Macbook v's Macbook Pro

[pmjd]

Hello,

thought I'd try and get a bit of advice from the many Mac experts around here:nice:

I'm going to be getting a new laptop very soon, just waiting for the core duo 2 chips to come out. I am being swayed towards buying a Mac rather than a PC, so my question is to ask if anyone has tried/owned a Macbook or Macbook Pro and could tell me what they thought of it?

Trying to decide between the two: I know the Pro has better graphics, illuminated keyboard, express card slot, bigger screen which can be matt or glossy. However, the Macbook is also appealing because it is a bit smaller, lighter and cheaper but not sure how good the integrated graphics are.

I can read online reviews till the cows come home but I thought I'd ask here as there seems to be quite a few Mac people who I'll trust to give me an honest opinion.

So can anyone help?:whistle:

Cheers:cheers: ,
Paul

[ducasi]

I own a 15" Powerbook, and have used a 17" MacBook Pro. Both lovely machines.

I haven't yet used a MacBook, but I'm probably going to buy one shortly as a Mac/Windows loan machine at work.

If I were buying a new laptop today it would be a toss-up between the black MacBook and the 15" Pro. But I'd want a matt screen, and the extra expansion options of the Pro would probably sway me in that direction.

If you want a Core 2 Duo, I think you might find they will appear in the Pro first.

Tough decision to make...

[El Salsero Gringo]

I helped set up someone's MacBook today - a black one - and it's totally gorgeous. As/when dual boot gets to be sensible, I can guess what my next pc is going to be...

[Tiggerbabe]

I helped set up someone's MacBook today
What? They let you open the box :wink: :whistle:

[El Salsero Gringo]

What? They let you open the box :wink: :whistle:No, I talked them through doing it themselves. They learnt much more that way, which was the object of the exercise.

[Tiggerbabe]

:respect:

[straycat]

I own a 15" Powerbook, and have used a 17" MacBook Pro. Both lovely machines.

I haven't yet used a MacBook, but I'm probably going to buy one shortly as a Mac/Windows loan machine at work.

If I were buying a new laptop today it would be a toss-up between the black MacBook and the 15" Pro. But I'd want a matt screen, and the extra expansion options of the Pro would probably sway me in that direction.

If you want a Core 2 Duo, I think you might find they will appear in the Pro first.

Tough decision to make...

:yeah:

I guess the rule of thumb is that you get the best computer you can, within the price range you set for yourself, so if you can afford pro, go for it. The only thing within that is a) whether you want the larger screen size (sounds like you wouldn't want the 17", so it's 15 vs 13), and b) ensuring that you get it with sufficient RAM - 512Mb is not enough - you want a minimum of a gig, and personally I'd go for two (but then I do a lot of photo processing)

EDIT Having said all that - the main question is: what do you want to do with your lovely new laptop? All the advice in the world is fairly well worthless unless it's properly in context.

[pmjd]

Thanks straycat, I've had 12 & 15" screens before and really want to go to a smaller screen again, so that's why I'm tempted by the 13" screen but unsure if the glossy option will be a good or bad thing.

To put it in context it'll be a lot of home use, but less likely to be gaming as I'm not a big gamer, don't have the reflexes:whistle: so the separate video card may not be necessary, probably will use for work presentations though but integrated should be fine. It'll be used for work stuff as well but that's nothing too demanding.

The main reason I was asking is because I will be new to the world of OSX and am a little unsure of how it ran on these two laptops? I could get an equilavent or cheaper windows laptop but I fancy trying something different but with the potential to use windows if I need to, using bootcamp or parallels.

I'm holding off getting one now so I can get the rumoured 64-bit versions, especially as leopard will be able to take advantage of it when released.

At the moment I'm getting swayed towards the Macbook, as I can't see me needing the expresscard option and might be able to do without the larger screen & size of the pro. The illuminated keyboard would be cool but not several hundred quid cool:eek:.

