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MacBook vs. MacBook Pro

O

OMAN9520

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 14, 2008
12
0
I'm a student who has previously used PCs, my old computer has died and after using other people's Macs, is ready to switch over.

The problem is I can't decide between the MacBook and MacBook Pro. The computer doesn't have to be extremely portable as I am not going to be doing a lot of traveling, but i would like to be able to take it around the house. I will be using the internet A LOT and doing a lot of typing papers with it as well as watching a lot of videos. Although i have not yet done any, I would like to get into video editing as well. Lastly, I am a fan of big screens and price is a moderate concern.

I would like the computer to be new, not used, and I would like to keep it for about 3 years.

Karl Blingmpton
 
Umm, entry level Macbook Pro if you can afford it, if not a Macbook
 
OMAN9520 said:
I'm a student who has previously used PCs, my old computer has died and after using other people's Macs, is ready to switch over.

The problem is I can't decide between the MacBook and MacBook Pro. The computer doesn't have to be extremely portable as I am not going to be doing a lot of traveling, but i would like to be able to take it around the house. I will be using the internet A LOT and doing a lot of typing papers with it as well as watching a lot of videos. Although i have not yet done any, I would like to get into video editing as well. Lastly, I am a fan of big screens and price is a moderate concern.

I would like the computer to be new, not used, and I would like to keep it for about 3 years.

Karl Blingmpton
Click to expand...

If you just want basic computing, and smaller laptop, get a macbook. If you want to do video editing, or want a big screen, get a MBP. If price is a moderate concern, get a macbook pro.
 
I think it depends on what kind of video editing you want to do. If it's just like home videos w/ iMovie, then from what you described I think a BlackBook should be fine, but if you want to do more professional stuff with Final Cut, you will probably need a MBP because the graphics on a MB won't work well with FCE or FCP.
 
like every one else said, depends on how much video editing you want to do. my macbook can do video editing, but i don't do anything extremely intensive. if a larger display is a must, than a pro is good for you. if you can handle the 13.3" inch than get a macbook and max out the ram and get the biggest hdd you can
 
I'm going to be using it for action sports type of stuff if that makes a difference.

Is the middle MacBook Pro any faster than the MacBooks?

Also what will the rumored penryn processor do in terms of performance?
 
Ye I do need it as soon as it comes out, I am currently using a library computer.

Will the bugs be that big of a deal?
 
why does it have to be new?
you can save yourself alot of money by going to a Apple refurb. off the website. it'll be just the same only in a brown box, with the same or less chance of having a problem as a new one.
 
Karl, it sounds like the regular MacBook will NOT be to your total satisfaction. I'm also a fan of big screens, and the small screen (and, more importantly, low 1280x800 resolution) of the MacBook is the number-one turn-off for me. I use a high-res (1920x1200) 17" MacBook Pro. Based on what you said, you would probably love this model---but if price is a concern, it may not be for you because it's one of the most expensive notebooks on the planet. As for portability, the MacBook Pros are still quite portable, although definitely not as portable as the MacBooks.

Based on your original post, it sounds like the "low-end" 15" MacBook Pro would be your best bet. (Don't let the words "low-end" put you off of the entry-level model, because it's still a top-shelf notebook.)
 
Thanks a lot guys, whats the difference between glossy and matte, do you think the price will be the same after the update?
 
OMAN9520 said:
Thanks a lot guys, whats the difference between glossy and matte, do you think the price will be the same after the update?
Click to expand...

glossy the screen has a shiny coating that reflects light really bad

matte the screen is not shiny and does not reflect light (better imho)

price? no

apple usually sticks to its current prices
 
which one is like the screen on the MacBook? Does the Matte Screen have that sort of glass surface like the MacBook's?
 
OMAN9520 said:
which one is like the screen on the MacBook? Does the Matte Screen have that sort of glass surface like the MacBook's?
Click to expand...

Macbooks are glossy. All laptops have glass screens; the coating is what makes it either glossy (if present) or matte (if not).
 
MBB vs MBP

I didn't feel the need to start a new thread for this question since the OP title fits the question I have. So, sorry if it comes off as me taking over your thread, that is the least of my intentions.

What is the difference between a MB Black and the current model of a MBP? I know that the video/graphics is a little better on the MBP, but what else? I plan on adding more RAM to the MB Black if that is what I get. Thanks.
 
matthew$ said:
I didn't feel the need to start a new thread for this question since the OP title fits the question I have. So, sorry if it comes off as me taking over your thread, that is the least of my intentions.

What is the difference between a MB Black and the current model of a MBP? I know that the video/graphics is a little better on the MBP, but what else? I plan on adding more RAM to the MB Black if that is what I get. Thanks.
Click to expand...

The black is just the upper MB model in black, thats it.
 
matthew$ said:
I didn't feel the need to start a new thread for this question since the OP title fits the question I have. So, sorry if it comes off as me taking over your thread, that is the least of my intentions.

What is the difference between a MB Black and the current model of a MBP? I know that the video/graphics is a little better on the MBP, but what else? I plan on adding more RAM to the MB Black if that is what I get. Thanks.
Click to expand...

bigger screen
discrete graphics card
 
matthew$ said:
What is the difference between a MB Black and the current model of a MBP? I know that the video/graphics is a little better on the MBP, but what else? I plan on adding more RAM to the MB Black if that is what I get. Thanks.
Click to expand...

video/graphics card. 2 inch screen size. blackbook has bigger HDD then the lowest MBP and same as the middle one.
if you are looking at a black book look at the white one as well way cheaper for the same specs. just 40GB HDD smaller which u can upgrade on apple website or 3rd party for cheaper.
 
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