I am looking to buy my first Macbook (Pro) but I am having a hard time deciding between the op of the line Black MB and the entry level MBP. A little bit about my computer needs....I dont play any games....mostly surfing the net, might purchase Aperture 2 so I can edit some family photos, watch dvds burn cds, music.
I am usually the person that likes to buy the "best" or "top of the line" products so I am stuck between the 2 Apple products. I figured it would be $500 more for the MBP.
Opinions...thoughts or suggestions?
Based on your needs, it sounds like you'll do just fine with a standard MacBook. Having said that, will you be need to burn your own DVDs? How attractive is the Multi-Touch Trackpad to you?
If either of the above are high on the desirability factor, then you should consider stumping up to a MacBook Pro.
i've been waiting for the damn update for around 6 months now only to get this crappy update that can't even compete with a top of the line sony laptop that costs less..
whats worse, in the UK, the MacBook Pro 15 inch 2.5GHz costs "1,599.00 GBP" roughly
$3,155 USD compared to $2,499.00 USD in the states. thats a $656 price difference. and thats NOT whats bloody annoying .. the damn thing comes with LOWER specs than the US version!!! an unupgradable "NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 256MB SDRAM".
this better be a mistake..
P.S. sorry guys, i was really angry when i started writing this. am still angry but not as much. i guess i'll order my laptop from the states. alot cheaper with better specs. only problem is i'll have to pay for a new power adapter *apples ones are expensive* and the keyboard has an american layout so i'll have to get used to that. *sigh*
ohh, and i don't really hate apple. atleast not alot. \
Actually, LED backlit displays are now standard on all of the MacBook Pros. (Previously they were only in the 15" models.)
The following clip is from the Apple-Store MBP 17", only the last two options use LEDs and cost $100 more:
Display
Choose between two resolution options for the 17-inch (diagonal) display on your MacBook Pro. With either resolution, choose a standard antiglare display or a glossy display that lets you view graphics, photos, and videos with richer color and deeper blacks.MacBook Pro 17-inch Widescreen Display MacBook Pro 17-inch Glossy Widescreen Display MacBook Pro 17-inch Hi-Resolution Glossy LED Widescreen Display [Add $100] MacBook Pro 17-inch Hi-Resolution LED Widescreen Display [Add $100]
I hoped there was going to be some kind of event soon.
I thought they might update the MBP's with a new keyboard, multi-touch, hi-res 15" screen, and some more realistic specs across the board (I know they've done *some* of this). It seems like they've done a good job of getting people (as in the general public) interested in Apple products again, but I feel like they should be forcing people to find reasons NOT to switch. I know it's difficult to compare like for like between Apple products and 'regular' PCs, but it's hard not to find higher spec, cheaper PCs appealing in some way.
I feel like I've been waiting ages for a real meaty update to the 15" MBP, and this update has pretty much made my mind up to get a cheaper stop-gap PC laptop until they do a proper update (which I'm guessing will now be towards the end of the year when the new processors come out). I felt like the original MBP was released more out of necessity for the Intel update to the PowerBook line than a bold new product.
Well, I like the (slightly) increased speeds of the new MacBook processors, but why did they lower the L2 Cache? I'm also disappointed about them not giving the MB Multi-Touch trackpads, but... I can wait until they add them to switch from my 2.16ghz, 2gb MBP down to a 2.1+ghz, 4gb MB.
Also, a word to the wise. I have a MBP (2.16ghz CD, 2gb RAM) and a MB (2.0ghz C2D, 2gb RAM). As for people who are looking for a laptop, the MB is VERY capable of doing ANYTHING that my MBP can, except some games and high-end graphic design (and those limits are only there because of the video card). On a daily basis, the MB has longer battery life, and is almost identical speed-wise (I think usage habits and settings make-up the difference entirely). Plus, the MB runs at a cooler temp constantly. The only things that the MB cannot do are Port related, i.e. no ExpressCard slot, no dual-link dvi.
Here's the "in your face section:"
No remote on the new laptops, oh go cry about it, lol. How many people really use their remote often enough to warrant getting too upset over it, and is $19 that high of a price?
New case designs will come, sure they will, but give Apple a bit of time, they've had a full plate for a long time now... and besides, another had mentioned (which I am of the same opinion) that if they change the MBP or MB cases too soon right now, the MBA will loose a lot of attention.
I am looking to buy my first Macbook (Pro) but I am having a hard time deciding between the op of the line Black MB and the entry level MBP. A little bit about my computer needs....I dont play any games....mostly surfing the net, might purchase Aperture 2 so I can edit some family photos, watch dvds burn cds, music.
