MacBook vs MacBook Pro, Help Me Decide!
Posted on February 26, 2008 in News | 3 Comments »
Update
I went with a MacBook Pro. Find out what helped me to make my decision.
I have been craving an Apple laptop for about a year and a half now. Since Apple, just updated both the MacBook and the Macbook Pro today, I think it’s finally time. But now, the hard part comes up, which do I get: the MacBook or the MacBook Pro?
MacBook
So here are the specs for the MacBook that I would get:
- Size: 13 inch
- Processor: 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- Memory: 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2×1GB
- Hard Drive 160GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (or go to 250GB for $100 more)
- AppleCare Protection Plan: $249
- Price: $1,548.00
MacBoook Pro
Now, here are the specs for the MacBook Pro I would get:
- Size: 15 inch
- Processor: 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- Memory: 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2×1GB
- Hard Drive 200GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (or go to 250GB for $50 more)
- AppleCare Protection Plan: $349
- Price: $2,348.00
Comparison
Based on those specs, it seems like the MacBook pro isn’t packing that much more. But in addition to all that, it has a better graphics card, backlit keyboard, and a multi-touch trackpad.
The backlit keyboard and 15 inch screen are big for me. But is it worth that much more? I’m not sure.
I wish Apple would update their laptop comparison chart. Hopefully they will get to it today.
So what do YOU think? Which would you get?
Adrian TurnerFebruary 26, 2008 at 3:12 pm
MacBook.
Why? Three words.
Big Screen TV!
AndyWMarch 31, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I’ve recently had the same issue myself, however my boss saved my life by buying me a 17” pro for work, so i bought a normal macbook for personal use (and so the missus can use the a laptop at the same time as me).
The main things that are different that you don’t really think about, are:
macbook resolution is TINY 1024 x 800 compared to pro’s 1920 x 1200. This makes a huge difference when you’re doing webdev / graphic work
etc.
On the Pro, the keyboard lights up when it goes dark - this is really handy if you tend to work late at night or in low light (I often loose track of time and spend hours working in the dark). The keyboard is also better quality and more like a ‘traditional’ keyboard, whereas the standard macbook has keys that are quite spaced out.
Speakers - the pro is considerably louder and better quality. If you ever use it as a personal audio system it’s handy.
Looks - there’s no two ways about it the Pro is a milliontimes better looking in the flesh!
I’ve only had the pro for about 24 hours, but it’s pretty damn awesome so far. The normal macbook seems like a kiddies toy after using it ;)
Boris ForconiMay 22, 2008 at 11:30 am
Hi Trevor, first comment here, I read your blog for a while now, thanks for your precious posts….
Definitely macBook Pro 15’ (because 17’ is a bit heavy & difficult to carry) for one MAJOR reason : the glossy macBook screen really really sucks. Poor contrast, silly color fidelity, eye-exhaustive, absolutely NOT suitable for a designer. The antiglare macbook pro screen is, though, just perfect. And this is worth that much more.