Just Buy A Macbook Pro... Forget The Macbook

[syntrophy]

this where most misunderstanding happens

I work at my Uni's bookstore as a sales consultant and as a tech. I owned my ibook for about two years and I had a mbp core duo for over a month. There is no comparison, if you want an all-in-one machine, the mbp is the solution. My ibook was a good addition to pc tower that I also have. I am a film major and do some post production work, and all I can say is that the mbp was more than enough.

Seriously, my friends do their design work on a macbook, but what they lack is the dedicated video card. I personally do not like glossy and I want a bigger display. I always ask my customer this, I hate trying to convince them. I don't want to sell them something that they do not need.

1.) What is your primary reason for buying a new machine?

2.) What kind of work are you going to do be doing on this machine?

3.) Do you need the portability for notes and basic web surfing?

4.) What applications will you be using with the portable?

5.) Do you need the extra power of a dedicated video card?

6.) Can you afford the machine that you are looking for?

Answer these questions and you'll see that you need this.

1.) I need a new machine because i sold my ibook and my desktop is dying. Post production requires me to have a powerful machine. I am going to run photoshop and design programs, but I need to learn After Effects and Final Cut Studio. I need portability, but power also to manage my notes in class and my work. I do need the extra power of the video card because the software relies on a dedicated gpu. I cannot afford this machine, but I will definitely wait until I save enough money.

See that was easy, so either buy what you really need or buy what you want, but it all comes down to you and not what anyone else tells you. Some people here are too fanatical, but hey... We are all under Steve Jobs reality distortion field...

almost all pro apps do not need a dedicated graphics card. and this is where many many people are mistaken. the macbook is a stallion when it comes to running apps. you don't need a dedicated card for FCP, nor for photoshop, and when it comes down to speed, the black book could outrun the previous 2.33ghz MBP (read macworld here: http://www.macworld.com/2007/06/reviews/macbookprorev/index.php and http://www.macworld.com/2007/05/reviews/macbookrev/index.php) even when compared to the latest mbp, the macbook holds it ground very well.

the only points to consider in my opinion is screen size and portability (and of course money). as a university student, portability is THE most important thing. the slight weight difference can add up to a lot, and the physical size is quite an important consideration, the screen estate however may not be suitable for all. its a choice we all have to decide. like many forum users say, there is no such thing as a one size fits all.

but seriously, the macbook is VERY value for money, not everbody have that much to spend on a MBP.

as barefeats (http://www.barefeats.com/rosa02.html) says "With the exception of Motion (which partially uses the GPU to help with rendering), the 13" MacBook could actually be a useful alternative to the MacBook Pro for running pro apps. Videographers and photographers that need a small unit for field work should take note of this."

 

[gonnabuyamac]

hmm... actually

i own a 15.4" c2d MBP - which i have loved (except for the kernel panic problems, issues with my screen, and my pathetic experience with AppleCare - it's going in to be repaired for the same issue for the third time tomorrow!).

Anyhow, the other day I was playing around with my friend's macbook, and i found myself being envious. i loved the size and feel of it - it actually feels more sturdy than my mbp. it seemed pretty much as fast as my computer, and i liked the keyboard. and the fact that it has a magnetic latch makes my "pro" model seem kind of behind on design.

at this point, i don't necessarily regret buying the mbp. but, if i had to do it again i would buy the macbook instead. i don't play games, so the graphics card makes no difference to me, and photoshop, etc. would run just fine on the macbook (with the extra money i save i could buy an external monitor for more screen when i need to do work with graphics).

 

[CalBoy]

the only points to consider in my opinion is screen size and portability (and of course money). as a university student, portability is THE most important thing. the slight weight difference can add up to a lot, and the physical size is quite an important consideration, the screen estate however may not be suitable for all. its a choice we all have to decide. like many forum users say, there is no such thing as a one size fits all.

but seriously, the macbook is VERY value for money, not everbody have that much to spend on a MBP.

