[Twilight33]

Hello Everyone!

I will be buying my first mac computer ever in the next few weeks, but am faced with quite the dilema: the old white macbook vs the new aluminum macbook.

First off, I should list my needs for this macbook. I am looking for something to use for when I got to my first year university next year in September. I'd also really like it to be something that will last me a long time - hence why I am switching from windows to mac. Aside from my schooling, I will also be doing photo editing on my macbook as I am somewhat an amature photographer, using software like photoshop and lightroom. Besides these main functions, I will just be using my mac for watching movies, listening to music on my iTunes as well as surfing the web. One thing I will NEVER be doing is gaming for the record....

I first wanted the white macbook because firstly I LOVE the design of it so much more then the new aluminum macbooks and also it seemed perfect for my needs. My plans were to buy it from apply with the 1GB of ram and an upgraded 250 GB hardrive, and then get 4 GB of ram to upgrade it immediately. I don't necessarily need that much storage at all (the laptop I currently use has 50gb) but it might be nice to have as a backup?

Now, however, I'm swaying towards the aluminum macbook because of it's better build quality, and also because I hear the screen quality and brightness is much better. Also the additional battery boost doesn't seem to shabby. The only thing that really kills me about this macbook though is the idea of that awful touchpad as well as the design - I love the plastic macbook model so much more.

Basically the question I want to know is which sounds like it would be better for me? Some things I am curious to find out are how much ram should I need for my described usage, is the screen quality different besides conserving battery, does one perform THAT MUCH faster than the other, and are plastic macbooks particularly known from cracking? Also, does aluminum really chip that easily?

I think right now, I'm really geared towards the white macbook, but afraid I'm going to be investing something subpar in comparison to the new and re-designed.

Any opinions / advice will be so appreciated! Thanks!!! : )

[mduell]

Originally Posted by Twilight33 

Now, however, I'm swaying towards the aluminum macbook because of it's better build quality, and also because I hear the screen quality and brightness is much better.

Where on earth did you hear that?

[Twilight33]

From random internet sources saying the new LED screen does not fade like the screen in the macbook, and there are several sources that state the build quality is much better in the new AMB.

Are you saying this is not true?

[Brien]

It's brighter but I certainly wouldn't call it 'better'.

[Twilight33]

And why would you not call it better? Is it because of the glossy issue I've heard to much about?

[mduell]

Originally Posted by Twilight33 

From random internet sources saying the new LED screen does not fade like the screen in the macbook, and there are several sources that state the build quality is much better in the new AMB.

Are you saying this is not true?

No doubt there's an LED backlight which should be better and the new case is better built than the old one (it'd be hard not to). But from the reports I've read the quality of the panel has at best stayed the same and may have become worse. Expect significant color and brightness shifts when you're slightly off-normal.

[Twilight33]

I see. Any advice on which macbook would be better for me then?

[iomatic]

If you're in college, you should get the cheapest and save whatever you would've spent in an interest-bearing account. That's what us old folk keep repeating over and over... if only we did that then...

[Twilight33]

well I'd rather not think of it in terms of cost that much, as the price difference isn't too great, and it's actually my parents buying it for me : )

[molala]

Only you can decide for yourself which is the better screen. Go to an Apple Store again and compare them side by side. I picked the plastic Macbook because I just don't like the glossy screen (and I want firewire). It's true the build of the new Macbook seems sturdier when you pick it up, if this is an important factor for you, then get the aluminum laptop.

[fisherKing]

from what i saw this week, the older macbook is a lot less reflective, and the colors are deeper, truer.
shame the new design/technology is crippled by a mediocre screen, and no firewire...

[macintologist]

Also the additional battery boost doesn't seem to shabby.

You must have gotten someone to edit your admissions essay huh?

[CharlesS]

I'd take the old MacBook, then go to Crucial and buy some more RAM for it (Apple's upgrade prices are too expensive). The old MacBook has at least a modicum of expansion via its FireWire port - the new MacBook is sort of a toy in my opinion.

[Twilight33]

Thanks a lot for the advice!

I should however mention that the lack of firewire isn't an issue for me - i don't even REALLY know what firewire is hehe

[TheoCryst]

Yeah, the lack of FireWire probably won't be an issue for you. Otherwise, the quick version:

- The aluminum shell of the new MB is sturdier than the old plastic case, while simultaneously producing a lighter laptop.
- The new MB's graphics "card" is substantially faster than the old one (NVIDIA 9400 versus Intel X3100). It sounds like graphics performance isn't really an issue for you, but if you plan on playing any games at all, the new one is practically a must-have.
- The LCD screens themselves are similar enough. The new one is much glossier though - whether that's good or bad comes down to personal preference.

Personally, I vote that if the extra $300 doesn't affect you, the new MB is a smarter investment. It already supports a maximum of 6 GB of memory, with the potential for up to 8 GB via future firmware / software updates (the white MB is capped at 4). The new trackpad isn't actually all that different than the old one: just use it like you would any other trackpad, and it'll work fine.

Of course if you really prefer the white shell to the aluminum, then your mileage may vary. Like molala mentioned, get to an Apple store and play with them both for a while before making your final decision.

[Twilight33]

thanks for your opinion!