MB403LL/A (Early 08) vs. MB881LL/A (Late 08)

[dperalta]

Hi,

Macconnection has a brand new MB881LL/A (new white macbooks) for $949 after rebates and and brand new MB403LL/A (Early 08 white macbook) for $899. The main differences btw the two that I can see are:

MB403LL/A
2.4Ghz 800 FSB
GMA X3100 graphics card
160 GB HDD

MB881LL/A
2 Ghz 1066 FSB
GeForce 9400 graphics card
120 GB HDD
Newer superdrive

The rest of the specs are basically identical, eg RAM, wireless, etc...

I will be using the macbook primarily for editing (which I hear is more processor-dependent than graphics card dependent) and then general usage (Internet, music, etc).

The biggest differences for me are processor speeds and the graphics card. Is one a better buy than the other?

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

-David


EDIT: The MB881LL/A is actually Early 09 and was just released last Tuesday (Jan 20), not late 08 as I posted

 

[rdowns]

What do you plan on editing? What software will you use?

 

[Vulcan]

Go for the latest revision. It will run much better.

 

[dperalta]

I'll be using FCP 6 (not the whole studio), editing non-HD footage.

I just found these links:

http://optimitza.cat/news/2008/09/1...00-t9400-t9300-p8600-p8400-t8300-t8100-p7350/

http://www.macworld.com/article/136214/2008/10/macbookbenchmarks.html

that show the T8300 (older 2.4 Ghz) outperforming the newer P7350 (newer 2.0 Ghz)

Comments?

 

[iToaster]

With the newer MacBook you get the (much) better GPU, with the release of Snow Leopard in the near future the MacBooks with the better card will see a substantial performance boost as SL is set to use the GPU to aid the main processor.

 

[Scottsdale]

You really should buy the all new revised WhiteBook. It has Nvidia Graphics which blows away the Intel graphics in all other White(Black)Books. And standard comes with 2 GB RAM. All for only $999 straight from Apple. That is the best way to buy it. No warranty issues. No third-party resellers. Just the best for less than a grand.

It is definitely worth the $150 difference from the $850 model you mentioned. The graphics alone change the whole thing and make it into a much better Snow Leopard performer (which is why Apple updated it). I assume Apple plans to sell it for some time since they updated it for Snow Leopard. What a great buy.

Or, even better buy is the $1099 MB Unibody refurbished. The latest everything and aluminum all for only $1099 from Apple.com/ store / Refurbished Mac section. Get full year of warranty and a really cool computer/MacBook. I love my aluminum MacBook.

Good luck whichever way you go.

EDIT: I just saw that it was the new WhiteBook, that you mentioned (I didn't realize could be had for $949). Anyways, that is a great buy. Definitely go with that one. It is going to do better in the future whether you need the extra capabilities or not now.

 

[jkb72]

Check out Mac Mall for the "newer" whitebook.
They seem to have some kind of extra 3% discount going
on for forum members. Don't quote me on this but I believe
it can be had for around $915.00 after rebates. Worth a look.