Macbook (Late 2009) Vs Macbook Pro (Mid 2009)

I'm buying one or the other. My next computer will run OSX, that is the only thing I have set in stone.

13" MBP over 13" MB:

SD Card reader
(This would be nice, but I can do without. I only use the reader on my current laptop like once every 2 months)

FireWire 800
(Absolutely no need for this)

Backlit Keyboard
(Absolutely no need for this, people look at their keyboard while typing?)

Screen Color Gamut
(60% more than that of MB I heard ... I know this applies to the older MB but not sure about the late 2009 MB. Can anyone comment on the difference?)

13" MB over 13" MBP:

Cheaper
(I'm thinking of replacing the HDD in there with a 7,200 rpm one, but I've read that I wouldn't see a difference in performance ... Can anyone comment on this? Also, which HDD would you recommend? I would like to use an SSD but they are pricey. Capacity is not an issue for me. I'm not a pack rat, I keep large files (Movies) on an external HDD)

Aesthetics:
(I think I prefer the way the MB looks, my only concern is getting that White unibody enclosure dirty, I've also heard the MB scratches easily ... I'm a very careful person, and I would like to know just how prone to scratches we are talking here. I might go MBP depending, I don't want to shell out 1,000 USD only to have the thing look ancient in 2 months)

Note: I'm really looking to get my questions answered, that is the ones pertaining to the HDD/SSD swapping, the screen difference, and the issue of scratching. I would like to use a 128 GB SSD if possible but cost is a factor to me. I don't want to shell out too much considering I'm going to be buying a bunch of accessories with this new computer (Magic Mouse, Mini Displayport connector cable)

 

Agree. Need an E-SATA port, but Apple has never heard of that.

How would I type then, learn braille?

No backlit keyboard is a deal breaker.

You need an E-SATA port not an SSD.

An HDMI would be nice too. Even some $400 netbooks have them.

And "they just work".

I love the Dell Adamo Admire for $999.

Not sure that you can't run OSX on it.

Dell Adamo Admire comes with a 128 GB SSD.

And a backlit keyboard
--

 

Screen still looks like shat on both of them. I'd recommend the WD Scorpio Blue hard drives, the drives are only 5400rpm but runs very close in performance with the 7200rpm pack. Plus the drives are dirt cheap.

 

You can't appreciate how useful a backlit keyboard is until you've used one, and then have to go without. As the saying goes, don't knock it until you try it.

 

Well I guess it's different for everyone. I can find the keys on my laptop without having to look at the keyboard. I'm just used to it.

It would be nice to have a HDMI port, even better would be to allow OSX to carry audio out of the display port. I mean, according to the specifications display port should carry audio out ... OSX just doesn't support it. PCs that have display ports can carry audio out. Also, when running windows on a Mac, you will notice that audio can be carried out of the display port.

It's an OSX issue. Display port is actually a really good interface, sadly it hasn't taken off just yet.

Well not having an optical disc drive is a deal breaker for me. It's just one of my requirements as a customer.

The Adamo isn't anywhere as powerful as the MB or MBP, but that's besides the point. Power isn't exactly on the top of my list of priorities, still I looked into the Adamo and decided it wasn't for me.

 

Well you're right. However, while that's a good way to look at things ... Even if I couldn't touch type and frequently glanced at my keyboard to find a key, I just don't use my computer in low light conditions really.

 

I'll take a crack at your questions.

In real world use, I found it difficult to notice any large difference between the newest unibody MacBook and a 13" MBP. I've gotten to use them both recently and near each other. I'm sure most people wouldn't be able to notice a difference - so I would not base your decision on this factor. Both screens are excellent.

Honestly, if you're not springing for an SSD hard drive, I would not waste the money on a 7200. Save your money and get a WD Scorpio Blue. They're great, quiet, quick drives. I've had several and have been happy with them all. I know the stats back up the minimal difference in performance to cost ratio that basically says 7200 is not worth it. With SSD you'd definitely notice a difference, though, so either spend the extra or save your money until SSD prices keep falling. You can get a 500GB for under $90 right now, and 320GB for around $50.

