Macbook or Macbook Pro?

Hi all,

I'm getting a laptop and are considering a Mac. My Dilemma is whether to get a speced-out Macbook or a lower end MBP. The price difference between my 2 models is about $400 AUD. Is it worth the extra for the MBP?

I currently use Ubuntu on my desktop.

This is certainly a valid question. The answer, though, depends on what you intend to do with your new Mac. Perhaps you could give us some more information?

My main usage is pretty stock standard: word processing, internet surfing and the like.

However, I program for a hobby, and plan to do something along the lines of CS at uni. I also play flight sims such as X-Plane, and I generally don't hear good thinks about Intel graphics and gaming.

For gaming and running programs == MBP all day


If your juss surfin the web and doing some simple word processing your good with a macbook.

Can you use an external screen with a Macbook? If so, a) is there a limit to the size of the screen and b) can you dual screen (ie, display on the MB and an external monitor at the same time) on the MB?

I say get MBP. Think of it this way if you buy the blackbook its $2200 you are already spending a lot of money so you might as well spend a little bit more money to get something better the lower end mbp $2800. its like buying a medium big mc meal for $5.50 whats another $.50 for a large. I never get medium LArge all the way baby.(explain why im fat) hahaa

if you want to game - Macbook pro

if not - Macbook

gunny said:

Can you use an external screen with a Macbook? If so, a) is there a limit to the size of the screen and b) can you dual screen (ie, display on the MB and an external monitor at the same time) on the MB?

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Yes. MacBooks have a 'mini-DVI' port so you need a $20 adapter; either a mini-DVI to VGA or a min-DVI to DVI.

On a MBP the F7 key cycles your displays between laptop only, monitor only, both. I 'assume' it's the same on MBs.

gunny said:

Can you use an external screen with a Macbook? If so, a) is there a limit to the size of the screen and b) can you dual screen (ie, display on the MB and an external monitor at the same time) on the MB?

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Oh, and here's an interesting link: MacBook vs MacBook Pro comparison chart http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/comparison_chart.html

External display max resolution for a MacBook is 1900x1200. Pretty impressive. My 24" ViewSonic does less than that.

macbook pro. i would rather buy it

opus_az said:

Oh, and here's an interesting link: MacBook vs MacBook Pro comparison chart

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Ahhh, nice chart!

That chart is inaccurate to current models of MacBooks and MacBook Pros, by a couple of revisions, actually.

Ahhh, bad chart!

Drat! I assumed that a chart from apple.com would be up to date and didn't look it over carefully enough. Sorry.

i was in the same position as you about 6 month ago. and i picked the Macbook Pro never regretted it cost me a bit more but its well worth it. even if its just for the bigger screen size.

i dont use mine for gaming .

What do you guys think would make sense for someone that already has an external monitor -- a Macbook or a Macbook Pro?

Macbook.
I can play Counterstrike with no problems on my laptop. I have Vista Ultimate which runs Aero fine. Get a Macbook.

This is pretty interesting; Primate Labs: Mac Performance
As you can see, the MBP (the 2.20 GHz version) performs just a little bit better than the maxed out MB.
So I think you should get the MB.

If you're going to be gaming or using any highly intensive programs - then definitely get the Macbook Pro. The standard Macbook was more than enough to suit my needs. It is quick, responsive, stable, small and portable, sleek, and quiet.

You keep mentioning external displays. Do you need a laptop? Why not get an iMac or a Mac Mini?

Symon

Symon said:

If you're going to be gaming or using any highly intensive programs - then definitely get the Macbook Pro. The standard Macbook was more than enough to suit my needs. It is quick, responsive, stable, small and portable, sleek, and quiet.

You keep mentioning external displays. Do you need a laptop? Why not get an iMac or a Mac Mini?

Symon

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Because I want to carry it around and use it on the desktop. If I was going for a desktop, I'd get Linux. But Linux is a headache on laptops: I want something that just works.