MB or MBP

[Wilcoo]

The most common question I suppose.
Currently have an iBook G4. Had it for 2 1/2 years.
It's sluggish. It's time for an update.

I'm once again debating the MB or MBP.
I mainly do web programming (BBEdit, Web Browser), but use Photoshop and Illustrator occasionally. The graphical programs in particular are sluggish on my current machine. From experience, how do these run on the MB vs MBP. I understand they're not native at this point so it might be hard to tell, but this would be the deciding factor in my purchase.

The main question is can I really justify spending an extra $1000 to have a computer with a better graphics card, while I really don't use it that much!

Suggestions?

 

[xJulianx]

The main question is can I really justify spending an extra $1000 to have a computer with a better graphics card, while I really don't use it that much!

You just answered your own question.

 

[Erendiox]

I'm in the exact spot you are. Have had an iBook G4 for about 2 years. I'm not actively looking for a new computer at the moment, but I know that if I were to jump for another laptop, it would be a Macbook. Definitely. Trust me, you will notice the $1000 you'll save much more than a more powerful graphics card. Photoshop and Illustrator don't even really use the graphics card, come to think of it , so what you're looking for is a better processor if you want faster photoshop/illustrator renders. The macbook and macbook pro have the same kind of processor, the MBP having a slightly faster version, but in general they run with the same blazing dual core speed.

So definitely, macbook is a better bang for the buck.

Cheers

 

[lamina]

I'd go with the black MB with the 160GB hdd option. What a beast that machine is. Nice and small too... I've been itching for one lately, but being unemployed and all kinda stifles things...

 

[Helianthus]

I'd go with the white macbook and upgrade the HDD yourself, or add a huge 500gb-1tb external hdd for the same price as the black.

 

[Naimfan]

You might also consider a refurb MBP--the Apple Store is inundated with them at the moment. There's been PLENTY written about the differences between the MB and the MBP so I'll spare everyone another recitation....

Best,

Bob

 

[suneohair]

I'd go with the white macbook and upgrade the HDD yourself, or add a huge 500gb-1tb external hdd for the same price as the black.

Exactly. Unless you LOVE the black, don't waste your money. And don't waste your money on Apple upgrades, although I think the 2GB is reasonable in the EDU store.