macbook vs. macbook pro

mkrtu9 · #1 03-20-2007, 01:06 PM

I'm interested in all the die hard mac users opinions.

Why get a macbook pro if I can get a macbook with 2gb of ram 2.0 intel core 2 duo and an external 7200rpm hard drive. The only reason for the upgrade would be a bigger screen, illuminated keyboard, and probably the video card (but I don't understand the tech terms here). I don't see the reason why I should spend another grand for this. The screen is not a huge issue for me, but i'm sure it will be for some people. I will be using this for recording music. I do not plan to use it for much else. I can't have a desktop of any kind due to portability.

I'm sure you know which notebooks I'm talking about but so there is no confusion I included the links below.

Thanks for your help.

link for macbook
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...84uNMxJ/2.?p=0

link for macbook pro
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...84uNMxJ/6.?p=0

**WillPlay4Food** · #2 03-20-2007, 01:39 PM

Just to let you know, your links will expire soon as they are tied to your shopping session.

If I were just doing audio stuff then I'd definitely just go with the MacBook. I own last year's base model and it's a great laptop for my needs. I edit band practice audio/video on it, and it doesn't give me any troubles at all.

You've got the fast external hard drive covered, just make sure you get a Firewire model, not USB, as Firewire requires much less CPU overhead to move data back and forth. You don't need USB overhead getting in the way of your audio data.

Matt Call · #3 03-20-2007, 01:45 PM

I'll put it this way. I am using a MacBook Pro right now. I should have gone for the MacBook.

The video card is mainly for games and future program compatibility (IIRC). It's something to do with the video memory. It sounded like a great idea at the time. It still does; but at the price point... I think the macbook is the better option. You can upgrade the RAM and basically max it out for the same as a basic MacBook Pro.

You'll have basically the same computer for less.

IanStephenson · #4 03-20-2007, 01:46 PM

I've got an old powerbook, and had a similar spec iBook - for the sake of this dicussion, equivalent to the current McBook, and McBook pro's.

The Pro version was a little faster, a little better graphics, and had a nice metal case rather than plastic. Overall it was a far nicer machine, BUT I'd pretty much agree with your analysis - not worth the extra.

In my case work was paying, and the pro designation is pretty accurate - work could justify the expense for a marginly better machine, and I was happy to have somethgin a little cooler. When I bought my wife's machine with our own cash we got a macbook....

Screen size is pretty irrelevent - Get a small screen, and spend the money you save on a flat panel monitor. Then you've got a small laptop you can carry around (thats why you bought a laptop!), then plug it in, and have TWO screens when you're working at home.

Ian

mkrtu9 · #5 03-20-2007, 06:00 PM

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize there was a major difference between firewire and usb. And I completely agree with you Ian about the screens.

**SoComSurfing** · #6 03-20-2007, 06:15 PM

If you're just going to be using this as a music computer, I see no reason not to go with the macbook. I went with the pro as I expect to give it a lot of use for law school. Everyone I talked to said I'd enjoy the larger screen alot more once I'm using it in the academic environment.

mkrtu9 · #7 03-20-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoComSurfing

If you're just going to be using this as a music computer, I see no reason not to go with the macbook. I went with the pro as I expect to give it a lot of use for law school. Everyone I talked to said I'd enjoy the larger screen alot more once I'm using it in the academic environment.

I agree that a larger screen is nice at times, but I do plan on getting a monitor to use at home, less weight is nice when traveling and I have a 15.4" dell notebook that I'll use for word processing at work.

thanks and good luck in law school

ballpein · #8 03-20-2007, 11:28 PM

Hmmm... I wasn't aware that USB has higher overhead than firewire. I use both but stick mainly to my USB drive since I get some performance issues running a fw hardrive alongside my firebox fw interface.

mkrtu9 · #9 03-21-2007, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballpein

Hmmm... I wasn't aware that USB has higher overhead than firewire. I use both but stick mainly to my USB drive since I get some performance issues running a fw hardrive alongside my firebox fw interface.

this was my next issue. If firewire is the way to go, and the macbook (and pro for that matter) only has one firewire connection do you use it for your hard drive or your interface. Then the other on USB. Hmm, don't know which would be more important. I think I will get both of them in firewire and I'll get a firewire to USB connector then experiment.

threshar · #10 03-21-2007, 09:23 AM

The MBP also has a cardbus slot and has firewire 800 (instead of just 400). In some cases the 800 makes a big difference. Will it for you? Probably not.

