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MacBook & MacBook Pro - What's the difference?

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    MacBook & MacBook Pro - What's the difference?

    Apologies for coming across as n00b-ish on this one. I probably already know the answer to the question tbh, but I'd like the perspectives of others all the same.

    I'm only asking in the first place for the simple fact that I'm seriously considering purchasing one or the other to mainly house all of my media (Mostly music, but photos and video files also) as I've just about had as much as I can take with iTunes on a Windows PC (XP Home, in case you're wondering! ) and I don't really fancy getting hold of a Mac Desktop. Hassle-free wireless internet access wouldn't hurt either.

    Obviously, a standard MacBook would probably fit the above description. But like I said, I just want to gather opinions from others (MacBook users/experts/veterans, etc.)

    Many thanks.

    #2
    MacBook is the "budget" version and MacBook Pro is the ... "pro" version. For the uses you list I should say a MacBook would be enough. If you want to run more heavy software (lots of design work, video editing, 3D-modelling) I would recommend the MB Pro.

    I have an iBook G4 (the generation right before the namechange) and I find it great for music and video and some Photoshop. However there will always come a time when you want more power, and I'm beginning to feel that urge, especially for video editing and handling larger files in Photoshop etc.

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      #3
      Sounds like a Macbook would do the trick. I've been very impressed with the ex-demo one I bought and recently my wife got a new one. They're pretty damn fast now so should be ideal for what you need.

      Its very easy to upgrade the RAM and HDD on them as well, just in case you're wondering.

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        #4
        With the recent power boost on the MacBooks, the high-end one is very similar to the low-end MacBook Pro. As ascender said, the hard disks are easy as pie to change on the MacBooks, allowing you to whack a much larger 2.5 SATA disk in there if media is what you're after. The MacBooks sadly have onboard graphics which shares the RAM. The latest revision allows the onboard graphics to utilise even more of the system's RAM so upgrading to 2gb is a must in my opinion.

        The MacBook Pro is a slice of Apple's unparalleled design, made mostly from aluminium. They have dedicated graphics cards and the processors go up to 2.6ghz Core 2 Duos I believe. They also have a much higher resolution screen with matte as the default (glossy is optional). They ship with 2gb of RAM which is enough for most users and have a fancy light-up keyboard which is ambiance sensitive. Hard disks aren't user replaceable which is a downside so either upgrade through Apple or invest in an external drive. The wifi reception is poorer on the MacBook Pro due to the metal body but it's still good.

        I was in the same boat as you a few months ago and couldn't decide between the two. I eventually plumped down the cash for a MacBook Pro since I'd rocked a G4 iBook for two years prior and I fancied a change from the plastic.

        My advice is to wait until Tuesday when it's MacWorld in San Francisco to see if Steve Jobs announces any upgrades or revisions to the Mac lineup. Whichever machine you go with, make sure you grab a student to go with you to an Apple store since you can claim 8 - 13% off depending on circumstances!
        Last edited by Taka; 12-01-2008, 19:33.

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          #5
          Originally posted by Taka View Post
          Hard disks aren't user replaceable which is a downside
          If you don't mind voiding the warranty, which I know isn't everyone's cup of tea (specially with how temperamental older PowerBooks could be...), it's not that hard. I gather it's the same sort of thing as the Aluminium PowerBook G4s, on my own one of which I successfully swapped out the crappy Toshiba 40G stock drive for a sexy Seagate 160G replacement. There are guides on the Net, but you do have to be unafraid of taking the keyboard off etc.

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            #6
            I have a 15" 2.33Ghz MacBook Pro, and cannot function properly without it.

            I've used all manner of macs for the last 15 years, having had an old Mac Plus, an original iMac, a clamshell iBook, G3 iBook, 12" PowerBook as well as a number of desktop macs.

            I think the MacBook will be fine for your needs, I know a lot of web developers who have a black MacBook as their main dev machine. As the other say, wait to see what happens on Tuesday, and make sure you find out about your student discount. Pretty sure you'll enjoy which ever one you go for.

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              #7
              I'm pretty sure the HDDs on the Macbook are considered user replaceable parts now and so it won't void your warranty. Apple even have a guide to doing it on their website and its much easier than on the previous Powerbooks. Its basically just a case of taking the battery out, undoing 3 screws and pulling on a tab to get the disk out.

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                #8
                For using iTunes, watching videos and surfing the web, a Pro is pretty unnecessary. However, they are cool and do make you look awesome. I should know, I have one.

                I got a revA though as soon as they came out pretty much, that was a ****ing mistake X| numerous small issues with mine, which I do believe are all fixed. Well, I should hope they are anyway, they've had long enough.

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                  #9
                  Originally posted by ascender View Post
                  I'm pretty sure the HDDs on the Macbook are considered user replaceable parts now and so it won't void your warranty. Apple even have a guide to doing it on their website and its much easier than on the previous Powerbooks. Its basically just a case of taking the battery out, undoing 3 screws and pulling on a tab to get the disk out.
                  The MacBooks are, the MacBook Pro HDD isn't user replaceable. I've got a MacBook, since I couldn't afford to spend ?1100 (student discount) on my first Mac. I'm very happy with mine, although I do love the keyboard on the Pros and the fact that the edge doesn't cut into your wrists. I'd strongly recommend going into an Apple store (or any stockists of macbooks) and trying each of them out in the flesh. The MacBook is also slightly more portable (smaller footprint), but there's not much between them.

                  Anyway, definitely wait for Tuesday and see what Jobs unveils. Rumours are that a much smaller and portable macbook model will be released. Not likely to be everyones cup of tea, but it might suit you. Either way, the existing lines would probably get an upgrade too, so just hang fire till Tuesday.

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