Considering buying MacBook or MacBook Pro--which one?

Hello,
I am thinking of buying a new computer. I'm university-affiliated, and can get the 13" MacBook for $900, and the 13" MacBook Pro for $1100. It looks like the specs are similar on both as far as HD size, RAM, etc. The main differences seem to be the processors (2.13GHz on the white one vs. 2.26GHz on the aluminum), and the FireWire ports (400 v. 800). Anybody have any thoughts on whether the Pro is worth $200 more? Do either of these machines have some potential known issues? (For example, I have an iBook G3 that has the black screen issue, which seems to be well-known.) I don't do a lot of heavy-duty graphics or anything like that, but I like to have a decent computer.
A follow up question is this: The apple care protection plan is an extra $183 for either computer. It's my impression that this is the same as the computer's 1-year warranty, just extended to 3 years. If one buys on AMEX, the warranty is doubled by the card to 2 years. So is a third year worth $183? Aren't any problems likely to occur by the end of the 2nd year? (If I'm understanding this incorrectly, feel free to correct me.)
Thanks a lot in advance!
Anna

The Pro is absolutely worth the money.
I don't know if this has changed with the current revision of white MacBooks, but my machine (a late-2007) is quite susceptible to scuffs, scratches & chips. I don't have a case on it--which probably would have helped!--but this computer isn't as robust as my iBook G4 or my friend's older PowerBook. I've also noticed that my MacBook runs hotter than his MacBook Pro, but that may be due to different hardware components in each machine (his Pro is newer than my computer).
As for the warranty, it's up to you. I've never purchased Apple Care and all of my Apple products have lasted 5 or more years without issues (aside from a hard drive crash on my iBook within its first year). Do keep in mind that phone support is free with the extended warranty--this would come in handy if you live far from an Apple store.
And if you want to be safe, get Apple Care for that 3rd year--$183 will more than cover even 1 repair by Apple.
~Lyssa

Similar Messages

I'm debating between a Macbook Air or a Macbook Pro which one would you suggest?

I'm debating between a Macbook Air (MC965LL/A) or a Macbook Pro (MD313LL/A) which one would you suggest?
I will be using this for college and taking it to class with me. My biggest fear is that I may be too hard on the Air and damage it, but I like that it is lighter and looks cooler. But which one do you believe is more logical and provides the best computer quality overall?

