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I Typically Hate These Threads But MB or MBP for me?

S

Steve Jobless

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 31, 2006
304
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Like I've stated I hate such threads but I want to make sure I make the right choice before I order. This will be my first Mac. I will be using my mac as my primary computer with bootcamp (as soon as I find a Win XP Pro disk) although I intend to use Windows soley for games and certain files (ie. .avi files of entourage). My main use of the computer will be for web browsing, instant messaging, listening to music and DVD viewing (my new hobby). Originally I wanted to get a PowerBook and was disapointed when I found out the MacBook does'nt have a PC Card Slot (not sure if its the right name, where you place network cards) I wanted to get a Verizon EV-DO card since I don't like wifi (too slow for my taste) but I don't have the money for the service now. Later on I intend to buy Eye-TV 250 and possibly hook-up my PS2 to it.

Sorry if the thread is a long read, but I appreciate the help from this site, also I think I should add, If I get a MB i would get 1GB Ram/100GB HD/ Apple Care but if I get a MBP I would end up getting a base model with nothing else.
 
As son as you mention games you;'re into MBP territory unless you're a lightish gamer. Check out the several threads on games on here, and decide if it meets your gaming needs.

The MB would work for everything else (except express slots).
 
It all really depends how much serious gaming you are planning to do. If you are the type of gamer that is hardcore, I would go for the MBP. If you are just a casual gamer, the MB configuration you are speaking about should suit you just fine.

According to many articles floating around out there, the intergrated graphics aren't a major problem for most casual users, esp. if you up the Ram. I am sure many on here will lead you to believe that the intergrated graphics are the worst thing ever. I have a hard time believing that claim, while the graphics aren't top of the line, they are not bad for day to day use and casual gaming.

BTW, I am sure you have heard this but it is oftentimes better to add the Ram yourself instead of customizing it from Apple, as they like to charge a fairly steep markup on their memory. Just my .02! :)
 
j26 said:
As son as you mention games you;'re into MBP territory unless you're a lightish gamer. Check out the several threads on games on here, and decide if it meets your gaming needs.

The MB would work for everything else (except express slots).
Click to expand...


It really depends on what type of games...

You really can't generalize here. The Macbook can handle gaming, it's just a matter of which game? The question then is, is this game worthy of an additional $1000.00 + to play it?
 
j26 said:
Absolutely excellent point.
Click to expand...

In my opinion, unless you need the graphics for a professional reason, i.e. you make your living with it, or money is not an issue, the Macbook will serve you just fine. If games are such a big deal, drop 350-400 on one of the new video game systems coming out around the holidays. You will still come out a few hundred ahead when compared to the price of an MBP.

The specs on the MB and MBP are just too similar to pay the extra for graphics, unless you really need them. I would wait a month until after WWDC to see what if anything Apple has up its sleeve for the MBP.
 
j26 said:
Absolutely excellent point.
Click to expand...

Exactly. And besides, the MB plays 3dD games nicely, especially with 2GB RAM. I play Doom 3 and Quake 4 on medium to high settings withouta problem on my MB;)
 
Im not a hardcore gamer at all, actually I'm hardly a gamer but after seeing screen shots of Grand Theft Auto San Andreas for PC I decided I want the game, I also want Godfather since its cheaper for PC than PS2, people in other threads have said the integrated graphics would be okay for the games in mind.

any ideas on the express slot? like an external one? I really dont want to resort to wifi.
 
dextertangocci said:
Exactly. And besides, the MB plays 3dD games nicely, especially with 2GB RAM. I play Doom 3 and Quake 4 on medium to high settings withouta problem on my MB;)
Click to expand...


Exactly...

And the Godfather game is awful IMO. But Grand theft auto will play nicely. Your only problem will be your battery. Spend the extra money on a 2nd battery and a nice case.
 
Okay, okay... See, these threads give me hope in the MB's graphics.

Here's the deal: I have an X360, PSP, DSLite, etc. I plan on buying both a PS3 and Wii this winter. I consider myself a very hardcore gamer. However, I've never had a chance to play the PC games I've been interested in. If I had a gig of RAM in a 2Ghz MB, are games gonna be acceptable. I don't plan on playing competively or anything, but I'd like to be able to play some HL2, Halo, and Star Wars: Empire at War. Currently, I'm looking at getting a 1.83Ghz MBP off of Amazon for $1800 with no tax, and a $150 mail in rebate. The total cost: $1650. Just $350 more than the MB I'd buy. Is it worth it?
 
If you plan to game heavily with the MB, 1GB may be enough, but 1.5GB plus is better. I think the max ram is 2.5GB, if you push the ram to 2GB you are prob. going to drop another $100-$150, if not more on the ram, esp. if the ram is in the form of 2 512 chips. I am not sure how Apple puts the 1GB in. If you are already spending close to 1800 on the MB, you might want to look and see what it would cost you to upgrade the ram.
 
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