Macbook Unibody or White one?

Not sure which one to purchase. I wouldn't mind saving the 300 bucks, but how much of a performance decrease am I going to get. I will be using it mostly for internet browsing and some light gaming....World of Warcraft, Diablo 3 (when it comes out)..any suggestions??

Thanks

 

fairly similar performance, the gpu which is the geforce 9400 IGP is the limiting factor when it comes to gaming.

although with that unibody version, you're getting better screen, better construction, better touchpad.

if you can, get the unibody one.

 

Yeah, like wobble987 said, the performance will be very similar. It's the case, the screen and stuff like that that's been improved.

Compare the reviews: http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4852&review=apple+macbook

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4737

Gaming wise, the integrated graphics card will be enough if you don't necessarily want amazing graphics.

 

Why buy the out dated model for? You'd only be shooting yourself in the foot!

 

That is a little harsh. The latest generation plastic macbooks are neck and neck with the alum macbooks in every benchmark I have seen so far outside of gaming.

Although the 9400M is a huge upgrade from the X3100 you still are not going to be able to play modern games on the alum MacBook.

 

I agree.

The only differences (and those are somewhat slight) between the entry and midlevel MB are now DDR2 (v DDR3) memory - which won't alter observable performance really at all, smaller HDD (120 v 160) and polycarbonate construction v aluminum (w/ LED in latter).

With the 9400 gpu upgrade Apple put in this month, the polycarbonate MB is now a very compelling alternative for people looking at the entry level systems and where price is still a factor. Saving $300 is a significant amount for many. The aluminum models are still selling better according to industry sources, but spec-wise there isn't a substantial reason any longer to consider one of these two models over the other (I exclude the top 2.4 cpu MBook from this statement).

 

the unibody one will also have higher resale value should you decide to sell it one day

 

Didn't Apple update the Whitebooks with a 9400M some time back? In that case, the performance should be more or less similar.

I'd still go with the Unibody though.

 

I agree - the unibody is a better built system than the white macbook and it will hold higher resale value. Besides the details others have also mentioned, the unibody features LED backlit screens where as the white macbook still utilizes a CCFL screen I believe.

 

It still does use CCFL

 

The white one has the same spec and a better screen. No brainer IMHO.

 

Yeah even the white plastic one has the 9400M graphics now.

The specs are almost identical... it's mainly a matter of whether the aluminum build, the even-glossier screen , and the 0.5 pounds lighter weight are worth $300 to you.

EDIT: Now that I think about it, the DDR3 RAM in the aluminum one could help the graphics performance, since it's an integrated graphics chip... not sure how much difference that makes.

 

Thanks for everyones input! I think I am going to go with the aluminum one, because if I dont, i will wish that I had Besides I will get about 15% more speed in games due to the DDR3 ram.

Thanks

 

good for you!

 

Congrats! Yeah I think it will be beneficial to use DDR3 for gaming.

 

Nobody has mentioned yet ---- correct me if I'm wrong

Whitebook ----- Firewire

Alum Macbook ---- no firewire

This could be a big deal for some who still need firewire in a lower end Mac

 

I would go for the unibody, I've owned the white one before becomes yellow over time . And finger prints show up much on it.

 

I think one of the advantages of the new uni-body macs is the ability to upgrade to an SSD from a conventional HDD. When prices of SSDs start to fall (which is predicted to be in a year or so) you can easily move to a much faster data storage medium. I don't think the prev. generation macbooks can do this.

 

For me personally I'd make no use from the FW400 port

 

Just for clarification. The white MacBooks can still accept SSDs.

 

I like the unibody but 300 bucks is 300 bucks. Depends on your situation.

 

Funny thing----

Remember when everyone was all "Up in Arms" about loosing firewire on a Mac

Just an observation !

 

Very important I cannot tell you how important that firewire is and if you note it is the last of the 400 ports all MBP only offer is 800 from now on. Very foolish for mac to leave it out on the unibody.

USB2 lacks a lot expecially when using external HDs. Unless they are planning on USB3 which will not be here until next year.

 

i've always thought of the unibody as having power & better internal plumbing, as opposed to raw power of the older/reharshed model.

as for the firewire argument, i can understand why apple left it out, having open up my mb and take a peek at the neat internal layout. i guess the temptation was too great, and i applaud them for the right decision.

 

When you need to move those larger documents (+4.5gb) you will understand what missing a firewire is all about. When using your Mac as a target drive you will understand what a missing firewire is all about. I work mine, now all they have done was made a glorified Ipod.

 

superior technologies does not always win. apple is the business of making money and survival, even if they have to cut their own arm, as in this case, to do it.

 

All depends if you want to spend a little extra for the looks. Personally, I love my unibody macbook