Totally depends on what you're doing. If screen size is an issue, you plan on 3d gaming, 3d graphics, Intense video editing (i.e. Final Cut Pro) Then I'd go for the Macbook. I do just about everything on mine. I got the 1299 Macbook and Ive edited videos in imovie, make music with Ableton Live, browse the web, e-mail, tunes, and even run Photoshop CS3 beta without any hassle. Id say the gap isn't that large unless you really really need it. Save some of that dough and get Apple Care, or some software.