With many people going back to school in a couple of months, Apple has numerous promotions for those who buy a new computer. Even those of us who have aged machines are finding it time to check out something new. However, I’ve had a few people (myself included) wonder if a loaded MacBook is a better value than a MacBook Pro.
The MacBook obviously has a lower starting price—it’s budget-oriented. However, unlike the iBooks it replaced, many specs are similar to its larger sibling. Processors are comparable in speed, both can be upgraded to the same amount of memory, and both can have the same amount of hard drive space.
So, what seems to be the difference? The MacBook Pro comes with a few extra things, including:
- Dedicated graphics chip
- 2″ larger screen (with your choice of matte or glossy surface)
- ExpressCard slot (for additional accessories)
- Battery rated at 1/2 hour longer
- LED backlighting for the screen (uses less energy, longer lasting, and is more environmentally friendly than the old way)
- MultiTouch trackpad (so you can do photo editing and have more control over things)
- FireWire 800
- Backlit keyboard
Those who do a lot of graphics work, video editing, and gaming will find the graphics chip to be the deciding factor, since that is more powerful than the MacBook’s “borrowing” of the system memory for graphics processing.
Both computers have their pros and cons for the materials that make up the cases. The MacBook features durable polycarbonate plastic that will take a lot of abuse (bending and flexing rather than breaking in most cases), but seems to be scratch-prone since it’s glossy. The black MacBook casing has a matte finish, making it less scratch-prone, but the $100 premium is a bit ridiculous. The MacBook Pro is made of anodized aluminum. It’s tough, keeps things cool, but has a tendency to dent if you’re one to abuse your computer.
The graphics chip is really the only operating difference, unless you need a particular feature. So, the question comes down to, what do you think is the better choice for someone who wants a general purpose computer? Many argue that although the regular MacBook has a smaller screen, its lighter weight and smaller size help its case, as well as the ability to connect a large screen while at “home”. The larger MacBook Pro has more bells and whistles, but is the $500-$900 (depending on what models you’re comparing) expense worth it?
Feel free to use the comment box below to share your thoughts on the issue. The best two computers to compare would be a loaded MacBook and a base MacBook Pro. Obviously, people who need, the extra power would pick the MacBook Pro, but for everyone else, is it “too much” computer?
13 Responses to “Sunday Dialogue: MacBook or MacBook Pro?”
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06/22/2008 at 8:26 pm
Personally, I was in this boat a few months ago. I had an aging PowerBook G4 (last generation of those) and wanted something new. The MacBook was plenty computer for me, but I decided to get the MacBook Pro, more or less because it had the same form factor as the computer it was replacing (I didn’t have to get used to carrying something different), and the MacBooks were mostly speed-bumped versions of their prior selves. The new features of the MacBook Pro are what sold me.
06/22/2008 at 8:29 pm
I’d get the MacBook – for the average user it’s fine and a lot cheaper. You can spend that money on accessories and max out the memory.
06/23/2008 at 12:24 am
The choice was a tough one, but the prices were the deciding factor for me. I bought the MacBook 2.2GHz and maxed out the RAM to 4GB on Jan 19th…it is functioning as good as the 15 inch MacBook Pro i used to have. However, the only thing that i miss is the LED backlit screen on the MacBook Pro…it is simply the next generation technology.
I have never experienced the MultiTouch trackpad on an on-going basis, but tried the demo at the store on MacBook Pro and MacBook Air…I have reservations about the long term usefulness of such feature.
06/26/2008 at 7:51 am
I too chose the MacBook, not for any particular feature or even for price, but rather because of the very expensive dent on the bottom of my last aluminum PowerBook.
06/26/2008 at 11:35 am
I’m with Ryan on this, having migrated from a 1.33 15″ G4. I would also add that if you replace your computer every 2 years then a Macbook should be fine. I went 4 years, so it was easier to justify the price premium.
06/26/2008 at 4:06 pm
Neither. I sold my 15″ Santa Rosa MBP and got (for less than half the money) a generation before last (non HR) G4 17″ PowerBook. That’s all the computing power a regular user needs, and a bag of chips. Now shoot me.
06/26/2008 at 5:01 pm
Greetings.