That's why I was wondering if anyone had tried the two and found any significant differences. Anyone know where I could find either of these to mess about for real? I think John Lewis stock them but won't be near one till the end of the month. PC world in Dundee only had the Pro last time I looked, they were still trying to sell very expensive ibooks so are trying to get rid of those first I think before they stock the Macbook.

[straycat]

Hmmm. Well - the 13" criterion suggests the MacBook. Glossy screen - haven't seen one, but as the choice seems to be between glossy and anti-glare, I'd go for the anti-glare myself. I may change my mind if I see one - but with a laptop, you can't always control the lighting you're working in, so anything that reduces reflection on the screen is a Good Thing(TM)

Personally, I'd hate to sacrifice on screen size, but one option is to get one of these (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000BKHH2I/202-9657415-5551042?v=glance&n=560798) for home use (uses the same tube as the Apple 20" monitor, but at half the price. Just got one, and it's luverly)

Gaming - don't know - I don't use my Mac at all for gaming (that's what my PC's for :whistle:) - but the built-in graphics for any of the latest laptops will be ample for your needs, I'm guessing, even if you do decide to be more of a gamer later on :).

OSX likewise. MacBooks will run OSX fine for a few versions yet, just make sure you get all the RAM you can afford, as I said earlier. It's the best single step you can take towards future-proofing a computer.

Personally, in your position, I'd still be looking for a pro, but that's me (I'm a geek). From what you've said though, I think the standard MacBook will be fine for your needs.

[pmjd]

I'm just as much of a geek but one on a budget that's trying not to be distracted by too many shiny things:o

The Macbook is more tempting due to it's size and weight I suppose, the last laptop I had was a 15" non- wide screen acer travelmate, which could be a bit to lug about at times and made me think about a smaller laptop next time round.

I'll be getting at least 1GB of memory on it, (apple's bto option for 2GB is £300:eek: but £60 for 1GB is more sensible) but may do my own HDD upgrade so I can use the spare as an external back up.

The Pro is tempting......just as well I've got a month to make my mind up:whistle:

[ducasi]

Paul, from what you're written, it sounds like the MacBook is the one you want, and the right one for you.

Just got to decide whether to wait for the Core 2. And if the Pro gets it before the MacBook...

[pmjd]

Yeah, the more I think about it the more I think the Macbook is the right one for me, unless there's something I'm missing. I'll try and get a look at both before I order anything though.

From what I've read on quite a few rumour sites both Macbook and Pro are getting the merom chips at the same time.

Thanks to every one for there opinions:clap: though I might well be back to ask a few OSX related questions in the future (getting to know it by fixing the lab next doors Macs but not played with it enough yet:whistle:)

Thanks!
Paul

[ducasi]

They have both at John Lewis in Glasgow for sure...

I'd go for the black one. :waycool:

[quiet_flame]

I know CMJ just invested in a nice shiny new Macbook, and the main user is Robert Winter, he said he's had no problems with it, but (as he works mainly on a G5) he found it did Lag a bit sometimes.

I've been on an Ibook for nearly a year now, and I've had no problems,
the only time I found it lagged is if I was importing Photo's and video, however, once imported it worked with it really fast! I've been Mightily impressed and looking to upgrade to the macbookpro when I eventually get the money together. Will probably also invest in a camera with a digital output at that time, so I can record and process my own promotional show reels. Being a dancer it needs to be up to date at all times.:sick:

I haven't invested in Aperture yet... thinking about it... but worried about the processing power required, I don't think my little Ibook is up to it.:tears:

[straycat]

Just popped into the local John Lewis, and had a play on a shiny black Macbook. I can be a little more specific now...

Speed - nice. Tried a few applications (iPhoto, Garageband, iMove) - only had time for a few things, but they seemed as snappy and responsive as on my dual G5 monster back home. Far better than Ms. Straycat's 17" G4 powerbook.

Keyboard - beautiful. A lot nicer in feel than the Macbook Pro. Who needs backlighting anyway?

Screen. Changing my mind about the glossy screen - it looked wonderful, and that was under the lights of a department store. The matt one seemed to dissapate the glare, but didn't eliminate it - and that did seem a tad worse, in fact. The colours for the glossy screen were definitely more intense, and it looked amazing.

