Which should I get? Macbook or Macbook Pro?

In my situation its only $300 for the MBP (not sure what the differences are in pro over MB). These are the 2 models im down to, please let me know which you think i should go for. Just using for web, email, lots of video streaming and downloading, no games. Build quality is very very important to me, which is better for build with less creaks and squeaks?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10131331&catid=

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10125862&catid=

From the looks of it for $300 more I get
- 90 more GB HD space
- double the Ram (4GB vs 2GB)
- 4MB L2
- better casing/body?
- 2.53hz over 2.26
- MBP over MB

 

isn't the 'plain' macbook made out of white plastic which tends to crack easily?
The two links you gave seem to show both an aluminium laptop though. This is because the first generation 13 inch aluminium laptops from apple weren't called Pro yet. Personnaly I would never buy a mac cuz they don't have graphic cards unless you buy the expensive 15 inch models (the first 15 inch model doesnt even have a graph card).
Since you mentioned you don't play games, this is irrelevant information to you, which I just posted for the other readers.

About the build quality, I have no idea if there actually is a difference between the two alumnium models.
The Processor difference shouldn't be noticable, the 4 gigs of ram on the other hand should make quite a difference. Although I'm not familiar with Leopard, I doubt it is limited to 3.1 gigs of ram like the windows 32 bit versions. The bigger hard drive is definitly a big bonus, all the software files and others are starting to take more and more space. Investing in a decent hard drive should shave you future head aches.

 

If you don't like scratches and dents, get the macbook because plastic is more scratch resistant and dentproof than aluminum. If the higher specs interests you, the $300 is worth the upgrade if you have the money to spend.

 

The plastic white macbook cracks...or did they fix that with the next generation?

 

Aluminum case bends, plastic case crack. so what? It's the material's characteristics. If you don't put extremely abuse or pressure on the case, the case won't crack or bend. However even if you take moderate care of your laptop, aluminum will still get scratches and suffer from small dents easily

 

I have models made of both materials, and can say without reservation that the aluminum is much more durable.

 

I've had no problems with the MBP case, no dents or scratches with lots of travel on it. I guess some people treat their systems like Frisbees or something. I think the pro is a better choice in this situation.

 

Personally owning the MBP, I would highly recommend it! The overall durability is fine, but the specs are what really make it worth it. Plus if you decide to resell it at some point, you are likely to get back more for a MBP. Best of luck in whatever decision you make.

 

I can say that the duration of white plastic used on the previous range of Macbooks wear away quite quickly with time. I don't abuse my laptops, but cracks are starting to appear on the case of my previous white Macbook after 3 years of use. I would imagine that aluminium wouldn't start cracking or bending itself after a few years of use.

 

white macbooks pick up scratches way "better" then alu.! Even sliding it in the bag was enough to scratch it(saying from my past experience)!

 

I'm assuming you're comparing the two different version of the MBP:

I'd say go for the cheaper version and if need be upgrade the RAM yourself ($100 or so). The processor won't make much of a difference, so best to save yourself $200 and use it to get some nice accessories for your new mac!

Oh, and if you are a student, Apple Education provide a $100 discount over retail stores ($1199 for cheaper version).

 

Well to the new to mac people this can be confusing. It has a video card, just not it's own seperate/discrete video card. It's built onto the motherboard. The video is a 9400m which can handle all the things the OP asked for just fine. Also while it's purpose may not be to game, I find with a little tweaking i successfully play Team Fortress 2, Everquest 2 and a few other shooters just fine (all be it through bootcamp, no problems though).

Just wanted to clear that up as the post can be taken the wrong way.

 

both of those links go to 13" Macbook Pros...

for what your doing you might look at the normal 13" Macbook... not the old white style but the newer unibody (non-aluminum) ones.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...d=EN&dm=DEBUG&sku_id=0665000FS10131331&catid=

 

you mean "albeit"

 

+1. Just be careful with using the word "better" there, you mean worse. I'd avoid the new white plastic MB. I've come across way too many that are so scratched up it's not even funny (even from very normal use). The Alu MBP is way better IMO.

Having said that, as others have pointed out, the OP's links are both to the 13 MBPs (not MB) so the build/case is the same, just the specs (HD size, CPU, RAM) are different. For me personally, the $300 difference is justified only because I don’t feel like taking the back cover off and switching the HD and RAM, and I can use the faster CPU. But there’s nothing wrong with the base unit at all, especially for what you're planning on using it.

Side note: Every two months or so, BestBuy (Canada) has a $100 off $1000 coupon which FS matches (they're the same company) so you'd get them for $1499 or $1199 instead.

 

Ok thx bro, but which casing will hold up better over time with general usage? The all plastic/white MB or the new recent aluminum MB or MBP?

 

Went through the boxing day flyers here in canada and Future shop and best buy will be having $100 on their MB and MBPs. Its worth waiting till Sat to save $100.

Im leaning towards this MBP - $1200 on Sat. I figure the $100 savings will cover the cost of extra 2GB ram.
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...d=EN&dm=DEBUG&sku_id=0665000FS10125862&catid=

ANYWAYS I HAVE CORRECTED THE 2 LINKS IN MY OP, THEY WERE WRONG. PLEASE COMPARE THE 2 MODELS.

 

I heard the sony vaio bz series, made of magnezium are pretty solid. Mac always seemed fragile to me.

 

Ya ive been considering buying another Sony vaio, the BZ series is $700ish cdn. I have a vaio now and its got a magnesium body and the build is top notch especially considering how thin it is. Very impressed with the vaios build quality.

 

You just had to say something didn't ya

BTW, anyone got a good way to cover up the endless scratches on my White MB? I swear it gets them like no tommorow.

 

this is just one of those cultural perception things which has no basis in fact but, The white macbooks just seem like a computer that looks more at home in a girl's hand than a mans.

@Vaath : Skin that sucker.

 

If you're worried about scratches and scuffs on the Aluminum MBP, invest in a Best Skins Ever full body skin. I've had one on mine since purchasing and when/if I ever take it off, I know without a doubt that the surface will be pristine underneath.

 

Just to add to this, this company's products are virtually identical to "Invisible Shields." I've heard good things.

 

Except I couldn't find an "Invisible Shield" for a MacBook when I looked earlier.

 

I've had MacBook for 2.5 years and just got rid of it. Looking back I don't know what impulsed me to purchase it in a first place. Maybe my book was a lemon but I've had lots of problems with it since the start and even apple "geniuses" knew me by name. Scratches were the least of my problem, but i took good care of it and had it in a protective sleeve when traveled but there were still plenty. The plastic is very fragile, I had to replace the palm rest and the screen case 2 times within that period due to the known manufactured cracks. It's very unavoidable even if you baby it. Don't know anything about aluminum notebooks whether they leave less scratches but guessing it would dissipate more heat.

 

Invisible shield for MacBook

 

the current model Macbooks do not use the same type of plastic case anymore, so not sure they'd suffer the same problems.

 

Well almost a year old Macbook now. Lucky for me just scratches, no cracking anywhere. Hoping to avoid the cracking as it is a pretty decent drive to the Apple Store but it seems inevitable it will occur.

 

Honestly youll be fine with either one. If you want the extra durability I'd go with the Pro, but I have a first gen macbook that's still holding up strong; I've dropped it numerous times and it's still holding up like a champ

 

I've had my pro since May and its holding up great. like new really. no dents or scratches but I take good care of it. I can't imagine dropping it though. if thats something you tend to do then I'd stick with a smartphone, they are cheaper

 

I think in the long run the $300 will be worth the firewire port, aluminum casing, better screen, and the other things you mentioned.