for a life of design. I’m not a pro, maybe intermediate, so perhaps it is. I would just like to know for certain. Is the extra cost worth it in the real world. If I was a professional I wouldn’t hesitate and buy the desktop Mac, but a laptop to cover all bases… I just can’t decide.
I’ve had friends ask me whether to buy a Mac over a PC, and this is easy. I simply tell them to think about what they want to do, what software they want to run and whether they like viruses. I just don’t know about the MacBook vs MacBook Pro.
Help me too…
get the macbook pro. i also had a dispute between the macbook and the pro. after reviewing ratings and comparing specs, for an extra 500-800 dollars, the macbook pro seems to be the better option and a better offer. see for yourself:
macbook:
13″ display
1.09 in thick
mini dvi to screen wire(sold seperately)
1 gb ram standard (upgrade optional, extra $)
80 gb memory standard (upgrade optional, extra $)
comes in black (matte finish) and white (glossy finish)
glossy screen only
5-7 hours of battery life (working)
3-4 hours (music and/or videos)
shared video memory card (slower and shared)
changeable battery
rechargeable battery
macbook pro:
15″ or 17″ display
1 in thick
dvi to screen wire (comes with computer)
2 gb ram standard (upgrade optional, extra $)
120 gb memory standard (upgrade optional, extra $)
comes in stylish bullet silver
both matte and glossy screen (option)
6-8 hours of battery life (working)
4-5 hours (music and/or videos)
video card 128 or 256 mb (for games and other things)
changeable battery
rechargeable battery
my friend has the black macbook, and compared by style and and speed, the macbook pro prevails any way. trust me, get the pro, the pro’s choice!
matte is a screen that is not shiny, like normal screens
glossy is a screen that is shiny(for better quality for movies, pictures, and games)
also, the lighted keyboard and the sensored ambient light helps see the keys and screen a lot easier(another cool and useful feature)
That’s pretty much what I’ve been thinking.
I think I’m kinda getting hung up on the fact that as a laptop to carry around with me (I do a lot of travelling both domestic and international) the MacBook is a much better size. I know that there is barely any difference between weight, but the shorter dimensions are certainly more appealing.
Why, oh why haven’t Apple done a 13″ MacBook Pro? Or a MacBook Pro Tablet. The ModBook is a cracking idea, although I can get a much more powerful MacBook Pro for the same money…
I’ve just seen that there’s a new iMac out too. Perhaps I should save up a little further and get a 24″ iMac (I would want the 23″ Cinema display if I got the MacBook Pro) and a MacBook - looks to only cost £200 more (we get kinda ripped off in the UK).
This might solve all situations…?
i got an MBP (macbook pro) 17 it is overkill but with PS n stuff it isn’t overkill
it up to u
Hey guys, just finished reading all your entries and all, and i’m in the exact same situation! i’m ssoo obsessed about the MB and MBP at the moment, i won’t stop thinking about it until i know i get my hands on one of them…SO, i’m assuming for graphic related stuff like Photoshop/Illustrator/dreamweaver/Final Cut Pro, everyone is recommending to go the Pro???
To be honest, it’s about $1000AUS difference in price as i was looking at the middle range MP opposed to the lower end MBP…and to be honest, i prefer the look of the MB opposed to the MBP!!! and the smaller screen doesn’t bother me watsoever…i thknk it’s better to carry around and if i need a bigger screen or anything, i’ll just plug my LCD into it…so yeah……
BUT what i really really need to know is:
Is it really worth spending the extra $1000AUS to get the MBP opposed to the MB??? Can you seriously notice the difference in Final Cut Pro as it’s supposidly to be a “heavy program”??????
“Help me Obiwan Kenobi, you’re my only hope…”—>ok, that was a bit too geeky…lol
i think iam going to go for the MBP as it has better graphics etc and faster proccessor speeds than the MB although costs more worth it.
aaaahhhh, fair enough…yeah, i’ve decided i’m gonna go the MBP as well as i read up on the Final Cut Pro, and it ‘recommended’ 2GB of RAM but the minimum requirement is 1GB of RAM..so yeah….Go the Pro….
Plus, on top of that, i asked some people on www.whirlpool.net.au and they said to go the pro for the stuff i’ll be doing on it…..but dammit…it’s an extra $1000AUD…
Will be buying a macbook/macbook pro tomorrow. I’m a design major graduating in three years and would like the mac with the best chance of lasting me at least a year after graduation in the real world. I’m leaning towards the mac pro since it is the more powerful but will either be worth anything three years from now?
Get a MacBook Black with 2 gbs memory
oh man. I just bought the black macbook the other day and have been contemplating whether or not ot open it because I’ve been thinking about getting the pro. It’s about $300 more with the educational discount and as a devoted pc-user, I don’t know how well i’ll adjust to the 13-inch glossy screen (and the keyboard that’s not backlit). I’ll be using it for basic college purposes and stuff…so I don’t know what to do. I’m really wanting to go with the pro. . .
