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Torn between two macbooks !!

Thanks so much you guys for all your help !!!!

So I think I will use my BB gift cards and get one there --

Now do i get the white macbook or the base model MacBook Pro?
I see on the specs that there really doesnt seem to be a big difference...am I reading that right?

So is getting the white macbook ok? are they good laptops?
 
witchypoo said:
Thanks so much you guys for all your help !!!!

So I think I will use my BB gift cards and get one there --

Now do i get the white macbook or the base model MacBook Pro?
I see on the specs that there really doesnt seem to be a big difference...am I reading that right?

So is getting the white macbook ok? are they good laptops?
Click to expand...

If you plan to keep the MacBook for a long time (and it sounds like you are based on your current setup) I would go for the MBP. The White MB really has crappy build quality compared to the MBP. You WILL have issues with the top case cracking at some point on the White MB and it will cause more problems than the relatively small upfront cost difference.
 
HBOC said:
If you have BB gift cards, than just use those and buy new. Then buy AppleCare down the road. I mean that $175 would come out of your pocket if you bought from the Apple Store. I think Best Buy will match the student discount, but I am not sure.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you're going to need to make some additional purchases (i.e. Windows to run via Boot Camp, Windows 7 Home retailing for $199 at BB) so I'd use the gift cards on Windows and save some bucks and get a refurb unibody macbook or macbook pro via refurb section of Apple Store--will cost you less that way.
 
beg_ne said:
If you plan to keep the MacBook for a long time (and it sounds like you are based on your current setup) I would go for the MBP. The White MB really has crappy build quality compared to the MBP. You WILL have issues with the top case cracking at some point on the White MB and it will cause more problems than the relatively small upfront cost difference.
Click to expand...

The tops of the white ones crack? ew....i did not know that...thanks for the imput !
 
tbayrgs said:
Sounds like you're going to need to make some additional purchases (i.e. Windows to run via Boot Camp, Windows 7 Home retailing for $199 at BB) so I'd use the gift cards on Windows and save some bucks and get a refurb unibody macbook or macbook pro via refurb section of Apple Store--will cost you less that way.
Click to expand...

wow -- that is an interesting way to look at it -- save the money and get the refurb and then use the gift cards for the software...I will have to look into that one to see if it works out better ! Thanks !!
 
I know several people who have bought whitebooks, and most of them have had troubles with the hard drive. One girl has had her drive replaced twice now, so I would go with the MBP or uMB if I were you. Also, you should have no problem buying a mac from Best Buy, as the Apple section of the stores are ultimately operated by Apple anyways. Just ask to talk to the Apple Rep and you should have no problem. They sell Apple Care there as well, if I recall (I would advise this. Apple Care is well worth the money.)
 
Well thank you all sooooo much !!!

After reading this and doing some research, I am going to go with the 13.3 MBP basic --

Now the question is do i wait? you all saw the rumors that the MB and iMacs are being updated...think its a big one, or will it just be a tweak this time? I really need something soon as my Pixar mac is now starting to hang up almost all the time and the clock keeps messing up the time (like right now, real time is 11:32 am and my apple says its 11:39 -- and i just adjusted the time last night !!

So...wait or buy?
thoughts?

Also -- once i get the MB -- how do i get my iTunes and photos over to it?
can I keep them in both places?
 
If your new computer is going to replace your old system as your main machine then you can simply use the migration tool to transfer between computers. However, if I was in your position I would use a free program called Carbon Copy Cloner to make an exact copy of your old machine onto your new machine's hard drive. It's very simple, just put the new laptop into firewire target disk mode and tell Carbon Copy Cloner to clone the Pixar Mac's hard drive onto the MBP's drive. Now your MBP is your new machine with everything you need. Keep in mind though if you do it this way then your operating system will be whatever you currently have and you will have to use your Snow Leopard disk to upgrade the cloned hard drive's operating system. Just an option for you to think about.
 
you didnt say what you use your Mac for so i'd suggest money being the biggest issue go for the Mac book, then you can spend what evers left getting personal things for it or such to suit your needs.
 
the 13" MBP is a "new" machine. I would pull the trigger. The MB line is due for a ground up refresh, as is the iMac. The 13" pro was introduced in June.
 
HBOC said:
the 13" MBP is a "new" machine. I would pull the trigger. The MB line is due for a ground up refresh, as is the iMac. The 13" pro was introduced in June.
Click to expand...

Ok -- so the 13 inch MBP was introduce this past June? So its the newest and therefore the least likely to get any changes?

is that what I am reading? (she asks through her allergy medicine induced fog)
 
Heck, I was in the same dilemma just a few months ago. Couldn't decide between the new MBPs or MB. I went for the higher model 13" MBP and haven't looked back! Usually Apple does refreshes around the same time so I'm pretty sure they won't be updating until late next year.
 
Ann P said:
Heck, I was in the same dilemma just a few months ago. Couldn't decide between the new MBPs or MB. I went for the higher model 13" MBP and haven't looked back! Usually Apple does refreshes around the same time so I'm pretty sure they won't be updating until late next year.
Click to expand...

Thanks Ann !!! that is good to know Im not the only one who has stressed about this !!

And you are totally happy with your MBP?
 
witchypoo said:
Ok -- so the 13 inch MBP was introduce this past June? So its the newest and therefore the least likely to get any changes?

is that what I am reading? (she asks through her allergy medicine induced fog)
Click to expand...

I would think the only changes would be the obvious speed bumps. Remember, the aluminum MBs (introduced last year this time) were replaced (some would say renamed) by the 13" MBP in early June of 2009. The only "MacBooks" are the white ones, which are rumored to being updated/redesigned anytime.

The 13" MBP only comes with ONE graphics card option, whereas the 15/17" have several graphic card options. I would say it would be safe to purchase a 13" MBP at the present time. I would almost go as far as to say that the 13" won't see any major advancements until late spring 2010.
 
WOW -- HBOC -- you rock --

thank you and everyone for your help !!!

Looks like I get to go shopping next week !!!:D
 
I may be a little late, but I definitely recommend the 13 inch MBP. I would say get the refurb for $999 and sell those BB gift cards or use them for software. In my opinion, it's worth the premium over the whitebook. It's also very durable, and comes with a backlit keyboard. The refurbs are just as good, since they seriously replace any of the aluminum casing with any scratches at all.. Wish I would have boughten a refurb instead of a new unit at BB, that's my only regret! However, I had no problems buying from BB.
 
Gift Cards

Why dont you use your gift cards to purchase a apple online store gift card at best buy?
 
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