Macbook or Macbook Pro?

[Muusers]

So if everything goes according to the plan, i'll be studying at the conservatory of amsterdam next year. For my graduation of highschool i get to pick a laptop of max. 2200 euros. Im pretty sure im getting a mac, it just works better considering music production.

Now what should i get, the Macbook or the Macbook Pro? Since i know just bout nothin bout the differences, help me out here!

[jonathan_matos5]

the pro has a larger hard drive, monitor, and has more usb and flash ports it is not, in my opinion, worth the extra money.

[Rusty Chainsaw]

The advantages of the MacBook Pro are worth it, depending on what you'll be using the computer for. The Pro has better graphics hardware (ie, a dedicated nVidia graphics card), a bigger screen, aluminium case, keys that illuminate in the dark, is more expandable (up to 8GB RAM, FireWire 800, ExpressCard slot), can do dual-DVI for output to two external monitors, and a few other features over the regular MacBook.

The Pro would be better for "power" applications and gaming (either Mac gaming or using Boot Camp for Windows games), and is a little more versatile when it comes to connectivity. Having the ExpressCard slot is good if you're going to be in Amsterdam - they're big on 3G wireless internet there, and you can get nice wireless modems that just slot into the ExpressCard slot (otherwise it's an unsightly USB dongle).

[Visirale]

They're both extremely functional laptops. Depending on what kind of production you want to go into, you'll probably need a lot of software. It also depends on your stances on pirated software... haha. If you want to buy the software legitimately, I'd say get the MacBook and then use the difference to buy some apps. If you don't mind getting programs by... other... means, go for the pro and put your hard-earned money to different hardware.

I'd probably get the macbook (not pro), "find some software that interests you", and spend the extra on some production hardware... if you're going into any kind of modern production you'll need a good analog synth to compliment the billions of software synths out there...

[IanStephenson]

This has been done a lot of times...

The Pro has some nice extra features, but unless you're doing something graphics intensive where you need the "real" graphics card then it's not worth the extra (unless someone else is paying).

Get the MacBook, and buy a second screen - you get something light to carry around, and have more screen estate at home for when you're working (very handy, and much nicer than just the MBP screen on it's own).

Logic Express is pretty reasonably priced (I picked up a copy of Logic Express 7 even cheaper, and can upgrade it to the latest version if I need it). Logic Studio is frightning expensive, but you probably don't need it unless you're into serious recording.

Ian

[worker201]

I was faced with this decision once myself. I was wanting to replace my 14" iBook, but the iBook was discontinued and replaced with the 13" MacBook or the 15" MacBookPro. I decided 13" was too small for me, so I got the 15" Pro. Been with me for like 2 years now, and I love it. The 15" widescreen is like the perfect size.

But there's a lot to be said for saving money. If you can stand the 13" screen, get the MacBook.

[ahkiatt]

What about the legendary macbook pro super hot batteries that burn your ding dongs?

[Sean S]

Originally Posted by ahkiatt

What about the legendary macbook pro super hot batteries that burn your ding dongs?

I believe that was G4 PowerBooks. I had to get mine checked during the recall, but it was fine.

[worker201]

The battery recall did affect the MacBookPro (first 4 months of production, I believe), and my battery was replaced for free, no hassles.

Doesn't make the bottom of this beast cold, though. The upgraded hard drive makes it unbearable for lap usage after about an hour. Supposedly, the newer ones aren't as bad about the heat.