Macbook/Macbook Pro side-by-side pics?

[NtotheIzoo]

queshy, we are both in the same boat! Though I'd be coming from a 17" PowerBook, I'm really torn between the 2.16 GHz MacBook/2.2 GHz MacBook Pro. I really love the design and screen size of the MBP, but after using my mom's new MB for a week, I've become smitten by its portability and size. I'm going off to college this fall, and I need something light, portable, and durable to take to class everday for notes, etc.

From my personal experience with the aluminum PowerBook, I've noticed that it does seem a bit more fragile than the MB (scratches, and I am somehow convnced that the case "flexes"). Also, I'm begining to experience a case of "pitting" on my palmrest (mini black dots begin appearing because of human sweat), and I hope the new MBPs don't have this design flaw, because I intend to keep this new latop for the next four years.

The "new" look of the MB (coming from almost four years of using a PB) makes it feel more refreshing to use than a MBP, but I can't help but notice the more toy-ish look. I don't know; everytime I go to the Apple Store, or look at photos online, I also keep changing my mind. Right now, I have absolutely no idea what I will be getting.

I'm in the same boat. But, my problem is surrounding the money. I want the MBP, but the MB being so much cheaper is really enticing. I play WoW, but I don't "need" to play WoW. I'll be using a school loan which maxes at 1500, so the MB would be totally covered while the MBP would cost me an additional 300 and I'm giving the free iPod to my sister so no make-up there. It's a really hard decision, but I seem to keep coming back to the MBP. I guess it's the elitist in me. But, on that fateful day in August (3rd, free tax weekend in MO), I'll be at the mercy of the Apple Store on the Plaza in KC and depending upon what is in stock I guess will play an important role in what I purchase.

 

[NtotheIzoo]

Here, maybe this will help:

Blue = MBP
Red = MB
Green = 700m

That's awesome...that helps me make my decision...I'm leaning even more towards the MBP.

 

[Sounds Good]

That's awesome...that helps me make my decision...I'm leaning even more towards the MBP.

This might help too:

 

[queshy]

wow, this forum is incredible!

SoundsGood, how'd you do that? really neat.

The 700m and the macbook are almost identical in size...but my friend's macbook seems to be so much "lighter" and less bulky than the 700m. The mbp doesn't seem all that much bigger than either of them...do you think the mbp is good for taking notes in class? Mind you, I often use my 700m in my house, and for that use, I find the keyboard cramped and the screen too small. But when I have to take my laptop to school, the small footprint of the 700m is so great. Do you think I'd be sacrificing portability and the small footprint that much by going with the mbp? although the sketch helped, those rectangles are drawn to scale, the real units are bigger. sorry for all the q's...

To me, yes, with the mb you save money, but if we all wanted to save $ we could buy some cheapo acer laptop or something...I work at a big box electronics store and a lot of our laptops are 5-600 $, but they're extremely cheap compared to apples lineup. I don't mind paying the extra premium for the mbp if I know it is a better product. I'm just worried the mbp will be too big (footprintwise, not weight) to be portable enough for smaller size desks.

 

[diehldun]

The mbp doesn't seem all that much bigger than either of them...do you think the mbp is good for taking notes in class? Do you think I'd be sacrificing portability and the small footprint that much by going with the mbp?

I don't mind paying the extra premium for the mbp if I know it is a better product. I'm just worried the mbp will be too big (footprintwise, not weight) to be portable enough for smaller size desks.

So far, I've asked all my friends (who have both MBPs and MBs), and almost everyone has agreed that the MacBook is better to bring everday to class for notes in terms of size, portability, durability, etc. I'm also afraid that MBP will be too large (footprint) and fragile to use everyday on a small table. But everyone keeps saying that the MBP is the sexiest-looking notebook design on the market, and that if I do have one, I'd be one of the few. I'll admit, if I do end up getting a MBP, I'd be getting it just for the looks, not the extra features, which sounds absolutely terrible.

adkjfaldkjfajfdal;dksjajkls this isn't helping my decision at all.

 

[Sounds Good]

I'm also afraid that MBP will be too large (footprint)...

That's where I'm at. The footprint of the MBP is a tad big (for me). If there were a 13.3" MBP available, I'd already own one.

 

[queshy]

but if you look at the comparison pics, it's really only a TINY bit bigger. I don't see how it can make that much of a difference. Argg, I am trying to convince myself that the size isn't too big lol. So should I just get a mb then?

