Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Buying a laptop Monday - Macbook or Pro?

N

NYU02

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 13, 2007
120
0
I am going to buy a new laptop monday and I'm unclear as to which computer I should get - Macbook or Macbook Pro?
I work in finance so I will need to install windows to run a few programs that dont work with apples. The reason I am buying an apple and not a PC is because I enjoy iMovie, iWeb, and other apple software as well as the superior operating system in general.

I dont anticipate using Final Cut Pro (I use iMovie to convert old family VHS to DVD) nor do I anticipate using any other advanced visual software.

Basically I want to install windows, use iLife software, and safari for the most part. Also this will be my main computer so I want it to last as well. Should I go with the macbook or the macbook pro?

I dont mind spending the extra money even if I dont FULLY need all the benefits it has to offer buy I just want to make sure the $ value is worth the difference.

Thanks for your insight,
NYU02
 
For the extra money you get a larger screen with better back lighting, slighty faster CPU, ability to use 4GB rather than 3.3GB of RAM, slightly faster internal bus, express card slot, firewire 800 and a lit keyboard. The MacBook can do everything you need, however. Your choice really.
 
If you'll be doing simple tasks, I'd say MacBook. It is easy and portable. :)

But, if you don't HEAVY video editing and image things, then get the Pro.

I myself am getting the MacBook just because of the white looks and how amazing it is in that small package. :)
 
flopticalcube said:
For the extra money you get a larger screen with better back lighting, slighty faster CPU, ability to use 4GB rather than 3.3GB of RAM, slightly faster internal bus, express card slot, firewire 800 and a lit keyboard. The MacBook can do everything you need, however. Your choice really.
Click to expand...

Is all that really worth $1,000? I highly doubt someone who will be using it for simple things would recognize the faster CPU. And, as for the RAM, probably nothing to that either.
 
if its going to be your main computer and you'll be using it to that extent - macbook pro
 
note this also: macbooks have an easily replaceable hard drive (won't void warranty), and have a different keyboard (very unique), better airport, longer battery life, etc.

i would go for the macbook, unless you really need heavy duty power on the road for graphics.
 
get the blackbook because its got the gotta-have-it factor, plus its easier to tote around than the larger mcpros. the mb fits perfectly in all my bookbags, and with its smaller powerbrick, is fairly unobtrusive when i trek around the city. i take my mb with me everywhere, so the smaller screen size is a small price to pay for its portability.
 
furcalchick said:
note this also: macbooks have an easily replaceable hard drive (won't void warranty), and have a different keyboard (very unique), better airport, longer battery life, etc.

i would go for the macbook, unless you really need heavy duty power on the road for graphics.
Click to expand...

Wait, I can replace the stuff in my MacBook but not a MacBook Pro without voiding the warranty? Weird.

Is the keyboard better?
 
TequilaBoobs said:
get the blackbook because its got the gotta-have-it factor, plus its easier to tote around than the larger mcpros. the mb fits perfectly in all my bookbags, and with its smaller powerbrick, is fairly unobtrusive when i trek around the city. i take my mb with me everywhere, so the smaller screen size is a small price to pay for its portability.
Click to expand...

why spend 200 more for a blackbook, i said get a high-end MB (white), itll be fine
 
after adding 1 gig (2 Gig) total to the macbook its about a 500 difference between the macbook and the macbook pro.

How much better is the Macbook Pro screen vs the macbook?

My sister has the new macbook and I like the keyboard so that won't be an issue but I give the screen a so so rating. My concern there is if I use this as my only computer, will it start to bother me over time?

A few other stupid questions:
1) Is there a big dfference between the performance in iMovie on the macbook vs. macbook pro when converting vhs to dvd?

2) Does windows run better on the pro or is there no difference?

Thanks again for all your help!
NYU02
 
iMacBook said:
Wait, I can replace the stuff in my MacBook but not a MacBook Pro without voiding the warranty? Weird.

Is the keyboard better?
Click to expand...

ram replacement in both is okay, but the macbooks have a easily replaceable hard drive, while the pros do not. that means you can order a mb hard drive now and in case that fails, just buy a new one.

and the keyboard feels different in the mb's than most laptops. i like it since i have big hands and laptop keyboards tend to feel slippery on me due to the shape of the keys on most of the others.
 
furcalchick said:
ram replacement in both is okay, but the macbooks have a easily replaceable hard drive, while the pros do not. that means you can order a mb hard drive now and in case that fails, just buy a new one.

and the keyboard feels different in the mb's than most laptops. i like it since i have big hands and laptop keyboards tend to feel slippery on me due to the shape of the keys on most of the others.
Click to expand...

Ooo. That's sweet. I might just get default specs for my MacBook and throw in an extra 250GB HDD into it for a cheap price! Or is there a max on the internal HDD space on a MacBook?
 
iMacBook said:
Is all that really worth $1,000? I highly doubt someone who will be using it for simple things would recognize the faster CPU. And, as for the RAM, probably nothing to that either.
Click to expand...

