MacBook vs. MacBook Pro?

[StrangeCandy]

I'm thinking of getting either a MacBook or MacBook Pro to replace my outdated laptop and previously demised PC. As a university student the biggest importance is portability so an iMac is out of the question. I am not into gaming or editing (with the exception of flash games, The Sims and the odd photo cropping). Main functions will be music/movie downloading & burning, text based applications and web browsing. As much as I would love a bigger screen, battery life and functionality are the major influences versus overall cost, and since I am a student cost is a huge factor in the decision.

In an honest opinion, will I be just as satisfied with a MacBook for the price I will pay over a MacBook Pro for what I will end up using it for?

[Yuiichi]

Welcome to the TAB forums, strangecandy! Hope you enjoy your stay!

As a student with a MacBook, I couldn't possibly recommend this little notebook more. The form factor, weight, and price all lend to this being one of the best student machines out there. Battery life might be a little bit of a concern - I usually get around 3 hours with my battery after over a year, which is enough for me. Your milage may vary though.

As for the MacBook Pro, I don't really think I could justify the extra cost and weight in your position. MBPs are nice, for sure, but if you aren't going to be using the power that comes with such a premium notebook, what's the sense in getting one?

Remember - you get a fantastic student discount from Apple, which really helps with the price!

Hope this helps, and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

[Shpigford]

Welcome to TAB StrangeCandy!

For your uses, I'd suggest going with a MacBook. If having a bigger screen is a major hesitation for you, you can always just by a monitor and hook it up to your MacBook whenever you're at your desk.

[baseballboy828]

MacBook. Apple did a nice job placing the notebooks in their correct markets. The plain MacBook is great for consumers. The MBP is great for pros and serious amateurs in the photo, video, music, gaming, and other intensive computing fields. You will be happy with the MacBook. Take all the extra dough and buy an external monitor, a hard drive to back up to, an extra battery, and any other accessories you want.

[CreativeGuy]

I chose the MBPro 15" as a second machine, for screen size, backlit keys, power and larger hard drive. But in your shoes, doing what you say you're going to do with it, I would definitely get the middle of the road MacBook. It's more than enough for you.

[x19]

The difference between the two boils down to two things:

1. Bigger Screen
2. Graphics Card

If you are going to be doing Video Editing, a lot of Photoshop, or Gaming then go for the Pro, Else the MacBook will suit you just fine. Put that $700 to use on something else.

[docartemis]

Has the problem with interfacing the MacBook with audiovisual equipment when one needs to do a KeyNote presentation been fixed? If not, this might be something else to consider.

[x19]

Originally Posted by docartemis

Has the problem with interfacing the MacBook with audiovisual equipment when one needs to do a KeyNote presentation been fixed? If not, this might be something else to consider.

What problem are you referring to? All 200 teachers in my middle schools have MacBooks that they use with projectors all the time. The only time we have a problem is when an outside speaker comes in with some PC notebook and has no idea how to change the source....being that every OEM seems to do it differently

[houltmac]

Originally Posted by x19

The difference between the two boils down to two things:

1. Bigger Screen
2. Graphics Card

While I essentially agree with you, there are a couple of other things which many people would need to consider, though granted they do depend on the individual user. Firstly the weight, which can be an issue if like me you literally never have your machine more than 10 feet from you. Secondly can be summed up as connectivity. FW800 can make a difference to some people (although most are happy with FW400) and of course the ExpressCard slot. More and more people are supposedly "requiring" ubiquitous wireless networking and this can be a real deal-breaker.

As I said, I essentially agree with you, but these two secondary points are becoming a larger and larger factor in peoples decision making process'.

[x19]

Originally Posted by houltmac

While I essentially agree with you, there are a couple of other things which many people would need to consider, though granted they do depend on the individual user. Firstly the weight, which can be an issue if like me you literally never have your machine more than 10 feet from you. Secondly can be summed up as connectivity. FW800 can make a difference to some people (although most are happy with FW400) and of course the ExpressCard slot. More and more people are supposedly "requiring" ubiquitous wireless networking and this can be a real deal-breaker.

Definitely good points, my reluctance to the Air is the lack of FW (let alone 800) and whats attacking me to their air is the weight.