Another one of those BlackBook vs. MBP threads...

[torrino]

I use my computer at least three hours a day, multi-tasking between music, movies, e-mail, word processing, and chatting. I occasionally use applications like Photoshop or video editing programs. I need a computer that will last me the next three years in school and I need it NOWWWWW!

The White MacBook is not an option. Nor is Vista, at least in this stage.

BlackBook:
- i do not want my computer looking a toy
- i don't like the keyboard
- i don't like how oily and greasy it gets
- i don't like small screen. if i bought it, i'd have to buy an LCD, too.
- i don't like the speaker quality

- i like the durability
- i like the portability
- i like the longer battery life
- i like the size
- i like the fact that the ram and hard drive can be user-replaced


MacBook Pro:
- i do not want to type on something that feels more like a status symbol than a computer. how can i take this beauty on a train or in a Starbucks? yeesh.
- i don't like the $300 extra (student discounts, etc) i will have to pay
- i don't like the fact that it isn't easily expandable
- i don't like the fragility (or, the fragile feeling)

- i like the keyboard
- i like the matte screen and screen size
- i like the look
- i like the idea of having dedicated video memory, even if i won't use it

With either model, I will up the ram to 2 gigs.

Waiting for Santa Rosa (or, Centrino Pro) is really not an option, but I also doubt that Apple will embrace the new technology if every other computer manufacturer is. I think people are forgetting that Apple is...Apple, and they've always been about distancing themselves from their competitors. There's a reason they used PowerPC chips for so long...They may have switched to Intel, but that was inevitable.

Basically, what I want from y'all is...tell me, how big a deal are the "cons" for each. How oily does the BlackBook get? Does the keyboard hurt with extended use? Do your eyes hurt after using the BlackBook for more than 5 hours in a row? Does the MBP really scratch that much? How hard is it to expand?

 

[Gymnut]

First of all, what is your budget if you have any at all? While both the Macbook and Macbook Pro have their advantages and disadvantages, it really boils down to a matter of compromises. You like the portability, durability of the Macbook but detest the small screen. While the 15" MBP may be suitable for some folks, others find they too need an external monitor and the same could be said for the 17" MBP. What I don't get is you won't even consider the white Macbook but dislike $300 or so disparity between the it and the MBP all based on a color scheme. Like all computer purchases the idea is to buy as best as you can afford to prolong the use of your investment. Since you are a student, I would recommend you look into the Student ADC program and utilizing the once in a lifetime hardware discount for the lower range 15" MBP at $1599(US) or the top end 15" MBP at $1999(US).

 

[torrino]

My budget is around $2000, including Apple Care. Price isn't really my concern, I was just listing one of the things I don't like about the MBP (Similar performance to the BlackBook for more money). I'm not a fan of the white. I see way too many on my campus and it's not my style.

My campus store, btw, is offering the BlackBook for $1296 and the MBP base for $1606 (or something). But, I think it's a limited offer (probably because they're replacing them soon? haha). What's the ADC program?

Also, I've used 15'' screens in past laptops and never wanted an external monitor. But, 13'' is way too small for desktop use (like, if I'm lounging outside, it's fine, but when I'm at my desk I want something bigger).

I'm not really concerned about performance - I know they're both excellent and will serve my needs for the next few years if I take care of it. I just know that there are a lot of problems with these computers - I want the one with the fewest nuisances, if you know what I mean...what's your experience with the BlackBook and MBP?

 

[Gymnut]

That is a pretty good deal that your campus store is offering on both the Black Macbooks and the baseline MBP although admittedly we're all hoping for new models. It's probably beating a deadhorse to recommend waiting until June's Worldwide Developers Conference, but as said you need a computer now and it's pure speculation as to when the lineups will be refreshed. I'm in agreement with you that the Macbooks screen is too small to be used without the addition of an external monitor and while a 15" MBP isn't exactly a desktop replacement, I can live without the luxury of having two pages open side by side.

 

[iBookG4user]

Basically, what I want from y'all is...tell me, how big a deal are the "cons" for each. How oily does the BlackBook get? Does the keyboard hurt with extended use? Do your eyes hurt after using the BlackBook for more than 5 hours in a row? Does the MBP really scratch that much? How hard is it to expand?

From the looks of it you would be much happier with the MacBook Pro, because since the keyboard is an essential part of the computer you should like it. While I haven't used glossy screens for extended periods of time, from when I have used them I didn't like them because the colour looked artificial, like I know how it was supposed to look and it didn't look that way. I also didn't like the glare and how hard it is to clean when compared to matte screens.

I actually have not scratched my MacBook Pro at all in the six months that I've had it, it has no dent or ding either. But if you are scared about that, then you might consider getting a see thru case for it, I just bought one, albeit for different reasons, I find it to be great. If you find the MacBook Pro fragile, this should settle your worries there. But just take good care of the computer and you'll be fine.

