need "which macbook pro" advice in light of refresh rumors

[drcgreen]

hi!
I need advice on which laptop to get, and am getting overwhelmed by all the variables, and differing advice from people.

I need a new laptop, period. I have a powerbook G4 that is shlugging through day-to-day activities, and I haven't been able to back up the harddrive, which adds to the urgency.

More specifically, I need a laptop that can run programs for digital animation, specifically Maya. I'm just starting out in this field so I don't know how quickly i'll need a more "professional" laptop. I was looking at the imac for cost, but i need something portable.

If I decide that cost is the main factor and go with the low-end macbook pro, should I just go with the macbook instead? Or will either of those do what i need?
Is is worth waiting for the refresh? will the new macbook pros cost even more, or how does that usually work?
Any advice will be appreciated, and please ask questions if I was unclear about anything.

Thanks in advance!

 

[dukebound85]

the mb and 13 mbp are identical with exception to the mbp having fw, sd, backlit kb, and aluminum case. The mb comes with a larger hdd default though (250 vs 160)

The mbp also has 60% better gammut on the screen but the mb screen is great imo

Are the mbp features worth the extra 200 for you?

If you need a dedicated vc, you will have to go to the 15" mbp

 

[PAC88]

just spend as much as you can afford.. they all perform well, it basically comes down to screen size

 

[SteveSparks]

If you need a dedicated vc, you will have to go to the 15" mbp

This really what it comes down to, except the Macbook had better hard drive and a few less features than the lowest pro.

Have you looked at the tech specs on the apple site?
What size screen do you want?

 

[drcgreen]

Have you looked at the tech specs on the apple site?
What size screen do you want?

I have looked at the tech specs - I don't know how much RAM I need, because I was told from one source that I need at least 4GB, but someone else said i'd be find with 2. I don't know what I need as far as the graphics card, but i guess I don't have much choice there.

I want the 15in, but i'm also considering an external display.

It sounds like the 15in is my best bet - a bit more than I'd like to pay though.

On a side note, is not being able to replace the battery a problem?