 

[Sounds Good]

but if you look at the comparison pics, it's really only a TINY bit bigger. I don't see how it can make that much of a difference. Argg, I am trying to convince myself that the size isn't too big lol. So should I just get a mb then?

I know exactly what you mean.

For me it's even harder. My current Dell D420 12.1" laptop is only 11.63 x 8.27 x 1. Even the Macbook is bigger at 12.78 x 8.92 x 1.08. And the MB Pro is *much* bigger at 14.1 x 9.6 x 1.

You think you have it hard!

This is why I say that if the Macbook Pro came in a 13.3" size I'd already own it.

 

[queshy]

I know exactly what you mean.

For me it's even harder. My current Dell D420 12.1" laptop is only 11.63 x 8.27 x 1. Even the Macbook is bigger at 12.78 x 8.92 x 1.08. And the MB Pro is *much* bigger at 14.1 x 9.6 x 1.

You think you have it hard!

This is why I say that if the Macbook Pro came in a 13.3" size I'd already own it.

My 700m is very compact but it's quite heavy (almost 5 lbs w/ extended battery), and it's around 1.5" thick. The macbook has a bigger "footprint" and weighs almost the same...so I thought I would be "pushing it" by getting the macbook. I was gonna get the 12.1" Dell lattitude or the x61 from lenovo, but because I love my iMac so much, I feel like I MUST have OS X. It's just that good! So I'm like ok, I'll get the macbook. But it just seems like the mbp is soooo much more of a laptop, and the design is way better (subjectively...). I won't be taking it to school every day, but I will need to take notes on it. The money really isn't an issue because I know I'm getting a super fantastic machine. But arggg I can't decide. What if we buy the macbook now and then they release a 13.3" mbp at christmas time!

 

[Sounds Good]

My 700m is very compact but it's quite heavy (almost 5 lbs w/ extended battery), and it's around 1.5" thick. The macbook has a bigger "footprint" and weighs almost the same...

The Macbook is even heavier ... it's 5.1 lbs.

Comparatively, the Sony SZ Premium 13.3" laptop is only 3.7 lbs.

 

[diehldun]

...and my parents keep telling me that I should be getting the lightest, most portable design possible, because I'll have a bunch of stuff in my messenger bag, which I guess is true. It's relieving to see that I'm apparently not the only one in the same situation.

I'm going to be honest here, I see myself ultimately biting the bullet and buying a MBP, and somehow ending up regretting the purchase (not getting a MB instead). I think I need to overcome the looks department and get a MB because it really suits my needs more appropriately as a college student, and I think a lot of people are bringing laptops smaller (footprint) than the MBP, more MB size.

Arguments for getting MacBook instead of MacBook Pro (for me):
-Smaller size, durability; more appropriate for non-professional college student taking notes,
-Not going into graphics/media, so I don't need any of the MBP advantages
-I will just be using it for iTunes, Microsoft Office, Safari, iChat/AIM
-I wasn't THAT impressed with the new LED backlighting; MB screen is fine as is
-Ambient light sensor, keyboard lighting are irrelevant to me (I have it on my PB, and I don't care if it had/hadn't)

Arguments for getting MacBook Pro instead of MacBook (for me):
-Sexier, sophisticated, more exotic design
-Larger screen size


Again, it looks like I'd just be getting a MBP just on looks alone, whereas a MB is really what I'd need to bring everyday. But then, I hear the MB is due for some sort of refreshening...

 

[Sounds Good]

I should be getting the lightest, most portable design possible...

I agree, which is why I bought a 3 lb. Dell D420 laptop.

But again, the Macbook is not exactly a light laptop. It's only 3 ounces lighter than the Macbook Pro (5.1 lbs vs. 5.4 lbs).

 

[queshy]

I agree, which is why I bought a 3 lb. Dell D420 laptop.

But again, the Macbook is not exactly a light laptop. It's only 3 ounces lighter than the Macbook Pro (5.1 lbs vs. 5.4 lbs).

exactly! I need to go to the apple store and really see how large it is. I don't like the glossy screen on the macbook...the glossy screen on my dell now is a mess.

 

[ktbubster]

as someone in college who brings their laptop with them to pretty much every class every day I never understood the big deal with the "bigger footprint" of the MBP. I find it super easy to cart around, haven't had any dentin or case programs in the last 6 or so months (always have a sleeve on it ofcourse!) and personally actually have used the backlit keyboard a few times in dark lecture halls when we are lookin at slides/projectors/presentations on the lowest level.

