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

I feel like I've made the wrong choice...

L

lu0s3r322

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Nov 28, 2005
747
29
I bought a MBP back in December and now I just feel like the Macbook is better. I thought I would use the MBP for games using Boot Camp or intensive final cut and photoshop stuff but I'm not. I don't see the advantage of a backlit keyboard in my situation, or a 15" screen. I really like the Macbook now, but I don't think I can switch.

My parents wouldn't be happy because I would most likely lose money (even if it was $100) and end up with a less capable laptop. I guess I'm stuck aren't I?

I think it's highly unlikely that I can trade for a Macbook + cash of equal value
 
Did you try selling it? If you do sell it, buy a Santa Rosa MacBook whenever they come out. Or if you really want to do it now, do you have a friend that has a MacBook? If so you could ask to trade with him/her.
 
lu0s3r322 said:
I bought a MBP back in December and now I just feel like the Macbook is better. I thought I would use the MBP for games using Boot Camp or intensive final cut and photoshop stuff but I'm not. I don't see the advantage of a backlit keyboard in my situation, or a 15" screen. I really like the Macbook now, but I don't think I can switch.

My parents wouldn't be happy because I would most likely lose money (even if it was $100) and end up with a less capable laptop. I guess I'm stuck aren't I?

I think it's highly unlikely that I can trade for a Macbook + cash of equal value
Click to expand...

So why again do you want to trade a MBP for a MB?
 
If I were you I'd sell it on ebay, and take a loss of 100 to get what you really want. But make sure you actually do want the macbook and not the macbook pro, otherwise you'd regret it again.
 
lu0s3r322 said:
I bought a MBP back in December and now I just feel like the Macbook is better. I thought I would use the MBP for games using Boot Camp or intensive final cut and photoshop stuff but I'm not. I don't see the advantage of a backlit keyboard in my situation, or a 15" screen. I really like the Macbook now, but I don't think I can switch.

My parents wouldn't be happy because I would most likely lose money (even if it was $100) and end up with a less capable laptop. I guess I'm stuck aren't I?

I think it's highly unlikely that I can trade for a Macbook + cash of equal value
Click to expand...

I don't quite see the problem with having more than you need if you've already spent the money...the extra 1 inch isn't a big deal and it only has more power...so if you're just changing for aesthetics, I'd say suck it up. ;)

Are there particular things about the Macbook that you like more, or do you just have capability that you don't use with a MBP?
 
lu0s3r322 said:
I bought a MBP back in December and now I just feel like the Macbook is better. I thought I would use the MBP for games using Boot Camp or intensive final cut and photoshop stuff but I'm not. I don't see the advantage of a backlit keyboard in my situation, or a 15" screen. I really like the Macbook now, but I don't think I can switch.

My parents wouldn't be happy because I would most likely lose money (even if it was $100) and end up with a less capable laptop. I guess I'm stuck aren't I?

I think it's highly unlikely that I can trade for a Macbook + cash of equal value
Click to expand...

I went back and forth last year a lot because of defects on both macbooks and macbook pros. I honestly think that they both have their flaws and rather than losing money by selling it, try to enjoy it. If you get a macbook, you'll probably miss the thing you don't care much about now - the backlit keys and the large display, for instance.

The macbooks have their own issues, as you can see on this board....
 
I have both - a MacBook and a MacBook Pro. I got the black MacBook in November for personal use and then the MacBook Pro for business in February.

I barely touch the MacBook. Both are Core 2 Duos. The Pro is ten times better. Unless you really want the 13" screen instead of 15", don't switch.

The fit and finish of the MacBook is really inferior. The plastic feels cheap and mine is already developing cracks.

Don't get me wrong. The MacBook is a great machine. If I didn't have the Pro, I'd probably use it all the time. But after owning both, the MacBook feels cheaper and poorly built. It feels more like a fisher price toy than a laptop.

Trust me, you made the right choice.
 
ClassicBean said:
I have both - a MacBook and a MacBook Pro. I got the black MacBook in November for personal use and then the MacBook Pro for business in February.

