main difference between macbook and macbook pro

[ethan101]

hi i was looking at buying a mb or mbp and am trying to decide which one i want. this will be the first computer i will be buying in a long time and if some one could help me with a breakdown of the differences between the two systems.

i do not mind paying more money for the mbp if i am actually getting a better system.

also i will be looking at the refurb models so would it be wise to wait for the core duo 2 over the core duo?

in regaurds to macs opperating system leopard that will be out soon should i wait for this as well or is it a cheap upgrade from tiger?


thanks again

Ethan

 

[j26]

The mbp is considerably more expensive than the mb, so we really need an idea of what you want to do to help you. The mmbp will be a better system, but whether you need one or not is another issue.

As regards upgrades to leopard, I reckon that it's at least 4-5 months away, so if you want to hang on that long, feel free, but if you buy now, or in january, you are getting the whole mac experience, and it will probably only cost $129 to upgrade to Leopard (if you feel the need)

 

[annk]

hi i was looking at buying a mb or mbp and am trying to decide which one i want. this will be the first computer i will be buying in a long time and if some one could help me with a breakdown of the differences between the two systems.

i do not mind paying more money for the mbp if i am actually getting a better system.

also i will be looking at the refurb models so would it be wise to wait for the core duo 2 over the core duo?

in regaurds to macs opperating system leopard that will be out soon should i wait for this as well or is it a cheap upgrade from tiger?


thanks again

Ethan

Here is Apple's comparison chart of MB and MBP.

 

[MSM Hobbes]

Couple other sites to help you decide:

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook/faq/macbook-purchasing-pros-and-cons.html

http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...s-between-macbook-macbook-pro-core-2-duo.html

Of course, you have seen this link:
http://guides.macrumors.com/Buying_a_MacBook_versus_MacBook_Pro

But, overall you need to decide how much cost to performance ratio is.

As someone else mentioned in another similar thread [if I recall the number's correctly ], you get ~90% of the performance of the MBP w/ the MB, yet at ~60% of the cost.

For me, I got the mid-grade C2D MB, w/ 2GB RAM. And, she screams. I've used a CD MBP, w/ 1GB RAM, and speed for normal uses is the same. Games, have not tried any on either system. For that, I've my 24" C2D iMac...

 

[adiosk8]

since you cant look on your own

the differences are:

backlit keyboard
MBP supports 3 gigs of ram
dedicated graphics ( x1600 )
Higher clock speed core 2 duos
the casing
Screen size
motion sensor / light sensor

I'm sure there are more, but these are the big ones that I can think of

 

[ethan101]

uses of my mac

the main uses i will be looking at for my mb or mbp would be internet, music, dvds, navagation, word processing, and maybe some light gamming.

however i will be using this laptop to replace my desktop pc (good or bad idea?)

i was told that i could go with a mb and upgrade the ram to 2G for best results.

i also do not want to buy a laptop and find out in a year that my needs have changed slightly and that i should have gone with a mbp.

so the basic question would be is if i upgrade from a mb to a mbp what new possibilities are available to me?

its an open ended question, i know but like i was saying i am fairly new to looking for a computer.

also for example alot of the specs i understand slightly but things like 2gigs of ram compared to 3 gigs ..... i do not really know how much better a computer will perform with 3 gigs than it will with 2 etc.

thanks for taking the time to help.
Ethan

 

[PDE]

the main uses i will be looking at for my mb or mbp would be internet, music, dvds, navagation, word processing, and maybe some light gamming.

however i will be using this laptop to replace my desktop pc (good or bad idea?)

i was told that i could go with a mb and upgrade the ram to 2G for best results.

i also do not want to buy a laptop and find out in a year that my needs have changed slightly and that i should have gone with a mbp.

so the basic question would be is if i upgrade from a mb to a mbp what new possibilities are available to me?

its an open ended question, i know but like i was saying i am fairly new to looking for a computer.

also for example alot of the specs i understand slightly but things like 2gigs of ram compared to 3 gigs ..... i do not really know how much better a computer will perform with 3 gigs than it will with 2 etc.

thanks for taking the time to help.
Ethan[/QUOTE


Macbook has:

-much better wifi reception
-longer battery life
-user upgradeable hard drive - a one minute procedure
-more durable case (doesn't dent and warp like al)
-no grain in the display - sharp evenly illuminated
-LCD tilts back slight more than aluminum MBP, making lap-top use easier
-smaller form factor and lighter weight
-no latch mechanism, just magnets


I really think the macbook is overall a better designed computer than the macbook pro and I think that the MBP will get revised sooner or later to include similar design refinements.Unless you really need the GPU for something, I think the macbook is a better deal.