I am not a large person ... only 115 lbs lol and I find the mbp just fine. The footprint isn't that much larger then the mb and fits on all the small tables fine with no real issues. The screen is matte and i prefer it over my friends glossy macbooks especially because yo never know the lighting situation from class to class and I know they complain about having rooms or having to pick their seat judgin by the windows etc sometime.

The larger and IMO easier to read screen is a bonus, and while teh MB keyboard is fine, I do prefer the feel of the pro's better.

If it's ust about size, the MBP is the better choice IMO because it's not a real big difference or problem... and will probably last you longer then the MB as far as future proofing.

Just my two cents. Good luck!

 

[queshy]

as someone in college who brings their laptop with them to pretty much every class every day I never understood the big deal with the "bigger footprint" of the MBP. I find it super easy to cart around, haven't had any dentin or case programs in the last 6 or so months (always have a sleeve on it ofcourse!) and personally actually have used the backlit keyboard a few times in dark lecture halls when we are lookin at slides/projectors/presentations on the lowest level.

I am not a large person ... only 115 lbs lol and I find the mbp just fine. The footprint isn't that much larger then the mb and fits on all the small tables fine with no real issues. The screen is matte and i prefer it over my friends glossy macbooks especially because yo never know the lighting situation from class to class and I know they complain about having rooms or having to pick their seat judgin by the windows etc sometime.

The larger and IMO easier to read screen is a bonus, and while teh MB keyboard is fine, I do prefer the feel of the pro's better.

If it's ust about size, the MBP is the better choice IMO because it's not a real big difference or problem... and will probably last you longer then the MB as far as future proofing.

Just my two cents. Good luck!

Thanks, great advice!

the matte screen is really important to me, not only because of the glare, but because I also find that the glossy screen attracts more dust and fingerprints (or at least shows them significantly more) than a matte screen.

At this point, I just think that the mbp is so much of a better buy. In my opinion, their weights are mostly identical, and the two only weigh a bit more than my 700m but have larger screens. The weight doesn't bother me, unless you're flying all around the world all the time, an extra pound won't do anything. To me, the foot print is a bit more important. I always though 15" laptops were huge, but all of the one's I've seen were at least 7 pounds and 1.5 " thick. The mbp seems to be much sleeker/lighter.

I also use my Dell around the house all the time, when I don't want to be at my desk. I use it for web browsing/studying/photos. I often find the 12.1" screen of my Dell too small and I find that the keyboard is, although okay, not nearly as comfortable as my keyboard for the iMac.

When deciding which laptop to buy, I was originally leaning for another "ultraportable", but then I realized I'd have to have Vista, and to be honest, Vista sucks. The UI is completely unintuitive and makes no sense. We have a Vista desktop in our house (not for me obviously) and I find it really lousy to even check my email on. So at that point, I decided I will go mac again because my iMac is real great. I was set on the macbook but then I found out the mbp was only negligibly heavier and much, much more of a computer. So where I'm at now is that I think getting the mbp is a better buy/value, but I'm just trying to make sure that the footprint won't be too large for when I need to bring it to school.

 

[itgoesbuzz]

I never had a problem with my 15" PB in class, even on the smallest of desktops that I encountered (big lecture halls with small desktop thingys attached to your chair). The Macbook would work a little better at school, but I think the difference is marginal at best.

I got the Macbook because of cost, and I don't regret it, but if I had the extra money, id get the pro.

 

[Chef Medeski]

as someone in college who brings their laptop with them to pretty much every class every day I never understood the big deal with the "bigger footprint" of the MBP. I find it super easy to cart around, haven't had any dentin or case programs in the last 6 or so months (always have a sleeve on it ofcourse!) and personally actually have used the backlit keyboard a few times in dark lecture halls when we are lookin at slides/projectors/presentations on the lowest level.

I am not a large person ... only 115 lbs lol and I find the mbp just fine. The footprint isn't that much larger then the mb and fits on all the small tables fine with no real issues. The screen is matte and i prefer it over my friends glossy macbooks especially because yo never know the lighting situation from class to class and I know they complain about having rooms or having to pick their seat judgin by the windows etc sometime.

The larger and IMO easier to read screen is a bonus, and while teh MB keyboard is fine, I do prefer the feel of the pro's better.

If it's ust about size, the MBP is the better choice IMO because it's not a real big difference or problem... and will probably last you longer then the MB as far as future proofing.

Just my two cents. Good luck!

+1.

Only slightly bigger cse, but much bigger screen.

2.2 Ghz, Matte right here!

 

[Chef Medeski]

Thanks, great advice!

the matte screen is really important to me, not only because of the glare, but because I also find that the glossy screen attracts more dust and fingerprints (or at least shows them significantly more) than a matte screen.