Hello everyone. I’ve read this thread with great interest as I intend to get an Apple laptop once OS X Leopard comes out in October. Does anyone use their MB or MBP for recording and sound production? I’m a musician and want to use the Mac for such things so I’m not sure a whizz bang graphics card would be particularly useful to me. Would the MBP offer significant advantages over the a fully tricked out MB when using stuff like Garageband and Logic Express? Ta!
hye just also read the thread….at least i am not alone in the boat….
initially was going to just buy a fairly expensive non-mac laptop, then was confonteed with the HD-DVD and blueray saga and then decided to buy a cheap non-mac laptop. after some weeks of research on internet and retailers (the employees of which point u in one direction and then the other), i am now at the x-roads - macbook or macbook pro……….
i will be using Word (so will buy the Office 2004 cd (but note the office 2008 is due out next year), i have a lot of records and am intersted in creating music so the Mac stands out for me, my wife likes to play around with photos……….
so the only question is which one to buy…..
Leopard OS X is due for release in Europe in November……as far as I understand there will not be a release of a new macbook at this time as it happened some months ago, but what about the macbook pro?? is this due for an upgrade or not??? from what i gather apple are very secrative about releasing of new products so i guess the answer will only be know when it happens…..
anyways, i understand that the macbook (1gd) will be able to handle Leopard so
i think i will just get the macbook, in light of the additional cost for the pro and given my somehwat limited use of the mac. That said……i would still love to buy a pro…. :-((
i bought myself the middle spec. Macbook roughly a year ago now. i use it for the internet, world of warcraft, amateur video photography and photoshopping. it handles everything great, it takes a while to get things that use Rosetta up and running such as elements 4.0 which is understandable .
The screen size does bug me sometimes i’m thinking of buying a separate screen to use when i’m at my desk which i can use as a Tv also, but i wouldnt want to have a larger screen for when im on the move really, this one is great. the only other thing with the macbook is the issue of cracking, my macbook cracked over the standby light, about 3months ago, i took it to my local apple shop to get fixed which they did under the warranty, i think this is a big issue with the macbooks there are a number of support links on the apple website i believe somewhere. but other than all this i love my macbook and i wouldnt pay the extra money for a pro, maybe when i use it professionally but as a college student its good enough.
hope that helps.
HI. I will begin a graphics design 3 year course in onctober and need to get a mac!! at first i thought that the pro was just a marketing trick - that it had the same as the MB but was in a “different package”..however, after reading a bit more into it i get that there is some difference… but how much really?..i want to be a graphics designer after my studies so really i should get the pro..or??
hi i just bought the macbook pro,,13 in screen. I noticed there is a small flaw in how it was glued together, seems to be coming apart on the side. I will be taking it back and getting a pro….find it is just a tad too small anyway. this is my first mac. like the features, but 13 in is small.
I have recently recieved a MacBook Pro, and I am running Bootcamp XP with Tiger 10.4.10 (can I upgrade to Leopard if I have Bootcamp?). It is running great. I love the dedicated graphics card because I work for CBS news, and I have to do constant HD video editing on the go. I also own a MacPro and a XPS Dell. I love my MacBook Pro because it is blazing fast, responsive, reeliable, and light/thin. The company offers MacBook as a company computer, and I have used it until my MacBook Pro arrived, and it is usable. It is slow, but ok. I suggest Pro, because I can’t stand waiting the lag time in the MacBook, the Pro has no or very few lag time seconds. PLZ RPLY.
Kp,
I’m an amateur video editor (15-20 minute HD projects) and was debating over the Dell XPS m1330 or the Macbook Pro. Taking note that you own both of them, I was wandering if you have any preference between the two. I’m a college student and want to major in Film Production (I find much interest in your job!).
For the Dell XPS m1330, I was going to get top of the line equipment installed; 4gb RAM, 200gb @7200rpm, the whole shabang for about $2300. I was going to run Adobe Premier Pro on it.
For the Macbook Pro, I’m probably going to go with Final Cut Express. And have the low-end equipment; 15″ and 2.2GHz. Roughly $2000?
So I suppose a few words of advice pertaining the differences of the two and how they preformed for their price.
Thanks!
Julian,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_video_editing_software
The field is evolving fast and there’s a lot of options. Based on features and platform/cost issues asside. all the big packages more or less offer the same.
Right now Final Cut (Pro) is the most used non-linear editing suite outside of Hollywood (and on the Mac.) There’s a large community of indie and not-so-indie editors you can work with if you go this route. I’d go with Pro if you can afford it with student pricing and you prefer Final Cut.
