01-16-2007, 04:15 AM

I've seen on here that some people are actually saying that the MacBook is better than the MacBook Pro. I think I have decided to get a MacBook Pro mainly because it does not have to share memory for the video card. I will be using Photoshop CS2 heavy and only a little, if any, video editing. Is there a reason I should not get the MacBook Pro?

01-16-2007, 04:21 AM

The Macbook Pro is a TOP of the line Pro Notebook. As you mentioned, the Video, the case construction and many features since it's a Pro machine.

The MacBook is a fine computer for those who do not need the better video and other features of the MBP, but in no way is the Macbook a better system except for the lower price which most people can appreciate! Besides the lower price the only other thing I would rather have a MacBook for is the smaller size for more portability. I do not play demanding games on my Notebooks so do not need the better video, but if I had the spare $$$ I would get the MBP any day of the week over the MB if price were no object if you get my meaning.

01-16-2007, 08:36 AM

If the MacBook meets your needs for size, weight, price, & performance than it's a better choice than a MBP.

If you want some of the features available only in the MBP (discrete video system, larger display, more rugged construction, etc.) then the MBP is the better choice.

01-16-2007, 10:02 AM

I think the point of people asking is that they don't know what they need or how programs run in the Mac environment. The MacBook seems like what I need but the MacBook Pro has a better video card.

Is that the only REAL difference between the MacBook and MacBook Pro, just the video card?

01-16-2007, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by JRV

I think the point of people asking is that they don't know what they need or how programs run in the Mac environment. The MacBook seems like what I need but the MacBook Pro has a better video card.

Is that the only REAL difference between the MacBook and MacBook Pro, just the video card?

It also has the Expresscard34 slot for expansion capability, the bigger screen of course, and on the Core 2 Duo units, a Firewire 800 port. If any of those are important to you, than the MBP might be a better choice.

If you're just going to do the basics, not play games or run any heavy hitter applications that might take advantage of the discrete video in the MBP, then it's not advantageous to go with the MBP.

01-16-2007, 10:41 AM

cwa107, what would you consider a heavy hitter app? are photoshop and flash heavy hitters?

01-16-2007, 10:41 AM

I think in some ways, the generous specs Apple offer with the MacBook are partly to blame for this confusion.

Processor wise, the MacBook offers as much grunt and processing power as its bigger brother. Not only that, but the GMA950 GPU in the MacBook is shown to be marginally more efficient at video encoding/decoding than the ATI X1900 in the MBP.

The larger screen, 3D capabilities, FireWire 800 and expandibility of the MBP though mean that for the serious user, it's a better rounded machine.

01-16-2007, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by Zoolook

I think in some ways, the generous specs Apple offer with the MacBook are partly to blame for this confusion.

Processor wise, the MacBook offers as much grunt and processing power as its bigger brother. Not only that, but the GMA950 GPU in the MacBook is shown to be marginally more efficient at video encoding/decoding than the ATI X1900 in the MBP.

The larger screen, 3D capabilities, FireWire 800 and expandibility of the MBP though mean that for the serious user, it's a better rounded machine.

wow, now i am really confused on which to get.

01-16-2007, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by JRV

wow, now i am really confused on which to get.

What are you going to use it for? I got a MacBook because I wanted something small and also didn't really want to pay more than $2000.

Photoshop really screams for a bigger screen, but performance wise there will be little or no difference, same with Flash animation.

01-16-2007, 11:11 AM

I bought my Macbook Pro over the Macbook mostly due to the screen resolution and FW800, both of which the Macbook was lacking. I "stepped up" from my Powerbook G4 (1.67), which basically offered the same screen resolution as the Macbook (aside from FW800), I also can't stand the glossy screen on the MB.

That said, transitioning to the Macbook Pro from the Powerbook was incredibly seamless, to the point where I don't notice any performance increases other than a better and brighter screen. I'm sure that once Adobe CS3 hits the shelves, I'll be coasting, but I could just as easily switch to my Powerbook if I'm not working on a design that requires larger resolutions.

01-16-2007, 11:39 AM

What about just geting a g4 powerbook, photoshop doesn't need a really fast computer to work at full speed I don't think, I have CS2 and it works fast on my 1.33ghz powerbook, I would say save you the money and buy a 17" powerbook 1.6ghz with a 1 gig ram maybe 2 if you want it with a superdrive. Much cheeper that a 17" macbook pro. Then you could by CS3 with the extra money when it comes out.

01-16-2007, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by Zoolook

What are you going to use it for? I got a MacBook because I wanted something small and also didn't really want to pay more than $2000.

Photoshop really screams for a bigger screen, but performance wise there will be little or no difference, same with Flash animation.

I will be using it for Photoshop, Flash and Dreamweaver, almost no video editing, oh and running XP in Parallels. If I got the MacBook I would get the black one with 2gb or RAM. But I just assumed that the MacBook Pro would be better. I don't want to waste my money on something I don't need.

01-16-2007, 11:58 AM

As an owner of both systems, the Macbook Pro is so, so much better.

The Macbook looks and feels cheap. Its very compact and easy to carry, but its honestly not that much lighter then the Macbook Pro. Also, the case on the Macbook Pro looks so much classier with the silver.

Its also much faster. The pro is hands down the better choice if you can afford it.

01-16-2007, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by JRV

I will be using it for Photoshop, Flash and Dreamweaver, almost no video editing, oh and running XP in Parallels. If I got the MacBook I would get the black one with 2gb or RAM. But I just assumed that the MacBook Pro would be better. I don't want to waste my money on something I don't need.

For design of websites and using Photoshop, I'd get the bigger screen. Really, 1280*800 is a little cramped for web design and photo editing.

Originally Posted by taylorwilsdon

As an owner of both systems, the Macbook Pro is so, so much better.

The Macbook looks and feels cheap. Its very compact and easy to carry, but its honestly not that much lighter then the Macbook Pro. Also, the case on the Macbook Pro looks so much classier with the silver.

Its also much faster. The pro is hands down the better choice if you can afford it.

The MacBook doesn't look or feel cheap, my MacBook Black cost $1700 all in, which is hardly a budget laptop. I agree about the weight, the difference is small - the MacBook is actually quite heavy, thanks to its solid build (which you call cheap!).

As to which looks 'classier' - I like the Black, but everyone will feel differently. The Pro really does look like a serious bit of kit.

01-16-2007, 12:57 PM

Well I would be hooking it up to an external monitor. But I need a laptop so I can travel with it.