Size. Very little difference between the 15" pro and the 13" macbook. 1.3 inches wider, 0.7 inches deeper, and the pro was actually 0.8 inches thinner. Pro is only about 3 ounces heavier too. For the extra screen resolution, the pro wins there.

So there you go. I honestly think that about the only obvious advantage of the pro is the increased screen size. Both are gorgeous machines.

[Tiggerbabe]

Keyboard - beautiful. A lot nicer in feel than the Macbook Pro. Who needs backlighting anyway?

Trust me, if you are thinking of using it for dj-ing, the back lit keyboard can be incredibly, wonderfully, fantastically useful. :D

[pmjd]

Thanks quiet_flame, I've been quite impressed by the ibooks that some of the folk I work beside own.

Thanks very much for the field report Straycat:respect:

Will try and get to the nearest John Lewis sometime soon! Definitely leaning towards the Macbook now but will have a play with it first, just to make sure:nice:

[pmjd]

Trust me, if you are thinking of using it for dj-ing, the back lit keyboard can be incredibly, wonderfully, fantastically useful. :D

Think I'll leave the DJ-ing to the experts like yourself:respect: :respect: :respect: :respect:

I'll just stick to being a dancer:grin:

[straycat]

Trust me, if you are thinking of using it for dj-ing, the back lit screen can be incredibly, wonderfully, fantastically useful. :D

I presume you meant 'keyboard' not screen?

[Dreadful Scathe]

I presume you meant 'keyboard' not screen?
yup a non-backlit laptop would be close to useless in anything other than direct light :) Im pretty sure you cant buy them ;)

[straycat]

I haven't invested in Aperture yet... thinking about it... but worried about the processing power required, I don't think my little Ibook is up to it.:tears:

I'd say forget about Aperture for the time being. If you haven't already, nab the free beta for Adobe Lightroom (http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom/) - Adobe's Aperture-killer.

Been using it a while - and it's a stunning piece of software. And it's free until the end of January :)

[quiet_flame]

Speed - nice. Tried a few applications (iPhoto, Garageband, iMove) - only had time for a few things, but they seemed as snappy and responsive as on my dual G5 monster back home. :drool:


Keyboard - beautiful. A lot nicer in feel than the Macbook Pro. Who needs backlighting anyway?

Screen. For the extra screen resolution, the pro wins there.

So there you go. I honestly think that about the only obvious advantage of the pro is the increased screen size. Both are gorgeous machines.
:yeah:


Trust me, if you are thinking of using it for dj-ing, the back lit keyboard can be incredibly, wonderfully, fantastically useful. :D
Wot? 'aven't you eva 'erd o' "tuch taypin'?"
It's the latest fad :devil:


Thanks quiet_flame, I've been quite impressed by the ibooks that some of the folk I work beside own.
Mac out of the box is definately better.
I've found when it comes to drag and drop ability between all the different media types, Mac has outdone pretty much every other program combination I've used. Lovely.


Thanks very much for the field report Straycat:respect:

:yeah:
Very informative, looking forward to having a play myself, once I have a little bit more money towards actually getting one, otherwise I'm taunting myself aren't I?

[pmjd]

otherwise I'm taunting myself aren't I?

Just a bit:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I'm so proud my first thread and it's got onto two pages:waycool:

Once i get my new toy I'll let you know what it's like, just have to wait a few weeks.

[quiet_flame]

I'd say forget about Aperture for the time being. If you haven't already, nab the free beta for Adobe Lightroom (http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom/) - Adobe's Aperture-killer.

Been using it a while - and it's a stunning piece of software. And it's free until the end of January :)
*sigh*
I'd love to trial it,
believe me I tried! but sadly, my little Ibook cannot.
I need more processing power... and memory to get that program running.

I'll send it to Robert, he'l probably trial it and let me know.

:D thanks for the heads up.

Q_Flame

[straycat]

*sigh*
I'd love to trial it, but sadly, my little Ibook cannot.
I need more processing power... and memory to get that program running.

