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*Every* difference between similarly spec'd MB and MBP?

hayduke

hayduke

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Mar 8, 2005
1,177
2
is a state of mind.
With the recent re-design I'm really conflicted between the MB and the MBP. If you spec them out very similarly (for the sake of a fair comparison) you can find a ~$500 dollar difference (Educational Prices). I'm not conflicted by the price per se, I would normally just buy the MBP, but I really like the idea of a slightly smaller machine and I'm not a big fan the MBA. In the past, however, the MBP stood apart from the MB even more (I think...).

$1589 -- 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo – 2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM – 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm

$2099 -- 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo – 2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM – 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm

What are *all* of the differences? Can we compile a list? Some of the differences may be subtle. For example, on the old 12" PB couldn't swap out the battery while asleep, but you could on the >15" models. I always found this very handy when flying.

Here is what I know is different (some are *very* obvious):

Weight (13" is lighter, 4.5lb vs. 5.5lb)
Screen size and resolution (13" vs. 15", 1280x800 vs. 1440x900)
Graphics Card (no 9600M in 13")
Speaker Grill (none on 13")
Processor speed (can be higher in the 15")
L2 Cache (3MB as spec'd above, but up to 6MB in 15" possible)
Ports (FW800 on PB)

What else?
 
Eidorian said:
So what's wrong with using the Compare button in the Apple Store again?
Click to expand...

Nothing. That is were I got most of the information I listed, but that chart does not list *every* difference. As the machines are in the wild more people will find additional unadvertised differences. I'd like to know what they are so I can make an even more well informed purchase decision. I'm not a fan of restocking fees.
 
hayduke said:
Nothing. That is were I got most of the information I listed, but that chart does not list *every* difference. As the machines are in the wild more people will find additional unadvertised differences. I'd like to know what they are so I can make an even more well informed purchase decision. I'm not a fan of restocking fees.
Click to expand...
You need to come to MacRumors to make an informed purchase when Apple lists the complete listing of options and peripherals on their website? Not to mention they offer PDF downloads of the owner's manuals from their support site?
 
Eidorian said:
You need to come to MacRumors to make an informed purchase when Apple lists the complete listing of options and peripherals on their website? Not to mention they offer PDF downloads of the owner's manuals from their support site?
Click to expand...

You find it necessary to be condescending towards a person who seeks information in a supposed community forum?
 
gibbz said:
You find it necessary to be condescending towards a person who seeks information in a supposed community forum?
Click to expand...
Actually my next suggestion is to check out the MacRumors Guide on the subject. If they really want to be helpful they should aid in the maintenance of the article. I've made a few guides of my own. ;)

The majority of the questions that I have answered lately involve linking the user back to Apple's website where they clearly list the specifications or options.
 
one thing i didn't see in the " compare chart" at apple.com is the description of the LCD screen used on both MB and MBP, obviously the MBP is superior than the MB as pointed out by hands on comparison made by some forum members
 
hayduke said:
Just thought of another difference...

Backlit keyboard (on MBP, not MB).
Click to expand...
Actually Apple lists this on their comparison tab. They even make mention that it's only on the $1,599 MacBook. ;)
 

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It sounds like the *only* differences are those stated and there are no hidden or uncommonly recognized differences. Okay. Thanks for all the help. If anyone learns of other differences I would still appreciate hearing. If you otherwise find this thread a waste of space/time then please disregard.
 
hayduke said:
With the recent re-design I'm really conflicted between the MB and the MBP. If you spec them out very similarly (for the sake of a fair comparison) you can find a ~$500 dollar difference (Educational Prices). I'm not conflicted by the price per se, I would normally just buy the MBP, but I really like the idea of a slightly smaller machine and I'm not a big fan the MBA. In the past, however, the MBP stood apart from the MB even more (I think...).

$1589 -- 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo – 2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM – 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm

$2099 -- 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo – 2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM – 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm

What are *all* of the differences? Can we compile a list? Some of the differences may be subtle. For example, on the old 12" PB couldn't swap out the battery while asleep, but you could on the >15" models. I always found this very handy when flying.

Here is what I know is different (some are *very* obvious):

Weight (13" is lighter, 4.5lb vs. 5.5lb)
Screen size and resolution (13" vs. 15", 1280x800 vs. 1440x900)
Graphics Card (no 9600M in 13")
Speaker Grill (none on 13")
Processor speed (can be higher in the 15")
L2 Cache (3MB as spec'd above, but up to 6MB in 15" possible)
Ports (FW800 on PB)

What else?
Click to expand...

I think you already got em all
 
I believe the MBP still has better blacks and viewing angles. I dunno if it's just placebo effects, but seems like Apple still put a better screen in the MBP.
 
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