Upgrading from G4 iBook to.... a MacBook or a MacBook Pro? Advice needed.
Hi all, long time lurker - first time poster
I've had my G4 iBook for almost four years now and am looking to finally upgrade. My options at the moment are:
a refurbished
1.) 15.4" MacBook Pro Core Duo 2.0ghz, 512 MB RAM, 80GB, 4x SuperDrive for $1299
2.) 13.3" Macbook Core 2 Duo 2.0ghz, 1 GB RAM, 80GB, 6x SuperDrive for $999
OR
a new
3.) 13.3" Macbook Core 2 Duo 2.16ghz, 1 GB RAM, 120GB, 8x SuperDrive for $1199
How do the two/three laptops compare performance-wise? I've heard the Core 2 Duo Macbook will outperform the MacBook Pro Core Duo? Atm, I'm leaning towards the Pro for the larger screen but I'm worried I'm paying more for a machine that is inferior to the Core 2 Duo MacBook...
Thoughts? Advice (from someone who's had to make a similar decision)? Thanks in advance
I've had my G4 iBook for almost four years now and am looking to finally upgrade. My options at the moment are:
a refurbished
1.) 15.4" MacBook Pro Core Duo 2.0ghz, 512 MB RAM, 80GB, 4x SuperDrive for $1299
2.) 13.3" Macbook Core 2 Duo 2.0ghz, 1 GB RAM, 80GB, 6x SuperDrive for $999
OR
a new
3.) 13.3" Macbook Core 2 Duo 2.16ghz, 1 GB RAM, 120GB, 8x SuperDrive for $1199
How do the two/three laptops compare performance-wise? I've heard the Core 2 Duo Macbook will outperform the MacBook Pro Core Duo? Atm, I'm leaning towards the Pro for the larger screen but I'm worried I'm paying more for a machine that is inferior to the Core 2 Duo MacBook...
Thoughts? Advice (from someone who's had to make a similar decision)? Thanks in advance
Comments
Hi all, long time lurker - first time poster
I've had my G4 iBook for almost four years now and am looking to finally upgrade. My options at the moment are:
a refurbished
1.) 15.4" MacBook Pro Core Duo 2.0ghz, 512 MB RAM, 80GB, 4x SuperDrive for $1299
2.) 13.3" Macbook Core 2 Duo 2.0ghz, 1 GB RAM, 80GB, 6x SuperDrive for $999
OR
a new
3.) 13.3" Macbook Core 2 Duo 2.16ghz, 1 GB RAM, 120GB, 8x SuperDrive for $1199
How do the two/three laptops compare performance-wise? I've heard the Core 2 Duo Macbook will outperform the MacBook Pro Core Duo? Atm, I'm leaning towards the Pro for the larger screen but I'm worried I'm paying more for a machine that is inferior to the Core 2 Duo MacBook...
Thoughts? Advice (from someone who's had to make a similar decision)? Thanks in advance
#3
I have had all the machines you have listed including your current machine, the ibook G4.
I currently use a MPB 2.4 with 4 gigs of ram. I tell you this because I can honestly say that the MB I have is not scarred one bit. Sometimes they stare each other down and go after it
I would suggest spending the extra $$ and getting 2 gigs of ram. You will not regret it one bit. Makes all the difference in the world.
My main concern about the MBP was that it's battery life would be hindered by the larger screen / backlit keyboard, etc. but this doesn't seem to be the case as people claim similar battery life for both the MB and the MBP - anything you can add based on your experience?
Also, I'm not much of a gamer but would like to play a game now and then (StarCraft 2?) - will the Core 2 Duo processor, additional RAM be enough for the MB to run them decently?
trailmaster - Thanks for the quick answer, just the kind of feedback I was looking for.
My main concern about the MBP was that it's battery life would be hindered by the larger screen / backlit keyboard, etc. but this doesn't seem to be the case as people claim similar battery life for both the MB and the MBP - anything you can add based on your experience?
Also, I'm not much of a gamer but would like to play a game now and then (StarCraft 2?) - will the Core 2 Duo processor, additional RAM be enough for the MB to run them decently?
The MB will get better battery life than the Pro. In my experience I get about an hour longer give or take a few minutes.
My wife has taken possession of the MB and runs it for hours on end for blogging and such tasks. Battery life for her is a big concern and I have not had any complaints from her.
As far as gaming, I played WoW a few times on the MB, but if you enjoy having all the gfx's turned up and music playing I would suggest getting the pro.
The Pro machine plays games much better than the MB. There is no comparison.
As far as Starcraft II goes, its not out yet, so I can't speak to its ability on the MB. I will say that you will get much better performace on the Pro edition given that it has a dedicated GFX card. Plus, I imagine with Starcraft II being a new game, it will require a decent video card to run it. But who knows.