At this point, I just think that the mbp is so much of a better buy. In my opinion, their weights are mostly identical, and the two only weigh a bit more than my 700m but have larger screens. The weight doesn't bother me, unless you're flying all around the world all the time, an extra pound won't do anything. To me, the foot print is a bit more important. I always though 15" laptops were huge, but all of the one's I've seen were at least 7 pounds and 1.5 " thick. The mbp seems to be much sleeker/lighter.

I also use my Dell around the house all the time, when I don't want to be at my desk. I use it for web browsing/studying/photos. I often find the 12.1" screen of my Dell too small and I find that the keyboard is, although okay, not nearly as comfortable as my keyboard for the iMac.

When deciding which laptop to buy, I was originally leaning for another "ultraportable", but then I realized I'd have to have Vista, and to be honest, Vista sucks. The UI is completely unintuitive and makes no sense. We have a Vista desktop in our house (not for me obviously) and I find it really lousy to even check my email on. So at that point, I decided I will go mac again because my iMac is real great. I was set on the macbook but then I found out the mbp was only negligibly heavier and much, much more of a computer. So where I'm at now is that I think getting the mbp is a better buy/value, but I'm just trying to make sure that the footprint won't be too large for when I need to bring it to school.

Same here. I finally went with the MBP. After a 12" PB, I was worried it would be huge. But it feels comfortable. The size isn't anything TOO HUGE. Plus being only slightly bigger than the smallest Apple offering means it really isn't a fat choice.

Matte looks fine to me. I went into the store looked at each. Left, right. Left right. Looked like the same exact thing to me except I could sort of see the film and a slight reflection on the glossy. So I said forget it, the matte worked great for me on my PB i'm keeping that. And I have to say, this MBP actually feels less heavy than the MB I think because its less dense (larger volume, but similr weight). Unsure exactly but the difference in weight is almost negligible. But the screen size. QUE BUENO!!!


Too large? Have not noticed a problem yet. Remeber if you're getting a mac. This and the MB are very close in size. So if this is way too big, then so are all of Apple's laptops. I say go for it you wont be dissapointed!

 

[queshy]

Thanks so much everyone! I'll probably be going with the base 15.4" model (matte, 2 GB ram, etc). I refuse to buy online, not because I don't want to wait, but in case it's defective (which, by browsing this forum, I realize is a possibility lol), I don't want to have to send it back. If I go to the apple retail store and ask for the stock mbp, do they only have it with the 120 gb hard drive, or can you get a bigger one? 120 gb seems kind of small for a 2000$ laptop, I'd probably want 160 gb given that I have 20 gb of music to start with. The machine is pretty expensive ($1999), but the macbook with comparable specs is around $1600. So it comes to 400$ more for a larger screen, cooler design, backlit keyboard, graphics card, santa rosa, led screen, etc. Seems worth it imo.

I live in Canada and in my province the tax is 15%, which sucks bigtime. I'll also have to tack on the price of the nano and hte printer, but I'm going to Ebay those right away. Hopefully ebaying those two will recover the tax.


So I just have two questions: about the hard drive, and also if it matters whether I buy now or at the end of the summer. I already know how to use the mac so I don't need a long time to learn.


Oh yeah, and one more thing. What do you think of the likelyhood that Apple releases an ultraportable macbook pro? Although I always wanted one, I just think they would lower the macbook sales significantly. If Apple were to release something like that come holiday season, I'd be kind of angry I didn't wait.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Sounds Good]

as someone in college who brings their laptop with them to pretty much every class every day I never understood the big deal with the "bigger footprint" of the MBP.

It's all about the space it takes up. If it's the only thing in front of you the size is fine -- but it's not always the only thing around. Example: I work from home and use my laptop on the kitchen table while eating breakfast, with the laptop behind my plate. If I do this with my 15.4" Dell (same size as the MBP) it's uncomfortably cramped on the table. If I do it with my 12.1" Dell (slightly smaller than the MB), it's perfect. Plenty of room for my plate, the laptop, my coffee...

When deciding which laptop to buy, I was originally leaning for another "ultraportable", but then I realized I'd have to have Vista, and to be honest, Vista sucks.

The new Dell Latitude laptops still have XP as an option.

I also use my Dell around the house all the time, when I don't want to be at my desk. I use it for web browsing/studying/photos. I often find the 12.1" screen of my Dell too small...

