Macbook vs Macbook Pro

What with Leopard being delayed until October and my trusty Powerbook turning 3-years-old this month, there doesn’t seem to be a good reason to delay my next Mac laptop purchase any more. So now I really need to decide between a Macbook, or a Macbook Pro. I’ve configured two roughly equivalent systems: The Macbook comes in at $1,643 and the Macbook Pro at $2,174. They share the following features:

  • 120GB drive
  • 2GB RAM
  • 4MB L2 cache and 667MHz FSB
  • USB, GigE, Wifi, Firewire, Bluetooth yada yada

So what does the extra $531 of the MBP give me?

  • .16 extra GHz (2.16 vs 2.0)
  • 2.1 inches of screen (15.4″ vs 13.3″)
  • 272,000 extra pixels (1440×900 vs 1280×800 screen resolution)
  • ATI Radeon X1600 3D Accel. (vs the MB’s integrated Intel gfx)
  • Illuminated keyboard
  • Firewire 800
  • Expresscard/34 expansion

So, is that worth the $531? The biggies for me are the screen size and 3D accel. A 15″ Powerbook G4 is what I have currently so the MBP would be the same machine but with much more ass kicking. On the other hand, the 13″ MB is smaller and more portable. And even though the screen size is smaller, 1280 x 800 is the same screen resolution I’m used to with my current Powerbook.

So I’m torn. Spend the half-grand and get the uber-laptop, or try to go with something more portable and still a heck of a lot more machine than my G4? Help me decide! :)

April 17th, 2007 in Mac Stuff
  • Ted
    the only thing you left out in the comparison is durability. I think the macbook pro's cover and frame is a bit more robust. That said I think for mobility the macbook wins out.
  • I bought the low end MacBook and it works great (but it's not my primary machine). I'd love to see something even smaller and more portable.

    Remember that these new laptops are easy to upgrade. More RAM or a larger HD can be installed in minutes, so you don't need to buy a more expensive model if you just need more storage space.
  • Jay
    I'm with Ben. The deal breaker is the graphics chipset. The Intel graphics are capable, decent chips as long as you don't expect a top rate gaming chip.

    so... what are you asking for the G4?
  • Dude...wtf...pro = prestige
  • Ben
    MacBook. Extra cost isn't worth it unless you plan on gaming, and the 13.3" is the perfect size for portability. Come on though, pay the black tax!
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