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Macbook V. Macbook Pro (Article)

jon4lakers said:
This is very interesting to anyone thinking about buying a laptop for video editing.

Hope it helps.


Im not sure I see a reason to buy a MBP anymore...

http://creativemac.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=43717
Click to expand...

There are some reasons for wanting a MBP instead of a MB:

1- You can play some more graphic intensive games
2- If you want a bigger screen
3- Can handle more RAM

Aside from that, the MBP has some extra features like backlight in the keyboard or some may like the aluminum case.

But I do agree, the MB is an excellent option for most users.
 
I was umming and aahing for a while about MB vs. MBP, and as I type this to you from the comfort of my BlackBook, I can safely say I made the right call.

Some people need the Pro, but I'd say most don't. This thing is more than capable of anything I've thrown at it, including some pretty hefty audio stuff.
 
Jarcrew said:
I was umming and aahing for a while about MB vs. MBP, and as I type this to you from the comfort of my BlackBook, I can safely say I made the right call.

Some people need the Pro, but I'd say most don't. This thing is more than capable of anything I've thrown at it, including some pretty hefty audio stuff.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that, Im deciding to between a Blackbook (2gb RAM) or MBP. I just wanted to make sure I could run Final Cut Express on the MB, this article put that 2 rest.

Have you used FC Exp?
 
jon4lakers said:
Thanks for that, Im deciding to between a Blackbook (2gb RAM) or MBP. I just wanted to make sure I could run Final Cut Express on the MB, this article put that 2 rest.

Have you used FC Exp?
Click to expand...
I have, but not on my own personal MacBook. It runs fine, my only recommendation would be to really max out the RAM.
 
interesting article, but didn't the macbook get bumped to 2.0ghz after the C2D upgrade? i could have sworn it maxed out at 1.83 with the original CD
 
I don't know. I think they are both fine, but each has its own problems and weaknesses, both performance wise and design wise:

MBP/pros: backlit keyboard, speakers, larger display, graphics chip, arguably the metal case, doesn't scratch as easy, feels good in your hands

MBP/cons: worse battery life, worse wireless range, latch design, easily dented case, grainy display if it bothers you, hard to change the hard drive by yourself.

Macbook /pros: compact design, magnet closing mechanism, crisper display, better wireless and battery, plastic case is arguable more durable/travel-friendly, a little lighter (esp.with adapter size), easily swapped hard drive

Macbook /cons: graphics, scratches or smudges when you breathe on them, easily cracked palmrest because of the great closing mechanism, smaller display, I've had multiple units with creaking hinges because of sloppy assembly, loud fan, sharp edges


hard to say, but performance wise for everything but 3D they're similar machines. Design-wise, it's your pick which issues you mind the least...
 
PDE said:
Macbook /cons: graphics, scratches or smudges when you breathe on them, easily cracked palmrest because of the great closing mechanism, smaller display, I've had multiple units with creaking hinges because of sloppy assembly, loud fan, sharp edges
Click to expand...

The cons here are a bit funny/hokey, as all of this is documented on these boards yet not everyone has experienced these issues.

The only thing in your cons list that I've actually experienced is the scratches/smudges. The graphics card isn't a con if you're not gaming. I'm not seeing any cracks on my palmrest (and I don't think this is a widespread problem). And why should the small display be a con, when the notebook was designed to be small?? No hinge problems here, no loud fan, and the sharp edges are a slight nuisance.

Almost all of that is highly subjective. The article that the OP mentions was specific in comparing the two systems when editing video, no? Comparing these two without having a specific target in mind is akin to comparing apples and oranges.
 
unixfool said:
The cons here are a bit funny/hokey, as all of this is documented on these boards yet not everyone has experienced these issues.

The only thing in your cons list that I've actually experienced is the scratches/smudges. The graphics card isn't a con if you're not gaming. I'm not seeing any cracks on my palmrest (and I don't think this is a widespread problem). And why should the small display be a con, when the notebook was designed to be small?? No hinge problems here, no loud fan, and the sharp edges are a slight nuisance.

Almost all of that is highly subjective. The article that the OP mentions was specific in comparing the two systems when editing video, no? Comparing these two without having a specific target in mind is akin to comparing apples and oranges.
Click to expand...


yeah, you're probably right. I was just trying to compare the two in general. Of course it's directly related to what one needs and prefers. I'm just bitter because almost all the macbooks and macbook pros I've had have had some annoying issue - I'd love to go back to my old powerbook G4 1.67 but am no spoiled being able to run some windows programs on the intel machines - can't go back, but long for Apple to once again make the user the focus of their design efforts - plus better quality control of course.
 