In Hollywood, Avid still dominates. But if you can master one editing suite, you should be able to transfer your skills onto another. It’s the most expensive option too.
Adobe PPro prior to CS3 ran only on the PC. As of CS3, Adobe supports both PC and Mac (Intel.) The only reasons to go with Adobe is if you buy the production studio package, which includes Encore for DVD authoring, Photoshop, Flash and After Effects (probably the best reason.) The big minus is a smaller user community as PPro is concerned. But it’s growing.
Hi everyone,
I have been using desktop pcs all my life and have now decided that it is time to get a laptop. I am stuck between the macbook and the macbook pro. All i will be using the laptop for is basic things such as the internet, itunes and watching a few videos. The thing is that i plan to do alot of gaming - especially warcraft 3 and its expansion The Frozen Throne and hopefully next year with Starcraft 2 - when it comes out. Do you think the macbook should be ok …or should i get a pro with its much better graphics card.
Jerry, definatly get the pro. I bought a 1.8 c2d macbook last year and its shockingly bad at gaming. Halo 1 (on my xp partition) runs JUST ABOUT smoothly at 800×600 with most settings turned to low or off!
Im getting a mbp asap!
im with nick.. whats best for sound editing, beefy stuff like that?
can i stick with a 2g ram mb?
Anybody edit audio with protools on the MB, MBP? Curious about how the laptop works with that program. Would you go with the other if you could?
Nick,
I’ve a couple of months old macbook white with 3yr apple warranty here with leopard on for sale if you are interested - all pristine as new, I ended up with an imac instead so it’s surplus to requirements
07790611414 if you are interested
Nick,
Macbook is great for logic pro 8, had it working just great.
Hi, I’m stuck between the MB & the MBP…I do play games, but I’ve got an Xbox and a PC for that. I’ve waited until the revised Specs for the MB’s came out, and after seeing them in store…the screen does feel a little small. I use a standard HP Laptop with 14″ screen. The MB/MBP would be used for Internet, Music, Light Gaming, Maybe some encoding/photoshop if my PC is tied up. The amount of RAM really isn’t an issue, Apple charge far too much for Memory, I’ll buy 4GB elsewhere for £100, and keep the factory RAM in case of problems.
Also, as regards the MB White, how bad is the discolouration ? I think I noticed the White MB’s in Lakeside had protective covers on.
Thanks for the input. I’ve been using this site:
http://comparati.com/1014-Macbook-vs-Macbook-Pro
to make these kinds of decisions lately, but I found your blog even more helpful, so I put some of these points in there
Thanks again. I’m going Pro (wish me luck)!
Hellooooo!
I’ve decided to go with the Pro.
Music is my thing and I will be using LOGIC -
And the question is….
which of the 15″ models?
Thanks!
There’s some good info here. Thanks all.
An additional aid, for those playing games etc, is to compare the video cards in the machines. In brief the MB (even with the latest graphics card - just released GMA X3100 integrated video) won’t do the job well. The MBP is better, but still not the top.
Have a look in the list here for more info: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Comparison-of-Grafic-Cards.130.0.html
I don’t use a PC for games (prefer natural life for that
so will probably go for a MB and the excellent 22″ HP display. The money saved between the MB and the MBP goes a long way towards buying the external display for ocassions when I need a BIG screen.
Also - listen to this. I think it’s excellent: http://www.switchingtomac.com/wp/macbook-vs-macbook-pro/
I am in the market for a MBP, and to be honest if you look on the refurb section the savings are good. Consider this, a macbook (in canada) 1450 for the superdrive. If you up the RAM to 2 gigs, you are looking at close to 1650. Lets say theoretically you could put in a dedicated video card in the macbook, another 200 bucks, then 1850. WELL in Canada, on the apple refurbed site… 1870 will get you the 15 inch MBP. standard 2 gigs of RAM, dedicated video etc.
I’ve read all the comments here as of this date… I’m currently in this kind of situation too…. and you know it is hard!!
After reading all the comments… im still undecided between the two… (Oh God, please help me…) I need to put my order online tonight or the next day… I hope you could help me..
I’m a current college student and I’m planning to get a mac laptop because I’m giving this laptop that im using to my auntie, I’m not really into super intense graphic editing, I want to do some in future but only basic editing. Using my own specs, the price difference between the MB & MBP is CA$588 to be exact. The size of the laptop does matter to me; however, the size of 15″ MBP over the MB is not that much… I really like the backlit keyboard though… Im also scared about the MB’s discoloration, because my hand are sweaty sometimes… I really like the white color of MB too, MBP’s silver color is okay….
I hope you guys can help me decide…
P.S. I’m looking for a laptop that will last for about 5+ years… Does the MBP worth the CA$588???
email me… i need your response ASAP!! on subject put (MB or MBP) or something close to that!!!!
Thanks!!!