2008 White Macbook vs. 2010 Macbook Pro

I'm looking at used Macbooks for sale on eBay, there is a 2008 White Macbook and a 2010 Macbook Pro that both have 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo 250GB HD 4GB RAM. Despite that one's older than the other, am I correct in assuming that they both have the same capabilities? I'm wondering what the perks are to getting the Macbook Pro when they have the same specs. Thank you for the help.

My own take is the three main things you pick up with the MBP over the MacBook are:

1) More RAM capacity, up to 8GB with the MBP
2) Better graphics card
3) Aluminum case vs the White PVC

Haven't checked to verify but probably more IO ports on the MBP as well.

For these comparisons suggests download Mactracker a great little utility. However as RavingMac says the 2010 MBP. Geekbench on a 2008 2.4GHz machine is 3135, on a 2.66Ghz 2010 MBP 3739 about 20% faster.

The RAM capacity is 8, but that's only if I upgrade, correct? What exactly does the graphics card affect? It says the Macbook Pro is also 2.4Ghz, not sure if that's what makes it 20% faster. Would these factors cause a great amount of lag compared to the Macbook Pro when using software like Logic Pro 9 and Adobe software or playing console video games? Just wanna make sure the extra $300 is worth it.

Bigbox said:

What exactly does the graphics card affect?

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The graphics performance!

- Nick

Haha so just visual quality?

Um, not just quality, speed, Games Videos especially at HIGH HD frame rates. Many other things, not just Looks of the desktop!

The 2010 MBP is a much better machine than the Macbook you are looking at. don't just look at CPU speed.

Also with the software you just said you use and Mountain Lion 4GB is not really a lot of RAM. 8GB would be better for all those applications you mentioned.

If you are yet to be convinced, go with the cheaper. You will regret not getting the MBP however.

Yea, I know a little more about graphics cards now and I'm pretty much only considering a MBP now. Hmm, I figured 4 GB would be alright but if I have to upgrade, I will. A $60 one pretty standard? Or should I be worried about anything?

Bigbox said:

Or should I be worried about anything?

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Asteroids...Alien Abduction...Desperate Housewives...Spam...etc.!

In regards to computers...you need to be more specific. What is there to be worried about??

- Nick

Haha there just seems to be cheaper ones and more expensive ones. Obviously I don't wanna spend a lot of money, so is there any reason not to get a cheaper one?

The increase in speed was more than noticeable between a 2008 macbook pro and an early 11 macbook pro.

the whitebook is blown completely out of the water, performance wise. The 2010 mbp would be a better buy.

Bigbox said:

Haha there just seems to be cheaper ones and more expensive ones. Obviously I don't wanna spend a lot of money, so is there any reason not to get a cheaper one?

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Firstly...where would you be purchasing this MacBook Pro from? Since you narrowed it down to a 2010 model...these are not sold by Apple any longer (including the refurbished section).

If you're specifically looking at a 2010 model. Once you narrow things down to a specific display size (13", 15", 17")...you significantly reduce the number of options. Usually then the only difference is cpu speed (sometimes graphics hardware differences). Everything else (amount of ram and hard drive size)...are user customizable.

- Nick

I plan on purchasing from eBay, and a 2010 model just seems like a good price and will work for me. I think the best option is a 15" but I suppose I'd be alright with any. dtravis7 told me I should increase my RAM to 8GB, so I was wondering what the best RAM out there would be if I need to do so.

I would gladly get a 2011 MBP, but they seem to all be $800+, I'd rather not spend more than $600 unless it's an amazing difference..

There is a substantial step up from the 13in to 15in models, especially in Graphics processing power. FWIW I have the 2007 model 15in MBP and it is still very capable.

Did you upgrade the ram or hard drive? That might be what I end up doing, as 2007 and 2008 seem to sell for $400 or less

Bigbox said:

Did you upgrade the ram or hard drive? That might be what I end up doing, as 2007 and 2008 seem to sell for $400 or less

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4GB RAM and 500GB HD

Though, if it were my choice, I would go for a newer model than the 2007 version I have. My plans are to upgrade to a new MBP in a year or so.

Would you get the newest one? Or a used one

Why are you unhappy with your 2007? Like, what would you look forward to having been fixed with a new model.

If 15" is much better than 13", is 17" much better than 15"?

Why would I get a new one?

My MBP will be 6 years old this summer, that is forever in computer years. It still runs well, and I never got this kind of usable life out of my Windows PCs, but it is time for a change.

Your choice may be very different; I choose not to keep equipment into the final trimester of life. My kids are out of the house, I'm getting ready to retire, and (other than me) don't need old relics around the house.

On a practical note, my current machine runs Mtn Lion OS X 10.8 very well, but somewhere along the way with OS X 10.9 or 10.10 it probably won't meet the hardware specs and I won't be able to upgrade.

Back to your case. I assume budget is a primary consideration from your comments. You would probably get several good years out of any newish (even a 2007 model) Mac, but if money allows, in general I believe buying the newest and mostest is generally best in the long run.
Others may disagree; that is their prerogative.

Ah, interesting, we are on opposite spectrums. I'm getting this laptop for my first year of college, which explains my lack of knowledge and budget concerns.

That's a very good point I didn't consider. I'm buying old and cheap now, but I'll be forced to upgrade, then I'll get old and cheap again. Or I could buy new now and blah blah blah.