Ugh, can't decide :(

I think the new macbooks are beautiful, and I'm glad the base model was lowered a bit in price according to the rumors, I just can't decide which would really serve me best.
I'm considering either the $999 white macbook, or the $1299 aluminum. I don't really need the speed of the geforce 9400m (and I'm still very weary of nvidia), but I've heard of the problem of the palmwrest cracks on the plastic macbooks.
I'm impressed by the apparent build quality of the new ones, and the LED backlight display.
Arrrggh, can't decide. I'm not asking anyone to decide for me, perhaps I'm just thinking out loud, but if anyone could give their insights, that would be appreciated.
Granted, with the 9400m I could play BF1942 and BF2 occasionally, but the x3100 (under XP) is compatible with an old game I have (whereas nvidia is not).
Otherwise for my basic uses (email, web, movies, music, just a basic computer) either model will suit just fine.

 

I just went down to the Apple store a couple of days ago, and also a colleague of mine bought a new Macbook, and I must say, they're gorgeous!

Build quality - amazing. The aluminum is just awesome, the unibody architecture is truly great.

And this coming from a guy who can't stand plastic notebooks, I have a Santa Rosa Macbook Pro.

I say buy it. I'm selling my old one a buying the $2,499 Macbook Pro.

 

What "game" that can run on X3100 that the nVidia can't? Any game that the X3100 can run, the 9400m can run much better. It's like comparing a cheap no name laptop that you bought for $100 to the likes of Sager or Alienware.

Even if you play "occasionally" I would still recommend the new one. It will last longer (aluminum vs. plastic), and frankly a better value considering the world's difference in gaming performance for just about $300 more. (I just looked at specs...you get the absolutely new Montevina platform!)

Frankly, I think you're already sold on the new Macbook, so I would advise you to get it.

 

Between the old macbook and the new aluminum macbook, I'd say go with the new one if you can afford it. The build quality is in a totally different level and the added features are extremely useful and user-friendly.

 

If I were you I'd check out the heat on the newer ones before deciding...

IMO the heat on all of the aluminum chassis that Apple has get too hot under heavy use because they rely somewhat on the aluminum as a heatsink... >.<

Just my $0.02...

 

I have 2 macbooks, both have a the issue of a small bit of plastic coming off at the right front side. Its not a huge problem, more cosmetic than anything, but the build quality on these new macbooks is just soooo much better. If you have to get one get the new one. Also the gpu will help with snow leopard, which is rumoured to have support for making greater use of the gpu in everyday tasks. Thus it could be like getting a free hardware upgrade when snow comes out
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I've had my MacBook for over a year and a half now, no cracks of any sort for me.

I definitely think get the new aluminum MacBooks. There are $300 worth of difference in there, with the redesign and lighter weight and new processing as well as graphics power, of course the LED-backlit display and just the new extras with it. Of course, better build quality, as it is with the new MacBooks, is always appreciated.

So its definitely worth the cost of $300 for the new MacBooks I think!

 

Thanks everyone, I just might get the aluminum one.
@ idq000: Klingon academy, it has known compatibility issues with newer graphics chips (old game, circa 2000), especially with nvidia cards, but it plays fine with the x3100 under XP.
I think a VM under XP might fix the problem though, so I'm willing to take that risk.

 

Man i cant believe no one is mentioning the best feature about the new macbooks the multi-touch track pad its soo amazing i was considering the dell 17 and i was blown away when i went to the apple store today and saw them.

the build quality is amazing
the sound is nice and comes from under the screen on the 13" macbooks yet its still nice and loud.
the macbook had no problems with heat and they have been on since they arrived in the store on thursday. (really was quiet and cool allover)
the backlit keyboard is amazing the sensor for it is just at the top of the screen were the camera is and its soo nice and so is the keyboard.
and the multi-touch trackpad is the nicest trackpad i have ever used and i was a pc technitian.

get the new macbook you will not regret it im also getting one next week i really cant wait (ive also never used OSX before so im looking foward to testing a new OS)

 

I'm going to play devil's advocate and tell you to get the White one. Why? Because the price is much cheaper... with that price, you can purchase Apple Care and it'll come up to the price of a new aluminum Macbook so that IF your palmrest cracks, it can be repaired! (plus AppleCare is awesome to have just in case).

 

apple care is cheaper for students i was told that a 3year applecare on a macbook in england (the new one) is like £45-£50

so yea not bad

 

I don't think AppleCare covers aesthetic damages.

 

Specifically, no, if say your little brother wrote in permanent marker all over your shiny new MacBook , Apple won't replace it, but Apple officially recognizes plastic MacBook discolouration as a defect and will replace those !

 

Dude without question get the new one. It has a better design, thinner and weighs less, faster processor, LED Screen, a way better graphics card, 1GB more Ram, new and improved touchpad, 60GB more hardrive space, and overall everythings been improved and updated. I would never think about getting the old one anymore, it looks horrid LOL!!!

 

Buy Apple Care via eBay. You'll save yourself (at least in the case of a new MacPro) $150. You just need to buy it within your first year after purchase.

 

Great advice

I once scored AppleCare for my iMac at $50!

Also, like others have said, the aluminum enclosure is only one of the many big upgrades over the old plastic model. To me, the LED and the GPU are worth the extra price. Plus, you get a better keyboard and a newer, more energy efficient CPU, with DDR3 Ram.

 

I would go for the new model, just because you won't feel outdated in 6 months. It gives it more longevity to the new purchase by getting the new style.

 

Saw the new macbook and the macbook pro in person today and i absolutely love the build quality and the new trackpad. The whole 4 finger exposé / show desktop thing is amazing. The larger area of the trackpad is also a big improvement. Another little thing i liked was that the white light hides behind the aluminum when its off. I'm using a white macbook now and i really want the new macbook pro, time to start saving!

Get the aluminum one, its worth the extra 300.

 

I would recommend the new model on price/performance ratio alone. For $300, you're getting an extra 1GB of RAM (pretty necessary IMO), 60GB of hard drive space, LED backlight, and a much better package.

I'll be posting my full review of the MacBook in the reviews section in the coming days if you would like to wait to read that. Overall, the new MacBook has its pros and cons, but it's not the home run that it could (and should) have been.

 

Thanks everyone. You've all been very insighful and gave good reasons for your opinion.
You've all helped a lot.

 

I think I'll just get a white macbook with applecare. I've been reading about some issues some (many??) have been having with the new aluminum ones, mainly the battery latch being loose. One at macrumors reported going through 4 macbooks in 3 days and it's not really any better. Needless to say, that does concern me, and I know the risks of always getting the first revision of a product. Even though apple's support is touted as one of the best, nevertheless, I think it would be a hassle to have to send something in for repair or getting a replacement on a new product.
Look at this youtube video so you can see what I mean. Here's another one.
I suppose I could always upgrade later when revision B comes out.
Just some thoughts of mine.