Macbook C2D vs Macbook Pro C1D

[lieb39]

Hello everyone,

I'm in a little tight spot. I'm trying to decide between a brand new Macbook - black, with the default stuff (Now 1GB, 120GB HDD, etc.) - vs a Apple Refurbished Macbook Pro 2.13GHz - Core Duo (Not 2) - with 100GB HDD, and 1GB of RAM. Pricing is about 300 difference (for me - special case)

Just arguing the Macbook Pro:
-Better Resolution
-Video Card!

I'm not quite sure what else.. I'm struggling here.. anyone have a massive viewpoint that I'm missing?

I'll be doing some video editing, photoshopping.. and running Windows xp a lot - even running VMWare on XP to run sessions of 2003, etc.

What are your opinions?

Cheers

 

[TequilaBoobs]

ill add to the differences you explained already.

macbook is more portable, and has a longer battery life.
macbook is more future proofed, if you plan on keeping laptop 3+ years.
macbook pro has a classier exterior (subjective, i know).
macbook pro is better for your eyes.

 

[lieb39]

I'm leaning towards the MBP - even though it's an older model, I feel I'll need the real estate when I start using more than one virtual machine at a time. Yeah - I'll go with that.

Just waiting for some to go up on the Apple refreb store..

Cheers!

 

[TequilaBoobs]

I'm leaning towards the MBP - even though it's an older model, I feel I'll need the real estate when I start using more than one virtual machine at a time. Yeah - I'll go with that.

Just waiting for some to go up on the Apple refreb store..

Cheers!

the difference between the older and newer is minutia.

 

[Sun Baked]

the difference between the older and newer is minutia.

Generally Bigger HD, RAM, upgraded Superdrive, FW800 port on Pro, etc. -- besides the usual CPU.

But you get what you get with the Refurbs, while you can BTO the new ones.

 

[TequilaBoobs]

Generally Bigger HD, RAM, upgraded Superdrive, FW800 port on Pro, etc. -- besides the usual CPU.

But you get what you get with the Refurbs, while you can BTO the new ones.

i was trying to support his decision, but you made excellent points. touche

 

[lieb39]

Money being the factor here - i'll go with the refrebs..

What are the general issues with the MBP First Gens?

Cheers

 

[Pressure]

Money being the factor here - i'll go with the refrebs..

What are the general issues with the MBP First Gens?

Cheers

None if you get a flawless unit. Don't let the others fool you

 

[lieb39]

Okay.

It's a shame - the macbook black is very nice.. and i'd love it but the real estate would just bring me down - also, I'm planning on selling after a year (I've realized that I never have a computer for more than a year haha) - I think I'll get a better return with the MBP - when I upgrade the RAM to 1.5GB..

Anyone know if the last revision of the Powerbook 15" used the same RAM?

Cheers!

 

[Sun Baked]

Okay.

It's a shame - the macbook black is very nice.. and i'd love it but the real estate would just bring me down - also, I'm planning on selling after a year (I've realized that I never have a computer for more than a year haha) - I think I'll get a better return with the MBP - when I upgrade the RAM to 1.5GB..

Anyone know if the last revision of the Powerbook 15" used the same RAM?

Cheers!

Different ...

DDR333 (PC2700) in the Powerbook vs. DDR2-667 (PC2-5300) in the new Mac Books.

remember, the PowerBooks lack of DDR2 memory was a complaint about the PPC platform ... how it was falling so far behind the PC tech.

 

[emotion]

Generally Bigger HD, RAM, upgraded Superdrive, FW800 port on Pro, etc. -- besides the usual CPU.

No FW800 on the CD mbp. Edit: you were pointing that out...sorry...

I'd go with the C2D macbook in black. Just because it's a Rev. B machine and lot less likely to give trouble. I wouldn't touch a CD machine but that's not really for performance reasons.

Either that or go for a 2.16GHz c2d mbp, I understand the budget limitation though.

 

[lieb39]

I'm really tempted to go for the Black MB.. just because I think I'll like it more for university work and going around..

Core Duo 2 vs Core Duo - Core Due 2 Faster (Macbook)
Int. Gfx card vs Radeon X1600, 256MB - Radeon (Macbook Pro)
Form Factor for my use - (Macbook)
Ports - (Macbook Pro)
Hard Drive Size - (Macbook)
Cheaper Price - (Macbook)
Greatest resale value in a year time.. betting on Macbook Pro - (Macbook Pro)
Memory - Split even
Screen estate - (Macbook Pro)

Wow.. 4 vs 4.. But yet i'm leaning towards the Black MB. Any points I missed here?

Cheers

 

[emotion]

Wow.. 4 vs 4.. But yet i'm leaning towards the Black MB. Any points I missed here?

The macbook power supply is smaller and more portable than the mbps. It's a small thing but it all counts. Macbook casing potentially more robust (I've dented a powerbook before now). Glossy screen (ok ok some won't see this as good). User replacable hard drive (very useful when all this new very large perpendicular hard drives come out soon).

 

[lieb39]

Good call on the Powersupply..

I'm just a little ticked that I need an extra cable for connection to a monitor..

(I've had a Powerbook G4 / Last revision up until now)

Does the MacBook C2D work OK with Bootcamp, etc?

Cheers!

 

[emotion]

Good call on the Powersupply..

I'm just a little ticked that I need an extra cable for connection to a monitor..

(I've had a Powerbook G4 / Last revision up until now)

Does the MacBook C2D work OK with Bootcamp, etc?

as far as i know, yes.

the monitor cable is a hidden cost yeah...

 

[aquajet]

I'm really tempted to go for the Black MB.. just because I think I'll like it more for university work and going around..

