some advice please

cusp

I am looking to purchase either the new macbook, or a new (last generation) macbook pro. The macbook pro's from ebay are actually going for cheaper than the new macbooks. I have no need for firewire, so that is not an issue. I am not really impressed with the macbooks new design, I think the black+silver looks kind of cheesy, but I also like the improvements they've made to the screen.

I would appreciate the 15 in. screen on the pro, but other than that, is there a really big difference between the old Pros and the new macbook? I am a full time college student and I just really need a reliable laptop that I could also possibly play around with audio recording with. I am also not the kind of person who needs the "latest and greatest" I just want a great display.





Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I am not an expert on either machine.

marvin

I've seen the build quality of the old MBP and the new design looks like it will solve a lot of the issues.



I would personally go with the MBP for style, graphics performance, firewire and matte screen but if I were at university, I'd probably opt for the Macbook. You should get a warranty for a laptop and you generally won't for an ebayed MBP (you would with a refurb MBP though or a fairly new ebay model).



The MB is lighter and smaller so it's easier to carry around. If audio recording is for lectures, the MB should be fine. The 13" screen can get a bit cramped at only 1280x800 - the MBP at 1440x900 is better but to be honest still not that great.



Lecture halls tend to be fairly dark so glare may not be a problem but if you do some work in the library, it might be an issue. It's definitely something to consider.



So,

MB: lighter, smaller, more robust case,

old MBP: faster, firewire, bigger screen, matte option, nicer styling,



You can always get a cheap external 20" display for your dorm and hook the MB up so the smaller screen of the MB won't be so bad - just get the DVI adaptor.