Hi,

After some thinking and researching, I am going to make the switch from PC to Mac.
I'm thinking of buying the Macbook, but not sure whether to go with the Macbook or the Macbook Pro. Is the Macbook Pro worth the extra $900?

Which one should I buy:

• Macbook: 2.4 GHz, 2GB RAM, 160GB Hard drive, 13.3 inch, Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with shared graphics, 2.27kg - $1799
• Macbook Pro: 2.4 GHz, 2GB RAM, 200GB Hard drive, 15.4 inch, 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor, 2.45kg - $2699

As for what I'll be using it for, mainly general use, i.e. internet browsing, word processor, excel, and photo editing coz I'm an amateur photographer.

I would get the MacBook and put the money saved into a 23 inch Apple cinema display. Another option would be to pick up a refurbished Macbook Pro from Apples website.

Depends what your doing. I preferred the macbook pro over the macbook as i was using it as a replacement desktop. The top range macbook is the same as the low range mbp minus 40 gigs of space and a video card. Coming over from PC where i played some games i knew it was best for me to get something with decent video capabilities incase i was gonna play some games. i also didnt like the screen size

also its the sexiest looking machinery ever. If you dont mind paying the extra money then go for it.

I find myself in the same situation as you at the moment,but for some reason i prefer the macbook's plastic over the mbp aluminium finish.Plus at the moment you can get a refurb 2.2 Ghz macbook with superdrive and 120 Gb hard drive at the apple online store for $1309.Add $300 to $400 and you can also get a 22'' monitor.And 4 Gb ram for $175 sounds like a good deal to me for about $1800.

Well...I don't mind spending extra money but the $900 difference is pretty big...maybe an extra coupled hundred dollars would be ok...but the diff in price b/w the MB and MBP is very significant.
Also, i might want to run Windows using VM or Parallel.

You also have to consider 13" vs 15". 15" format is nice for displaying two web browsers (or any 'two' windows for that matter) comfortably next to each other along with the likes of DVD and video viewing, lighted keyboard and (for the new MBP) the multitouch pad.

Oh and the speakers in the MBP are slightly better too.

I'd buy a previous generation refurb macbook pro from the Apple store @ $1899. The cpu clock rate is lower but the video performance is hugely better than the MacBook and the aluminium case and speakers are nice too.

linky... The Apple Store (Australia) - Refurbished MacBook Pro, 15-inch, 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

The MBP has a proper video card so it doesn't use up part of the memory. If you want to run Windows in Parallels or VMWare that's a consideration.

I haven't used a MacBook so I don't know how the fact that it uses shared memory for video would affect performance.

Find yourself a student and get a MBP. Don't think Apple validate student purchases anyway. It even counts if your a parent of a student, or someway related to one. You can save at least $450 if you sell the free iPod Nano that comes with it if you buy before April 18.

What turned me away from the Macbook was the horrible screen. It's really small and grainy compared to the MBP. Plus those little extra features the MBP has are actually very useful.

At least with the low-end MBP you won't be thinking to yourself that there's something better and faster out there, since the higher end MBP improvements are marginal.

Regardless of what you choose, definitely make sure you get a glossy screen. It makes for better contrast and visibility (albeit there is worse colour accuracy.)

I can get the education discount anyway coz I work at the Australian National University.

But if I get the refurbished one, do I still get the free iPod with it?

Its very much a personal thing...
For me screen real-estate is very important... I have owned a MB, great portable unit but I did really miss the screen size of my previous 15" PB. I don't travel with my laptop very much, plus this is my primary machine so having a 17" MBP screen size and the extra features like: more ram capacity, firewire 800 and the better graphics, has made the 17" MBP the best option for me.

Unless your going to get into some serious photography I would go with the Macbook, and upgrade the RAM to 4GB. The Macbook can handle all the things you said above easily.

But then again, if you flush with cash go the MBP!

Nope, has to be a new one and you have to buy the Mac and the iPod on the same invoice. The offer expires on the 18th too, so get in quick!

Anything that requires any form of decent graphics requires a decent GPU so that means MBP.

You planning on using Aperture?

If so it's Macbook Pro.

Also be aware that the screen in the Macbook ISNT true 24bit. It's a cheaper dithered panel. This may or may not be a serious problem for you are as an am' 'tog.

I *think* the MBP has a decent display, but I'm not sure? Anyone know if it's true 24bit? Different for matt or glossy maybe?

Al

When I switched back in '05, I had that same scenario.. iBook or Powerbook... I thought screw it, first mac, need to get something beefy, and went with a Powerbook. You won't be disappointed mate