MacBook Pro - Is It Right For Me?

Question

Hello,
Before I'm scorned by everyone as a Windows guy, I want to point out that I'm in the market for a Mac.
Anyhow, I've fallen in love with the Apple laptops even since a friend of mine got one, and I'd really love to get one in the near future, I just was wondering if someone would be kind enough to let me know if the MBP is the right machine for me, or if I'd be satisfied with an iBook or Powerbook.
Basically, I do have a relatively powerful PC that I use for most of my grunt work and gaming, but I'm looking for a small portable unit that I can use to manage my website, take with me on trips, and something that has the ability to handle graphics well. I doubt it will completely replace my PC, but I do want something that frees me from the confines of my desk when I'm working on my website.
The other thing I was wondering was if there was any plans for a smaller MBP (12 inch), as I have seen some sites claiming that there will be, but nothing really recent. With Apple's birthday coming up soon, I was wondering if anyone could inform me a bit more on that.
Thanks in advance,
Matt
Home Built Rig   Windows XP Pro   "Wanting An Apple"

Answer 1

The MBP is probably one of the best Macs I've ever
owned (and I've owned many since 1988). I think you'd
like it if you are willing to shell out the $. I
would not recommend waiting for a 13in screen version
(IF Apple even comes out with one) because a 12-13in
screen is really too small to work on a website
effectively.
As for waiting for an Intel iBook (Mac Book?), if you
are not in a rush it might be worth the wait of a few
weeks just to see what Apple comes up with. My fear
though is that the Intel iBook will be much less than
just a MacBook Pro with a slower proc and no card
slot. If the Mac mini is any indication, I'm betting
the Intel iBook will have integrated graphics. OK for
most purposes, but if you are working with graphics a
lot on your site, you probably want an independent
graphics chip like the MBP has.
Thanks for the information. I'm not too concerned about the graphical power unless it's less powerful than the 12inch iBook. My friend (who does most of the graphics work on the site -- I tend to do touchups, image manipulation, and the occasional attempt at a comic strip) actually uses a 12 iBoook for his work, and he claims it's not a problem...although, he also doesn't see the need for big screens or HDTV.
Thanks again,
Matt