Macbook as second computer

[heterodoxos]

I recently upgraded to a Mac Pro from a 15" G4 Powerbook and so far I am very happy. I now have a need to be more mobile and I'm finding it difficult to choose between the MB and the MBP.

Although I won't be doing any video editing or Photoshop work I do tend to have lots of applications running at the same time. Mail, iTunes, Safari, NNW, DevonThink, Filemaker, Office, Merlin, amongst others. I would also like to be able to run Parallels or Fusion without the machine slowing down too much. I'm confident that the MBP can handle this but not sure about the Macbook. My other main concern is the keyboard.

Assuming I can get around the lack of some Pro features, particularly the express card slot. What do people think of the Macbook given my situation? Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Eidorian]

Just get as much RAM is you can. The MacBook will be fine for what you're doing.

 

[Lovesong]

If you're not going to be doing video encoding, 3-d modeling, or intense video gaming, the MB is as good as the MBP. Only concern is the screen size in runnning many applications, but that's why we have Expose.

 

[Mudbug]

I have a G5 tower and a MacBook, and I run the entire CS2 suite (will be CS3 soon) as well as a host of other applications, most of which are rather processor intensive. I know on paper that the C2Duo MacBook has more raw power than my G5 tower, but I still think of it as my secondary machine. That being said, I'm really pleased with how well it runs everything I throw at it and more, as well as the ability to dual boot with boot camp.

I think overall unless you really need things like the express card slot or the backlit keyboard (which would be nice, mind you) or the larger screen real estate, you'd probably be tickled pink with the MacBook. And if screen real estate is what's slowing you down, get a large external monitor for it and still pocket the difference.

 

[zap2]

If you want to run all those apps PLUS Windows(and what ever apps you use in Windows) all at the same I'd highly suggest MBP. If you running them at different time,the MacBook should cut it. You still have a lot of speed, and if you get 2Gb of RAM, I don't think you'll have any problem.

I didn't like the MacBook keyboard when it was first released, but it seems less of an issue now. I'd imagine you'd get used to it overtime.

 

[djscouserboy]

Well based on the fact that my C2D 2.0 Macbook works as my primary computer (with a Dell 20" display running as a second screen), I think you'll be fine with it. My MB has to deal with more apps than you mentioned there most of the time. Can't speak for Filemaker as I don't have it, but I have a couple of CS3 apps on the go most of the time ... no problems there. One caveat - I upped the RAM to 2GB which obviously helps.

The increased portability along with the money you'll save over a MBP makes me say go with the MB.

 

[dartzorichalcos]

but that's why we have Expose.

and Spaces in Leopard will help too.
heterodoxos, can you wait until Leopard before making the purchase?

 

[skye12]

New low end MBP SR @1999 is being overlooked. The price diff
is worth it, especially when compared to black MB.

 

[heterodoxos]

Thank you for all the responses. Unfortunately I can't wait until October for Leopard, I was waiting to see if WWDC would produce a smaller MBP but sadly that wasn't to be. Good point on the lower end MBP, something I hadn't considered. I think it's about a £250 difference.

I am now kind of leaning towards the Macbook. Although not exactly slim or light it does seem more portable. I may have to try that keyboard out again...........

 

[Igantius]

Good point on the lower end MBP, something I hadn't considered. I think it's about a £250 difference.

Was it definitely the black MB you were considering?

Depending on which MB model, the price difference between one and the entry MBP is £600, £467 or £350.

Definitely make sure you like the keyboard though!