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Why did you choose MacBook over Pro?

Kinkokoro said:
Hey guys!

I'm stuck between Macbook and the pro, I like being able to max out the macbook, get 2 software packages and the 2 year warrenty for $2000, instead of just picking up the lowest end macbook pro.

So I'm curious: How many of you own a Macbook? And why did you choose the macbook over the pro?

Thanks,

Josh
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The answers are always going to be one of three:
1.) Price
2.) Size (weight is really not an issue -- people that say it is have not owned both, they feel the same)
3.) Style (they like white/black)
4.) Battery life (it's a -little- better, but barely now with the new MBP screens)

On the other side of the fence, people that choose the MacBook Pro choose it for one of these reasons:
1.) Screen real estate (1280x800 just won't do it!)
2.) The MacBook screen viewing angle is terrible (washed out from almost every position but dead on)
3.) The MacBook spacebar doesn't let you hit it from the bottom (it depresses, but does not always register as a keystroke!) -- if you're accustomed to this kind of typing as I was, it's an absolute no-go with the MacBook
4.) The MBP is more expandable -- 4GB of RAM, ExpressCard
5.) The MBP is faster - Santa Rosa, faster procs, great video card, stock 2GB of RAM
6.) The MBP has better speakers -- MacBooks are terrible, if you care.
7.) LED Backlit screens on the MBP


Honestly, I'm partial to the MBP having used both. I couldn't stand to work with the MacBook screen and spacebar issue, and the improvement in battery life I was looking for wasn't noticeable enough. I am going to probably pick up a MacBook for my fiance, though, as she loves it and I don't want to drop $2000 on a computer that she's going to use for AIM and browsing the web.
 
Size,
and price a little... but mostly size

I love my macbook... it does all i need, since i have a desktop if i wanna do some gaming or something. I bought it for portability. It fits nicely in my bag, and i love being able to whip it out in a spare minute, to check my emails, waste some time etc

The other plus is the cost... if you want a portable laptop, then the macbook is the answer. If you want a desktop substitute, then you probably want to consider the pro

the above poster made a very nice summary of the pros/cons though... and the biggest con for the macbook for me is it's weight :( (and the viewing angle is pretty atrocious... but i'm not generally that bothered)

....so! You've had lots of replies! What are you gonna get?! (and why)
 
Father Jack said:
Quite simply, the MacBook does all I require (very well) and it's cheaper ..... :)
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If the Macbook fails I'm sure that Mac Pro completes the task nicely. :p

I chose the MB over MBP because I didn't need the power of the MBP. ;)
 
The macbook has the nice keyboard, and things like the magnetic hinge.
Size. 17" is way too big. 15" would probably have been liveable
I don't play games, so the graphics card was a non issue.
Cost. at least £350 more than I paid for my MB
Harddrive, non upgrable in the pro. I stuck a 160Gb in my macbook. That's a BTO order on the MBP, but I may upgrade my MB one again.
Asthetics. The MB looked nicer.
Feel. I went into the store, and spent a few hours comparing the notebooks on offer. I felt most comfortable with the MB.
 
Portability

I got the Macbook for portability. I have the MBP as well and I don't think the extra weight is worth it unless you MUST have the larger screen size.
 
maestrokev said:
I got the Macbook for portability. I have the MBP as well and I don't think the extra weight is worth it unless you MUST have the larger screen size.
Click to expand...

I thought they both weighed the same. I should really check that up.
 
maestrokev said:
I got the Macbook for portability. I have the MBP as well and I don't think the extra weight is worth it unless you MUST have the larger screen size.
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I also have the MBP and am getting a MB for my travels because its smaller. Just waitting to see if a release happens before leopard then I will grab one.
 
13.3 was the sweet spot in screen size for a portable.

MUCH cheaper than the pro for almost the same specs (sans GPU)

i like the plastic construction more, as it is more durable.

Thats really it... my specs are in my sig if you'd like to know what model i've got. I've had it since june and i love it through and through.
 
compuguy1088 said:
The macbook pro 15.5 laptop is not that heavy...I have one which I carry to classes, and it doesn't weigh me down, even with carrying a backpack as well. :D
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When you're carrying stuff around all day, every little bit of weight adds up - if you're carrying a laptop there's probably more gadgets in your bag. Should also clarify that size and battery life are better on my Blackbook than my MBP. I know some people don't think the extra weight/size is an issue but why carry a sledgehammer to do the work of a hammer?

The whole point of buying laptops is to minimize size and weight. OK, I'm a minimalist :) I don't like everyone around me seeing that I'm carrying a shiny laptop or my gadget bag has lots of gear. My MB fits in a small messenger bag with my other gadgets and being Black attracts less attention than my Aluminum MBP.
 
