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mlipkin
2007-06-10, 15:15
So I've decided to buy some sort of Apple laptop for college this fall, but I'm a little uncertain as to which model I want: the high-end MacBook or low-end Pro. The Pro has the better processor and video card, but it also costs $300 more. Is it worth it?

Also, how much bigger/heavier is it? A friend of mine has a regular Book and it seems pretty comfortable to travel to classes with. Is the Pro too bulky to do that?
FFL
2007-06-10, 15:38
The 15" Pro is only slightly larger and bulkier than the Book.

As far as whether you need the better processor and video card - what software are you going to be running on your Mac?
Brad
2007-06-10, 15:40
Is it worth it?
That depends entirely on your needs. How exactly will you be using your new computer?

Also, how much bigger/heavier is it? A friend of mine has a regular Book and it seems pretty comfortable to travel to classes with. Is the Pro too bulky to do that?
Apple's specs pages have all the details of weight and dimensions listed:
http://www.apple.com/macbook/specs.html
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs.html


MacBook
Height: 1.08 inches (2.75 cm)
Width: 12.78 inches (32.5 cm)
Depth: 8.92 inches (22.7 cm)
Weight: 5.1 pounds (2.31 kg)

15-inch MacBook Pro
Height: 1.0 inch (2.59 cm)
Width: 14.1 inches (35.7 cm)
Depth: 9.6 inches (24.3 cm)
Weight: 5.4 pounds (2.45 kg)
mlipkin
2007-06-10, 15:40
Word processing, internet, some photoshopping. Pretty standard stuff. Probably not any gaming.
autodata
2007-06-10, 15:44
MacBook
Brad
2007-06-10, 15:49
Yeah, those needs definitely don't warrant the extra cost of a MacBook Pro or even the top-end MacBook.
FFL
2007-06-10, 15:51
Word processing, internet, some photoshopping. Pretty standard stuff. Probably not any gaming.

MacBook

Yep.

I'd buy a stock model, and immediately after purchase, spend $97
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/53DR2SPAIR2G/
to upgrade your RAM to 2 GB.
mlipkin
2007-06-10, 15:55
Won't that void my Apple Care plan?
Brad
2007-06-10, 15:55
No, adding RAM is well within the realm of "user serviceable parts" and is very easy to do.
FFL
2007-06-10, 15:56
Nope - you can add RAM to ANY Mac without voiding warranty - and in a MacBook, you can even swap the hard drive for a bigger one yourself, without voiding warranty.
mlipkin
2007-06-10, 15:59
Hm...So if I buy a MacBook with 1GB RAM, how many empty slots will there be to put in more?
Brad
2007-06-10, 16:00
There are a total of two slots. Apple usually fills both of them. So, buying a stock MacBook with 1 GB means it probably has two 512 MB sticks included.

Yes, this means you'd have the two extra 512 MB sticks left over, but you can sell them or give them away or something. :)
mlipkin
2007-06-10, 16:06
Well then, it seems like my mind's made up. I guess the only thing left to ask is if anyone has a site handy with a RAM replacement walkthrough.
Brad
2007-06-10, 16:41
Well then, it seems like my mind's made up. I guess the only thing left to ask is if anyone has a site handy with a RAM replacement walkthrough.

About as clear as you can find:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook/RAM/86/3

:)
billybobsky
2007-06-10, 16:51
wow. that's efficiency.
Apple Rocks The Socks
2007-06-10, 23:30
if money isnt an option just get the macbook pro but if you wanna save money get the high end macbook since your just useing it for word,internet, and some photoshop it should handle very well.
steve77uk
2007-06-11, 01:43
I have the C2D Macbook 2.0 and use it happily for Adobe Photoshop CS3, Dreamweaver CS3, Office, Internet Email, iMovie, iPhoto, iWeb...

I also have Parallels running on it and it runs like a dream... it's sad but the only reason I want a MBP is for the Backlit keyboard and possibly the higher screen resolutions, but I have a big iMac 24" for that.

Defo get the 2GB, this is what makes mine fab.
Robo
2007-06-11, 02:06
My MacBook has 512MB of RAM. Yes, I know. So that's on two 256MB modules, right?

If anyone has some spare 512MB RAM modules lying around...you know...getting in the way... ;)
Luca
2007-06-11, 04:37
Well, I think you and mlipkin should organize a little exchange through PM.

Kudos to Brad and FFL for giving such fast and accurate advice, and I should probably also say good luck on the purchase to mlipkin. You're smart to ask these questions before diving in. It's frustrating when someone posts questions when there's nothing anyone can do to help them.
beardedmacuser
2007-06-11, 05:04
Yes, this means you'd have the two extra 512 MB sticks left over, but you can sell them or give them away or something. :)

Or keep hold of them should you ever have to return the MacBook.
Wyatt
2007-06-11, 05:52
My MacBook has 512MB of RAM. Yes, I know. So that's on two 256MB modules, right?

If anyone has some spare 512MB RAM modules lying around...you know...getting in the way... ;)
:lol: Mine still has 512 MB too, until this afternoon. I'm going to get my 2 GB just before the Stevenote today. It's on the UPS truck right now, and I'll have it installed by the end of the day. :)

But back on topic, I'd recommend a MacBook as well. I've had both the MB and MBP (albeit Core Duo, not Core 2 Duo), and for what you need, the MacBook will be fine, as long as you have enough RAM.