This is an objective comparison,
Meanwhile, we start from the price of their basic models, considering of course that could get discounts as a student in the Education Store. Required about 100 € more to buy an Air with the same screen size of this Pro and already, in some cases, may be enough to make your own choice.
Assuming a score to score, we could say: Pro 1 - 0 Air
Until recently, the beloved laptop for school purposes was the white MacBook.Orphaned "bianchino", now out of the list for some time now Apple, the Mac that is most on the economic front is approaching the Air 11 "(900 € on the edu store). Air 13 "display offers a native that could be called HiRes, identical resolution to that of Pro 15" base:
Air 11 "(16:9) 1366 x 768 = 1,049,088 pixels
Pro 13 "(16:10 format) 1280 x 800 = 1,024,000 pixels
Air 13 "(16:10 format) 1440 x 900 = 1,296,000 pixels
The comparison on the screens is not to be taken seriously. After all, is what we will see during every second of computer work.
And so the challenge back in a tie: Pro 1 - Air 1
For size and weight comparison is merciless. The Pro is a portable slim, well built and, after all, not too heavy. However, this aspect of the Air is unsurpassed. He created a new category of laptops is so small wonder. The weight is also almost halved with 1.3 kg against 2Kg. For those who are always on the go is a godsend for the university and also the difference in the shoulder is remarkable.
We update our score: Pro 1 - Air 2
The battery is offered in both cases with a duration of 7 hours. 2-Air Pro 3. Another aspect that is rather in favor of a tie on the graphics: Both models use the Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384MB of DDR3 SDRAM condivisa.Pro 3 - Air 4.
In academia, it may not feel quite the need for a Firewire port, but the fact remains that the Air does not have it.
I guess that's the case to score another point: Pro 4 - 5 Air
I scored a little more than necessary to have a complete line of Air, but for the purposes of this comparison we are interested in the value obtained from the Pro 13 'Air base and 13 "base. Both processors are dual core and, as you can see, the little guy gets along very well though with a slower clock. There is also a crucial aspect to consider: these data refer to the computing power but do not take into account the incredible speed-bump-up by SSD. Translated into monetary terms means that if the Pro 13 "is marginally faster when the CPU is under stress (such as video encoding) Air 13" is significantly more responsive in every area. By now you will present the advantages of SSD, as we talk about it constantly, and be assured that we are talking about really obvious differences in the everyday. The advantages obtained clearly outweigh the disadvantage resulting from a delay of a few seconds more in exporting an iMovie or a few seconds to compress a full-bodied zip file (which then increased the write speed scale in part). To assign a score in this area I find then a little 'in difficulty. From the viewpoint of the CPU Pro 13 "is slightly faster but we are sure you can assign an advantage when then every single operation, to start since, requires up to 8 times (the value is clearly approximate) of the time ' Air 11 "? I have no doubt to say that overall performance on the front of the Pro 13 "basis, as configured, is beaten hands down Air 13" base.
I say then: Pro 4 - Air 6 (but wait ... is not over)
Do you know where the above discussion decade? The MacBook Pro is much more expandable: add just € 77 and takes a 60GB OCZ Agility SATA3 that mounts in an instant. At that point, the bill draws on the opposite reactivity with SSD and the difference of the processor, though not so obvious, back to bite. It is also possible to realize different combinations. We have spoken of a disk of only 60GB in effect, but in the Pro can also be used as an adapter to enter the optibay the HDD of 320GB in place of the original SuperDrive. In this way we obtain the speed of the solid disc for the operating system and applications and the increased capacity of a traditional hard drive for archiving. Also, the RAM, which base is 4GB on both, on the Pro can be easily increased to 8GB. To want to do things right we should say that the added cost rises well and lose the initial assumption for which we have assigned a point to Pro for the greater economy.Furthermore, the comparison is based, only the basic models, however, the counter remains a valuable expandability, both now and in the future: if after some time you should decide to improve the performance of your Mac, is with the Aircan only change SSD (mSATA but those are expensive), while the Pro will have more flexibility.
u point for the Pro: Pro 5 - 6 Air
With the 2011 version of the MacBook Air has resumed the backlit keyboard, but still (and will) not have an Ethernet port, Superdrive and the infrared receiver. The absence of the reader / writer is a point against him, this is indisputable
equal footing Pro 6 - Air 6. As Apple moves fast towards a future where this will no longer be necessary (see installation and operating system software via the web) can still be useful today. It must be said that with less than 30 € you take an external drive efficiently (review) but this still requires to carry around another "element". On a personal level each of us will be evaluated differently this absence, there are those who do not tolerate it and who has already got used to (in extreme cases supported by the Remote Disk feature) but it is still a lack of perspective in a single complete computer , at least at present.
For this reason we say: Pro 7 - 6 Air
pull the money (or better scores ) won the pro of a single point.
i hope it can help you ti choose
Francesco

Two graphics card on macbook pro which one do I use?

I have two graphics cards on my macbook pro. ADM random 6490m (256mb vram) and Intel HD graphics 3000 (512mb vram). My question is which one should I use? I don't do any hardcore gaming or photoshop. I guess that I am just looking for the best display and least buffering if that even has anything to do with the graphics card. I just want to get the most out of my macbook. I appreciate any advice. Thank you.

