MacBook Pro - MacBook vs MacBook Pro

Jero · Jero #1 (**permalink**)

08-04-2007, 09:42 AM

I've decided to go with a Mac as my new laptop, but I haven't yet decided to go with either the MacBook or the MacBook Pro.

I use my computer on a daily basis for the standard internet related activities, such as web browsing and IM. However, I'm also a part-time web developer. This means applications such as Adobe Photoshop, multiple browser windows, Apache web server, and I guess Paralles (for testing on Windows) are open almost all the time. I'll also be attending my first year of university this year where I'll also be doing a lot of programming (mainly Java I think).

The thing is, I don't do any gaming on my computer, so I have the feeling the video card will be waste. Therefore I'm not sure if the activities I am doing are worth buying a MacBook Pro for.

walkerj · walkerj #2 (**permalink**)

08-04-2007, 09:58 AM

A Macbook with 2 gig of RAM will do everything you posted as well as a Macbook Pro, with the exception of the smaller screen on the Macbook. I have a very nice external screen which I use if I'm going to do any heavy duty Photoshop or audio work, but if it's not available it's not much of a detriment.

What a Pro model will give you is a larger internal screen. For some, this is important. For me, the very convenient portability of the Macbook makes it perfect. I can use the smaller screen (though I use Virtue Desktop to have four 'virtual' separate screens on which I put all my different apps and switch to on-demand) with no issue.

Kash · Kash #3 (**permalink**)

08-04-2007, 12:33 PM

Since you have no particular use for the video card, then all it really boils down to is personal preference. I would suggest you check out both models in person. I was in a similar position as you and seeing both models first hand really helped me choose one (I chose the Macbook because of the portability and, believe it or not, the keyboard)

techmonkey · techmonkey #4 (**permalink**)

08-04-2007, 02:24 PM

I decided on a MBP. I originally wanted a Black MP, but after some calculations the MBP was definitely worth the extra $300 (in the EDU store). The backlit keyboard, larger screen, speakers on the top, expansion port, and dedicated video card is worth more than $300. Plus, the MBP came with 2GB RAM already.

Jero · Jero #5 (**permalink**)

08-08-2007, 09:17 AM

Thanks for the replies! I guess I'll drop by an Apple Store this Saturday to check both models out.

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MacBook Pro - MacBook vs MacBook Pro

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Jero #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Aug 04, 2007 Posts: 9	08-04-2007, 09:42 AM I've decided to go with a Mac as my new laptop, but I haven't yet decided to go with either the MacBook or the MacBook Pro. I use my computer on a daily basis for the standard internet related activities, such as web browsing and IM. However, I'm also a part-time web developer. This means applications such as Adobe Photoshop, multiple browser windows, Apache web server, and I guess Paralles (for testing on Windows) are open almost all the time. I'll also be attending my first year of university this year where I'll also be doing a lot of programming (mainly Java I think). The thing is, I don't do any gaming on my computer, so I have the feeling the video card will be waste. Therefore I'm not sure if the activities I am doing are worth buying a MacBook Pro for.
	QUOTE Thanks

walkerj #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 13, 2005 Location: New Orleans, LA, USA Posts: 1,186 Mac Specs: 13" Macbook Pro 2.26Ghz Unibody 4G RAM 160G HDD Superdrive	08-04-2007, 09:58 AM A Macbook with 2 gig of RAM will do everything you posted as well as a Macbook Pro, with the exception of the smaller screen on the Macbook. I have a very nice external screen which I use if I'm going to do any heavy duty Photoshop or audio work, but if it's not available it's not much of a detriment. What a Pro model will give you is a larger internal screen. For some, this is important. For me, the very convenient portability of the Macbook makes it perfect. I can use the smaller screen (though I use Virtue Desktop to have four 'virtual' separate screens on which I put all my different apps and switch to on-demand) with no issue.
	QUOTE Thanks

techmonkey #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 01, 2007 Posts: 146	08-04-2007, 02:24 PM I decided on a MBP. I originally wanted a Black MP, but after some calculations the MBP was definitely worth the extra $300 (in the EDU store). The backlit keyboard, larger screen, speakers on the top, expansion port, and dedicated video card is worth more than $300. Plus, the MBP came with 2GB RAM already.
	QUOTE Thanks

Jero #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Aug 04, 2007 Posts: 9	08-08-2007, 09:17 AM Thanks for the replies! I guess I'll drop by an Apple Store this Saturday to check both models out.
	QUOTE Thanks

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