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MacBook versus MacBook Pro
I am trying to decide which laptop to get...MacBook (the latest edition) or MacBook Pro. The new MacBooks have a 250 GB hard drive in comparison with the 160 GB hard drive of the current MacBook Pro (although rumors are they'll be upgrading the MBPs in Q1).
Primary uses are to have it for my everyday use so I'm not using my work laptop all the time...CS3 photo editing...and limited short video use. I know the matte screen is much better for photo editing, but I can't afford the price jump to a 15" MBP to get that option.
If I opted for the regular MB, I'd lose an illuminated keyboard (nice, but not necessary), aluminum casing, SD port (nice to have), and a Firewire port (never used one before so prob not needed)...but I'd save $200.
The MBP gives me those items mentioned above, but will also provide a smaller hard drive and costs $200 more.
Specs otherwise look the same. Are the screens the same on the MB and MBP? Anything else I need to take into consideration between the two?
Re: MacBook versus MacBook Pro
Not sure that I can be much help but if cost is an issue, have you looked at getting a refurb mac? I just looked at apple's website and they have an aluminum macbook offered at $899.
Then there is an macbook pro at $999 for a refurb.
I've test both type of screens in the past few month and really don't notice a big difference, but I don't do a lot of editing and when I do I use a dual screen set up.
Do you have need for a SD port on the computer? If so, you'll want to stick with a pro.
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac?mco=MTM3NDY2NTI
I hope I helped in some way.
I should also mention that if time is one your side, wait to buy until after the new year. Apple always releases new products after the holiday's.
Definitely a MacbookPro if you are going to be editing and running apps like PS. The graphics card is better, ram faster, and the harddrive is bigger.
Actually the graphics cards are identical, ram identical, and the harddrive is bigger on the regular (latest version) MacBook.
Thanks, Deeder! I considered refurb, and while I know some people love them and have no issues, I feel like if I'm going to spend that much money, I'd rather spend a couple hundred extra and go for the brand new one.
I think I'm leaning towards the MBP after doing more research yesterday. I've read that the MBP has a 60% greater color gamut. The SD slot would be beneficial, as I use the one on my work laptop a lot. Obviously it isn't necessary because I could just buy a card reader, but it is nice to have! On top of all that, I also like that the keyboard and exterior isn't bright white on the MBP. Something tells me the white MB is just begging to get dirty quick!
So you're looking at either the 13" white plastic body MacBook or the 13" aluminum MacBook Pro?
In that case, the only difference is going to be what you listed above. The price jump (currently) gets you a smaller hard drive, but aluminum casing, and SD port, and a firewire port. There is nothing else different between the two. The processor is the same, the graphics card is the same, the RAM is the same, even the screen is exactly the same. (Of note: Apparently the glossy, not the matte, screen is better for photo editing. The glossy screen shows more color range than the matte screen does. That's why Apple changed to glossy as the default screen type.)
The rumors are that they are going to upgrade the MBP soon. Use the Mac Buyer's Guide for advice on when to buy things. Right now it says to only buy the MBP if you need it, since it's about to be updated.
My advice would be to wait and see what happens to the MBP line. Worst case, if you still don't like the upgrades, you could at least get a MBP from the current line at a discounted price.
And for apps like Photoshop, it's the processor, not the graphics card, that affects how well the program runs.
Also, if hard drive size is the only thing holding you back, you can always upgrade the hard drive yourself.
Here are instructions on how.
I have had my MacBook for 2 years. I was set on buying a MacBook Pro and was talked out of it twice by the geeks at the store. I wanted the larger screen and the light up keyboard. They told me that the MacBook had more memory and was a much better deal. Now this was two years ago and I am sure things have changed.
I like my Mac (notice that I don't love it). My hard drive crashed and I lost everything. I have Apple Care and had it replaced and I now back up EVERYTHING (using Time Machine) once a week. And I do wish my screen was larger, though I didn't want a heavier laptop.
Good luck.