I agree that size and weight are very important to a college student, but seriously, 0.3 pounds? If you can tell the differnce, seriously get off the computer and lift something.
Screen realestate is very simple: more is more. Other than the size of the computer, a larger screen is always better.
Don't confuse value for price. The mbp is actually a better value. For a little more, it has an LED screen, a backlit keyboard, a better keyboard, better speakers, a newer chip with a higher frontside bus, a better video card, and the potential to last longer. In terms of value, the mbp is a much better deal. In terms of overall price, the macbook is less, but doesn't give you the same in terms of features.

 

[flopticalcube]

an LED screen

great but not required by everyone

, a backlit keyboard

so you can show your friends how pimp your laptop is?

, a better keyboard

a matter of opinion, some prefer the MB keyboard

, better speakers

definitely

, a newer chip with a higher frontside bus

which gives what? 10% better performance…

, a better video card

definitely

, and the potential to last longer.

Really? How?

In terms of value, the mbp is a much better deal.

Only if you use the extras that the MBP offers.

EDIT: You forgot to mention the express card slot and the FW800 port.

 

[rhagen]

I agree that size and weight are very important to a college student, but seriously, 0.3 pounds? If you can tell the differnce, seriously get off the computer and lift something.
Screen realestate is very simple: more is more. Other than the size of the computer, a larger screen is always better.
Don't confuse value for price. The mbp is actually a better value. For a little more, it has an LED screen, a backlit keyboard, a better keyboard, better speakers, a newer chip with a higher frontside bus, a better video card, and the potential to last longer. In terms of value, the mbp is a much better deal. In terms of overall price, the macbook is less, but doesn't give you the same in terms of features.

I wouldn't say the MBP is better value at all. The extra features on the MBP wouldn't make a difference to a lot of the consumers in the U.S today. To a lot of consumers including my self, the MB is a better value by far. The features that are on the MBP aren't worth the 600 dollars for me. I am sorry but a lot of consumers agree with that statement or the MB wouldn't be one of the best selling points for apple.

 

[syntrophy]

I agree that size and weight are very important to a college student, but seriously, 0.3 pounds? If you can tell the differnce, seriously get off the computer and lift something.
Screen realestate is very simple: more is more. Other than the size of the computer, a larger screen is always better.
Don't confuse value for price. The mbp is actually a better value. For a little more, it has an LED screen, a backlit keyboard, a better keyboard, better speakers, a newer chip with a higher frontside bus, a better video card, and the potential to last longer. In terms of value, the mbp is a much better deal. In terms of overall price, the macbook is less, but doesn't give you the same in terms of features.

It is true that the weight difference is very slight, however it does add up if there is plenty of walking around to do. i suppose more so than the weight is the physical size of the macbook VS the mbp.

as for lasting longer, again the main point is what do we see ourselves doing many years in the future. my 4 year old ibook G4 is still serving me very well, so well that i can still do all my design work and video editing (albeit a bit slowly).

and yes the mbp does give u more things, but value for money is subjective. it is how we attach the worth to the price. do i think a backlight keyboard is worth it? or what have you. i have a few friends who prefer the macbook keyboard (this is also subjective). and yes the mbp does have a fantastic chip and an amazing graphics card for the money. but it boils down to, does a person need this card since it does no good other than games and in Motion (where it is partially used).

 

[aliquis-]

I think the Macbook looks great, and Apple probably does aswell, considering how many PC & Mac videos features it.

 

[SMM]

I think the OP is entitled to post his opinion and it should just be received as such; his opinion. It does not agree with mine, or (apparently) many other people's.

My first Mac laptop was a 17" 1.5 GHz C4. I loved that machine. Last December I gave it to my nephew for college. I had purchased a new 17" MBP and did not want it to die from a lonely broken heart. I love the new Mac, like the old. And, contrary to what you often read here, it looks and works flawlessly.

