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Am I still future proof with a Macbook and not a Pro?

I

iarejedi

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 22, 2007
40
0
Hey, I was just wondering about how future proof both the Macbook and the Macbook Pro are. We all know that the Macbook Pro can be upgraded to as high as 4 gbs of RAM, which would last anyone a really long time. But what about the Macbook? Is it future proof enough with just 2gbs (I believe it can go up to 3?) as we all know in the future, newer versions of OS Xand other computer applications are going to require more and more memory.

This will really be a deciding factor for me, as I want to have a computer that is going to last me way into the future. Thanks guys.
 
iarejedi said:
Hey, I was just wondering about how future proof both the Macbook and the Macbook Pro are. We all know that the Macbook Pro can be upgraded to as high as 4 gbs of RAM, which would last anyone a really long time. But what about the Macbook? Is it future proof enough with just 2gbs (I believe it can go up to 3?) as we all know in the future versions of OS and other computer applications are going to require more and more memory.

This will really be a deciding factor for me, as I want to have a computer that is going to last me way into the future. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

How far in the future?
3 years. Sure.
10 years. No.
But you always have Time Machine on Leopard to bring you back to 2007 when your Mac was relevant!

Buy the Macbook- black if possible. You will be fine.
 
Obviously nothing is "future-proof"...at some point any system will be unable to run the latest software and interface with the latest hardware standards. So the question is, what is your time horizon? How long do you want this machine to last?

Yes, an MBP will probably last a bit longer than an MB in terms of usability. But is it significant for you? What types of things do you do with your computer?

I have a six-year old iBook that I routinely use for internet and mild word-processing use. It's not the snappiest computer I have, but it works pretty darn well. Either the MBP or MB will last you a good number of years.
 
Well I am starting college in September, and I hope to have the computer for career purposes there after (Graphic Design). I would say my time line would be about 5 years I'd want my computer to last.
 
iarejedi said:
Well I am starting college in September, and I hope to have the computer for career purposes there after (Graphic Design). I would say my time line would be about 5 years I'd want my computer to last.
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My advice if you need 5 years is to wait for the new Macbooks/Pros to come out this year, prob after Leopard is released. I still think a new touchpad interface is coming to Apple laptops this year.
 
zub3qin said:
My advice if you need 5 years is to wait for the new Macbooks/Pros to come out this year, prob after Leopard is released. I still think a new touchpad interface is coming to Apple laptops this year.
Click to expand...

Then I miss out on my student discount! Can't do that! lol
 
It depends upon what your needs are today, and what they will be in the future. If they're modest, then obviously you'll be able to extract usefulness for a longer amount of time. If you see yourself as a casual or low-end user for a while, then you probably won't benefit much from a MBP. But if you're an ambitious soul, you might consider the MBP.

Just an interesting story for you -- I know a guy who purchased a Mac Plus in 1987 and used it until 2003, when he purchased an iMac G4 to replace it. Transferring his files to the new machine for him presented some interesting challenges. So yes, a computer can last 10+ years for some individuals. Sadly, I'm sure the iMac G4 will be the last computer he'll ever need...
 
iarejedi said:
Who says new Macbooks are coming out in a month and a half?
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I doubt they are...if you start college in September, you will be eligible for the student discount when they do come out. If you're not yet in college, you likely aren't eligible for the discount at this time.
 
WildCowboy said:
I doubt they are...if you start college in September, you will be eligible for the student discount when they do come out. If you're not yet in college, you likely aren't eligible for the discount at this time.
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As long as you are accepted to a college you can get the student discount.
 
Yeah, if you're just starting college in September you have a good four (or five?) years to take advantage of your student discount. However, the iPod deal is ending before Leopard comes out so you'd lose that, but it's still like $200 off the computer and another big chunk off Apple Care.
 
Taylor C said:
If you're serious about graphic design, which I assume you are from your post, a MacBook probably won't suffice. Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and other essential creative applications can indeed run on a MacBook, but with limited screen real estate and graphics capability, you're hardly future proof going into a design field. Unless you've got a higher end desktop machine that you'll primarily be using, I can't suggest a MacBook versus the higher end Pro for your situation.
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Thank you. All I really needed was someone in my ear telling me what I already kinda knew but just needed that extra nudge. I just reallllly want to make sure the MBP is going to be worth the money for me. But you are right, these high end pro applications that I will end up using are going to need the advantages of the Macbook Pro.

My main concern with the Pro (id be getting 15") is the portability. As you can see in my other thread, I am a person who wanted a smaller laptop and after hearing people say the 15" MBP wasn't that much bigger I went to the store to take a look and found that, in my opinion. The MBP 15" looked reaaally big. Keep in mind I am going to be bringing this to class etc so I need the Macbook to be portable. If I do get the pro, I hope having the bigger laptop will be worth it though.
 
I too am going to school for graphic design. I know that at my college, (VCU, 4th best graphic design school in the country! :p) the art program has their own computer labs, and each is filled with brand new Mac Pros. So, for the most part, most of your work will actually be done on school machines. However, if you feel as if you need to bring anything back to work on later, a MBP is the way to go. While the MB can run photoshop etc., you'll frequently be multitasking between the creative suite programs, as well as several typography programs.

I went for the 17" MBP, because I need every inch I can get, and I have a good feeling it'll last me through all 4 years, and probably into grad school. My only regret is not going for the high-res display. :(

Good luck at school!
 
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