I'm planning on getting a new 15'' MBP instead of a MacBook soley because I can't edit photos on a glossy screen. The MacBook is completely capable of handling Photoshop CS3, but the glossy screen is a no-no.
 
maestrokev said:
When you're carrying stuff around all day, every little bit of weight adds up - if you're carrying a laptop there's probably more gadgets in your bag. Should also clarify that size and battery life are better on my Blackbook than my MBP. I know some people don't think the extra weight/size is an issue but why carry a sledgehammer to do the work of a hammer?

The whole point of buying laptops is to minimize size and weight. OK, I'm a minimalist :) I don't like everyone around me seeing that I'm carrying a shiny laptop or my gadget bag has lots of gear. My MB fits in a small messenger bag with my other gadgets and being Black attracts less attention than my Aluminum MBP.
Click to expand...

Yes and the plastic has yellowing issues, as mentioned in another thread....Personally I prefer to have a future-proof laptop, that will last around the four years I need it for college. If I got a macbook, its basically fixing me to bloody integrated video, and any they are probably going to update that sooner than later anyway. And with I carry, it isn't that much beyond the power cables, a mouse, and the laptop in a messenger bag, possibly 6 pounds, heh. My Viola + case + stuff weights more than that and I survive with carrying it on my back for rehearsals.
 
I got a MacBook and had 2gb of RAM in it. Ive had it for nearly 3 weeks now and simply can't go wrong with it. It looks amazing, powerful enough for everything I need to do and is the best machine ive ever had! Its great to chill around the house with, rig up to turntables for music production and of course take with you for a relaxed coffee in Starbucks!

MacBook all the way, You won't regret it in my opinion :apple:

(Deffinatley invest in a GIMP skin)
 
OK I had 3 macbooks all 3 revs, I had nothing but issues with all of them, the replacements were OK but still moved to a MBP and now will never go back ...unless QC improves
 
For me, as a 'laptop DJ' I found the Macbook had similar processor power to the MBPro, it was smaller (this was really handy as I hat laptops to big to carry round)
It was cheaper, I could put 2GB ram in, which I did, and that's enough for me.

Don't need an amazing video card as like I said I use it for audio apps, Live and Logic.
So it suited me perfectly :D
Think about your needs, :)
 
Kinkokoro said:
Hey guys!

I'm stuck between Macbook and the pro, I like being able to max out the macbook, get 2 software packages and the 2 year warrenty for $2000, instead of just picking up the lowest end macbook pro.

So I'm curious: How many of you own a Macbook? And why did you choose the macbook over the pro?

Thanks,

Josh
Click to expand...
I choose a MacBook because I liked how the black color looks more than the aluminum. Also, I think the keyboard is much better than MBP, the speakers are hidden, and the illuminated Apple logo on the back pops out more than the MBP. It's great for a casual user who surfs internet, checks e-mail, listens to music, watches movies, instant messenging, etc.
 
I chose the midlevel MacBook. My budget would have allowed me to get the mid-level MBP if I'd wanted but there were several reasons I went for the mid-level MB.

1)Size. I prefer 12 - 13.3" in a screen. I'm a student and I carry this thing everywhere. It's primarily a preference rather than a necessity. I didn't notice a huge difference in heft between the MB and the MBP, but I preferred the 13.3" screen.

2) Casing. I was leaning toward the MB because the plastic casing is far more durable. As I said, I'm a student. As such, my MB goes everywhere with me. I need it to be able to put up with perpetual haulings about.

3) I chose the mid-level MacBook instead of the BlackBook because the only difference between my 'Book and the BlackBook was 40GB HD space - and to me, that wasn't worth $200. I used the extra money to buy an iPod nano (video) for myself and an 80GB black classic for my brother. Also loaded up on any software that struck my fancy.

So far, I've been nothing but thrilled with my MacBook. I haven't named it yet - yes, I'm a geek and I name my computers - but we're bonding very well. ^_^

I could have opted for the spiffier MBP, but I had to be honest: for what I do, all I need is a MacBook. Yes, the ambient lit keyboard would have been awesome and there's something to be said for a matte screen and yeah, 4 GB RAM would be nice (even though the MB supports 3, whether Apple agrees or not), I primarily blog, write, download videos and music, do some Web design, and play with my computer more than anything. I don't NEED a MBP. Based on the way I use the computer, I would not really have gained anything by going for the MBP other than an attractive (albeit flimsy), shiny case.

Q,
 
This time last year I fell in love with the black macbook. It is pretty damn sexy. Then I started checking into the specs on the MB and the MBP the video card was a big difference. The MBP is sexy too, in a more grown up way.

