Is buying a MacBook Pro the right choice?

I am wanting to buy and new laptop computer to replace my old mac. I am tempted by the MacBook Pro, but am a bit put off by the price.
Then I see the Macbook which is less expensive, and wonder whether buying the Macbook Pro is over the top.
Could someone please tell me whether they think it is worth the extra money buying the Macbook Pro, or am I better off just going with the Macbook. I am a graphic design student and have a lot of high res. photos and images on my HD, and need a fast processor to use various programs.
Thanks

Hi there,
What this essentially comes down to is how much speed do you need now, and how long do you want the machine to be usable?
The current MB is a much more capable Macbook than the previous generations. It has the same processor as the entry MBP, and a graphics chipset that is far faster than the previous Macbook. Your current needs would probably be met by the Macbook.
However, read what Apple's Snow Leopard website says under OpenCL.
http://www.apple.com/macosx/snowleopard/
It is certain that in the future the graphics chipsets in these machines will be utilized more than they are today. Nobody knows to what extent that will be, or when it will occur, but it is worth considering.
Certainly, the MBP will be usable for your purposes for a longer period of time than the Macbook. If this matters to you, perhaps the MBP is more suited to your needs. In the end I doubt you would be overly disappointed with either machine, but your usage seem to lean you more towards the MBP.
--Travis

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