I'll send it to Robert, he'l probably trial it and let me know.

:D thanks for the heads up.

Q_Flame

Shame - the requirements are substantially less than for Aperture as well. (My own beast of a Mac barely reaches the recommended Aperture specs)

[quiet_flame]

Shame - the requirements are substantially less than for Aperture as well. (My own beast of a Mac barely reaches the recommended Aperture specs)

Well, I might be able to trial it soon...
I'll spend $300AU and get the 1Gb of memory (or RAM if you want to be slightly technical) Shouldn't have any problems from there.:cheers:

Of course, that does require me to have $300AU just lying around.:sad:
I'm thinking I either need another job, or start working some more hours here, so I can afford all the toys I want.

I probably should think about getting a car as well...
So if my bike breaks down (again) I will still be able to go dancing and to my DJ gigs. (when my employer gets off his lazy butt and actually launches his new site to include all his DJ's.:mad: )

Hmm... so much to do, so much money to spend. So little of it in my account. What to do, what to do.:blush:

[Yliander]

Hmm... so much to do, so much money to spend. So little of it in my account. What to do, what to do.:blush: join the world of 60+ hour weeks and 2 jobs

[quiet_flame]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooo Breath
*quiet_flame doubles over panting from being out of breath, he looks up, sees the
60+ hour weeks and two jobs, turns and runs in to the horizon. The rest of the forum can hear is a faint screaming....
Never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never!

[azande]

John Lewis in Edinburgh has the Black MacBook at £999, 30 pounds cheaper than Apple retail price, but I'm still not convinced about the shiny screen.

[Yliander]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooo Breath
*quiet_flame doubles over panting from being out of breath, he looks up, sees the turns and runs in to the horizon. The rest of the forum can hear is a faint screaming....
Never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never never! :eek: Oh dear I didn't mean to do that:blush:

*dashes after Quiet_Flame*

It's not that bad really it's not really it's not

after 3 months of way to much work - with a little careful planning will get to spend the better part of the next 3 months not working and travelling to new and interesting places *HAPPY DANCE*

[pmjd]

John Lewis in Edinburgh has the Black MacBook at £999, 30 pounds cheaper than Apple retail price, but I'm still not convinced about the shiny screen.

Thanks for the tip, never had a glossy screen before. They do look good but just depends on the lighting environment I guess. Will have a good nosey at one in John Lewis soon but will be getting it through work with a handy educational discount:waycool: There are some benefits to being a bumbling academic after all:rofl:

[Andreas]

I'd also opt for the MacBook if I were you. From the sounds of it you are not too fuzzed about grunty gfx, so onboard will be fine. Size is something that is paramount for a 'portable' computer and for that very reason I'd always go for as small as possible while still being useful. If you use it at home then you'll be better off getting a bigger screen to plug into your laptop. Not only will separate screens be of better display quality than laptop screen, they are also cheaper ... significantly cheaper. And when you are on the road then you will quickly learn to appreciate a tiny form factor. :flower:

Either way, I would also recommend to wait till Leopard is out. By then you will get a new processor, a new revision with iron-out flaws and the new OS :D That is my plan anyway. Until then my 12" iBook will have to survive and and will do just fine.

[straycat]

Either way, I would also recommend to wait till Leopard is out. By then you will get a new processor, a new revision with iron-out flaws and the new OS :D That is my plan anyway. Until then my 12" iBook will have to survive and and will do just fine.
:yeah:
Mmmmm. Leopard.... :drool: :drool: :drool:

[pmjd]

As I don't have a computer at home at the moment, I don't think I'll be able to wait for leopard in springtime, though will probably upgrade to it when it's released. I am going to wait for the core2 duo chips that are rumoured to be getting put into both Macbook & Macbook Pro. The first stepping of these chips do have errors but I don't think I'll be able to wait until the next one:sick:

So just waiting until the announcement for core2 duo chips in a Macbook and it'll be credit card at the ready:nice: Paris expo in September seems a likely date:whistle: