Macbook Pro or Macbook?

[nbdrumrboy]

I have decided that I need a laptop, and the only one I would want would either be the macbook or macbook pro.

As of right now im gonna go with the macbook pro, because just the thought of having an infamous macbook pro would be great, but will the macbook pro be that much better?

Either laptop i get i'm gonna get 4gb of ram. To install it is it a complicated process?

I might upgrade the hard drive as well.

Whether I get the macbook or MBP is it going to make a big difference whether i have a 2ghz processor or 2.4 ghz processor?

My purpose for having the laptop is for recording music and the other basic uses.

Im not a professional or anything.

I want a laptop thats going to last me through college (I'm in 10th grade)
Is it better for me to get the previous generation MCP/MB or the new generation?

Thanks!!!

[AGurlNamedGoo]

Hey - I started a thread on this about a week ago... I think it's called Macbook vs Macbook Pro... if you wanna scroll through. It's in the Hardware section
Some people gave some helpful responses

[baseballboy828]

The MBP will last longer, but I doubt you need the extra power. I'd just go with the MacBook, since it is so much cheaper. RAM is easy to install. You should read this thread for tips on purchasing a new mac.

[Yuiichi]

Installing a new hard drive isn't all that much of a jump from getting the case open to install RAM. Here's a guide for doing that yourself as well.

As for recommendations, would you be buying it right now? If so, I'd probably recommend a MacBook. It's a lot cheaper (as BBB mentioned) and therefore might allow you an upgrade in a couple of years if you need be. I've been using my MB happily for over 1 and a half years in University and it's been a great notebook to have around! That said, you wouldn't be sorry purchasing a MBP either.

[1Trevor1]

macbook pro because the case isn't plastic

[Yuiichi]

Originally Posted by 1Trevor1

macbook pro because the case isn't plastic

Your point being? Having a plastic case really isn't a con to the MacBook.

[1Trevor1]

plastic is less durable and can crack from fatigue, but it does have a look that Apple is known for and the aluminum kinda goes with my iPod touch... so i like both and this isn't really helping anything... but, Pro if you have the money

[philbowell]

Originally Posted by 1Trevor1

plastic is less durable and can crack from fatigue, but it does have a look that Apple is known for and the aluminum kinda goes with my iPod touch... so i like both and this isn't really helping anything... but, Pro if you have the money

No cracks on my 4 year old iBook and it's been through some crap. The MacBook would be fine for this user, I think the MBP would be over kill. The extra money could be used to buy something like an external for backup etc…

[baseballboy828]

Plastic cracks if you hit it hard enough, aluminum dents and scratches are more visible. Metal and plastic are both great case types. Each has their advantages and disadvantages.

[beley]

The differences are minor, but think about this: if you want a 30" display, you have to go with a MBP. MacBook and MacBook Air only support up to 24"

Also, the MBP has dedicated video, not shared. That means videos played on external monitors (sometimes even the display) can skip a little or look distorted on a Macbook, but look awesome on a MacBook Pro.

Will you need the extra computing power? I don't know. My boss has a MacBook Air and he seems to be fine with it, except when trying to do something with video.