The MacBook Pro is expandable enough, as long as you don't need to but in a bigger hard drive. Installing RAM is quite easy, you just take out the battery and unscrew two screws and the RAM compartment is right there. I've done it several times now and it's easy, a lot easier than my old iBook.

Having an actual GPU gives you a lot more room to expand if you take an interest in gaming or decide that you like to work with 3D images or something like that. I at first thought that I would use the GPU a lot, but find that I don't, but it's always nice to pop in a game and know that I'll get good performance.

 

[torrino]

Thanks! I mean, I definitely like the MBP's look and feel more, but I can't ignore the BlackBook's (mostly) equal performance, better portability, and lower price point. If it were 14 or 15 inches and didn't have oil problems, would there be any reason to spend more for the MBP?

 

[quigleybc]

I vote for the Blackbook as I own one and love it.

I like how it's 13 inches, I think 13 is the perfect size for a portable machine. I have a desktop, I don't want a big 15 or 17 portable machine.

I can still play a ton of games, bootcamp is easy, the oil thing requires the wipe of a cloth....not too tough

Love the glossy screen, and black is sweet. And the price is right with an edu discount.

Blackbook in the house

 

[cmccarten]

- i don't like small screen. if i bought it, i'd have to buy an LCD, too.

there's your answer...if you're going to buy an lcd on top of the blackbook, then you'll have already spent the difference (or more!) than just having bought a macbook pro.
i have the 15" mbp for school work, audio work, and some graphic work, and don't regret it.

 

[iBookG4user]

Thanks! I mean, I definitely like the MBP's look and feel more, but I can't ignore the BlackBook's (mostly) equal performance, better portability, and lower price point. If it were 14 or 15 inches and didn't have oil problems, would there be any reason to spend more for the MBP?

Well as you said, you didn't like the keyboard of the MacBook, so that would be a reason. Also you said you liked the idea of having the GPU, and I would suggest that you get a GPU if you think that you'll want to game or do anything with 3D. As I said before, IMO the matte screen is much better than the glossy screen. And you might not consider it, but the speakers are better on the MacBook Pro, so if you don't use external speakers, you might want to note that. Other than the look of the MacBook Pro being much nicer, that's about all I can think of, as you probably won't use Firewire 800.

 

[Spanky Deluxe]

Go for the MacBook Pro. The BlackBook looks like an old squashed pismo imo and is ugly compared to he MBP and White MacBook although that's obviously just my opinion.

I don't know what other kind of deals you can get hold of but maybe you might want to consider having a look into an iMac + a second hand G4 iBook (or 12" PowerBook). The big desktop + ultra portable laptop win for me every time. While you might think a G4 laptop sounds too slow, my main machine is a Mac Pro and my 1Ghz iBook is plenty fast for me on the road. I still feel Apple have left a large hole in their line up now that they don't have any 12" laptops anymore. Anyway, this might be worth having a look into. Power, big screen and lots of goodness when you're in your room, portability when you're out and about or taking notes in lectures.

 

[torrino]

I could do the iMac thing, but I really only want one system. Also, I can't justify purchasing two computers to replace my pc.

I think I'm leaning towards the MBP. Is the RAM in the 2.16 ghz model replaceable? I don't want to drop $2000 for the 2.33 ghz model right now, lol

 

[iBookG4user]

I could do the iMac thing, but I really only want one system. Also, I can't justify purchasing two computers to replace my pc.

I think I'm leaning towards the MBP. Is the RAM in the 2.16 ghz model replaceable? I don't want to drop $2000 for the 2.33 ghz model right now, lol

Yes, the RAM is replaceable in all the models of the MacBook Pro. The procedure for replacing the RAM is stated in one of my above posts.

 

[diehldun]

I'm also in the same boat; BlackBook or MacBook Pro 15".

I'm going off to college this fall, and wanted something portable to replace my existing 17" PB. I'm going to admit that looks are a factor, and that's why I'm biased towards the MBP.

Though I really like the size of the MB more than the MBP, I just get the sense that the case feels more "flimsy" with less quality than the MBP. On the other hand, after 4 years of using my PB, I'm starting to grow a bit tired of the aluminum design. I'm REALLY hoping we will see some slight/significant design changes for both the MB and MBP, but I feel I will be disappointed.

Also, my parents are convinced that the size of the MB, along with the price difference, make it a better buy than the MBP. I personally like the MBP's keyboard and screensize more than the MB. And let's not even get started on matte vs. glossy.

I have no idea what I'm going to this summer. MBP or MB. Glossy vs. matte. Ay caramba.