Right...My link is to a Macbook...Which I think is what I will be purchasing...However, I'm trying to decide if it would be a better choice to shell out the cash and get a Macbook Pro...
I don't really need it for too much...
This is the decision I was going through a few weeks ago. Todd (who has been very helpful) went over some of the differences. I was originally going to go for the regular MB (the white or the black), as the MBP is so much more expensive that the specs on paper didn't seem to warrant all that extra cost for my needs.
However, I urge you to go to the Mac store and check out both computers in the flesh, as that's where I found the differences that DID matter to me.
The MB is smaller, and has a smaller screen. Even with the resolution set as high as it will go, the viewable area lacks a lot compared to the MBP. This is most evident when viewing websites, though can be annoying when doing word processing, or if you do any photo editing. For instance, i'm not sure my whole post would fit on the MB screen...it probalby would, but without room for anything else (vertically) in the window. Also, the MBP comes with the option for a glossy screen, or the matte finish. The MB only comes with a glossy screen. Some people (including myself) prefer the matte screen, so that's a small factor to think about.
The keyboard on the MB is different as well. The keys are raised, and they are separated from one another. I preferred the feel of the MBP keyboard, which has recessed keys that don't have any spacing between them. Personal preference...but something that you'll want to check out for yourself. Also, the MBP keyboard lights up in dark rooms. The MB keyboard is not backlit.
I also noticed a big difference in the speakers. The MB speakers are hidden under the plastic, and the sound comes out through an open slot that lies where the 2 parts hinge together. Honesty, the speakers sound terrible. The MBP sound quality isn't anything to write home about either. They ARE laptops after all, but the MB sound quality is horrific, IMO.
All in all, I dragged my girlfriend to the Mac store while we were in the mall shopping and we wound up spending about 45 minutes in there going back and forth between a few different machines they had (all the different macbook models). I went in there planning on buying a White 13" MB. Within 5 minutes my girlfriend made up her mind as to weather or not the 15" MBP (which I was considering) was worth the extra cash. By the time I left, I decided to hang on to my money and wait a few months until I had the cash for the MBP.
Notable areas where the MB comes out on top are battery life and operating temp (as felt from the outside). The MB (based on me looking at the battery life meter while messing around with them & talking to the Mac guys about it) should get about 45 minutes more battery life out of a charge than the 15" MBP. It also feels a good deal cooler than the MBP when running. It says nothing about internal temps, but if feeling the heat makes you worry...something to think about.
I mean, keep in mind, these are laptops. So when I complain about screen size, or keyboard feel it's all relative. What one person sees as lacking in a computer, the next guy thinks is just fine. On paper they don't look all that different. But when you're actually typing on the things, and you pick them up and feel how they're built and look at the screen in front of you...the MBP
is quite a bit nicer. Do you NEED something like that, do you NEED to spend the extra cash? It doesn't sound like it. Is it enough of a difference to make you want to? I'd definitely check both out in the flesh before deciding.
Hope that helps.
-Nick