Your MBP more or less chooses which graphics card to use automatically. In System Preferences>Energy Saver, check Automatic graphics switching. When it's checked on, it will use the higher power and higher quality dedicated AMD 6490 when you're plugged into the wall, and uses the Intel 3000HD when on battery.
I have downloaded gfxCardStatus to give me more control over which graphics card to use. There are times I might want the AMD while on battery, even though it runs hotter and uses more battery life.
Either card will do well with HD movies, though I notice a lot more artifacts with the Intel 3000 when the movie has a lot of action or explosions or sounds. If you want to do hardcore gaming, you need the AMD of course. Photoshop is more dependent on the central processor rather than the graphics card, so I'm not sure you'd have much issue using either one.

Macbook Pro, Which one?

ok, this is going to be my third time asking this question, but I finally made my mind up.
I am choosing between the 13" models because All im going to be doing is surfing the web, taking notes, youtube, and email. but I will be using iMovie every now n then for youtube videos. Im thinking that the Base 13" model will be fine, but I want your opinions, I want to save money!

Based on what you said you're going to do I will suggest you just buy a 13" Macbook Air. I had a 13" MBP myself and I ended up selling it to a friend because I didn't really feel like it was the right computer for me. My use of it is near verbatim what you said yours would be, minus iMovie. I've never been happier with a laptop, and I'm only using a high-end 11" MBA.
The one advantage I can see is that the MBP would allow you a certain level of expandability but again, based on your description of what you want to do with it, I don't think you need to go Pro.

TV on my MacBook, living in Ireland, which one to get?

Hi All,
I want to watch TV on my MacBook, but I dont know if any off them will work, Elgato was the ones I was looking at. We have a satellite dish on the roof and have the digital sky box in the TV room, we dont have an aerial anywhere and only get very bad reception on the Irish stations, which I presume are decribed as analogue, are they? Antway what do I need to get TV on the MacBook? Anyone have it in Ireland? Im in Kildare.

The Elgato tv tuners are excellent but which one to get depends on your TV reception. You need to find out if you can get Digital Freeview in your area. I can recommend the EyeTV Hybrid which is good for analogue and digital. The EyeTV Diversity great if you can get Digital but pointless if not.
Whatever you do you're going to need a decent arial if the reception is bad in you area.

Buying a new Camcorder. Which one ?? Need Help

Hey guys, love the site and the advice. I am really learning a lot.
I have recently sold my Sony DCR DVD403 b/c it does not have a firewire and I cannot go though all of those steps on a weekly basis to convert videos to my mac.
Now, this is my first mac..woohoo!
In Decemeber I got a imac g5, 2.1 ghz, 1.5 gb, final cut express.
I am now in the market for a good camcorder to have fun with. I am in the range of prosumer. Maybe from 1000-1500$ unless you guys can convince me otherwise.
I have been looking at the Panasonic gs400 but gotten mixed reviews. I also looked at the sony hdr hci, but i understand you cannot burn your HD footage to DVD's???
The new panasonic gs500 is coming out in a couple weeks, but have no idea of quality!
I am looking for experience here. What do you guys suggest as far as a camcorder that I can use weekly with family, friends, weddings, etc and edit as gifts and hopefully learn enough to open my side business.
thanks.
G5