I am usually the person that likes to buy the "best" or "top of the line" products so I am stuck between the 2 Apple products. I figured it would be $500 more for the MBP.
Opinions...thoughts or suggestions?
I would definitely recommend that you go with the "entry level" MacBook Pro. When I replaced my Ti-Book I was financially strapped and had to settle for a MacBook. Every time I use the MB I regret my decision. The MacBook is far from graceful--it is a plastic hunk. Yea, I can drop it on carpeting and it bounces, but the tactile experience of plastic vs. aluminum is startling. Also the MB does not have the MBP's luminated keyboard--a feature I regret every night I used my MB in my darkened bedroom. The MB's graphics come at the expense of your memory and CPU as it is integrated in the CPU rather than "outsourcing" the graphic processing to a dedicated graphic card. The MBP will retain more of its value should you decide to sell it down the road to upgrade to a new MBP.
Get the MBP. You will not regret it.
I failed to mention that the gesture trackpad is a wonderful feature. After using the basic gestures that are part of iPhone's interface, I can testify that this is the interface of the future. When I test drove a MB Air, I was even more impressed with the expanded gesture capabilities.
In any case, paying $400 for the 'upgrade' is a ripoff.
Well, you seem to forget that before the update this was more than $800. No, I am not trying to play Apple's advocate, just to point out that if it is now a ripoff, then it was before a ripoff plus rape. Fortunately, no one and nothing forces you to buy RAM at these silly prices. There are however many people that will be caught in Apple's web because of ignorance about actual memory pricing.
I would definitely recommend that you go with the "entry level" MacBook Pro. When I replaced my Ti-Book I was financially strapped and had to settle for a MacBook. Every time I use the MB I regret my decision. The MacBook is far from graceful--it is a plastic hunk. Yea, I can drop it on carpeting and it bounces, but the tactile experience of plastic vs. aluminum is startling. Also the MB does not have the MBP's luminated keyboard--a feature I regret every night I used my MB in my darkened bedroom. The MB's graphics come at the expense of your memory and CPU as it is integrated in the CPU rather than "outsourcing" the graphic processing to a dedicated graphic card. The MBP will retain more of its value should you decide to sell it down the road to upgrade to a new MBP.
Get the MBP. You will not regret it.
Just when people had me leaning heavily on the Black MB you post this comment and I am nowsecond guessing myself again lol
if you have the money, get the macbook pro. aluminum is so much nicer than plastic. the illuminated keyboard is awesome and i prefer the keys they LEFT ON the pro's [thank you apple] to the "new standard". also, the integrated graphics on the macbooks are a killer.
bottom line, if the $500 means a lot to you go macbook, if not, go MBP
Why do we have to pay for a remote that was included before?
Bad move Apple
let's stop being little girls about this.
If the cost of a computer is 1099 bucks and the remote is 19, then just assume the cost of the computer is 1118 and compare that to your other options.
The number of people that do NOT want a remote and can now avoid having to pay for it is a good thing.
The price of the computer is based on the options you want.
Add up what you want, that's the price.
The idea that people will not buy this thing because the price of the remote added to the price quoted makes it not worth it..... is zero.
The macbook is still plastic with no LED(Steve promised a transition by this year)...and the MBPs except for the 17" don't have LEDs either.
The MBPs also still use the antiquated lid hook "latch" that is prone to breaking.
All this to me points to this as a nice speedbump stop gap until the real redesign happens. Intel is coming out with new chips in June...
Macbooks are usually updated in May.
This update will keep the sales churning. After all it's a nice little update(faster chip, larger hard drive) same price! Coolio. And the MBPs have the multi touch. Bummer it's not on the macbooks tho. Further indication that the line is in transition.
I don't think Apple wanted to release their full redesigns so soon after the Macbook Airs debut so they wouldn't steal it's thunder.
I'd guess by May/June Apple will be ready to unleash the new designs. Otherwise won't be until the fall. :-)
So many people seem to expect the MacBook to be a MacBook Pro. Hey, genius, you are buying the budget version of the machine. No, Apple doesn't need to add every bit of new tech into the budget machine. Besides, these things are EXTREMELY capable computers. Why must everybody act like a spoiled brat when they don't get everything for nothing? Grow up.
Please define "nothing".
Seems to me Apple is charging a rather lot of something for these machines. Especially outside the USA.
Stop playing it both ways and pretending it is as cheap and fully specced as a PC and then saying you can't expect standard PC hardware unless you pay much more.
Apple users are paying for and expect a restaurant meal, not a take away.
