This is my last Macbook question I'm asking, since I'm getting it this week. But I need one more expert opinion, since I've gotten great feedback on the Macbook, OS X browsers and the Leopard in previous weeks. Since there's so many decisions to make, from prices $1100- $2500, monitor sizes 13" - 17", colors black /white, and the computer itself, I can't decide. So I'm asking you to give me full details on what you recommend for me, MacBook or MacBook Pro? Any pros/ cons, advantages/disadvantages? The difference between the two? Whoever gives me the most information gets 10 points for Best Answer, and the computer with the most votes wins and help me decide this week. I've realized this has been asked for.
Plus, when talking to Apple Support this weekend on my Netscape problems, they've recommended me to get the External Firewire Enclosure? Does anyone know what this is and how I would benefit from it? I know you have to pay extra for it. I have an External Disk Drive. Is that enough?
2006-08-20 12:02:20 · 6 answers · asked by Kristen H 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
Hi Kristen...the External Firewire Enclosure is a Firewire external drive. I have to assume your external drive is a USB device, which is different. I'm not sure why Apple would have recommended this firewire drive as Netscape is a software issue not a hardware issue so maybe something was perhaps lost through translation.
The MacBook Pro (MBP) offers more features for professional users such as musicians, graphic artists, web designers, video editing and the like. It's an excellent machine despite it's pricey tag. The 15" is a good size as the 17" model can be quite cumbersome to use in certain places (e.g. an airplane seat tray). However, for surfing the Internet, sending and receiving emails, creating word documents the MacBook (MB) model with the superdrive is an affordable alternative. I read your "about me" info and as a writer you may find the Macbook more suitable as I assume you may use Microsoft Word, which these files do not take much space when saved unlike music, video and photos.
For the most part the main differences between the two MacBook models is the case color, the hard drive, and of course the price of $100. The black Macbook sporting a 80GB 5,400-rpm hard drive and the white version a 60GB 5,400-rpm. (Please see Macworld review article of the two below.)
The present disadvantage with the MacBook Pro models that has many users complaining in the Apple's Support Discussion Forums is that they run very hot (hot enough to burn the skin--Apple specifically noted this in the owners manual pg. 107 as a disclaimer) and some have a whining sound coming from the left speaker. Until some revisions happen in the future this can be a major drawback for those who would like to use their MacBook Pro as a LAPtop. ;-)
Here are some more things that you may like to consider to finalize your decision:
1.Battery life - the reports I hear are that the MBP has decent battery life, but really nothing great. I have to assume MB will have improved battery life, if only because of the smaller screen.
2.Hard drive speed - the MB has a 5400rpm drive whereas the MBP has the option to upgrade to a 7200rpm. This only is really important if you need to move data quicker on the hard drive.
3.Screen/pixel size - remember, pixel size matters. The MBP has a 15.4″ 1440 by 900 screen (110.25 pixels / diagonal inch) while the MB packs 1280 x 800 into a 13.3″ screen (113.5 pixels / diagonal inch). It will be easier to read and work on the MBP.
4.Size and weight - Though the MB is 2 diagonal inches shorter in the screen, it isn’t that much smaller in other areas. The weight descrepancy is only .4 pounds and the MB is thicker by .08 inches.
5.Ability to drive a 30″ external display - the MBP can, the MB can’t.
6.Price - a $1000 difference when each has 2 GB of RAM and a 100GB HD.
I hope this helps you a bit more.
2006-08-21 00:58:52 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Kristin, I've been in a similar boat, trying to decide which notebook to purchase. I've done a lot of questioning and research (AppleInsider has been very helpful). Right away, I've tossed the 17" out. I just don't see the need to haul around that big unit, especially at the price. Another thing to keep in mind is Intel has a new chip coming out, Core 2 Duo. It's an upgrade from the current Core Duo. It's expected to be in the MacBook Pros no later than Sept 12th (the Apple Paris Expo). It's unknown if it will be put into the MacBooks right away. I'd hate to see you buy a $2000 unit and have it be somewhat out-dated two weeks later. In the end, if the MBPs are updated without a price increase, I'll be buying one of those. If the price goes up on the MBP, or if the MB are updated at the same time, I'll end up buying a MB and saving the extra $800-1000.
2006-08-21 06:45:52 · answer #2 · answered by lakermace 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Simple answer is
1. MacBook has a 13" screen
2. MacBook has integrated graphic card. MacBook Pro has a dedicated card
3. MacBook Pro has an expansion slot
4. MacBook Pro has a backlit keyboard
5. MacBook Pro (17in) has a built in Firewire 800 and 3 USB ports
2006-08-22 08:30:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No difference in portraits till you're getting between the better end execs. there's a .27GHz difference (leaning in the professionals favour, of direction), and two times as lots RAM for a widely used kind. although, the storage is decreased from 250 to one hundred sixty GB from the standard to the pro. this is ninety GB down the tubes for the inflated cost. For a widespread client, i might advise the Macbook.. besides the certainty that i individually celebrate with my Acer Ferrari. ;)
2016-10-02 08:17:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is to go to http://www.apple.com and read all the specs on both computers to help make your decision. You could also go into the apple support pages and see what type of problems people are having with them and post questions there. I'm sure this is not the answer your looking for but this would be the best place to find your answers.
2006-08-20 12:16:17 · answer #5 · answered by ffmed124 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'd just get the one that you feel would suit you best. I'd reccomend the Macbook Pro, because you would have the best so you really wouldn't need to upgrade for a while.
2006-08-20 12:47:32 · answer #6 · answered by dannyk.8 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