Hello Jack,
It is always a big deal to figure out what camera to buy. So many pro's and con's and the best bang for the buck. We're all in the same boat. In the Digital World, there is one point that can make the descicion on Acquisition and Editing very simple. What will your output be? You admit that you are just beginning and that your goal is to share video experiences with friends and relatives. Today, that means via DVD or Internet. Since you have a Mac and have FCX-HD, you have an excellent base to learn from. Good start.
Now you want an Aquisition Tool (Camcorder) and you would like to go in the right direction. It is a popular opinion, at this time, to think "Evergreen". That is, buy something now that will serve you well in the future; grow with the changes in technology. A good thought, but not always practical. You have the right computer that will be good in the future. You have a good editing platform that will serve you well to produce the video's you are dreaming of. FCX-HD will teach you an editing system that will allow you to grow with a more complex system (FCP) if the future deems you need it. The most important thing for you to consider right now is getting the most editing experience you can. This is truly the most honest advice anyone can give you. To get the most editing experience you will need a video source that can be easily captured into FCX-HD. That will be DV SD, not HD. The FCX and FCP editing platform is based on the marvelous QuickTime file system. Video signals captured by a camcorder have the video and audio signals for each frame locked together. DV SD video when captured to a QuickTime based editing system is seperated into video and audio and Timecode added. HD video remains as a "stream" output and will only conveniently work in systems like iMovie and iDVD. To make HD work in FCP or FCX all the captured video needs to go through a very long process of Rendering. This is an important point. Many people pass over that fact like it isn't there; they are enamored by the sales pitch of HD. This is confusing enough and professional experience is speaking here. Also, the issue of 1080i, 720p or card versus tape hasn't even been discussed, yet. Confusing! HD is in the future, yes. For archival reasons many pro's have begun to shoot HD with the intention of using the HD media in future HD releases. This is also the course that the camera manufacturers want everyone to take.
The summation of this long explanation comes to this. Choose a good DV camera, like a used VX-2000, as someone else suggested. Start shooting, capturing and learning to edit. Don't go into business right away. Take some time to learn how to polish your "look". It will be less stressful and more rewarding. You will then impress your friends and that will start your customer base. If you want to be good at what you do, you will start and restart several times before things are on a roll. That's evolution. If you don't master the editing - all will be frustration. Choosing HD at this time will most likely cause you nothing but that. Shooting DV SD will get you into editing quicker and believe me, even FCX-HD has a steep learning curve,; but it is really powerful. Convenient capture and editng will teach you the most about video, and today, that means shooting DV SD. Buying a good camera like a used VX-2000, will also mean that in the future when you want to change to a new camera, yours will sell easily, because you made a wise choice. That DV-SD video that you previously captured will probably be already disseminated as SD DVD's and you won't care about it much anymore. Actually DV-SD will be able to be converted to HD, if you need to. Another cumbersome point, is that to watch an HD stream from your HD camcorder to an SD-NTSC set recquires conversion (like an AJA converter) which adds more expense.
Hopefully this argument for editing experience will get you on the right path. After all that, Welcome to the World of Final Cut; a place of wonderful creativity. And Welcome to the World of Mac!
Tim
G4 DP 1.42 GHz, 2GB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.5)

I am considering buying a new Macbook Pro 13" non-retina either the 2.5 GHz or the 2.9 GHz version to run Logic Pro X. My question is whether there is a noticeable difference in how well Logic Pro X works with the 2.9 GHz model vs the 2.5 GHz one.

Is there a noticeable performance improvement with running Logic Pro X on a 2.9 GHz model vs the 2.5 GHz one and yes I would have 8GB of RAM installed on the 2.5 GHz one if I were to buy it. Thanks!

My buying advice - the 'entry-level' new 15" MacBook Pro. Take a look at the specs. It's a wonderful machine - and you can upgrade RAM and HD to fit your needs without voiding the warranty. I don't know of any apps that I currently run that can't take advantage of the quad-core, and almost everything is 64-bit now.
I'd used the money you saved from not buying an out-dated 17" and put it into software. If you're transitioning from Windows that can add up quickly (which isn't to say you can't run your Windows apps using Boot Camp or a VM like Parallels.
Just my opinion - but if I could buy anything I wanted right now, I'd go with one of the upgraded 15" non-Retina MacBook Pros.
Clinton

Hi, I want to buy a Macbook Pro, which one is the best for...

Hi, I'm currently studying graphic design... Besides using Adobe collection like Ai, Ps, Dw, Fl, etc., I'm beginning to use After effects, Final Cut, Cinema 4D, basically stuff for audio&video, 3D modelling.. So I'm looking for a Macbook Pro to buy, that allows me to use all those heavy (file size, visual effects) programms.. which do you recommend for me?

High res-anti-glare 15" or 17" with the top end video card, scores 45 points on Cinebench, which is very impressive for a laptop, about half as fast as the fasest current Windows towers.
That most certainly will do the job.
The 17" hight res/anti-glare as the ability to display 1920 x 1080 (1080i HD) on it's 1920 x 1200 pixel screen in actual resolution.
I've got the Early 2011 MPB and I can run a 3D animated screen saver as my desktop all the time, it's a real workstation type machine in a laptop, very very impressive machine.