PDE said:
Macbook /cons: I've had multiple units with creaking hinges because of sloppy assembly...
Click to expand...

I love my MacBook and I'm really glad I purchased it instead of a MBP. It takes everything I throw at it and more, but my hinges do squeak quite a bit. Did you happen to find a solution for this? A drop of silicon lubricant perhaps?
 
BlackMax said:
I love my MacBook and I'm really glad I purchased it instead of a MBP. It takes everything I throw at it and more, but my hinges do squeak quite a bit. Did you happen to find a solution for this? A drop of silicon lubricant perhaps?
Click to expand...


My experience with the macbooks I'v ahd is that there can be several causes to the squeakiness, but that it's usually not the actual hinge itself. The culprit there is very little space between the display hinge cover and the main unit - any flexing of the computer can lead to squeaking because the two plastic parts rub together. I think the only way to resolve is to open it up and re-assemble in proper way so that there is enough clearance. You might also try loosening or tightening the screws in the back nearest the hinge because they affect the plastic around there and might just move it enough to eliminate the friction. I'm pretty confidence it's not the actual hinge though...

The other issue I've just come across is that the corner of the display brushes against the main unit when just when you start opening the display, causing a popping and very unpleasant sound. This has to do with the displya being misaligned so that there is not enough clearance between the bottom corner edge of the display and the back of the macbook where the speakers are. This also needs some kind of re-alignment internally. I tried loosening and tightening the screws in the back but both made it sounds worse.

That's all I know...good luck
 
Roco said:
There are some reasons for wanting a MBP instead of a MB:

<snip>
3- Can handle more RAM
</snip>
Click to expand...

Are you sure about that? I have read in a number of places that the Macbook can support 3Gb of RAM, the same as the Macbook Pro can. For instance,

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/3593622/

Admittedly there may be a slight performance hit under certain circumstances when using unmatched sticks, but for certain uses 3Gb can be better than 2Gb. As for reasons to buy a Macbook over a Macbook Pro...

1. Cost (there's a fairly big price difference, even between the mid-spec Macbook and the bottom spec Macbook Pro)
2. Size if (like me) you aren't too bothered about the larger screen (although the weight difference is not so great)
3. Erm... I'm sure there's more... :D

Alec
 
AlecEdworthy said:
As for reasons to buy a Macbook over a Macbook Pro...

3. Erm... I'm sure there's more... :D

Alec
Click to expand...

3. a lot of people are turned off by the macbook pro's aging design. not everybody wants to have a silver-colored laptop, especially when macbook pros/powerbooks have looked like this for several several years.

4. despite the lack of backlighting, some people do prefer the feel of the macbook keyboard over that of the macbook pro.
 
siurpeeman said:
3. a lot of people are turned off by the macbook pro's aging design. not everybody wants to have a silver-colored laptop, especially when macbook pros/powerbooks have looked like this for several several years.

4. despite the lack of backlighting, some people do prefer the feel of the macbook keyboard over that of the macbook pro.
Click to expand...
The MBP does indeed need a redesign, nothing too dramatic - just similar to what the MacBook got over the iBook.

I think a metal enclosure could still work, as I think it's mostly the design of the thing that's getting a little dated.
 
I wish Apple would build on what they have that works instead of always trying to completely redesign things. I like new design like anybody else, but with every new type of apple laptop there are so many issues to sort out and that takes time. why can't apple be better at making smooth upgrades of its hardware?

Even if I don't like the sceen and I don't like how sensitive it is (dents, bulging ets), I still think the macbook pros are the nicest looking laptops out there today = that's amazing given how many years other companies have had to catch up!

The only thing I think would be nicer than the current MBPs would be a macbook in a strong/more durable metal material without the sharp edges and with good graphics card, better sounds than the current macbooks etc
 
I agree, the "aging" design of the MacBook Pro is the main reason why I'm soemwhat reluctant to go for it (I have a 17" PB right now), as well as it's tendency to dent.

It's not that I don't mind the design; in fact, I still admire it. It's just that I don't want to be stuck with an old design right before a drastically different design comes out (like iBook-->MacBook).


What do you guys think about this summer? For back-to-school season? Leopard's delay has already started to mess me up. Think Apple will pull any other tricks out of the hat (newer models)? I hope so for my sake (and others)...
 
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