I barely touch the MacBook. Both are Core 2 Duos. The Pro is ten times better. Unless you really want the 13" screen instead of 15", don't switch.

The fit and finish of the MacBook is really inferior. The plastic feels cheap and mine is already developing cracks.

Don't get me wrong. The MacBook is a great machine. If I didn't have the Pro, I'd probably use it all the time. But after owning both, the MacBook feels cheaper and poorly built. It feels more like a fisher price toy than a laptop.

Trust me, you made the right choice.
Click to expand...

As a point of inquiry, how does your seldomly-used Macbook have cracks in it?

Really, in my opinion, there's nothing "professional" about the Macbook Pro. The processor is marginally faster (see benchmarks) and the graphics chip is only average. Firewire 800 is a perk for those who can use it, but it's not a necessity.

If you want to save some money, and aren't going to try to run a mass array o external hard drives or plan play current games on reasonably low settings, the Macbook makes a lot of sense. Given the speed of both, the price differential is, once again in my opinion, for snob appeal (not saying anyone is one!) When the new Macbooks release with GMA 965 chips in them, the difference will be even more minimal.
 
Jack Flash said:
As a point of inquiry, how does your seldomly-used Macbook have cracks in it?

Really, in my opinion, there's nothing "professional" about the Macbook Pro. The processor is marginally faster (see benchmarks) and the graphics chip is only average. Firewire 800 is a perk for those who can use it, but it's not a necessity.

If you want to save some money, and aren't going to try to run a mass array o external hard drives or plan play current games on reasonably low settings, the Macbook makes a lot of sense. Given the speed of both, the price differential is, once again in my opinion, for snob appeal (not saying anyone is one!) When the new Macbooks release with GMA 965 chips in them, the difference will be even more minimal.
Click to expand...

My MacBook has cracks in it from general use. If you google cracked macbook, you'll see the problems that some owners have experienced. Keep in mind, I used this MacBook as a full-time laptop from November until February. However, there is no reason it should be cracked. I treated my MacBook the same way I treated my iBook and PowerBook before it - with respect. Turns out that the MacBook couldn't take general wear and tear. Compare the MacBook to the iBook before it and you'll see a big difference, especially when comparing the current MacBook and the original white iBook (G3 500).

I agree that the price point and what you get for it doen't make the Pro that much better than the MacBook. However, keep in mind that he already owns the Pro. This is not a case of which machine should I buy? This is a case of should I downgrade?
 
I understand your regrets. I am in a similar but opposite boat. I wish I would have spent a few extra bucks for the MBP instead of my Blackbook! Don't get me wrong, I like my computer, but there are some options I like better about the MBP, but I also recognize there are better things about my Macbook. Hang in there and enjoy the MBP.
 
ClassicBean said:
Turns out that the MacBook couldn't take general wear and tear. Compare the MacBook to the iBook before it and you'll see a big difference, especially when comparing the current MacBook and the original white iBook (G3 500).
Click to expand...

Amen to that. Also, the fit & finish and attention to detail of the iBook G3 500 was as good as today's Macbook Pro.
 
stick with the mbp. it will last you longer and retain its physical beauty longer than the mb. there is no rational reason to downgrade technology, especially when you are losing money.

but if you really have a problem with the mbp, i can send you my mailing address and i will trade my old ibook for it, straight up. ;)
 
Trust me, you have made the right choice! Not to mention a better GPU and such.
 
It is the dumbest thing you can do. You will lose money to get something that performs slower, made of inferior material, scratches, the list goes on, this is not to say the macbook is a bad product but that it is not worth the money of a MBP
 
Keep the MBP. I would love to get one. I love the power, screen and video card. Unfortunately for me, the same thing that kept me from a PB will keep me from a MBP- they just aren't as physically sturdy for how I use a laptop (LOTS of time on the road and lots of abuse). I wish Apple would make a polycarbonate version of the MBP. I'd be all over it.
 
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