[jam8]

i wanted to get some other opinions on macbook build quality versus macbook pro build quality outside the scope of manufacturer defects. these responses will help me make a decision between which unit i'd like to purchase.

thank you all very much

[CaptainHaddock]

Subjectively, I'd say my Macbook Pro feels more robust and solidly built than my friend's Macbook, even though both are good machines. There's something about the aluminum body, which feels very stiff and solid.

[pete]

I've literally had almost ten macbook pros and they've all had various quality issues, some worse than others. Although when they're put together properly and everythin works as it should they do feel better in your hand, I don't think they're of better quality or durability. It's really an illusion because of the metal, but it's super thin aluminum, nothing great about that for a laptop that is intended for mobile use! If anything, I think the macbooks are more tolerant of mobile life than the easy-to-dent (and distort) MBPs. No evidence, just a feeling I get.

The macbooks, to me, are more consistent in their build quality. Maybe because the design allows greater tolerances in terms of assembly and alignment. I've seen quite a few (and owned a few too) macbooks and besides some minor issues with squeaky hinges and peeling, they've been very consistently well-built. I think Asus has better assembly lines than whoever it is that assembles the MBPs.


At the end of the day, there are no guarantees and there is always a chance that you get a dud. I would just choose what you like and hope for the best.

[SierraDragon]

I don't have a handle on build quality, but in many other characteristics (FW800, card slot, backlighting, real GPU, RAM, etc.) the MBP is significantly superior.

-Allen Wicks

[osiris]

My MBP feels delicate compared to a MB. I've already bent the frame, though I was able to bend it back. Works great though!

[rlinhares]

my old powerbook alu was/felt much more robust than my macbook.

[fongyuen]

my wife's mb feels more solid than my mbp. i feel like i have to be more gently with my mbp (maybe just cause it's mine? ), but i think that the magnetic latch allows me to not worry about breaking anything while opening and closing the lid.

[fivell]

In my opinion, having taken apart the PB1400 through the MBP, the ibook/MB are consistantly of better build quality. The PB/MBP look and perform better. If it were myself in the market for a new laptop, I would consider a new Acer with Vista.
Just kidding! Figure out what you will be using it for, what programs you will be using and their requirements, and buy according to your budget. I just purchased an iBook for my sister; 600mhz, 40gb hd, 640 mb ram, and airport for @$300, perfect for web browsing, email, importing digital photos, managing music, writing school papers, and basic web development. It has FW transfer speeds, and runs OSX 10.4 with no problems.

[highstakes]

I use my MBP in all of my classes, and I am always afraid that it might hit hard surface and something bad will happen. So far, the laptop taken some hard hits while in the back pack (dropped it once in the library, thank god for the carpet)...but no problem what so ever. I'd say that both MB and MBP's are well built, because my roomie has a perfectly-working-MB and I am sure his laptop got its share of hits/dents.