My iBook G4 14" 60gig 512 ram looks like it is finally on it's last legs. I said this a few months ago but it's kept plodding along but this time I think it is about to pack it in.

Having a look around the apple website this evening I was thinking of getting the middle of the range macbook because thats all I really justify spending at the moment. Having a look around the refurbished machines they have at the moment they have a 15" macbook pro for only $100 more.

I realize that it is the older model with the 2.2ghz intel chip and a 120gig HD but for the extra $100 is it a better deal?

I mainly use my old laptop for internet and watching movies and a little bit of photo work. I sometimes mess around in iMovie but not very often.

How much will I notice the difference in the 13.3" screen compared to the 14" I have now?

I like the idea of the backlit keyboard and the slightly bigger screen of the macbook pro.

Any advice, comments, expriences would be great.

Thanks
B

Edit:
link for the refurb mbp
The Apple Store (Australia) - Refurbished MacBook Pro, 15-inch, 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

It is a better deal for the MBP at a $100 price differential.

If you prefer a bigger screen and the keyboard (backlit), go for it!

If you are looking for portability though, the 13.3" glossy is great and the (new!) keyboard is much easier (for me) to type on. I have owned a PowerBook (same keyboard) before as well as two MacBooks with the new style keyboard and I much prefer the "chicklet" style keys.

If you want to save a little bit more ($200), then get this one:

Refurbished MacBook Pro, 15-inch, 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
15.4-inch widescreen display (1440x900 resolution)
1GB (single SODIMM) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
120GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive
Slot-load 6x SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory
Built-in iSight Camera
Front Row and Apple Remote
You may receive glossy or non glossy screen

$1709

That is still a very capable machine and isn't that much slower than 2.2 (vs 2.16). Just bump up the memory (very cheap to do, to 2 or 3GB) and it should last a while.

Have a look at this:
Converting to Mac - Macbook or Macbook Pro

I like to say the Macbook is a Toyota Yaris. The Macbook Pro a Lexus.
First of all the difference in weight between them is small so there's not that much difference in portability, 2.27 kg vs 2.45 kg.
You have a much better screen, not glossy, higher resolution.
A proper GPU, which makes it useful for games.
Much better looks, white plastic feels cheap, aluminium is classy.
And extra features like ambient light sensor, backlit keyboard, express 34 slot.

The difference may be negligible but if you have to carry textbooks and other gear around, it makes a difference to your back. Some people don't just carry a laptop to uni (say), but note books, chargers, textbooks etc.

There is also the premium involved in going Pro.

I don't personally game (at all). Also the MBPs do not pick up wireless networks as easily as the white plastic (or in my case, black).

I do agree about the rest though - the ambient light sensor/backlit keyboard is very nice (I've used the Air).

I think some people (like myself) are better suited to the 13" because it is smaller and more portable. I don't even have a 15" bag any more that fits the MBP.

Different strokes for different folks I say!

I disagree that the 13" is more portable, the weight is about the same! The weight difference between them is no more than an ipods weight.
And the size difference is only about 2.5 cm!
The Macbook is the budget laptop, if you want a good laptop you go for the macbook pro, if you want a portable one the macbook air.

That's a rather rude expression.

but if you can afford the air you might as well go for a base MBP or a refurb MBP!

im with Huy on this one. my bag for uni gets BLOODY heavy with textbooks and the MB in it. i would have LOVED an MBP but i couldnt afford it at the time... (looking back, im not sure why i couldnt though)

the difference is enough..... size and weight.