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Macbook or Macbook Pro for a "Switcher"?

S

Sounds Good

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jul 8, 2007
1,692
57
Hi guys,

I'm seriously considering getting my first Mac (I've used PCs forever) but I'm having a rough time deciding between the Macbook and the Macbook Pro.

I like the smaller footprint of the MB, but the extra features of the MBP are tempting.

A couple of pertinent facts are that I don't play any hard-core games (Photoshop is the most intensive app I use) and I already have a 20" external monitor.

Any thoughts that can shared to help me decide would be appreciated.

Thanks. :)
 
The MacBook Pro is not that much bigger than the MacBook, and it's less than a pound heavier, so portability is pretty much the same. If you do photoshop on the road a lot, then I'd suggest the MacBook Pro for the bigger screen and matte option alone. You probably won't notice the processor difference, but you probably will notice a RAM difference if you max out both computers. A little more info on how much you travel and what applications you use would help though.
 
iBookG4user said:
The MacBook Pro is not that much bigger than the MacBook, and it's less than a pound heavier, so portability is pretty much the same. If you do photoshop on the road a lot, then I'd suggest the MacBook Pro for the bigger screen and matte option alone. You probably won't notice the processor difference, but you probably will notice a RAM difference if you max out both computers. A little more info on how much you travel and what applications you use would help though.
Click to expand...

it's true that the macbook pro is only 0.3 lbs heavier than the macbook, but the extra inch in length and width make a big difference in terms of portability. the macbook will fit more easily into a backpack, and they feel somewhat more rugged than the macbook pro.

to the op, i also like the small footprint of the macbook. the extra features of the macbook pro won't help you too much, especially since you're not a hardcore gamer. both computers will do photoshop fine, more so since you're going to have an external monitor to go with your purchase. i vote macbook.
 
iBookG4user said:
A little more info on how much you travel and what applications you use would help though.
Click to expand...
I don't travel much at all. I work from home and mostly just move around the house from room to room (I move around a lot within the house). Occasionally I'll work out on the patio in the backyard (it's a covered patio).

Basic apps is all I use. Firefox, Outlook, Excel, Photoshop...

Again, I like the form-factor of the smaller Macbook... but I'm tempted by the "extras" of the MBP. If the MBP came in the same size as the MB, that's probably what I'd get (especially since I've got the external monitor). Unfortunately for me, it only comes in 15.4 or 17".
 
Do you care about good wireless reception? It is either that or the backlit keyboard - a rather tough choice!
 
siurpeeman said:
to the op, i also like the small footprint of the macbook. the extra features of the macbook pro won't help you too much, especially since you're not a hardcore gamer. both computers will do photoshop fine, more so since you're going to have an external monitor to go with your purchase. i vote macbook.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that makes sense... you're probably right. Thanks. :)
 
Sounds Good said:
Oh? How so? What do you mean?
Click to expand...

The MacBook is made from plastic. The MBP is made from aluminum, hence decreasing wireless strength. The tradeoff is that the MBP has a backlit keyboard to make up for the poor wireless reception. (In my view, the poster was trying to be funny)
 
Sounds Good said:
Oh? How so? What do you mean?
Click to expand...

The Wifi reception on the MacBook Pros is not as good as the MacBooks, because of the metal casing. And from what you said earlier, I agree, you should get the MacBook, you probably won't use many of the features of the Pro to make it worthwhile.
 
Sounds Good said:
Oh? How so? What do you mean?
Click to expand...

MBs, being plastic-y, appear to have a somewhat better reception than the MBPs. It is usually not a problem. My PB has worse reception than the MPBs and I am more or less OK even with that. If you have a wireless spot at your place you are covered.

On the other hand, MBPs have the backlit keyboard, which I personally like very much. Plus the FW800 port, plus the Express card slot that can be used to keep a card reader. There is even a 3-rd party bluetooth mouse that can fit into that slot and can be recharged there!

If I were buying a laptop now, I would have gone with the pro. But "your mileage may vary".
 
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