It's not really a true thousand. The base mb doesn't have a dvd burner...lame, but it doesn't have one. So, the middle white is what should be considered. Now for some simple math:
MBP $2000
MB $1300
Difference: $700
For that $700, one gets: about $80 worth of more RAM, a faster processor (which may not be useful now, but in a year or two it will be), the choice of a matte screen (worth a lot in my opinion), a better keyboard (both in terms of tactile feedback and the useless but cool backlighting), MUCH better speakers, a better looking notebook overall (you can't beat silver in terms of looks), a card reader slot (if that's important to you), a bigger screen (which gives you about 25% more work space over the 13.3"), a USB port on both sides (good for those of you who are left-handed), and twice the amount of VRAM (which also happens to be independent of the system's). All of that is in a package that is slightly thinner, and only 0.3 pounds heavier (I dare you to tell the difference between 5.1 and 5.4 pounds).
To me, I'd say that the PRO is worth it, esspecially for someone in finance, who will want a more reliable machine for a longer period of time. Also, since money is not a primary concern, the OP is free to make his/her decision on what has the greatest value, and that is the MBP.
 
CalBoy said:
It's not really a true thousand. The base mb doesn't have a dvd burner...lame, but it doesn't have one. So, the middle white is what should be considered. Now for some simple math:
MBP $2000
MB $1300
Difference: $700
For that $700, one gets: about $80 worth of more RAM, a faster processor (which may not be useful now, but in a year or two it will be), the choice of a matte screen (worth a lot in my opinion), a better keyboard (both in terms of tactile feedback and the useless but cool backlighting), MUCH better speakers, a better looking notebook overall (you can't beat silver in terms of looks), a card reader slot (if that's important to you), a bigger screen (which gives you about 25% more work space over the 13.3"), a USB port on both sides (good for those of you who are left-handed), and twice the amount of VRAM (which also happens to be independent of the system's). All of that is in a package that is slightly thinner, and only 0.3 pounds heavier (I dare you to tell the difference between 5.1 and 5.4 pounds).
To me, I'd say that the PRO is worth it, esspecially for someone in finance, who will want a more reliable machine for a longer period of time. Also, since money is not a primary concern, the OP is free to make his/her decision on what has the greatest value, and that is the MBP.
Click to expand...

But, you have to remember, money. I would like a MacBook Pro, but I don't have enough money.
 
CalBoy said:
It's not really a true thousand. The base mb doesn't have a dvd burner...lame, but it doesn't have one. So, the middle white is what should be considered. Now for some simple math:
MBP $2000
MB $1300
Difference: $700
For that $700, one gets: about $80 worth of more RAM, a faster processor (which may not be useful now, but in a year or two it will be), the choice of a matte screen (worth a lot in my opinion), a better keyboard (both in terms of tactile feedback and the useless but cool backlighting), MUCH better speakers, a better looking notebook overall (you can't beat silver in terms of looks), a card reader slot (if that's important to you), a bigger screen (which gives you about 25% more work space over the 13.3"), a USB port on both sides (good for those of you who are left-handed), and twice the amount of VRAM (which also happens to be independent of the system's). All of that is in a package that is slightly thinner, and only 0.3 pounds heavier (I dare you to tell the difference between 5.1 and 5.4 pounds).
To me, I'd say that the PRO is worth it, esspecially for someone in finance, who will want a more reliable machine for a longer period of time. Also, since money is not a primary concern, the OP is free to make his/her decision on what has the greatest value, and that is the MBP.
Click to expand...

disagree with just a couple of statements:

1. i think the keyboards are about even, i think it depends on who you talk to. i didn't really like the feel of the pro keyboards when i tried them, just had the thin and slippery feel i didn't like. the macbook's keyboard feels more standard though.

2. alumimum vs. white depends on the personal taste. alumium looks futuristic and all, but white can blend in alot better in many styles.

3. ports on both sides: i think it's somewhat messy for all these ports on both sides at least for some. so that's personal opinion.

the rest of them are fair game however.
 
CalBoy makes some good points and I appriciate it greatly. I am leaning towards the pro mainly for the extra screen real estate and the non-glossy screen

After you factor the extra memory and putting aside the video card and faster processor (since I prob. won't notice the difference) and you factor the larger screen and matte finish the price difference isn't huge.

The reason I keep tossing back to the macbook is because I look at my sisters new macbook and I am very impressed on how clean, FAST, and portable it is. Granted she chose the macbook bc it looked "cute" it still is an impressive machine?

Yes the pro looks great but so does the macbook and to me both look professional White, Black, or silver.

Both sides make great points and I try to hold on to notebooks for a long time thats why I am so torn as to which is the right choice.

Thanks,
NYU02
 
I'm sure if I had a job and I had money to spend on a MacBook Pro, my stance would change.

I just love the white MacBook though. It's so clean. I'm not really a fan of silver, but if I decide to go Pro, I'll have to get one.
 
NYU02 said:
CalBoy makes some good points and I appriciate it greatly. I am leaning towards the pro mainly for the extra screen real estate and the non-glossy screen

After you factor the extra memory and putting aside the video card and faster processor (since I prob. won't notice the difference) and you factor the larger screen and matte finish the price difference isn't huge.

The reason I keep tossing back to the macbook is because I look at my sisters new macbook and I am very impressed on how clean, FAST, and portable it is. Granted she chose the macbook bc it looked "cute" it still is an impressive machine?

Yes the pro looks great but so does the macbook and to me both look professional White, Black, or silver.

Both sides make great points and I try to hold on to notebooks for a long time thats why I am so torn as to which is the right choice.

Thanks,
NYU02
Click to expand...

go with the macbook. unless you need graphics hard core, the macbook will do the job just fine. i have one and it's been great for six months and looks to do the job for years to come.
 
Personally, gaming or not...

MacBook screens are terrible to use. The viewing angle just kills it for me.


And the MBP keyboard is nicer... having used both quite a bit.

I couldn't go to the MacBook after using a Pro.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back