 

[ethan101]

thanks PDE

i just had one question what is GPU

Ethan

 

[PDE]

thanks PDE

i just had one question what is GPU

Ethan

It's the graphics card - if you play a lot of games you might need the separate graphics card in the macbook pro. The macbook has an integrated one which is considered inferior to the mBp. In everyday use (DVDs, email, internet, video, audio etc), you won't really notice this so unless you know you'll need, chances are you probably won't.

 

[ethan101]

Thanks

thanks PDE and others for you help i think the mb will do me just fine


Ethan

 

[Cybergypsy]

the main uses i will be looking at for my mb or mbp would be internet, music, dvds, navagation, word processing, and maybe some light gamming.

however i will be using this laptop to replace my desktop pc (good or bad idea?)

i was told that i could go with a mb and upgrade the ram to 2G for best results.

i also do not want to buy a laptop and find out in a year that my needs have changed slightly and that i should have gone with a mbp.

so the basic question would be is if i upgrade from a mb to a mbp what new possibilities are available to me?

its an open ended question, i know but like i was saying i am fairly new to looking for a computer.

also for example alot of the specs i understand slightly but things like 2gigs of ram compared to 3 gigs ..... i do not really know how much better a computer will perform with 3 gigs than it will with 2 etc.

thanks for taking the time to help.
Ethan[/QUOTE


Macbook has:

-much better wifi reception
-longer battery life
-user upgradeable hard drive - a one minute procedure
-more durable case (doesn't dent and warp like al)
-no grain in the display - sharp evenly illuminated
-LCD tilts back slight more than aluminum MBP, making lap-top use easier
-smaller form factor and lighter weight
-no latch mechanism, just magnets


I really think the macbook is overall a better designed computer than the macbook pro and I think that the MBP will get revised sooner or later to include similar design refinements.Unless you really need the GPU for something, I think the macbook is a better deal.

=Great post, with you 100%!

 

[ethan101]

can a macbook replace a deskop PC

i was wondering with the exceptions of screen size and graphics card for playing games will a macbook replace a desktop pc?

Just wondering your thoughts on this
Ethan

 

[PDE]

i was wondering with the exceptions of screen size and graphics card for playing games will a macbook replace a desktop pc?

Just wondering your thoughts on this
Ethan

Absolutely, especially if you get a larger desktop LCD to plug into your macbook. Then you have a great, smallish and powerful portable, as well as more comfortable desk system with the big LCD.

 

[ethan101]

desktop

PDE your selling me more and more on a macbook instead of a macbook pro every time you post

thanks,
Ethan

 

[PDE]

PDE your selling me more and more on a macbook instead of a macbook pro every time you post

thanks,
Ethan

It's not that I don't like the macbook pro. I just think at this time there are some issues with it that I don't like and since the macbook pro is so much more expensive, it doesn't make sense to spend all that money unless you're really convinced it's worthwhile and you'll use the extra features. I think for most people and usages, the macbook is plenty powerful. The macbook pro is a nice machine too, but there are some things I really don't like about it:

- the aluminum is very very thin and prone to denting
-you can't change your hard drive easily (meaning if it suddenly crashes while you're travelling, you can't just go out an buy a hard drive and pop in, but must find somebody skilled to do it)
-the LCD doesn't tilt back enough given the viewing angles of the LCD (it's quite difficult to get an optimum viewing angle when it's on your lap and just barely ok on a desk)
- The grain and limited viewing angle of the LCD (this is subjective I guess)

 

[j26]

Think about it. There's a $900 difference in price between the base model of each.

You can get a base MacBook Pro, or with the same sort of money you can get

A MacBook
Extra ram (you will probably want more)
An external hard drive to back up, store movies, stash your porn etc
An external monitor
A wireless keyboard and mouse
Possibly even an iPod depending on how you go with the other things.

Unless you really need a good graphics card (most people don't) or some of the other pro features (doesn't sound like you do), you are far better off getting a nice set up like above. Then you can really use it as a desktop replacement.

I'd suggest the 2.0 gig white MacBook as it seems the best value (faster processor, bigger hard drive and cheaper to upgrade the ram).

 

[Rend It]

Updated comparison chart

FWIW, the link above to Apple's comparison chart was for the previous MB/MBP line. The new one is here. Scroll down, and click the "Complete Specs" tab.

Although I'm still trucking along with my AlBook G4 from 3+ years ago, my sister recently switched from a HP notebook to the Macbook (Core 1 Duo) and she loves it! I agree with just about everyone here that the Macbook offers the best bang-for-the-buck. The backlit keyboard on the pro line is definitely cool, but I only rarely use it. The other upgrades that go along with the MBP line (Express Card, FW 800, graphics, etc.) are of very little use to a lot of people. I'm also a little surprised Apple hasn't devised a way to give the Al enclosures better WiFi reception. Maybe they'll start using zirconia in future models.

