Expert buying advice needed please!

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Hi.

I am thinking about replacing my aging black MacBook with one of the new Apple MacBooks (not sure which one!)

My needs really are: Internet, Email, iTunes, Office, Skype, MSN. I don't do film editing or that many intensive tasks. I might be doing some light graphic design in the future, but only publication work. No flash or coding/programing!

My budget is limited as I could save the money, rather than just buy the Pro. Although I do like the aluminum case and the screen! However could I just get the MacBook and save the money?

I would like to get if possible 5 years out of this machine so upgrading the RAM is something I'd do if it was running slowly. Is this something that can be done with both?

Which one is the best? Go for the Pro or save the money and make do with the MacBook?

Thank you!
 

Raz0rEdge

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For your needs, the Macbook would be completley fine and as you suggested you can upgrade the memory later on if you feel the default 2GB isn't quite cutting it.

Now the difference between the 13" Macbook and 13" MBP at 2.4G is $200 bucks..so if you can swing that, you might as well go for that MBP and no more..

Regards
 

chscag

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It's your money and ultimately you have to decide. Both the MacBook and MacBook Pro machines will suffice for what you intend to use it for. As far as upgrading it later on, all Apple notebook computers with the exception of the Air can be easily upgraded. Memory and hard drive purchases from third party suppliers are less expensive than from Apple.
 
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This is always a difficult question to answer, because in the end .... you will need to make the decision.

My daughter has a 2010 white Macbook and she is using that for similar activities to the ones you described....... no problem whatsoever.
We upgraded the ram to 4 GB from the start.

In fact, her machine is much faster, much more responsive than my 2008 17" MBP

The Macbooks are great machines and I don't think you need the Pro version.

Only my 2 cents.

Cheers ... McBie
 
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I will see if I can stretch my budget to get the pro but I'm already spending a lot for it! Also, the Pro can upgrade to 8gb and the MacBook is only 4gb? Is this a big difference?

Thank you!
 
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For your usage model, you'd likely never need over 4GB of RAM. 8GB tends to be for people doing really intensive photo/video work, or running virtual machines (VMs).

Keep in mind the Pro comes with 4GB vs. 2GB with the MB, so that's a ~$50 difference if you upgraded the MB (making the price difference more like $150). That being said, I know a few folks running 2GB machines just fine, using them for tasks like you described.

Also keep in mind there are some terrific deals from authorized resellers, so shop around a bit. You don't have to go through Apple and pay full MSRP.
 

pigoo3

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I am thinking about replacing my aging black MacBook with one of the new Apple MacBooks (not sure which one!)

My needs really are: Internet, Email, iTunes, Office, Skype, MSN.

My budget is limited as I could save the money...

To be honest...from what I'm reading, the daily tasks you perform, and you want to save money...unless you're having problems...I really don't see why you need a new computer.:)

- Nick
 

pigoo3

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For your usage model, you'd likely never need over 4GB of RAM.

Be very careful when you use the word "never" when speaking about computer hardware...or I'll "whip-out" some old computer stories/experiences!;)

- Nick
 
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Be very careful when you use the word "never" when speaking about computer hardware...or I'll "whip-out" some old computer stories/experiences!;)

- Nick

Hahaha, true :D

I've been in the tech sector for over 20 years (on my 3rd company), and I almost never say never as it usually gets me into trouble. Most semi-recent example: "Oh that's OK, they'll never migrate to Oracle" [6 months later] "I can't believe they moved to Oracle..."
 

pigoo3

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Hahaha, true :D

I've been in the tech sector for over 20 years (on my 3rd company), and I almost never say never as it usually gets me into trouble. Most semi-recent example: "Oh that's OK, they'll never migrate to Oracle" [6 months later] "I can't believe they moved to Oracle..."

Good deal!:) Since you're a 20 year "tech" veteran...you know where I'm coming from.;)

But I kinda know where you're coming from as well regarding the OP. 4 gig of ram (given the OP's current computing "task load")...would certainly be more than enough for at least 3 years (maybe more). I know I'm doing just fine on 2 gig...with no plans at the moment of upgrading.

- Nick
 
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I would go with the 13in macbook, because right now thats all I do, MSN, Skype, mail, youtube. But if you think that you might do some graphic stuff later you might want to get a little bit of a faster processor.
 

CrimsonRequiem


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MBP 2.3 Ghz 4GB RAM 860 GB SSD, iMac 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7 32GB RAM, Fusion Drive 1TB
I would go with the 13in macbook, because right now thats all I do, MSN, Skype, mail, youtube. But if you think that you might do some graphic stuff later you might want to get a little bit of a faster processor.

Can't an iPad pretty much do almost everything you just listed...?
 
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Thanks for your replies. I think what I may do is try to see them both in action and if the Pro has a better screen, I think I will just bite the bullet and get it. I'm not so keen on white computers anyway...

The extra ram on the Pro sort of seals the deal as I'm not keen on upgrading and this in the long run narrows the cost down.
 
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I agree about looking for deals on a MBP. You could almost certainly find a 13 inch MBP refurbished at the Apple Store or even on Amazon that would cost as much as a regular Macbook.
 

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