I was also faced with a similar choice a few months ago, in upgrading my last generation G4 PowerBook.
I tested both the MacBook and the MacBook Pro at my local Apple Store, checked the specs of the two on EveryMac.com … and then I checked DealMac.com.
I ended up buying a refurbished MacBook Pro (2.2 GHz, 2GB) from Apple for about $1600. At the time, the new MacBook Pros was selling for about $2400 … so for those of you on the fence about which one to buy, check out the refurbished options before you make that final decision.
06/26/2008 at 8:44 pm
Why does no one mention the keyboard anymore when reviewing the MacBook?
I hated the “chiclet” keyboards of the early 80s with a passion and always considered them an example of form trumping function instead of following it. Maybe if your idea of touch-typing is 30 WPM, then they’re fine, but for someone whose fingers were trained for classic “clicky” keyboards and Selectric typewriters, where the action is firm and the key travel is long, the MacBook design just does not work. The long-term longevity of the design is suspect as well. The MacBook keyboard sits underneath the top plate instead of atop it. What is going to happen when keys start getting sticky – and inevitably, they will – ? There’s no easy way to clean it without taking the computer apart. With the iBook I own now, I can pop off the keyboard and replace the whole unit with very little hassle.
The most common argument I hear from defenders of chiclet keyboards, regardless of manufacturer, is that if you don’t like the keyboard, get an external one. That is, in my opinion, an unacceptable compromise. I do not use my laptop as a desktop replacement – I use it on my lap, at the coffee shop, in my car. I do not have room for an external keyboard. The MacBook Pro keyboard feels nice, although the key travel is still shorter than I’d like. But I cannot even type “The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog” without making a typo on the MacBook or Sony chiclet keyboards.
I do not need the graphics chip or the extra screen space afforded by a MacBook Pro, or any of the other niceties. But my computer is a serious tool for serious work, not a piece of furniture or a style statement. I don’t care how cute or aesthetically pleasing it is; I want it to work without getting in my way. That is why I bought a Mac in the first place, and why I’ll buy a MacBook Pro.
06/28/2008 at 8:02 am
I would choose to wait until Apple releases an upgraded MacBook, which I’m sure they will with Multi-Touch. The two-finger scrolling is particulary cool, and an upgraded MacBook will probably have a better screen and better battery life.
06/29/2008 at 11:29 am
Like Mark said, the next revision of the MacBook will have multi-touch, and likely LED backlighting as well (for RoHS compliance)
I don’t like the chiclet keyboard either, but the MacBook is the better bargain.
06/29/2008 at 7:52 pm
I’m surprised no one has mentioned the screen size. I have recently purchased both a Macbook and Macbook Pro. The Macbook sits at home connected to my 20″ NEC LCD monitor, external keyboard, etc. We bought this to replace a decidedly aging eMac and an IBM PC laptop. The Macbook is great on power and capability, but the 13″ screen is SMALL. This isn’t a problem for traveling, which is one of the reasons we bought it, but I wouldn’t want to look at it every day. As a dual purpose home/travel machine, it’s a champ.
I use the Pro for work stuff and have it connected at work with a dual monitor setup. I can get by with the 15″ widescreen for work in a pinch, such as on an airplane. The extras that the Pro affords, including a much better keyboard, make it a winner.
06/30/2008 at 10:13 am
I used to have the 12″ PowerBook (same keyboard as the MBP) and actually find that my typing is faster and more accurate on the MacBook. Except for appearance, the keyboard on the MacBook has nothing in common with the miserable chicklet keyboards of the 1980s. It is short-travel, but has a very positive feel.
Back in the day I spent 50% more to buy the 12″ PowerBook over the 12″ iBook and did so only because the iBook keyboard was so bad. I am very happy that the MacBook keyboard turned out to be an advantage rather than a deal-breaker.
07/01/2008 at 3:02 am
If you can wait a few weeks, well maybe 2 months, there may be a new set of MB/MBPs coming out.
My guess is that they will be after the initial 3G iPhone madness subsides after the days following July 11 and before the rush back to school in September. I have noticed that Fry’s Electronics is pushing MN/MBP with free printers etc, They sometimes do this to induce sales before new products come out.