MB v. MBP: what don't I know that I should?

[heatmiser]

Go with the Macbook.

 

[soccerjoe5]

No it doesn't Look around the Forums

i did.

unless it's done by a certified apple technician, replacing the HDD of the MBP DOES void the warranty on the MBP. technically it's not a user-replaceable part. but i guess it'll be considered void if they notice that the drive is different from the specs of your purchase. there's supposedly a sticker/seal but if you're really careful i guess they won't notice. replacing RAM won't void the MBP warranty.

on the MB however, replacing both HDD and RAM won't void its warranty.

look here:

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,2119528,00.asp
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1412483&tstart=120
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/426310/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/403455/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/444001/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/437872/

 

[aross99]

Screen size if the determining factor for me. If you want something larger than the 13.3" screen in the MB, then you need the MBP...

You really need to look at a MB in person and see if you can deal with the smaller screen size.

 

[ktbubster]

I second the refurb or last gen macbook pro from the applestore online. 1449 refurb for the 2.2 or 1649 for the 2.4! GREAT deals and have everything that macbook does now, plus all the pro features.

I'd go for one of those. The screen on the macbook is a bit lacking compared to the macbook pro (i've had both, have a macbook right now, which I love but)

Mainly I think your concern would be related to the difference in screen size from a 17inch powerbook to a 13.3 macbook with lower resolution. It may be a big jump to get used to.

The footprint of the 15inch macbook pro and the 13.3 macbook isn't actually that much different... because the macbook has a larger bezel around the screen... So they are fairly close.

I think your best bet would be 15inch mbp refurb. Cheaper, Lots of pro features you are used to, a smaller footprint (I had no problem using mine on a plane really) then your 17inch and MUCH nicer LED screens plus all the other goodies.

🙂

 

[slybeans]

It'd have to be the 15 inch MBP but if the cost is too high then the normal MB would also suit you fine..

 

[gnasher729]

Unless it's done by a certified apple technician, replacing the HDD of the MBP DOES void the warranty on the MBP. technically it's not a user-replaceable part. but i guess it'll be considered void if they notice that the drive is different from the specs of your purchase. there's supposedly a sticker/seal but if you're really careful i guess they won't notice. replacing RAM won't void the MBP warranty.

on the MB however, replacing both HDD and RAM won't void its warranty.

Whether or not it voids the warranty, replacing the HDD on a MacBook is really easy and only a really clumsy person would get into trouble, while replacing the MacBook Pro HDD is a real challenge. And if you damage the MBP while changing the hard drive, then your warranty is most definitely gone. If anyone reads this thread to decide whether they can replace a MBP hard drive themselves or not, then they can't.

 

[gnasher729]

1. MacBook + Gaming = A big no. If you are into serious gaming, you need the MacBook Pro. Many people aren't.

2. The MacBook Pro has the bigger screen. And the bigger size. You'll love to use it and you'll hate to carry it. So you have to decide what is more important. Many people can stop here because one model will be unacceptable to them.

3. The MacBook is a lot cheaper. The MacBook Pro has a few nice things: A bit faster CPU, faster graphics, keyboard lights, bigger screen. Some like the metal more, some like the white plastic, some like the black plastic. Your choice. I think overall the MacBook is the winner, unless you have lots of money.

4. You can get a MacBook, 4 GB memory, replacement 320GB drive, spare external drive from the internal one, and if you use it say half the time on your desk, you can buy a 24 inch monitor, mouse, 500 GB extra drive, and a backup drive for Time Machine, and still pay less than for a basic MacBook Pro.

5. The MacBook screen is smaller. In case I didn't mention it.
6. The MacBook fits better in a living room and in your suitcase.

 

[soccerjoe5]

4. You can get a MacBook, 4 GB memory, replacement 320GB drive, spare external drive from the internal one, and if you use it say half the time on your desk, you can buy a 24 inch monitor, mouse, 500 GB extra drive, and a backup drive for Time Machine, and still pay less than for a basic MacBook Pro.

awesome value in getting a macbook!