 

[Apple Corps]

ethan101 - to give a balanced view to the points made by PDE, the Macbook has:

exhibited RSS (Random Shutdown Syndrome)
flickering screens
splits and cracks in the plastic casing
no choice for a matte screen
less screen space
no Firewire 800 port
no ExpresssCard 34 slot


So it has its own set of issues to consider. I have had the 17" MBP, currently have a 15" C2D MBP and will be adding a MB probably within a couple of weeks. I would make the decision based on your USE and not on any quality issues between the two - many people have Excellent 15" C2D MBPs - they are great machines. Choose based on what model will do the work you need done for the minimum $$$$ outlay.

 

[clevin]

much better graphic card in MBP, thats about it. others are all not significant.

 

[nermal0]

I'm using a MB CD right now, and I'm thinking about upgrading to a MBP C2D. I want the bigger screen and the backlit keyboard, but I'm unsure if that is worth the money. Please, anyone who used MB and MBP recently: does the extra screen space really make a difference? Does the backlight really work that well?

I'm thinking of getting an external LCD monitor instead, anyone using that in combination with MB?

 

[YS2003]

It's like a difference between PB and iBook. Both are good at what they are targeted and designed for.
MBP is a better overall machine compared to MB. That is no surprise given the additional features such as a faster chip and dedicated graphic card.
I think MB is for care-free use (like an iBook, which I did not get too concerned about its well-being even though I treated it well nonetheless), while MBP is pro use which requires certain professional courtesy to the machine.
For myself, I don't think I will buy MB and stay with MBP. I learned my lesson with iBook which I bought as on-the-road usage even though I had 2 Al PBs. I just sold it as the consumer grade notebook is not powerful enough for my usage.

 

[PDE]

I'm using a MB CD right now, and I'm thinking about upgrading to a MBP C2D. I want the bigger screen and the backlit keyboard, but I'm unsure if that is worth the money. Please, anyone who used MB and MBP recently: does the extra screen space really make a difference? Does the backlight really work that well?

I'm thinking of getting an external LCD monitor instead, anyone using that in combination with MB?

I think most problems with the first generation macbooks have been taken care of, except for possibly the cracked casing that people are experiencing. As for the display, yes, there is a substantial difference between the two and if you need to work on it as your main display, I would say that it's too small. If you use it together with a large desktop display at home and as a portable for travel and moving around, I think it's great. The macbook pro display is luxuriously large, but that also means that the whole computer feels quite large compared to the macbook.

There are pros and cons with both computers. I think you just need to go with your gut feeling when you've tried them out.

Good luck

 

[Apple Corps]

I'm using a MB CD right now, and I'm thinking about upgrading to a MBP C2D. I want the bigger screen and the backlit keyboard, but I'm unsure if that is worth the money. Please, anyone who used MB and MBP recently: does the extra screen space really make a difference? Does the backlight really work that well?

I'm thinking of getting an external LCD monitor instead, anyone using that in combination with MB?

No one can answer some of your questions other than you - it is a very pesonal choice depending on your applications and eyesight. The backlight is a nice feature and works well from my experience. I drive a new Panasonic AX100U HD projector with it - no problems. I just finished a two hour HD presentation and the MBP C2D actually stayed COOL - VERY IMPRESSED !!!!!

 

[nermal0]

I think most problems with the first generation macbooks have been taken care of, except for possibly the cracked casing that people are experiencing. As for the display, yes, there is a substantial difference between the two and if you need to work on it as your main display, I would say that it's too small. If you use it together with a large desktop display at home and as a portable for travel and moving around, I think it's great. The macbook pro display is luxuriously large, but that also means that the whole computer feels quite large compared to the macbook.

There are pros and cons with both computers. I think you just need to go with your gut feeling when you've tried them out.

Good luck

Thanks mate! I guess you are right, MB with external display is a nice combination for work. As I now have the chance to sell my MB for a good price, I'm just wondering about a MBP upgrade. I tried it out in the Apple Store London a few days ago (now the biggest Apple store in the world, quite nice!) and the MBP keyboard felt a bit cheap. The MBP case is aluminum, but they keyboard is all plastic and feels like that. There is also less tactile feedback as on the MB, and some keys of the demo model in the shop were actually dead (K and E just didn't work). I really love the MB keyboard, it feels excellent. I'm using it since May and I can't really let go of it

Furthermore I'm worried about shocks from static discharge on the MBP because of its metal case. It happened to me on my Thinkpad a lot, I got painfully shocked through the keyboard! The aluminum case also gets noticeable warmer than the MB plastic, I wonder if this gets incomfortable on the wrists after a while.

Still, I'm craving for a bigger display (even when I'm travelling) and that nice backlight... so it's a very hard decision! The feeling in my gut is mixed

 

[coday182]

and you forgot the coolness factor.... how many people have a whilte laptop? lol.