Core Duo 2 vs Core Duo - Core Due 2 Faster (Macbook)
Int. Gfx card vs Radeon X1600, 256MB - Radeon (Macbook Pro)
Form Factor for my use - (Macbook)
Ports - (Macbook Pro)
Hard Drive Size - (Macbook)
Cheaper Price - (Macbook)
Greatest resale value in a year time.. betting on Macbook Pro - (Macbook Pro)
Memory - Split even
Screen estate - (Macbook Pro)

Wow.. 4 vs 4.. But yet i'm leaning towards the Black MB. Any points I missed here?

I doubt you'd notice a huge difference between the two different processors, and I'm not sure how the MBP has better ports? If I'm not mistaken, they both have the same port complement, except the MBP has full size DVI. (oh yeah, and ExpressCard too)

The major advantages of going with the MBP are of course screen real estate and massively superior graphics chip. If those aren't major issues for you, then the BlackBook might be better for you.

As a side note, I just bought a refurb CD MBP. The greater screen real estate and graphics chip were important to me. Also, a few people have received refurbished machines with higher specifications than what was guaranteed. My MBP shipped with an upgraded 7200 rpm drive, which was a pleasant surprise. So if you're feeling lucky....

 

[islandman]

ill add to the differences you explained already.

macbook is more portable, and has a longer battery life.
macbook is more future proofed, if you plan on keeping laptop 3+ years.
macbook pro has a classier exterior (subjective, i know).
macbook pro is better for your eyes.

How is the MacBook more future proofed, by the way?

 

[lieb39]

I doubt you'd notice a huge difference between the two different processors, and I'm not sure how the MBP has better ports? If I'm not mistaken, they both have the same port complement, except the MBP has full size DVI. (oh yeah, and ExpressCard too)

The major advantages of going with the MBP are of course screen real estate and massively superior graphics chip. If those aren't major issues for you, then the BlackBook might be better for you.

As a side note, I just bought a refurb CD MBP. The greater screen real estate and graphics chip were important to me. Also, a few people have received refurbished machines with higher specifications than what was guaranteed. My MBP shipped with an upgraded 7200 rpm drive, which was a pleasant surprise. So if you're feeling lucky....

The processors - apparently the MB will be faster due to the larger cache.. not really noticable on day to day but when intense operations go, I'll feel it apparently. (I don't mind - anything is faster than my PB.. haha)

MBP has Firewire 800.. and I actually have devices that use it, but also can use 400 is no worries there. I can cope with the DVI..

The screen estate I can handle - now the question about the graphics card. Just how bad is it, when it comes to gaming? I hardly consider myself a gamer - I like to deal with servers, etc. but the odd game I do play is Sims 2, Simcity 4, just games like that. Will they run at all or..? Again - My desktop with a 22" is mainly for gaming - the only time I play is really when I'm on the road or something.. which isn't a lot, and I don't mind a bit of lag.

That's the only thing holding me back from ordering it right now - and if I should upgrade the RAM, HDD, etc or anything? (Black MB)

Cheers

 

[TequilaBoobs]

How is the MacBook more future proofed, by the way?

the macbook C2D has the merom chip, which is 64-bit, whereas the macbook pro CD has the yonah chip, which is 32 bit.

 

[lieb39]

the macbook C2D has the merom chip, which is 64-bit, whereas the macbook pro CD has the yonah chip, which is 32 bit.

Good point - Would this affect speed of the operating system or applications at all?

Cheers

 

[islandman]

the macbook C2D has the merom chip, which is 64-bit, whereas the macbook pro CD has the yonah chip, which is 32 bit.

Oh woops! I was comparing C2D MacBook with C2D MacBook Pro in my head...I forgot that the post was about a C2D vs a C1D...sorry .

 

[aquajet]

The processors - apparently the MB will be faster due to the larger cache.. not really noticable on day to day but when intense operations go, I'll feel it apparently. (I don't mind - anything is faster than my PB.. haha)

No doubt. I upgraded from a 12" PB and the difference can be staggering.

MBP has Firewire 800.. and I actually have devices that use it, but also can use 400 is no worries there. I can cope with the DVI..

Wait...you were looking at a MBP CD, not C2D, yes? Because the 15" MBP CD doesn't have FW800, unfortunately. Only 400.

The screen estate I can handle - now the question about the graphics card. Just how bad is it, when it comes to gaming? I hardly consider myself a gamer - I like to deal with servers, etc. but the odd game I do play is Sims 2, Simcity 4, just games like that. Will they run at all or..? Again - My desktop with a 22" is mainly for gaming - the only time I play is really when I'm on the road or something.. which isn't a lot, and I don't mind a bit of lag.

You might check this out. It doesn't specifically mention your games, but maybe it'll give you an idea.

Oh, Sims 2 it does mention. Doesn't look like it'll work too well.

 

[CaptainCaveMann]

ill add to the differences you explained already.

macbook is more portable, and has a longer battery life.
macbook is more future proofed, if you plan on keeping laptop 3+ years.
macbook pro has a classier exterior (subjective, i know).
macbook pro is better for your eyes.

How is it better for your eyes?

 

[lieb39]

No doubt. I upgraded from a 12" PB and the difference can be staggering.

Yeah - I've just played with the units and I'm amazed.

Wait...you were looking at a MBP CD, not C2D, yes? Because the 15" MBP CD doesn't have FW800, unfortunately. Only 400.

Yeah - forgot about that...

You might check this out. It doesn't specifically mention your games, but maybe it'll give you an idea.

Oh, Sims 2 it does mention. Doesn't look like it'll work too well.

Hmm not too well.. but ah well..

Cheers!

 

[TequilaBoobs]

How is it better for your eyes?

more pixels, bigger type, less strain on the eyes, generally speaking.