About the same time, I bought my spouse unit a new BlackBook. I really liked it, and used it on occasion. So, I bought one for myself. I also bought several for work. When screen real estate is not a primary concern, it is great. I do not think the difference between 13" and 15" is especially significant. 17" is suitable for video post-production, on the road.

The bottomline is, either machine is very well suited for a particular market. So I feel the OP is wrong for taking such a hardline position against the MB. The most he can substantiate is a statement similar to, "I would only buy a MBP and not a MB", and then give his reasons.

 

[/"\/oo\/"\]

kind of reminds me of what people were saying about ibook vs. powerbook 3 or more years ago.

although I've gotta say, the macbook is a much more solidly built machine than any ibook I've ever come across.

 

[Edandlindz28]

I would agree, either machine is very well suited for a particular market. I have no reason for the pro. All my basic tasks require nothing at that caliber, plus the 13" is nice and compact.

Just a side not, the MBP does not look anything like a Dell. A friend got a Dell and it was UGLY. Plus I was like, damn that thing is thick.

 

[CalBoy]

and yes the mbp does give u more things, but value for money is subjective. it is how we attach the worth to the price. do i think a backlight keyboard is worth it? or what have you. i have a few friends who prefer the macbook keyboard (this is also subjective). and yes the mbp does have a fantastic chip and an amazing graphics card for the money. but it boils down to, does a person need this card since it does no good other than games and in Motion (where it is partially used).

You didn't mention this in your original post. I would have agreed with you if you had said this. All I'm saying is that the mbp does give you more bang for your buck. Whether or not you're going to use the bang is up to you.

 

[CalBoy]

I wouldn't say the MBP is better value at all. The extra features on the MBP wouldn't make a difference to a lot of the consumers in the U.S today. To a lot of consumers including my self, the MB is a better value by far. The features that are on the MBP aren't worth the 600 dollars for me. I am sorry but a lot of consumers agree with that statement or the MB wouldn't be one of the best selling points for apple.

A lot of cosumers aren't great at assessing value. Also, like you said, it depends on who we're talking about. There are certain things about the macbook that I found unforgiveable(the keyboard and glossy screen are the two main ones). Personally, I also think that 5.1lbs for a 13.3" notebook is a little on the heavy side. Apple should try to drop about a pound off of it's weight.
For me, the value was even less between the models, as I had the advantage of the EDU discount. I liked the black over white, so when comparing a $1400 notebook with a $1800 notebook, and realizing that I got more RAM, an LED display (which does reduce power, even if only a little), a newer chip, a card reader(which I forgot to mention earlier), a better keyboard (that lights up, just for kicks), and a non-glossy screen, the extra money was worth it. I think I would have been kicking myself now if I hadn't gone with the pro.
As for the mb being a good selling point, remember that most people want $1000 notebooks. Apple is attracting a lot of people with pricing, not necessarily value. If that's your argument, then a $400 Dell must be the best notebook in terms of value.
The OP was saying, and I agree, that the current baseline mbp is a very good deal. It sure beats the blackbook, and is comparable to the mid macbook (in terms of value). If money is an obstacle, then the mid macbook is hands down the winner. If not, then the mbp is the winner in my opinion.

 

[brutusvimes]

great but not required by everyone

Not required but always a bonus - no one in their right mind will say it's inferior.

so you can show your friends how pimp your laptop is?

You know, some people actually use it.

which gives what? 10% better performance

Erm, 10% is a very noticeable difference if it's overall speed. And reports place the actual increase even higher.

Really? How?

It's not rocket science. Better specs = future proof, but more importantly, the latest batch features a lot of future-proof compatible technologies. DirectX10 (8600 card), Santa Rosa, Core 2 Duo (64 bit), LED (lasts longer and is set to be the new standard).

 

[McBeats]

Not required but always a bonus - no one in their right mind will say it's inferior.



You know, some people actually use it.

Yeah, I was about to say, When its night time i hate turning on my bright ass light just to see what the hell I am typing, i mean for the most part i dont need to look at the keyboard to type, but sometimes im off a key to the right or left and i need to find the damn keyboard. I don't use that "bumps on the F and J" nonsense...

