Mac Book Or Mac Book Pro

[MisterMan]

I have read the differences and the specs and would just like some feedback. The macbook pro only seems like an advantage if I am playing video games.

I would like to to amateur movies, photos and the usual things but I would like a fast computer after 4 years with this dinosaur Compact..

[ariesram74]

The Macbook Pros come with an nVidia graphics card 256 or 512mb - you probably don't need the extra graphics card if your doing 2D stuff video editing. For your expressed purposes the Macbook can handle all of it - just make sure to buy more RAM but not from Apple - 2 GB should be enough. The Macbook comes with the x3100 integrated graphics which is not all that bad. Go into the store and play around with them. You will probably want to get an external monitor if you go with a Macbook.

[nikster]

I agree the graphics card doesn't matter all that much - the integrated chipset handles light 3D stuff pretty well too.

I chose the MacBook Pro mainly for the screen size. I need the high resolution. The display quality is also much better - I'd just go to a store and compare them since this is a personal preference. I liked the matte screen much better than glossy. The LED display on the MBP is truly fantastic, best laptop screen I have ever seen

[nidge]

I use a macbook pro. The screen is too small on the macbook. Too many reasons why i prefer the pro but here are 2. The seperate graphics card means i can play 3D games and the illuminated keyboard means i can type while in bed when the wife and baby are sleeping!

Like nickster and aries have already said, go to the store and play with both models.

Also if you go to the smaller apple shop in Phantip they will probably include extra software for free when you buy. I got microsoft office included, (although i use iWork now).

Nidge

[slackula]

I have aMacBook and my wife has an MBP, the MBP is a much nicer machine.

Apart from the better specs the screen is in a different class and the touchpad is much snappier. The backlit keyboard is pretty cool also. If you have the money then definitely go with the MBP.

[dekka007]

LED screen is outstanding on the pro compared to macbook...look at them side by side and you will choose the pro. 100%

[MisterMan]

I appreciate all the quick responses now in laymans terms and has helped me to get a much better understanding. The difference in price is $1000 and since I dont need 3-D nor play video games it seems a better investment to go for the normal mac book. Im not to fussed about the display as im sure its better then my 4 year old pressario relic.

Also I like the suggestion to just buy an external monitor at some time in the future..

ariesram74 Posted Today, 2008-06-22 02:18:43 The Macbook Pros come with an nVidia graphics card 256 or 512mb - you probably don't need the extra graphics card if your doing 2D stuff video editing. For your expressed purposes the Macbook can handle all of it - just make sure to buy more RAM but not from Apple

So is the ram used for a Mac easy to find and not to expensive, or should I say not as expensive at buying it from Apple? Is it the same as for PC? i know this may be a dumb question but I never had a mac before.

Does buying it not from Apple compromise the performance?

Ok thanks so much..

[nidge]

I wanted some new ram last year for my mac. The apple store wanted around 2500 B for 1Gb i went to the shop right next door and bought a Kingston 1Gb card for around 800 B. Installing ram is really simple too.

Nidge

[cathyy]

The MBP has a different display than the Macbook, and you get better, more accurate color representation on the MBP. Apple is currently being sued about the Macbook displays only displaying something like 6 bit color, or something like that. I recommend the better graphics card and the extra graphics ram if you ever plan to play any games. Check the specs the new games are requiring. (I'd also advise a copy of WinXP and Boot Camp and buying the Windows version of any game, not the Mac version) I'd advise 4 gig of ram for genuine video editing. Video editing is a real ram gobbler, and I find 2 gig to be barely sufficient for daily use. Of course, I run a lot of apps simultaneously.

[nidge]

\(I'd also advise a copy of WinXP and Boot Camp and buying the Windows version of any game, not the Mac version)

cathyy,

Why do you say this? I play HOMM V right now and have played a few 3D intensive games like Need for Speed Carbon and they run great on OS X.

I'm not writing to say you are wrong, just interested in why you think it's right. (i couldn't have windows installed anyway as there is not enough room on my drive).

Nidge.

[rijb]

I have the Mac Book. My daughter has the Pro. My next MAC will be a Pro.

[ariesram74]

I like Samsungs myself thought they only come in black. Of course, the MBP is a superior machine but if I am paying that much money I might as well buy an iMac unless I need portability and want to spend the money for the MBP. I saw my friends's black macbook with 4gigs of Crucial and it was pretty sweet - it made me consider getting one for the first time seeing how happy he was with it - for most people with average computing needs the Macbook is pretty solid. If you are planning on using any particular applications check out their system requirements and internet forums. When it comes down to it yuo need to stop in the Apple shop and play on their Macs - I go into Mac stores, though, and want one of everything.

RAM is no problem. Many RAM manufacturer sites will allow tell you what your specific model needs.

I appreciate all the quick responses now in laymans terms and has helped me to get a much better understanding. The difference in price is $1000 and since I dont need 3-D nor play video games it seems a better investment to go for the normal mac book. Im not to fussed about the display as im sure its better then my 4 year old pressario relic.

Also I like the suggestion to just buy an external monitor at some time in the future..

ariesram74 Posted Today, 2008-06-22 02:18:43 The Macbook Pros come with an nVidia graphics card 256 or 512mb - you probably don't need the extra graphics card if your doing 2D stuff video editing. For your expressed purposes the Macbook can handle all of it - just make sure to buy more RAM but not from Apple

So is the ram used for a Mac easy to find and not to expensive, or should I say not as expensive at buying it from Apple? Is it the same as for PC? i know this may be a dumb question but I never had a mac before.

Does buying it not from Apple compromise the performance?

Ok thanks so much..

[moo9]

Display, Display, Display

All for the Pro!

[RAZZELL]

I've got a MBP.

But the battery life on a MB is much better. Depends if that's of use to you.

RAZZ

[tjo o tjim]

I have the 17" Pro, so needless to say I appreciate the screen real-estate compared to the MB. I am also not a fan of the glossy screens personally. I also really like having the backlit keyboard. I don't play any games that make use of the improved GPU.

Nothing wrong with the MB though; it is a good, solid machine. Apple just tries to tempt people to shell out more for an even nicer machine. Hopefully your needs are consistent with your budget-- if the $1,000 premium isn't justified, stick with the MB. If you use the thing 80+ hours a week, well... the MBP is easily justified.

No problems with 3rd party RAM or HD upgrades (try Crucial.com)-- just make sure you get some loc-tite if you open the case to replace the hard drive.

[nikster]

I just want to add that a lot of ppl are happy with the MacBook screen - a friend of mine loves his black MacBook and he's running an industrial design studio, e.g. this man lives for graphics.

The MacBook is a great little machine. Apple overcharges outrageously for RAM therefore it's much better to buy from any random computer shop. A year ago when I got my 4GB kit, Apple wanted $700 for it, at an online retailer it was just over $200...

[ariesram74]

Crucial - 4GB $103.99

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp...3-inch%20Black)