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mikelong622

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 29, 2006
435
3
St. Paul, Minnesota
I think I am going to sell my 1.83 Core Duo, 1 gig ram MBP and buy a 2.16 2 gig Blackbook. Anyone advise against this? I want something a little bit more portable. Currently I use my MBP to do graphic design work (I'm a student) running CS3, and the occasional game the Sims or Call of Duty.
 
Now, I'm not sure which graphics chip the 1.83 ghz macbook pro came with, but as you probably know the 2.16 ghz macbook's graphics chip is fairly weak. To be fair with you, 1.83 ghz is still fairly quick, it's the graphics chip you should be looking at, especially as you play the odd games which are quite demanding and of course your GRAPHICS work. Also, your going down 3.7" with the screen when you buy a macbook. Anyway, I've got to sign off now so, I probably won't take place in the discussion, but remember don't buy your Macbook NOW! Apparently, to a moderator in the forums, a spy source has said a new macbook is set to be released synchronised or near with the release of Leopard, the new operating system. It is only rumours at the moment, but the macbook may have a larger processor and a better graphics card. Better for you to wait probably! Also, before I go, don't try asking any Apple Store employee as they said that, 'We don't know when, my collegue may put up the board for a new macbook overnight tonight!' Anyway I hope you get what you want, and I'll see you at a local apple store soon probably, when we come to buy our macbooks!
 
Yeah I'm definitely not buying anything until the end of this year. But just the thought of opening up that brand new box gets me feeling all warm and tingly inside. I have the NVIDIA Geoforce graphics card in the 1.83. And it's a pretty steep downgrade to the Intel graphics in the Macbooks I'm sure. I suppose just buying Leopard will be almost the same as getting a new computer. I'm sure the second I boot that puppy up I'll be thinking, "What Macbook?"

Basically all I'm wondering is if the change in graphics card is going to make a huge difference on CS3 and the occasional game.
 
I did the exact same thing. I "downgraded" from a MacBook Pro 1.83 GHz Core Duo to a MacBook 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo. I don't have any regrets. The form factor of the MacBook is a better fit for me, and even though my MacBook is faster than my MacBook Pro was, it runs cooler. When I'm at a desk (which is often), I run a 24" monitor off the MacBook, so the smaller screen size has never really been a problem.

Also, the ease with which the MacBook can be upgraded allowed me to install a 250GB hard drive without any problems. I wouldn't have bothered attempting it on a MacBook Pro.
 
Ah such a tough decision. I really do like the way the black ones look compared to my MBP. Granted, I love my MBP. Just...sorta want something new. Haha.

I guess I'll need to go take a trip the the Mall and play around with some. I'm sure that'd help me make up my mind.
 
if the blackbook your buying is the new core2duo version it will run circles round your macbook pro and also run longer and cooler.
 
Not only is it a Core2Duo, but it will have a gig more ram than mine currently has. I think I've pretty much made up my mind, but that could likely change within the next 4 or 5 minutes. I'm too indecisive. But hey, when you're about to spend $1,500.00 dollars what's wrong with a little contemplating?
 
Not only is it a Core2Duo, but it will have a gig more ram than mine currently has. I think I've pretty much made up my mind, but that could likely change within the next 4 or 5 minutes. I'm too indecisive. But hey, when you're about to spend $1,500.00 dollars what's wrong with a little contemplating?

While you'll experience a real performance boost when using the Desktop environment, you'll suffer a major hit when it comes to games. The lack of a dedicated graphics chipset in the MacBook is a severely limiting factor in this area. Just be ready to experience a 75% drop (estimated) in gaming performance.

But if you're spending 95% of your time on the desktop and only 5% playing games, this will be a fair tradeoff.
 
But hey, when you're about to spend $1,500.00 dollars what's wrong with a little contemplating?

Nothing at all. :)

I own a 17" SR MBP and a black MacBook (2.16GHz), and I honestly can't decide which one I like best. I love the lighter weight and easier portability of the MacBook, especially when flying from coast to coast, but then again I strongly prefer the higher screen resolution and matte finish of the MBP display.

For general use, I almost always find myself reaching for the MB, but for anything audio-, video-, or photo-related, I feel cramped by the low screen resolution and comparatively poor sound.
 
Yeah I'm pretty sure that the screen size/resolution is going to be the major drawback in this decision. I mean, I am constantly using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign so having limited screen space to move stuff around and edit photos and layouts might be a factor.
 
All of the Creative Suite is going to suffer alot on the macbook.

Unless anyone runs these regularly on theirs?

but I've heard nothing but bad things as far as graphics work on mb's
 
All of the Creative Suite is going to suffer alot on the macbook.

Unless anyone runs these regularly on theirs?

but I've heard nothing but bad things as far as graphics work on mb's

I though CS3 was CPU bound, not GPU bound.

So a faster more up-to-date CPU along with more memory will help boost performance.

---

As far as cramped desktop space, there is always the cheap LCD, keyboard, and mouse option for those times you sit at the desk and do a lot of work.
 
All of the Creative Suite is going to suffer alot on the macbook.

I've never had any problems/complaints with the CS3 apps themselves on the MacBook; they seem quick and responsive. It's just the screen real estate that really becomes an issue. I also don't like audio on the MacBook, because the speakers are buried in there and just don't get nearly loud enough.

What I would really like to see is a MacBook with 1440x900 resolution on the 13" screen. Still not great for graphics/video, but much nicer than the current MB resolution. A good compromise between form factor and real estate.
 
Yeah I play those once in a while, but the games aren't really the concern, it's more about being able to run CS3 effeciently. If it runs well, hell, I'll put my MBP up for sale tonight.
 
Yeah I play those once in a while, but the games aren't really the concern, it's more about being able to run CS3 effeciently. If it runs well, hell, I'll put my MBP up for sale tonight.

It runs very well, just as long as the cramped screen resolution doesn't bother you too much.
 
This is good to know. I've been contemplating a MacBook (can't really afford a pro) and my primary use will be PSCS3. I have an iMac for any serious work (well, serious for me, that is :) ), I'll mainly use the MacBook for digital scrapbooking, browsing and using Adium when I want to sit in the chair with my feet in front of the fire instead of in the hard chair at my desk. I am going to wait to see what Leopard brings at least, but it's good to know that I can expect PSCS3 to perform well on a MacBook.
 
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