MacBook verse MacBook Pro - Which one to buy?

So after reading the specs on both the MacBook and Pro the only differences are:
1. Bigger Screen
2. More Video Ram
3. Backlight Keyboard
I will use the Machine to develp websites on, do MS Office, and Surf the Web, run Parallels Desktop for some Windows suff and perhaps a game every so often.
So my question is - is the MBP really worh ~1000K increase in price?
Thoughts?
MacPro 3Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.8)

I own both. A first gen MBP 1.83 with 1.5gig of RAM and a brand new C2D Blackbook with 2gigs of RAM and a 200gig HD.
They are 2 completely different beasts. I was using my MBP as my main machine since I got it in March, or whenever they first shipped. It's a beautiful notebook, I still smile everytime I open it. But for traveling and running around all day, it just didn't cut it unless you are very careful with it. Which I couldn't always be. It got a few dents in it, and I felt bad about that. To grab the unit by the corner and move to another lab, the machine just felt to heavy for that. It was to big and cumbersome and to nice for the use I was giving it.
So I bought the Macbook. The subjective 'feel' of the machine isn't that of the MBP, but the keyboard is nice (I still love the backlight of the powerbooks though) and the machine is nice and fast and pretty and does everything I want it to during my daily travels. Others will tell you that the .4lbs and 1.25 inches or whatever it is don't make that much of a difference. I disagree. The Macbook feels like a much more compact machine. Maybe its the color.
Any both machines run windows, the MBP in Boot Camp, the Macbook in Parallels and both do a stand up job. My MBP is now my stay at home or coffee house machine, used when I have to read and go through several hundred pages of text or financial reports. Or the occasional game or Photoediting. The Macbook is with me on my everyday travels, doing the leg work, the backpack duty.
Just my thoughts, others will vary, but I hope it does help in some way.

Macbook versus ipad? which one should i buy?

A few days before the ipad announcement I was just about to pull the trigger to buy a macbook. This was so I wouldn't be in my home office for hours after work but could be with the family on the couch catching on web-sites. My wife has her macbook and is in our den with the kids after normal work hours. Aside from my ipod touch, I have no way to check the news/sites I like except in the home office.
I was just about to purchase the macbook but I'm wondering if the ipad is a suitable alternative? I'm a gadget junkie but I don't really want to buy both. But I wonder if that ipad would really be good for say reading the wall street journal, shopping on amazon, etc. I know it's not out yet but I thought maybe someone has seen the samples or has thoughts about similar devices.
Also, will it work off my home wi-fi network or is signing up for ATT optional?
Thanks.

Be advised tho that - as I understood the announcements - iPad doesn't handle Flash, used by many web sites, just like your iPod Touch.
I think the iPad is a stunning device, but it's not the equivalent of a MacBook, and both have their own strengths. I think you'll find the iPad to be essentially a large iTouch, which in my thinking doesn't really extend your capabilities, except for the screen size. You need to think carefully about what your real uses might be (and how difficult it will be to get the iPad away from your wife and kids ).
Have you considered an MacBook Air? - much closer to the iPad size and weight with full laptop functionality.
Good luck with that choice!

VMWare running on a MacBook Pro.Which one ?, VMWare running on a MacBook Pro.Which one ?

Good morning people !
I currently have a MacBook Pro 15" Duo core 2008 model running the latest OSX.
I need to have Windows on my machine because of the accounts software, currently I am using VM Ware Fusion 3.
My machine has really slowed down now and I think it is time for a new MacBook Pro.
I know that the new processors are available on the 13" in i5 and i7, and the 15" has a quad core i7.
I do not at present use iMovie although I may get into it later on. I have CS Suite 5 for Dreamweaver and Photoshop.
My question is, as I am running a virtual machine most of the time and I need it on most of the time too, would you recommend an i5 processor or the i7 quad core for doing the sort of work I do (no gaming at all)
I can either buy a new i5 13" or a better spec Early 2011 model i7.
Views please....