Same here... but most of the time the 12.1" screen is just fine (for me). It's only occasionally that I really *need* something bigger. So I got a nice 20" external monitor, and now I have the best of both worlds. Have you given any thought to a Macbook + an external monitor? I'm not suggesting you go that route, just wondering what your thoughts were on the idea.

What do you think of the likelyhood that Apple releases an ultraportable macbook pro? If Apple were to release something like that come holiday season, I'd be kind of angry I didn't wait.

This is what's holding off my purchase. If I buy now, and Apple releases a smaller MBP, I'll be more than just "kind of" angry. A 13.3" MBP would probably be perfection for me.

 

[droo94]

Same here. I finally went with the MBP. After a 12" PB, I was worried it would be huge. But it feels comfortable. The size isn't anything TOO HUGE. Plus being only slightly bigger than the smallest Apple offering means it really isn't a fat choice.

Matte looks fine to me. I went into the store looked at each. Left, right. Left right. Looked like the same exact thing to me except I could sort of see the film and a slight reflection on the glossy. So I said forget it, the matte worked great for me on my PB i'm keeping that. And I have to say, this MBP actually feels less heavy than the MB I think because its less dense (larger volume, but similr weight). Unsure exactly but the difference in weight is almost negligible. But the screen size. QUE BUENO!!!


Too large? Have not noticed a problem yet. Remeber if you're getting a mac. This and the MB are very close in size. So if this is way too big, then so are all of Apple's laptops. I say go for it you wont be dissapointed!

I have a 12" PB and I'm still struggling to figure out when I'll buy an Intel-based model and which one to go with. When I first saw the 15" MBP I thought it was way too big. But strangely I had thought I would definitely prefer the 13.3" MB but when I looked at it in the store my first impression is that it looks "squashed". I think it's b/c I'm not used to the widescreen format yet.

So I'm inclined to agree with your post. If you're a 12" PB owner and you're getting a MB or MBP you're getting a bigger computer no matter what. Unless you're going to be on airplanes in the coach section frequently then I'd think the 15" MBP would actually be the one to go with.

I really like the 12" PB form-factor though. Apparently I'm not the only one who feels that way b/c it still seems to be holding its resale value quite well. It's ironic that when I bought it 2.5 years ago the 12" PB wasn't really considered to be all that special -- basically a 12" iBook in aluminum and with the SuperDrive option. Fast forward to today and now it seems to have a unique "niche" that stands out from the crowd.

It wouldn't be too original (or feasible?) but I'm one of those people who would most likely buy a 12" MBP SR, even if it's not widescreen. Again, it would actually have more differentiation from the MB and MBP lines than the 12" PB did from the iBook and other PB lines. Oh well, at least I can dream...

 

[Sounds Good]

Unless you're going to be on airplanes in the coach section frequently then I'd think the 15" MBP would actually be the one to go with.

I actually wonder if even the MB might be too big to (comfortably) use on a plane.

 

[droo94]

I actually wonder if even the MB might be too big to (comfortably) use on a plane.

I'm too lazy to dig up specific examples but I'm sure I've read 2 or 3 msgs in these forums that suggest the MB is quite usable in coach while the 15" MBP is pretty much out of the question.

FYI, the depth of the MB is listed as 8.92" (22.7 cm). For the 15" MBP it's 9.6" (24.3 cm"). My 12" PB is almost the same dimensions as an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper (except for the height for any "wise guys" out there ). So it's maybe 8.75" depth on the conservative side.

That said, I don't know if anything can possibly be described as "comfortable" in coach these days... I've never actually taken my 12" PB in coach though.

 

[CalBoy]

That said, I don't know if anything can possibly be described as "comfortable" in coach these days... I've never actually taken my 12" PB in coach though.

What do you mean, I'm able to fit a whole Mac Pro with room to spare in coach

I think the macbook might be okay in coach, but will take some skillful placement. The mbp will be hard, but I'm sure that if you use your lap and not the tray table, then it will work out. Personally, I would leave the mbp in my bag (always carry-on when it comes to expensive goods like the mbp) and read a book.

 

[droo94]

I hope this isn't considered OT, but I'm also wondering about the "real world" differences between the 1400 x 900 mode in the MBP and the 1200 x 800 mode in the MB.

Do people often work in two windows side-by-side? If so, then to me that would be a good way to test your individual preference between the MBP and MB screens. In the store I felt I could barely work with two side-by-side windows on a MB but could so do quite comfortably on the MBP.

I realize the original topic is about portability but if the screen resolution difference outweighs the difference in physical size (in your individual opinion) then perhaps that's another factor to consider.