What more can you do on a MPB than a MB

I was pretty much set on buying a Macbook, but now the Macbook pro has come into my consideration. I've always enjoyed video editing, and even thinking about getting into web design. If I had a MPB I would probably want to do these things.

All in all though, I don't understand what I'll be able to do on a MPB that I wouldn't be able to on MB. Can someone tell me some specific things that differentiates the two.

Thanks alot for the help.

 

Mainly graphics-intensive tasks is where the MBP excels. So for gaming, and running 3D apps, etc. Photoshop work, graphics design, website design, the MacBook and MacBook Pro are pretty much on par in terms of power.

But the MBP also has added things like the LED-backlit screen, which is also larger and has a higher resolution than the MacBook, and stuff like backlit keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, etc.

If you can afford it, I see no reason not to get the MacBook Pro. But for the majority of tasks, the MacBook can also handle adequately.

 

Hmm, so if I'm not gaming or running 3D apps the Macbook should be fine. I'm going to be purchasing an external monitor for when I use it at home, so I think that will be a wiser way to spend the difference of cash between the two. Alright, i'm pretty much sold on a macbook. Thanks a ton.

 

The Macbook Pro is more Sexxxay.

 

Just a second, before you jump the gun, understand that there are limitations of the Macbook based on your needs. For video editing if you are going to just use like iMovie or Adobe elements you will be fine but if you want to edit in Final Cut Pro only the MBP will work with that software due to the dedicated graphics. Other than that as long as the programs are not graphics reliant the Macbook will be fine.

 

agreed- some intensive (professional level) applications harness the gpu... probably not an issue.

 

MBP has better screen, backlit keyboard, Firewire 800, more powerful graphic adapter, express card, more ram, dvi out, aluminum casing.

 

Just FYI, the upper limit for RAM for both computers is 4 GB, and the MB also has DVI-out (in the form of its mini-DVI port). The X3100 can only drive an external monitor up to 1900x1200 I think, though - might want to check that, but it's certainly not as high as what the 8600M GT can output.

 

Yeah, the MacBook can output up to 1920x1200 resolution on an external display .

 

Bah, always forget the various numbers associated with resolutions. 24,000 extra pixels!

 

Which is exactly the reason I don't allow my fiancée to replace her 24" (1920x1200) with 30" (2560x1600) LCD. If she had a MBP and not a MB, I wouldn't have anything against the upgrade.

ANorecticUS

PS. MB (and I) is holding her back!

 

thats more than enough
i just bought a 22" 1680x1000 and it works flawlessly when hooked up to my macbook no stutters or slowdown

 

I just bought a Macbook this weekend. I am considering taking it back with a 10% restocking fee and upgrading to the MBP simply because of the screen.

I thought I would be okay with the 13" screen but it sure seems small. The overall size and weight of the MBP and MB are very close but the 15" screen on the MBP gives more desktop space and the screen has a lot better viewing angle. Actually the viewing angle problems bother me more than screen size.

I say I'm "considering" it because it's going to cost about $1000 more to get that larger/better screen. Is it worth it? Probably not, but I got 7 or 8 years out of my last titanium powerbook (still running but 500MHz seems pretty slow) so I guess it's not that much to pay for a better machine.

 

Walter:

I didn't even think about MB when I was shopping for a new laptop. Like you said, the weight and the size are almost the same, but MBP's screen is better and bigger. Well, it's also more powerful and has dedicated VGA... and hence higher price tag.

The other thing I like about MBP is that it is made of aluminum - it doesn't become "yellowish" or crack as white plastic might do.

So, I think spending more money on MBP is worth it. And if you want to save some money, look for an Apple refurbs. I know I would if I was looking for a new computer right now.

 

and I expect people will think if it is simply an issue of the screen size/quality, I could just get an external monitor to deal with that. But the main use of the laptop is going to be in situations where I can't set up an external monitor.

 

Well, all the extras that the MacBook Pro adds definitely justifies its price tag, if you ask me. If you can afford it, go for it!

 

Although I agree the the weight differences are negligible, the size is not. I owned a MBP for over a year before I decided to sell it for a MB. The MBP is significantly wider than the MB and I could always feel it against my messenger bag because it was so wide. The MBP is even slightly wider than the previous powerbooks. The larger footprint makes a difference when working on small spaces such as school cafeterias and desks. With books, a spiral notebook and the MBP laid out, the MBP took up a significant portion. If only Apple had made a 13" MBP instead of the Air, it would be perfect.

 

Yes, MBP is a little bit bigger than MB but it's also a tad thinner as well. Naturally thinness doesn't make crowded desktop any bigger, so MB is more convenient to use. I just prefer the bigger screen and the higher resolution of a MBP. Hey, if it only had 1680x1050 or higher I'd be even happier.

Anyway, just for the fun of it I counted the volume and density of both systems.


MB: V=2.028L d=1.119Kg/L
MBP (15"): V=2.247L d=1.090Kg/L

If I didn't make any mistakes, it looks like the plastic MB has higher density than metallic MBP.

 

I live two blocks from the Apple store and walked back there last night and returned the MB for a MBP.

Opening it up and setting it up when I got home I felt immediately more comfortable with the larger screen size and better viewing angles. Hopefully this MBP will last me as long as the last powerbook that I bought in 2000 or 2001, a titanium G4-500MHz. That one was very well made and is still running fine; it's just too slow these days.

 

Yeah, the macbook is dense. Its the only 13" notebook that I know of which weighs 5lbs. Most other 13" notebooks are in the 4lb range and under.

 

apple rules! MBP FTW!!!!

 

Hehe! Apple rules! Mac Pro (desktop) FTW!!!