That's something for you to decide in the end. You haven't even told us what you're going to do with the computer. Out of the blue I'm going to suggest the 17" MacBook Pro. But I don't even know if you're asking for yourself...
Oh, I know this one! 1. Can't afford an MBP (<-- most likely) 2. You don't need the extra performance 3. You have an aversion to brushed aluminum 4. MBP is too big for you
There are six pages of responses in this thread: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=354287&highlight=macbook+over
once again heatmiser is responsible for the most pertinent post I will take this time to say why i chose a blackbook over a mbp. I'm not a gamer.
Pricing would be a major issue for some, but if you do not need the dedicated graphics and larger screen of the MBP, the MacBook will suit your needs. The MBP also happens to be the only laptop alternative for those who dislike a glossy screen.
Well being a student, I went for the MacBook, 2.4ghz with 4GB's of RAM! I think it's an AWESOME machine, it's actually not that big and the brushed aluminum just looks really good, and not forgetting the BACKLIT keyboard
I would say its all about what your going to use it for. If it's just the basic's than you might want to go for something cheaper(MB) unless you want the extra screen space. But if you need the extra power then go with the MBP, then you need to decide what screen size you'll need. Let me say that the new macbooks really catch my eye, but i need the non intergraded graphics. Anyone is going to be AWESOME
This is what I hate about the macbook. At the time I bought it, size of screen was the main concern over power. Now I wish there was a macbook pro option with a 13 inch screen when I was in the market. I would have gone that route.
MacBook 1. Color choices 2. Keyboard is better 3. Different material (I don't like aluminum) 4. Price
For the record, can anybody describe how their Macbook performs when using Adobe CS3 (PS, In Design, Dreamweaver, Flash, Illustrator)? Because I'm having the same problem. I'll be buying a notebook after Macworld, but a MBP will likely wipe me out, and I'm on a tight budget! Glossy screens bug me though. Grr... decisions. I can always do my freelance stuff on my C2D iMac, but I'd like to have the power to do work on both. Input?
I do CS3 work on a MBP, and going from 2GB of Ram to 4GB seemed to speed up CS3 quite a bit...so they're pretty much dependent on CPU and RAM, which the Macbook is quite up-to-par with. However, having used a Macbook before I simply cannot abide the screen, it's just too washed-out for me. So if you're planning on doing serious, professional design work, I'd suggest taking the plunge for the MBP...if it's just for home use, a Macbook will be fine. Then again, if you have a C2D iMac at home, you could always get the Macbook for doing whatever work you can abroad, and color-correcting at home on the iMac.
I should throw in that I got the 2.2 SR Macbook white and I think its dreamy. My brother-in-law brought over his laptop, an HP something for me to look at and it has a glossy screen. I had the machines sitting side-by-side reflecting a french door to the outside behind our seats and his glossy screen was somewhat difficult to see while the macbook's screen wasn't affected hardly at all. I think glossy screens have improved some, and I like it better than my old thinkpad's matte screen to tell the truth.
Why I bought an 2.0ghz SR MB rather than MBP: 1. Price 2. I don't need the additional 3D performance 3. I can upgrade the HD in the MB without voiding the warranty 4. Battery life 5. Wi-Fi reception Things I will miss by not having a Pro: 1. Larger, higher resolution and higher quality display 2. Thinner 3. FW800 4. Card slot I am going to give the display a few months. If I find I can't work with the MB display (I do a lot of photo previewing and quick edits) then I'll probably step up to the Pro. But I would really rather spend the difference between the two on lenses.
Does anyone do video editing work in iMovie or QTPro on the MB? I was thinking MBP was needed, but (assuming 4GB) would the MB suit? SD vs. HD video?
To bad I only agree with you on number four The Macbook Pros could come down a few hundred $. Apple just likes to have more of our money because they know we will pay it :/
Good machins When it was time to upgrade from my much loved 12" PowerBook, I bought a Black MacBook. I like the form factor much better than the MBPs. I am a serious amateur photographer ( D3 Nikon on the way!) and I have always used a calibrated, ACD for photo work. The laptops are just for storing and viewing on site. I do not do serious graphics, so I have not missed the dedicated graphics card; Aperture works great with my BlackBook. In the end however, it all comes down to what YOU need/want/can afford. Either way you will be happy with your new Mac.