I'm Sure a couple BlackBook owners know what I am talking about.

 

[Cybergypsy]

Have you used either one??? I have andlove my macbook....

 

[Cole Slaw]

One thing I really like better about the MacBook over the MBP is the ability to very easily change hard drives. Buying one of the new 200 gig 7200 rpm or 250 gig 5400 rpm drives, say, and putting it in yourself is a 10 minute job.
That's one feature I was really hoping they'd design into the new MBP SR.
The MacBook also has great wireless reception.
Having said that, I'd still buy the MBP over the MacBook if I had the extra $$$ to spend. I really like the aluminum look, the graphics are obviously far superior and features like LED screen and backlit keyboard are nice.

 

[Blue Velvet]

Please quit the to-and-froing and name calling, thanks.

 

[weckart]

I solved this dilemma by having both.

Now I never have to worry about whether I would have been better off buying a MBP rather than a MB or vice versa.

And I will remain content until Apple releases whatever ultralite version it has up its sleeve.

 

[flopticalcube]

It's not rocket science. Better specs = future proof, but more importantly, the latest batch features a lot of future-proof compatible technologies. DirectX10 (8600 card), Santa Rosa, Core 2 Duo (64 bit), LED (lasts longer and is set to be the new standard).

DX10, well, maybe but that is more of a Windows thing. Santa Rosa? The OS doesn't see that. What specifics of SR are more future-proof? C2D. MacBook has that. LED has yet to prove itself for longevity and just because its the standard, and it probably will be, doesn't mean the old displays are anyless "future-proof". It's not rocket science but it does require a little critical thinking.

 

[quigleybc]

it's retarded threads like these that keep me away from the Macbook/ MBP forum on MR....

I like this section of the forums because I have a Macbook...but it's actually just a bunch of threads and posts from Whiney people.

*clicks back to applications or community discussions.*

 

[dartzorichalcos]

I wish Apple gave the MacBook a dedicated graphics card, introduced a 13" MacBook Pro at the time of the release of the 15" MacBook Pro. Price droped the 17" MacBook Pro to $2499, 13" MacBoook Pro to $1499 and the low-end MacBook to $999 around now. So this will be like the PPC days where people have choice between buying a 13" MacBook or 13" MacBook Pro like 12" iBook G4 vs 12" PowerBook G4.

 

[darkcurse]

I wish Apple gave the MacBook a dedicated graphics card, introduced a 13" MacBook Pro at the time of the release of the 15" MacBook Pro. Price droped the 17" MacBook Pro to $2499, 13" MacBoook Pro to $1499 and the low-end MacBook to $999 around now. So this will be like the PPC days where people have choice between buying a 13" MacBook or 13" MacBook Pro like 12" iBook G4 vs 12" PowerBook G4.

Yeah and I wish for world peace but it ain't gonna happen anytime soon. Personally I really like the white MacBook's looks. Its so classic Apple, but I got an MBP instead since I needed the power. Seriously though, what good would a dedicated graphics card do if you're not gonna use it? Which part of basic computing would benefit greatly from a dedicated vs integrated solution? The GMA950 is already Core compatible and Vista can run Aero on it, so its not too sloppy I guess. Just need to bump up the RAM and you're good to go.

 

[Jblack4083]

the MBP is big. Thats what I'm sacrificing in getting it personally. if they had a 13" Pro I would buy it in a heartbeat.

 

[Benedictus-x]

hmm well each to his own I say. I was completely for the MBP but after reading some things on this forum (yellow Screens) i'm going for the blackbook + extras (iWork, Mighty Mouse, Parallels). my only worry is will the GMA 950 support leopard??

 

[joshwest]

they have both their pros and cons, i own both of them and i feel more comfortable traveling around with my mb than my mac book pro even though i baby it, id feel better slapping my mb on a table at a coffee house and hoping on the net than my mbp