The big reasons for me were:

1. The better specs(ram, video card etc) for $500 more when I would have to have paid $150 to get the GB up to 2GB like on the MBP. So that would have made the difference only $350(even though I ultimately decided to spring for more and get the 2.4). The white MB wasn't even an option for me. Too cartoonish for my taste.
2. keyboard. I just like the MBP keyboard better. Plus it's backlit.
3. more professional look, the aluminum is sleek and the keyboard and apple logo lighting up and automatically changing as needed it awesome and looks fantastic.
4. yellowing on the white and the fingerprints on the blackbook.
5. Longevity, this was replacing my pos gateway and I wanted it to last a long time and be my main computer.
6. speakers- I have a ton of music and want to hear it through some decent speakers.
7. video card (for the little gaming I may want to do, and it won't hurt on the videos I want to make)
8. the size and weight are a non issue for me. It's so thin. I look at other pc laptops and almost laugh out loud at some of them. My MBP could almost be the lid on some of these. And it's no heavier than the MB. The size difference isn't a negative at all for me. The 17 inch would be. I do plan to go to graduate school and take this with me and don't expect it to bother me at all. This is one compact and powerful machine.

It's the right choice for me. I love it and wouldn't change it if I could. I felt that if I got the MB I might regret it and wish I would have sprung for a little more and gotten the MBP. I can see how a student who only needs it for internet, im, writing a paper etc would be happy with a MB. Still a great choice.
 
I don't do a lot of heavy graphics on my laptop. My first laptop was windows, specifically for testing websites. When it cr@pped out, I decided to get a macbook and parallels. As I only use it for surfing, the macbook was just right. I actually got a refurb to save even more cash.
 
I had an iMac G5 and sold it because I needed more portability. I never really even considered buying a MBP, as a MacBook is all I need, and I prefer screens that are no bigger than 14". I don't like a big laptop..

I got the black one, only because I got it on a clearance pricing, otherwise I would have gotten the high end white one.
 
Don't mean to hijack this thread by any means, however this would be a good addition to the topic.

Has anyone experienced a significant decline in wireless performance between the MB and MBP? So many people say that the MB gets great wireless reception because its plastic. Maybe this should be on MYTHBUSTERS.

Thanks.
 
Theres a lot of reasons I went with the MacBook over the Pro.

The main reason is the price. I could have gotten the MacBook Pro. But it just doesn't justify the cost over the MacBook. Even more so now. Let's look at the $1299 MacBook versus the $1999 MacBook Pro for a second. First, RAM. Yes the MBP comes with 2GB standard. But to upgrade the MacBook to 2 or even 3GB of RAM will cost less than $100 for you to do it yourself.

Processor speed. The $1999 MBP comes with a Core 2 Duo at 2.2GHz. An extra 40MHz! Yes its Santa Rosa based, but from what I've read its still using 667MHz RAM. An 800MHz FSB with 667MHz RAM makes no sense. Even with 800MHz RAM, its still not that much of a real world difference over the 667MHz RAM and FSB in the MacBook. Especially not when you're paying an extra $700. The real world performance difference wouldn't even result in a 2% increase at best.

$1999 for a 128MB GPU? Are you ****ing kidding me? For $1999 I better get a 512MB GPU. $2499 and $2799 only come with 256MB GPUs? I'm sorry, but thats a complete ripoff.

People complain about the GPU in the MacBook, and I completely agree. Very bad move on Apple's part going from a dedicated GPU in the iBook down to an integrated GPU. But it has played every game I've thrown at it, as long as I keep the settings reasonable.

The MBP does have a couple of advantages. Like an ExpressCard slot. But thats also a downside because it is not a full size slot, so you'll need to buy an adapter to use any full size cards. It has Firewire 800, but how many Firewire 800 devices are out there? The only real advantage is that it has a full size DVI out. But the mini-DVI out on the MacBook is acceptable considering the size of the system.

The only thing I like about the MacBook Pro is the backlit keyboard. But I don't need that, seeing as how I know the keyboard and the screen generally lights the screen up enough in a dark room for me to see it.

You literally have to spend twice as much on a MacBook Pro than you would on a MacBook to get slightly noticeable upgrade in CPU performance, and get GPU performance on par with Windows PCs that literally cost less than half as much.

I don't like the aluminum on the MacBook Pro.

The MacBook also has better wireless reception, battery life, and is just more durable.

I do have to admit one thing though.... I do love OS X and I like my MacBook and its build quality. However, if Apple doesn't put a dedicated GPU in it by the time its time for me to upgrade, I won't hesitate to "switch back". I like my MacBook and I love the service I received from AppleCare when I had problems. But I cannot believe that a system that cost me $1408 after taxes does not have a dedicated GPU and I would have to spend more than $2100 after taxes to get a GPU thats not even as good as Windows PCs that cost $700 less.
 
There is only one reason on why I chose the MacBook over the MacBook Pro, and that is Size.

The overall design of the MacBook is also much better, IMHO. Primarily because of the magnetic latch, flush keyboard, and the generally more rounded and sleeker look from many angles.

In many ways comparing the two is very similar to comparing an Audi A5 to an Audi A8. Like the majority, I would love to own an "A8", but an "A5" fits me just fine. :)
 
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