Thanks Sig
I have now ordered an 15" MacBook Pro quad core i7.
Will upgrade the RAM ASAP.

Tiger upgrade on MacBook Pro, which one?

I have a 15" MacBook Pro (2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo) running Tiger (OS10.4.11) that I just got off of eBay. It has 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM. Would like to upgrade the OS to the latest version it can run. What OS can run on this machine & how do I proceed?

Mac OS X 10.8.2. Phone the online Apple Store, order a Mac OS X 10.6 DVD, run Software Update, and then get 10.8 from the Mac App Store.
(71163)

Macbook/Macbook Pro Which One?

Hello, I didnt know which topic to put this under so sorry for that. I am a high school student looking to get a new mac laptop. The decision is now MB or MBP. I dabble in video (nothing serious) and do digital photography with photoshop. I plan to install Vista via Parallels or Bootcamp in the future for whatever reason. I realize the graphics card in the MB is integrated and that is the main point of my indecision. Also how much RAM do you recommend for my uses? Thanks al lot

Get as much RAM as you can afford. Also, I owned a MB and upgraded to a MBP because of the weaker graphics circuit. My fan ran a lot on the MB. The MBP is real quiet. IMHO...I think a MBP is a much better value--especially if you get the educational discount. You will have a larger screen/resolution, processor and hard drive, along with better sound quality, backlit keyboard and FireWire 800.
-Bmer
Mac Owners Support Group
Join Us @ MacOSG.com
iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
 An Apple User Group 

Should I use an anti-virus on my MacBook? If so, which one? Thanks.

Anybody there?

Yes, we're here!
Before you decide to install any AV software on your computer, you should do a little reading first and then decide on what you may (and may not) want to use.
Take a visit to Thomas Reed's "The Safe Mac" website and read his Mac Malware Guide. Then take a look at his anti-virus detection guides, part one and part two.
Only you can be certain if you need malware/virus software. If you tend to be wise about what you download, what to look for in possibly infected emails, etc., then it's unlikely that you need anything. If you tend to 'compute precariously then you may need AV software.
Good luck,
Clinton

Should I buy a used G5 and which one?

I currently own a G4 (APG), 450MHz, with 1.5GBs of memory. I have never bought a used Mac, but cannot make the huge investment at this time for a new machine. I've actually been fine with this one, but I'm getting ready to make the time to do some upgrading (Adobe CS2 then CS3 soon afterward, and OS 10.4) to parallel upgrades I'll be making at my office (new Intel Mac on it's way). I'm guessing my home machine will start to crawl. Any advice in terms of the G5 models and buying a used Mac in general? Any models I should avoid?
All advice greatly appreciated.

Yes, of course any Mac Pro would be better than a G5 (the only one I see is a $3300 Quad, by the way -- are we on the same site?), but the idea was to find a $1000 solution to tide me over until I can really invest in a new system. And since I'm coming frm a 450MHz G4, which again has been just fine for me (running CS1 and 10.3.9), I would assume that any G5 would be a big improvement and there do seem to be good options to look into. On the other hand, I've seen such a variety of responses to this idea that I'm still not sure which direction to go at this point. Clearly I'll need to do something soon, but I'm not a speed freak nor do I need the coolest system on the block. I don't play video games, and I won't be using this machine for video. I just want something that runs 10.4, CS2, and CS3 easily, and isn't going to wake the neighbors when the drives spin up or leak coolant all over the place.
That said, I've hit upon another possible solution: FastMac's Dual 1.4 GHz Upgrade for PowerMac G4 AGP. Anyone have opinions about this upgrade as an option? And thank you all for providing input. This is really stressing me out, but your opinions do help.
Lauren
450 Mhz PowerPC G4 Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Considering buying MacBook or MacBook Pro--which one?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for