Comments
? not being 4.0+ GHz or better
? not having 1 Tb 15K rpm 1.8" drive
? no Blu-Ray burners
? doesn't fold up to fit in your shirt pocket
? doesn't unfold to a 30" screen
? still needs a battery and/or AC power supply
? costs more than USD $10
? doesn't include lifetime free update versions of all Apple, M$ and Adobe software
? no $10 million lifetime data loss insurance guarantee, with "no proof of purchase/no questions asked" payout
It's getting to where I don't know what's worse: Windows zealots who think their choices are golden, or Mac zealots who think their choices are crap.
except for the 17" MBP it's an option.
Actually, LED backlit displays are now standard on all of the MacBook Pros. (Previously they were only in the 15" models.)
I am looking to buy my first Macbook (Pro) but I am having a hard time deciding between the op of the line Black MB and the entry level MBP. A little bit about my computer needs....I dont play any games....mostly surfing the net, might purchase Aperture 2 so I can edit some family photos, watch dvds burn cds, music.
I am usually the person that likes to buy the "best" or "top of the line" products so I am stuck between the 2 Apple products. I figured it would be $500 more for the MBP.
Opinions...thoughts or suggestions?
Based on your needs, it sounds like you'll do just fine with a standard MacBook. Having said that, will you be need to burn your own DVDs? How attractive is the Multi-Touch Trackpad to you?
If either of the above are high on the desirability factor, then you should consider stumping up to a MacBook Pro.
YipYipYipee
what kind of treatment is this !!!!
i've been waiting for the damn update for around 6 months now only to get this crappy update that can't even compete with a top of the line sony laptop that costs less..
whats worse, in the UK, the MacBook Pro 15 inch 2.5GHz costs "1,599.00 GBP" roughly
$3,155 USD compared to $2,499.00 USD in the states. thats a $656 price difference. and thats NOT whats bloody annoying .. the damn thing comes with LOWER specs than the US version!!! an unupgradable "NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 256MB SDRAM".
this better be a mistake..
P.S. sorry guys, i was really angry when i started writing this. am still angry but not as much. i guess i'll order my laptop from the states. alot cheaper with better specs. only problem is i'll have to pay for a new power adapter *apples ones are expensive* and the keyboard has an american layout so i'll have to get used to that. *sigh*
ohh, and i don't really hate apple. atleast not alot.
Is the 4GB of RAM with purchasing....or over kill..will I see a big difference?
Depends on what you're doing. In any case, paying $400 for the 'upgrade' is a ripoff. Go to Newegg and you can get 4GB (2 x 2GB) for $88.
Actually, LED backlit displays are now standard on all of the MacBook Pros. (Previously they were only in the 15" models.)
The following clip is from the Apple-Store MBP 17", only the last two options use LEDs and cost $100 more:
Display
Choose between two resolution options for the 17-inch (diagonal) display on your MacBook Pro. With either resolution, choose a standard antiglare display or a glossy display that lets you view graphics, photos, and videos with richer color and deeper blacks.MacBook Pro 17-inch Widescreen Display
MacBook Pro 17-inch Glossy Widescreen Display
MacBook Pro 17-inch Hi-Resolution Glossy LED Widescreen Display [Add $100]
MacBook Pro 17-inch Hi-Resolution LED Widescreen Display [Add $100]
I thought they might update the MBP's with a new keyboard, multi-touch, hi-res 15" screen, and some more realistic specs across the board (I know they've done *some* of this). It seems like they've done a good job of getting people (as in the general public) interested in Apple products again, but I feel like they should be forcing people to find reasons NOT to switch. I know it's difficult to compare like for like between Apple products and 'regular' PCs, but it's hard not to find higher spec, cheaper PCs appealing in some way.
I feel like I've been waiting ages for a real meaty update to the 15" MBP, and this update has pretty much made my mind up to get a cheaper stop-gap PC laptop until they do a proper update (which I'm guessing will now be towards the end of the year when the new processors come out). I felt like the original MBP was released more out of necessity for the Intel update to the PowerBook line than a bold new product.
Also, a word to the wise. I have a MBP (2.16ghz CD, 2gb RAM) and a MB (2.0ghz C2D, 2gb RAM). As for people who are looking for a laptop, the MB is VERY capable of doing ANYTHING that my MBP can, except some games and high-end graphic design (and those limits are only there because of the video card). On a daily basis, the MB has longer battery life, and is almost identical speed-wise (I think usage habits and settings make-up the difference entirely). Plus, the MB runs at a cooler temp constantly. The only things that the MB cannot do are Port related, i.e. no ExpressCard slot, no dual-link dvi.
Here's the "in your face section:"
No remote on the new laptops, oh go cry about it, lol. How many people really use their remote often enough to warrant getting too upset over it, and is $19 that high of a price?
