Which should I buy?

[JPS]

I currently have a black MacBook that's coming onto 3 years old, and want to replace it this year--probably before the summer. I'm looking at both 13" MacBooks now available.

Apart from the price and the larger hard drive in one, is there a major difference between the two, or would I be better off with one rather than the other? I primarily use my Mac for word-processing and websurfing/emailing.

[o2xygen]

I assume your talking about both the uni body models.

Go with the 2.0 and then use the extra money to buy and install a new hard drive.

[pr5owner]

I currently have a black MacBook that's coming onto 3 years old, and want to replace it this year--probably before the summer. I'm looking at both 13" MacBooks now available.

Apart from the price and the larger hard drive in one, is there a major difference between the two, or would I be better off with one rather than the other? I primarily use my Mac for word-processing and websurfing/emailing.

if you only word process and surf, any computer can do that now,

why not upgrade your old one and reinstall a fresh copy of osx?

[macDonalds]

if you only word process and surf, any computer can do that now,

why not upgrade your old one and reinstall a fresh copy of osx?

That's what I was thinking. For those tasks he can stick with the current Macbook and just max it out if he hasn't already; easily get another 3 years out of it before upgrading.

[JPS]

My BlackBook is going to my wife, who is graduating from her iBook. I like to get a new machine every three years, so I'm due for one. I have about half my current hard disk filled, so I'm thinking the 2.0 unibody would suit me well. I only use Firewire for backing up via TimeMachine, but I can easily buy another backup disk and use the USB port.

I tend to work on my Mac a solid eight hours a day (I'm a writer), so it gets a lot of use.

I guess the main cosmetic difference is the lighted keyboard. But I don't think it's worth the extra $300.

So I'm guessing you're all suggesting that if I have to get a new machine, it would be the 2.0 unibody.

[cjscrofani]

I would suggest the Aluminum (Uni-body) 2.0GHz Model. For the tasks you're doing you might want to look into the MacBook Air. I've heard you can get the RevA machines pretty cheap.

[JPS]

The Air lacks some elements I've really grown used to with my MacBook, and I'm certainly willing to pay for a 2.0 (especially with my wife's education discount, which is more oe less the same as Amazon's and JR's).

So unless you feel I could benefit from the lighted keyboard or what seems to be a marginally faster processor, I'll probably go for the 2.0.

[aznguyen316]

yeah a 2.0 should be fine for you.