I'm still yearning for a 15" macbook.

these_go211 · #11 03-21-2007, 10:39 AM

yea, no need to go macbook pro. you'll be fine with the regular macbook.

thehurlatron · #12 03-21-2007, 01:32 PM

I'm using a MacBook for recording. I had the same questions as you did.

I got the macbook, installed 2gb ram, and have a 7200rpm ex. drive (firewire)
This setup works perfect for me. I use a external monitor and mouse at home, and the bonus is that with an external monitor added, you can do split screen stuff. (added bonus)

As far as only having one firewire port....

Daisy-chain my friend.

I'm using a MOTU ultralite firewire interface and I daisy chain the harddrive off that. No problems for me.

beerthebear · #13 03-21-2007, 01:38 PM

Another reason to get a firewire drive is also for power. Somefirewire drives can get enough current to operate over firewire, which can't "usually" be done with USB. So this way you wont have to carry around or plug in an external power supply.

threshar · #14 03-21-2007, 01:47 PM

Beer - you can get usb powered drives - they typically use a laptop hdd instead of a normal sized one and they often cost more. but you can get them.

scottice · #15 03-21-2007, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanStephenson

Screen size is pretty irrelevent - Get a small screen, and spend the money you save on a flat panel monitor. Then you've got a small laptop you can carry around (thats why you bought a laptop!), then plug it in, and have TWO screens when you're working at home.

Ian is spot-on with this comment. You should be just fine with a MacBook.

I am contemplating a new machine now as well... but I like the large screen on the laptop unit itself because of graphic design on the road so I'll probably be going with the 17" monster. I have a 667mHz Titanium now.

greeningep · #16 03-21-2007, 03:16 PM

I have a Macbook (2.0Ghz, 2GB ram) and I couldn't be happier. I don't think the upgrades in the Macbook Pro are worth all the extra money. And like others have said, and external firewire hard drive is the way to go.

beerthebear · #17 03-21-2007, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by threshar

Beer - you can get usb powered drives - they typically use a laptop hdd instead of a normal sized one and they often cost more. but you can get them.

True, but I thought that he was refering to a 7200 RPM 3.5 inch drive not a laptop one.

Also quite peculiar - I had a small 20 GB laptop hdd with USB 2.0, and it would work and mount fine on my iMac (USB 2.0), but then when I hooked it upto my dell tower (USB 2.0) it would not work unless I hooked up an external power source. Do different USB Buses have different power ratings?

saxnbass · #18 03-21-2007, 03:54 PM

I have the MacBook and LOVE it. MacBook is great. MacBook Pro, IMO, is more for the video and picture people (especially video), not for us musicians.

beerthebear · #19 03-22-2007, 08:40 AM

Hey, I just did some research cause I'm actually gunna get a Macbook soon. Get the middle model cause it comes with the super drive (DVD+-RW), also find somebody that is going to school(community college etc.) and have them go with you and show their college ID so you can get around 100 bucks off cause of a student discount, or if you know somebody that works for a school district(ex. My sister is a teacher) to get the discount. Then I found a 120 GB drive for bout 80 bucks:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822116021

Then add a 1 GB SO-DIMM ram: 69.99:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146126

Shoot this is way cheaper than a Macbook pro, and is smaller also. You could probably even find the drive or memory cheaper elsewhere. Just an example of why I am getting a Macbook rather than a Pro. Let me know what you think.

scottice · #20 03-22-2007, 09:50 AM

Don't buy cheap RAM!!!! (Not that your link is... but this is just a word to the wise.)
Buy reputible makers such as Kingston. You may pay $20 more but it is worth it.

This page is interesting...
http://www.blackmacbook.com/guide/fi...-black-macbook