New case designs will come, sure they will, but give Apple a bit of time, they've had a full plate for a long time now... and besides, another had mentioned (which I am of the same opinion) that if they change the MBP or MB cases too soon right now, the MBA will loose a lot of attention.
I am looking to buy my first Macbook (Pro) but I am having a hard time deciding between the op of the line Black MB and the entry level MBP. A little bit about my computer needs....I dont play any games....mostly surfing the net, might purchase Aperture 2 so I can edit some family photos, watch dvds burn cds, music.
I am usually the person that likes to buy the "best" or "top of the line" products so I am stuck between the 2 Apple products. I figured it would be $500 more for the MBP.
Opinions...thoughts or suggestions?
I would definitely recommend that you go with the "entry level" MacBook Pro. When I replaced my Ti-Book I was financially strapped and had to settle for a MacBook. Every time I use the MB I regret my decision. The MacBook is far from graceful--it is a plastic hunk. Yea, I can drop it on carpeting and it bounces, but the tactile experience of plastic vs. aluminum is startling. Also the MB does not have the MBP's luminated keyboard--a feature I regret every night I used my MB in my darkened bedroom. The MB's graphics come at the expense of your memory and CPU as it is integrated in the CPU rather than "outsourcing" the graphic processing to a dedicated graphic card. The MBP will retain more of its value should you decide to sell it down the road to upgrade to a new MBP.
Get the MBP. You will not regret it.
I failed to mention that the gesture trackpad is a wonderful feature. After using the basic gestures that are part of iPhone's interface, I can testify that this is the interface of the future. When I test drove a MB Air, I was even more impressed with the expanded gesture capabilities.
In any case, paying $400 for the 'upgrade' is a ripoff.
Well, you seem to forget that before the update this was more than $800. No, I am not trying to play Apple's advocate, just to point out that if it is now a ripoff, then it was before a ripoff plus rape.
I would definitely recommend that you go with the "entry level" MacBook Pro. When I replaced my Ti-Book I was financially strapped and had to settle for a MacBook. Every time I use the MB I regret my decision. The MacBook is far from graceful--it is a plastic hunk. Yea, I can drop it on carpeting and it bounces, but the tactile experience of plastic vs. aluminum is startling. Also the MB does not have the MBP's luminated keyboard--a feature I regret every night I used my MB in my darkened bedroom. The MB's graphics come at the expense of your memory and CPU as it is integrated in the CPU rather than "outsourcing" the graphic processing to a dedicated graphic card. The MBP will retain more of its value should you decide to sell it down the road to upgrade to a new MBP.
Get the MBP. You will not regret it.
Just when people had me leaning heavily on the Black MB you post this comment and I am nowsecond guessing myself again lol
bottom line, if the $500 means a lot to you go macbook, if not, go MBP
Why do we have to pay for a remote that was included before?
Bad move Apple
let's stop being little girls about this.
If the cost of a computer is 1099 bucks and the remote is 19, then just assume the cost of the computer is 1118 and compare that to your other options.
The number of people that do NOT want a remote and can now avoid having to pay for it is a good thing.
The price of the computer is based on the options you want.
Add up what you want, that's the price.
The idea that people will not buy this thing because the price of the remote added to the price quoted makes it not worth it..... is zero.
Stop moaning like little girls.....
The macbook is still plastic with no LED(Steve promised a transition by this year)...and the MBPs except for the 17" don't have LEDs either.
The MBPs also still use the antiquated lid hook "latch" that is prone to breaking.
All this to me points to this as a nice speedbump stop gap until the real redesign happens. Intel is coming out with new chips in June...
Macbooks are usually updated in May.
This update will keep the sales churning. After all it's a nice little update(faster chip, larger hard drive) same price! Coolio. And the MBPs have the multi touch. Bummer it's not on the macbooks tho. Further indication that the line is in transition.
I don't think Apple wanted to release their full redesigns so soon after the Macbook Airs debut so they wouldn't steal it's thunder.
I'd guess by May/June Apple will be ready to unleash the new designs. Otherwise won't be until the fall. :-)
So many people seem to expect the MacBook to be a MacBook Pro. Hey, genius, you are buying the budget version of the machine. No, Apple doesn't need to add every bit of new tech into the budget machine. Besides, these things are EXTREMELY capable computers. Why must everybody act like a spoiled brat when they don't get everything for nothing? Grow up.
Please define "nothing".
Seems to me Apple is charging a rather lot of something for these machines. Especially outside the USA.
Stop playing it both ways and pretending it is as cheap and fully specced as a PC and then saying you can't expect standard PC hardware unless you pay much more.
Apple users are paying for and expect a restaurant meal, not a take away.