top-grade macbook vs lower-grade macbook pro. help

[cavtma]

I'm in the market to buy a mac and am torn between two computers - the macbook pro, and it's poor-man counterpart. perhaps I am a victim of marketing, but despite seemingly similar similar specs, and alarmingly different prices, I'm leaning towards the pro. Anyone want to talk me down or reinforce my decision?:confused:

Option 1 - MacBook
2.4 ghz
2 GB memory
250gb hard drive
$1,499.0

Option 2 - MacBook pro
2.4 ghz
2 gb memory
250 hard drive @5400 rpm
$2049.0

[techound1]

Rationalize the MBP by buying a refurb and saving hundreds of dollars off of new. :D

[BigPrince]

We need to know how and why you will be using the computer.

[cthomet]

obviously if you will be doing heavy video/image stuff like photoshop go with the pro.

other things to consider, and partially why i will go with the pro (lots aesthetic and not necessarily super important but i want to like the computer i am using). it has backlit keyboard, a thinner bezel, multi touch, aluminum, better battery life (according to apple), better screen (LED, resolution), better speakers, firewire 800.

and hey you get a free touch either way so that brings down the price right? :D

[Let's Sekuhara!]

Yes, it is a common dilemma.

The black MacBook (or white customized with equivalent specs) now gives the lower-end MacBook Pros a run for their money.

What more you get with a Pro is:
- a larger screen
- back-lit keyboard
- express card slot
- more USB & FireWire ports
- option of matte screen
- NVIDIA GeForce graphics processor
- 0.5 hrs more battery life (15" only)
- multi-touch

Are these things important to you?

If not, I would say go with a 2.4 GHz MacBook.

[Alx9876]

Just remember that there's nothing portable about a MBP. Macbooks are more flexible for school or traveling purposes.

For me Macbooks are the way to go because I move around alot but if you want some heavy ass computer to haul around then get the MBP.

[cthomet]

Just remember that there's nothing portable about a MBP. Macbooks are more flexible for school or traveling purposes.

For me Macbooks are the way to go because I move around alot but if you want some heavy ass computer to haul around then get the MBP.

hmm not that much heavier. .4 pounds for the 15inch if i remember correctly. thats like the weight of an apple (the fruit). nothing portable? cmon now

[techound1]

hmm not that much heavier. .4 pounds for the 15inch if i remember correctly. thats like the weight of an apple (the fruit). nothing portable? cmon now

Agreed. Very little difference between schlepping about with a MB or a 15" MBP.

[applgeek]

Consider a refurb macbook pro. obviously, you want a higher end computer, and the macbook has a small screen and crappy graphics card, and it cracks easily. Go for the refurb MBP.

[Chandler Adaway]

Save $500 and get this (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nplm=FB074LL/A) MacBook Pro.

It's in your budget, and you will be SUPER happy. :D