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    Macbook 13 vs Macbook 13 Pro

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by AMDgamer, Mar 9, 2010.

  1. AMDgamer

    AMDgamer Notebook Evangelist

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    A friend of mine is debating which model. I noticed some small differences, but for 200 bucks it almost seems worth getting the pro model. It seems as if it's a higher quality build, firewire, backlit keyboard, is the screen the same? What do you guys think? Can the Macbooks without the dedicated video card run a game like Sims 3?
     
    AMDgamer, Mar 9, 2010
    #1
  2. ronnieb

    ronnieb Representing the Canucks

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    Both of them have the 9400 which will be able to run the Sims 3, probably at low-med settings at native resolution (worst case)
     
    ronnieb, Mar 9, 2010
    #2
  3. AMDgamer

    AMDgamer Notebook Evangelist

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    My 8600 GT ran it fine when I tested it...full resolution with no hitches. (of course the alienware with the 2GB dual GPU card ran it fine too, ha!)
     
    AMDgamer, Mar 9, 2010
    #3
  4. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    Yeah, the main difference is the aluminum vs. plastic casing. The specs of the two systems are nearly identical. I don't know if they use different display panels or not.
     
    swarmer, Mar 9, 2010
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  5. cyber16

    cyber16 Notebook Deity

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    The new polycarbonate unibody macbook can be had for $800 new if you have a microcenter in your area.
    Or $850 via apple refurb
    http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC207LL/A?mco=MTU5MzE0Mzc

    Therefore the difference in cost would be greater than the that $200

    Apple does from time to time have the 13" MBP models in the refurb store as well for just under $1k

    If he is looking at saving a few $'s, i'd look at them options as well.

    Anyone would be hard pressed to gauge any performance differences among the two models.
    For $200 retail, the added features to the MBP are well worth the extra paid.
    They should also pay some dividends on resell at some point as will the Pro & aluminum aspect.
     
    cyber16, Mar 9, 2010
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  6. AMDgamer

    AMDgamer Notebook Evangelist

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    He decided on the macbook for 899...I checked it out and its MUCH better than the OLD macbooks.
     
    AMDgamer, Mar 10, 2010
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  7. CkoTuHa

    CkoTuHa Notebook Guru

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    the panels are definitely different - they quote different contrast levels - see it from notebookcheck.net/com
     
    CkoTuHa, Mar 12, 2010
    #7