I know this topic has been beaten to death. But I'm desperate here! I've been flipping in my mind for the past month between the Macbook and its Pro brethren (with several bouts of crazy, crazy thoughts that I'd order a Dell XPS m1330 instead), so I'm hoping a second opinion (or a few) could help sway me.
I know I'm going for an Apple notebook. There's no question about that at this point... I'm pretty pumped that I'm going to be a Switcher.
Anyhow, basically I need a computer that will last me the next 4-5 years. I'm heading into twelfth grade this year, and I would like it to last me at least halfway into undergraduate school. It needs to do all the typical 'school' stuff (word processing, presentations), and I'll need to carry it out with me two to three days a week.
However, seeing as I'm not made of money, it would also have to double-duty as my photographic workstation. I'm an amateur photographer -- no professional by a long stretch -- but quite serious about my pastime.
I'd originally settled on the Macbook because I've been using my Dell Inspiron 6000 (a true workhorse but a behemoth of a 15.4" notebook) and I'd figured that the Macbook Pro would be similar in size and weight. But then, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Macbook Pro is neither hugely larger nor heavier than the Macbook. Only about 1" wider and less than half a pound difference in weight... so the Macbook Pro was welcomed back to my shortlist.
The trouble is the Macbook's age, really. It seems a little dated in comparison to Windows offerings (yeah, yeah... Apples and oranges, yada yada) and even its bigger brother. The lack of Santa Rosa (and that tasty 800Mhz) and the outdated Intel GMA950 irk me.
Erm, I'm rambling here, so let me cut it short. This is the way I'm seeing it:
Macbook (@1349$CAD) offers:
- smaller size
- more durable (?)
- cheaper (by 650$)
Macbook Pro (@1999$ CAD) offers:
- LED backlit screen
- more up-to-date components
- backlit keyboard (ooh...)
Questions I'd like to pose:
- In your opinion, how likely is an October Macbook update? (LED/Santa Rosa)
- Would that include a new body? (I don't find the new iMac too attractive)
- To carry, do you find the Macbook Pro much more of a burden over the Macbook? (messenger bag)
- Which is more functionally durable?
- Which is more cosmetically durable?
- How long will it take, roughly, for CCFL backlight fade to be noticeable? (I haven't noticed it in my Inspiron yet...)
If I decided Macbook Pro, I'd order now. If I were to decide on the Macbook, that would present me with another question... whether to wait until October?
I know I'm going for an Apple notebook. There's no question about that at this point... I'm pretty pumped that I'm going to be a Switcher.
Anyhow, basically I need a computer that will last me the next 4-5 years. I'm heading into twelfth grade this year, and I would like it to last me at least halfway into undergraduate school. It needs to do all the typical 'school' stuff (word processing, presentations), and I'll need to carry it out with me two to three days a week.
However, seeing as I'm not made of money, it would also have to double-duty as my photographic workstation. I'm an amateur photographer -- no professional by a long stretch -- but quite serious about my pastime.
I'd originally settled on the Macbook because I've been using my Dell Inspiron 6000 (a true workhorse but a behemoth of a 15.4" notebook) and I'd figured that the Macbook Pro would be similar in size and weight. But then, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Macbook Pro is neither hugely larger nor heavier than the Macbook. Only about 1" wider and less than half a pound difference in weight... so the Macbook Pro was welcomed back to my shortlist.
The trouble is the Macbook's age, really. It seems a little dated in comparison to Windows offerings (yeah, yeah... Apples and oranges, yada yada) and even its bigger brother. The lack of Santa Rosa (and that tasty 800Mhz) and the outdated Intel GMA950 irk me.
Erm, I'm rambling here, so let me cut it short. This is the way I'm seeing it:
Macbook (@1349$CAD) offers:
- smaller size
- more durable (?)
- cheaper (by 650$)
Macbook Pro (@1999$ CAD) offers:
- LED backlit screen
- more up-to-date components
- backlit keyboard (ooh...)
Questions I'd like to pose:
- In your opinion, how likely is an October Macbook update? (LED/Santa Rosa)
- Would that include a new body? (I don't find the new iMac too attractive)
- To carry, do you find the Macbook Pro much more of a burden over the Macbook? (messenger bag)
- Which is more functionally durable?
- Which is more cosmetically durable?
- How long will it take, roughly, for CCFL backlight fade to be noticeable? (I haven't noticed it in my Inspiron yet...)
If I decided Macbook Pro, I'd order now. If I were to decide on the Macbook, that would present me with another question... whether to wait until October?