The newest unibody MacBook does scratch fairly easily. It's similar to the old white MacBooks. It's not really horrendous, if you've ever seen a used MacBook, you'll know what to expect. If it's an issue for you, I've always used Best Skins Ever/Invisible Shields. Or you can go with the MBP - the aluminum holds up quite well. This is probably where there's the biggest difference between the two. Aluminum obviously withstands surface scratches a lot better than the plastic MacBook. Although you wouldn't need to worry about dents with the MacBook.

Good luck either way.

 

Even people who can touch type look at their keyboards.....I know I do. It's also inevitable that at some point, you'll need to use your laptop somewhere with low light. Since you've never used a backlit keyboard you don't understand the benefits.

 

I've got a Best Skins Ever skin on my Unibody MacBook and have been very happy with it. They're a great way to protect your investment without adding extra weight and bulk.

 

Well thanks guys, I think I'll just wait till the new MBPs are released. You've convinced me.

On a side note, I was just looking at the new i5/i7 iMacs ... What was Apple thinking not including Blu-Ray with those machines? That would have been perfect.

 

Also, I wouldn't run out and get a mighty mouse. I hated touch pads on my windows laptops but love the touch pad on my uMB. Just saying, give the touch pad a try before running out and buying a mouse.

Also, when I got my aluminum MacBook, I got the lowest end aluminum model (without the keyboard light) and I do wish it had it. Seems irrelevant and I never thought twice but I do find times (more than I thought I would) where I would like it but I live without Good luck with your purchase!

 

According to Steve, Blu-Ray is a bag of hurt and the sales of dvds still surpass that of Blu-Ray. So they'll be sticking to dvd drives for quite some time.

 

I have been flip flopping on this too. I think, im ok with not having a backlit keyboard, I dont look at it at all and I know where every button is. the MBP would be better if your rough on your gear, im not, so I think the normal MP will be fine for me. As long as I can run my work software on Windows through bootcamp I will be super happy with it. I have a 17" acer now, and its WAY to big for travel. Plus the battery life is way shorter than the MB as well as there are external batteries available for the MB....

 

Even though I watch Blu-Ray movies on my living room TV, it would have been a nice touch ... Are they having issues getting it to work seamlessly in OSX?

There's just something about Apple ... Just casually stumbling upon the iMac 27" page, it made me want to buy one ... I mean, that thing looks so damn good. Too bad I cannot justify a purchase of one.

Yeah, the MB suits me just fine too. However, I've heard it does scratch quite easily even if you're careful with your gear. Plus I guess the additional 60% color gamut (Not sure if the MB has this) and SD card slot would be nice to have alongside that sturdy aluminum chassis.

Well I'm here holding out, waiting for a refresh ... I'm actually on the market for a desktop and a laptop ... So money is an issue at the moment, I really hope these babies are worth it.

 

i dont know if os x supports it at the moment bt surely, 3rd aprty softwares will support it if you managed to change the drive.

Yeah, the polycarbonate one will scratch more easily than the metallic mbp. It because of the surface of the material. I would add a few more quids for the metallic mbp if i were you. You'll get a better processor and backlit keyboard and an aluminum casing which is more classy.

 

Yeah I think I will do just that.

My Dell Vostro is starting to show it's age, it's still reliable but I need something faster. When handling large word documents (30 pages + embedded Visio objects) my Dell seems to text lag (That is, when I scroll through the document, the text displayed on the screen doesn't update as fast as I would like).

That aside though, I'm getting impatient. If a refresh doesn't come by tomorrow I'm just going to go out and buy something.

I'm sure the MBP has enough computing power for my needs, and while I'm not one that's anal about having the fastest computer on the block ... C2D has been around for some time now, I guess I want something new.

Surprisingly enough, I wouldn't mind having a C2D in one of those new iMacs if only for the sheer brilliance of that display. Man I want one now haha.