[itssean]

Hey , I am saving up money to buy either a Mac Book or Mac Book Pro but Im not sure which one is the better deal. I mean, of course the Pro is going to run better, but is it worth spending a lot more on the Pro than on the Mac Book? When I get it, I mainly want to edit music and videos. Will it still run fast on a Mac Book. Please give me some advice.

Thanks.
-Sean

[MacosNerd]

It all depends on your reasons to buy. What are you going to use it for. The MBP is an excellent computer but so isn't the MB.
I have a MB but I'm going to be throwing it up on ebay and buy a MBP.

The MacBook has a lot of the same components that the MacBook pro does, save for the GPU, it uses intel's integrated graphics. This means the MB is absolutely horrid at playing 3d games or if you're looking to run aperture or other applications that rely on the GPU. A plus for the MB is its enclosure, much more durable then the MBP, its size can be a good or bad depending on your perspective.

The MacBook Pro has more ports a better GPU, can add more memory, has a larger screen, a better keyboard (not the chicklet kind). Because the new MBP's rely on the Santa Rosa chip set, the FSB is much faster and overall the performance is going to be substantially faster then the MB. The case is made of aluminum which makes it look very sleek but aluminum can easily be deformed, such as from a fall.

So if you're looking to take notes, run office apps and throw it in the back of a back pack, then the MB would be a better choice. If you want to run games or have better performance running some programs like Aperture or photoshop then the MBP is a better choice.

So as you see there is no better deal, its actually which one fits your need better.

[Johnny Dangerously]

Originally Posted by MacosNerd 

A plus for the MB is its enclosure, much more durable then the MBP...

I guess it depends on what you mean by "durable." I'll chime in here with my own, very recent, experience.

I had saved up for a black MacBook, and had just brought it home from the Apple Store. I had 2GB of Mushkin memory I was going to install. Anal-retentive as I am, I donned nitrile gloves, laid out a new Meguiar's microfiber cloth down on the table, made sure the protective sheet was still safely between the screen and keyboard, and laid the machine face down on the microfiber. I then took the newest nickel coin I could find, wiped it down with isopropyl alcohol, and turned open the battery release. Placing the battery face up on the packing styrofoam, I then took care to remove the three screws and memory cover from the interior of the MacBook. I then installed the memory just prior to the point of "clicking in," and stood the 'Book up on its side, so as to apply pressure evenly to fully seat the memory. I then reinstalled the screws and battery, and turned the MacBook back over in preparation for the initial boot.

At this point, I discovered a smear on the top of the MacBook's case, about 2 inches away from the front-left corner. Thinking it was just a fingerprint -- despite my wearing gloves -- I broke out the iKlear cleaning kit to remove it. Nothing. My heart was starting to sink now. I haven't had this computer for half an hour, haven't even booted it yet, and already I've got a nice fat wear mark. Then I took the advice of other black 'Book owners and tried the rubbing alcohol on the case. Finally, the smear started coming off. This gave me a rare glimpse into my future, seeing myself cleaning my MacBook several times a day, and being crushed the first time I got a smear or scratch that couldn't be removed. Yes, I guess I am that superficial. I started to rethink my purchase decision when I rationalized the regular MacBook over the Pro. I phoned the Apple Store, and found out they had a MacBook Pro 15" with the glossy screen, and the manager would waive the open-box restocking fee if I traded up. I pounced.

So I now own a MacBook Pro, for the following reasons. First, the aluminum enclosure is a proven design. It works. It's surface is durable, but no more so than any other laptop when dropped. I'm not so crazy as to think my laptop shouldn't suffer some damage from a drop, but from a touch? That's a little extreme. Second, and this is sort of post-purchase, but the screen is the best LCD I have ever seen, on any desktop or notebook. The brightness, contrast, color saturation, and overall performance of the display is beyond incredible. I definitely recommend the glossy screen option. Third, it comes standard with 2GB of RAM, which saved me a little money via a Mushkin refund. Fourth, even though I am not a hardcore gamer, the graphics performance is something I value (I play Call Of Duty 2 and DEFCON from time to time), especially for Core Image and Core Animation software such as the coming Pixelmator.

I hope this has helped, and though you may not be as concerned with surface durability as I am, the enclosure differences are something to consider with just as much weight as the technical specs of the machine itself. If you're still sold on the standard MacBook, definitely consider white instead of black, as (most of) the nightmare stories are true.

Over and out.

[chipchen]

Hmm.... I'd say... answer these questions:

Do you need mobility? Do you mind carrying a big laptop bag? Do you care if it's white or black or plastic? Do you need the larger screen?

Simply put, buy a MacBook unless you need/want the larger screen, don't like plastic or black or white.

Go to an Apple Store and test them out. I'd say it's mainly a screen size issue... especially if you're doing editing.

[MacosNerd]

Originally Posted by Johnny Dangerously 

I guess it depends on what you mean by "durable." I'll chime in here with my own, very recent, experience.

Durable in that aluminum is more malleable and easily deformed material at least compared to the plastic in the MB. There's been many more threads of someone dropping a MBP/PB very short distance (some of which were in protective cases) and having a dented case then there are those who did the same with the MB (or iBook).

[jonswan]

Well, I've owned both - sold my MB to my girlfriend and got the 15in MBP 2.33. The screen is great + it's a fantastic machine. The edges are not sharp either, unlike the MB's weird design, which used to cut into my hands a little. However, the MB's keyboard is better in my opinion - it's nice and firm whereas the MBP's is a little mushy for my liking.
For gaming/video editing etc you've probably gotta go for the MBP, but for portability and style and no-nonsense regular stuff the middle MB is a great machine.
Best thing to do is go into the store and try out both. Go home, then go back a few days later and do it again, talk to the staff about your needs, go home again, then decide...

[MacosNerd]

Originally Posted by jonswan 

Well, I've owned both - sold my MB to my girlfriend and got the 15in MBP 2.33. The screen is great + it's a fantastic machine.

Same here I just picked up a MPB and I'll be selling my MB on ebay - awesome machine.

[shiff]

I bought one of the speck cases for my black macbook and have never been happier. Both the pro and the regular macbook are less durable then they should be but we must accept that when we buy these laptops. With the speck case, I have no worries at all and would highly recommend it.

I have not had any issues with over a year of really solid use. Here is the link for the case. It isnt the prettiest thing but put a clear one on a black macbook and it is almost not noticeable. I will never own an apple laptop and not have one of these cases.

SeeThru Hard Case for 15" MacBook Pro

[tiger]

I got a macbook and man those things are though but so easy to scratch, the aluminum on the other hand is now as tough on a drop but it repeals bumps and scratches keeping your laptop nice and shinny.

[Cold Warrior]

I have both a MBP and white MB. Both are great machines and I've been happier with the Intel Macs than with any previous Mac model I've ever owned. Personally, of the two, I prefer the MBP, mostly for the larger screen. Otherwise, there's little difference in what I use it for. When at home I use it with the lid closed, connected to a 20" Dell widescreen LCD, external keyboard, and mouse.