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    Is it worth it to buy the Macbook PRO over the regular Macbook just for the better screen?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by Colin0317, Jan 18, 2009.

  1. Colin0317

    Colin0317 Notebook Consultant

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    For my needs a Macbook would be fine, but I really want a nice looking screen.
     
  2. whizzo

    whizzo Notebook Prophet

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    all macbook screens are very nice. don't waste money :)
     
  3. HLdan

    HLdan Notebook Virtuoso

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    Regardless of select opinions there's no such thing as something not being worth paying for even if it's only one feature that you are paying for. Any price is worth paying for if you WANT or NEED a certain feature.
    In the case of the MB and the MBP, you get more than just a better screen. Firewire, bigger screen, Express card slot, better graphics and more graphics options and more options for a faster CPU.
     
  4. QueenOfSpades

    QueenOfSpades Notebook Consultant

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    You should check out the screens in person and make the decision based on your own eyes.

    Since you clearly said you don't need the bells and whistles of the MBP, it would be between $400-$700 difference. That's quite a huge leap, so you should probably be sure, using your own judgment.
     
  5. CanadianDude

    CanadianDude Notebook Deity

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    In my case, yes, it was worth it for the MBP because I spend a lot of time on my computer doing work and the larger screen allows me to work comfortably and productively. That's priceless to me.
     
  6. ronnieb

    ronnieb Representing the Canucks

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    Take the $400-$700 and invest in a high quality monitor. around $350 or less will get you a beautiful dell monitor
     
  7. Colin0317

    Colin0317 Notebook Consultant

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    thank you all for the suggestions. The thing is, I'm always on the computer for personal use at home. This laptop will be for home use only. I love the small form factor of the Macbook, but maybe a Macbook PRO would be a wise investment for the speed and bigger/better screen. Like QueenOfSpades said, It may be better for me to go to a store and see them both for myself. I actually though spending 1399.99CAN (for a Macbook) was a lot since I can get a PC for half that price with same specs, but I've been through so many PC laptops and wasn't really happy with them that I want to buy something nice this time. After all, I'm always on it when I'm home. I would still consider a PRO, but I'm not sure I'd really benefit from it as the only games I would play on it is StarCraft II and Diablo III. I mostly use the computer for internet, videos, a bit of photo editing and music.
     
  8. CanadianDude

    CanadianDude Notebook Deity

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    Yes, but I don't have room for a external. I would also need to buy a external keyboard mouse.

    Plus, I am never home anyways. I only go home to eat and sleep.
     
  9. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    @ the OP, you should seriously consider getting a macbook and the LED cinema display.

    that will look much better than either screen.
     
  10. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    Yeah, that would be your best bet. The new cinema display's are verrry nice, crisp, and clear. You can't go wrong with a MB and a cinema display to compliment it. :D
     
  11. Colin0317

    Colin0317 Notebook Consultant

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    is there a considerable difference in speeds between the 2.4 Macbook and the 2.0 for games?
     
  12. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    Not really, because most if not all of your gaming power comes from your GPU, which both have the same NVIDIA 9400M. Only in OpenGL will you feel any real difference in speed differentials.
     
  13. titaniummd

    titaniummd Notebook Deity

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    That is why I bought the MBP. It is not much heavier, it still fits on an airplane tray or my lap. It also comes with iLife.
     
  14. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    the macbook is also lighter, will fit better on the airplane and your lap, and it ALSO comes with ilife...

    (i own the previous gen macbook pro, not being a hater, just stating fact)
     
  15. fan of laptop

    fan of laptop Notebook Evangelist

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    For me, I think that MB is fine. I do not use fire port at all and I think that USB is fine for me.

    I would buy a large screen and attach it to my macbook so that I can have a decent big screen, also I did not lose the portability.

    Just my 2 cents
     
  16. raysmd

    raysmd Notebook Geek

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    I have the same dilemma. I saw both the MacBook and MacBook Pro in the store today. There's absolutely no comparison between the two screens. The MBP's screen is that much better. Better vertical and horizontal view angles. I don't need the power of the MBP or firewire port. What I really like about the MacBook is the size. It's great if you travel a lot.

    so, MacBook for form factor

    or, MBP for the better screen.

    I would gladly pay more for a MacBook with a top quality screen.
     
  17. orthorim

    orthorim Notebook Evangelist

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    That's why I bought my MBP over the MacBook. I was in the store comparing screens.
    I knew I kind of wanted the better screen resolution that the MBP offers, but I was also considering the MacBook because I don't need any of the other stuff that the MBP has and the MacBook is smaller.

    The deciding factor was then screen quality - at the time there was a huge difference. With the new models, you should go to the nearest store and see for yourself. Screen quality is highly subjective, there is no way to know unless you can compare them side by side.
     
  18. sycorp

    sycorp Notebook Enthusiast

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    feel the same. wish they had a better screen on the MB. that's the only drawback for me
     
  19. sycorp

    sycorp Notebook Enthusiast

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    There's an Apple Store in Pai?
     
  20. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    Lol, what?
     
  21. Luke1708

    Luke1708 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    i went with the macbook pro and i've not been dis-satisfied. i love my choice. i saw the screen quality is a bit better than the macbook.
     
  22. slash X

    slash X Notebook Geek

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    In a word "YES" ----- although your mileage may vary.

    Truth is, for many, your pocket book will decide for you.

    i.e. --- That MBP screen sure is nice though !!!!
     
  23. raysmd

    raysmd Notebook Geek

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    yes, it's a very nice, but sometimes form factor is more important.
     
  24. jonhapimp

    jonhapimp Notebook Virtuoso

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    would you rather look at a cheap KIA or would you rather look at an supercar like a Maserati or Audi r8
     
  25. raysmd

    raysmd Notebook Geek

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    you have a point, but notice the audi r8 is not a cadillac escalade. it's smaller but an awesome engine.
     
  26. pacmandelight

    pacmandelight Notebook Deity

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    Since you would use the notebook mostly at home, the MBP would be fine. However, the MB is better for mobile users.