Yet another Macbook vs. Macbook Pro thread...

[phnord]

Hello,

So I've seen a number of threads of people asking whether they should go Pro or not. However, none have addressed my specific concerns.

First of all, I'd like to know all of the things that are actually different between them. I know the Pro has a larger screen, and that it has a better graphics card. However, I was wondering about other possible differences, such as the inclusion of Multi-Track Touchpads and Webcams.

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The other part of my question is if a MacBook could handle what I'm looking for. I'm a Berklee student and my 4-year old Powerbook isn't quite cutting it anymore in terms of the sort of intensive audio-work I'm looking to do. Additionally, I would like to be able to run PC games on my laptop via Parallel and whatnot, but this isn't a dealbreaker for me.

So for audio-intensive purposes, will the MacBook cut it? And will it be able to run modern PC games, such as the Orange Box for example?

[houltmac]

Well, that is a question that could take a while to answer. Firstly the second part I guess. A MacBook can play modern games, and it can run VM software, however it all depends what kind of games and settings you are used to. Modern PC "gamers' games" (first person shooters) won't run well on a MacBook because of the graphics issue. Outside of that, the MacBook is one fine machine.

I don't do any audio work really, but I can't think of anything the MacBook Pro would hold over the MacBook for these purposes. I guess the ExpressCard/34 slot may be of some use, if there are audio gear ExpressCard/34 cards out there now. I doubt you would care about that much though unless you needed more FireWire ports.

Differences between the MacBook and MacBook Pro currently include:

• Size and weight
• Slightly less power requirements for the MB
• Mini-DVI (MB) vs. standard, full-size DVI (MBP)
• FireWire 800 on the MBP
• ExpressCard/34 slot on MBP
• Multi-touch on MBP
• Enviromental considerations (MBP is better for recycling etc.)
• Choice of display types (glossy or matte) on MBP
• Option to run larger than 23" display on MBP (ask if unsure about this, not an entirely true statement)
• Graphics card on MBP with dedicated memory etc.
• Option of faster processor on MBP
• Larger hard drives as standard on MBP (though can be upgraded on MB)
• SuperDrives as standard on MBP (though can be upgraded on MB)
• Better battery life on MBP
• Display adapter as standard on MBP
• Different keyboards (personal choice)
• Backlit keyboard on MBP (more useful than it sounds) with Ambient light sensor
• Aluminum casing on MBP, plastic on MB
• Better resale value on the MBP (in my experience)
• Cheaper AppleCare for MB
• "User serviceable" hard drive on MB (both have "user serviceable" RAM)
• Both have iSight cameras, mics etc. - mentioned because it was mentioned in the question
• Price for the unit!

Of course, you could tell all this from the specs page on Apple's website. If I have forgotten anything, let me know.

[notabadname]

For The Orange Box, "YouGamers" reviewed minimum system requirements to run that game includes an ATI Radeon 9800 Pro with 128MB, and their "recommended" system requirements includes an NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT 256MB. So the MBP's NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT would of course run that with no problem. Without a dedicated graphics card, I would not expect much at all for gaming. So if that really is important, your decision (IMO) is pretty simple.

[halogan]

Sure there are a lot of differences, but these may be important for you:

1) The weight difference is not that significant. The Macbook is like 2.26 kg and the MBP is around 2.45. It's more of a size difference. MacBook is pretty heavy for its size.

2) Illuminated keyboard - if you write your essays at night.

3) Easily replaceable HDD on MB. MBP makes it very difficult to replace its HDD, whereas on the MB it's simple.

4) MBP has an ExpressCard slot - way to go if you have a 3G modem or so.

5) If you're about to do some serious data transfer, FW800 may be good for you. Only the MacBook Pro has it.

6) MBP has a DVI output connector with a VGA adapter in the box. MB has only miniDVI, so you need to buy an adapter.

7) MBP is sexier, think of the women

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AND, last but not least - both of these laptops are expected to be upgraded (not updated) in/by September. So I'd wait.

[Yuiichi]

Since you mentioned the Orange Box, I'd like to point out that games made by Valve (such as the ones in the OB) are very flexible in terms of system requirements. Also, the Source engine that these games use is much more dependent on your processor rather than your GPU. However, without some serious tweaks, I wouldn't expect these kinds of games to run very well on the MacBook.

[Sunshine_ftw]

7) MBP is sexier, think of the women

Apologies for taking this off topic, but I have to admit I found this statement absolutely hilarious! XD Thanks for a laugh, Halogan.

[baseballboy828]

What type of audio do you plan to process? What application(s) do you plan to do that with?