Looking for a Macbook

[V3LCR0]

I just started a new job at a company, and a lot of the users are on macs, and know a good amount about UNIX, php, mysql, and so forth. I plan on learning php, apache, and mysql later on in the lines (i'm only 18). I have no experience with Macs and would like to learn more about them. I was hoping to get a laptop from apple. I do play some games such as wc3, and bf2, and cs, but i will mainly be using a laptop for the learning purposes. My question is, should i get a macbook pro for what i will be doing, or just go for the macbook? I will most likely be looking at the laptops since i will be going back and forth between school and work. Any advice will help, thanks a lot!

 

[TheStu]

I personally don't think that the MacBook Pro is worth the hundreds of extra dollars for you. If you gamed more, or were doing 3d design work, then maybe, but the fact of the matter is, the midrange MacBook is incredibly fast, and very well featured.

 

[Steven T]

You don't need a mac to do that stuff. I am a mac and PC user and the mac doesnt really change things at all as far as design and coding. Actually, I prefer doing that stuff on my pc slightly more just because I'm used to it.

ONE feature of leopard os x that I REAAALLY love though is spaces and expose. this is amazing for freeing up workflow. Essentially, you can have up to 16 different screens to switch through. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcOZc3rv8-Q SOOO awesome!

Also, I think macbook pro is a huge waste of money. I wouldn't buy one. My macbook is actually better than the macbook pro that came out at the same time as it I upgraded the hd to 7200 rpm 200gb and 4gb of ram for only 150 (there are good deals online). The onnly reason to get a macbook pro is for the video card (which I don't need). If you're an abid gamer you might want to go that way but for CS I think a macbook could handle it. It's pretty basic hah.

 

[KeithP]

I recently purchased a MacBook myself and do recommend them. It is hard to justify the cost increase of the MacBook Pro but it does have some advantages. First, the screen is vastly superior to the MacBook's display IMHO. Plus you can choose glossy or matte, with the MacBook you only get glossy. While they both support external monitors, the MacBook Pro's output is dual link so it supports higher resolution monitors like Apple's 30 inch display. Also, the MacBook Pro has FW800 and a ExpressCard/34 slot.

I bought a refurbished MacBook (black) from Apple's online store for $1049. They only have white in stock now for $999, They also have MacBook Pros starting at $1449. Both these are previous generation machines, not the current models.

 

[Steven T]

Vastly superior screen on the macbook pro?

I always thought that the one on the regular macbooks was fantastic. yah it does have some extra little perks but I think theyre things that many people won't even use. So its not so wise if you're a person whos not going to take advantage or have the need for running dual 3rd party displays and fw800 and stuff. The price increase just too much to justify.

For me personally, I think 15 inches is just a tad too big for portable use. The whole idea of a laptop is to be mobile. I think 17 is just crazy. 15 is nice. 13 is perfect imo though.

 

[V3LCR0]

Thanks for the info guys, i have another question regarding the macbooks, do both the macbook and the macbook pro come with the same programs?

 

[Kmax82]

Yup

 

[KeithP]

Originally posted by: Steven T
Vastly superior screen on the macbook pro?

You forgot "IMHO." But I should clarify. I don't consider my MacBook's screen bad by any means. It is just that when I viewed it side by side with MacBook Pro screens, both glossy and matte, I much preferred the MacBook Pro displays.

As far as I know, they come with the same programs. OS X, iLife 08, etc.

One other savings with the MacBook is that the AppleCare protection plan is $100 less than the MacBook Pro plan price. (Say that 3 times fast)

-KeithP

 

[V3LCR0]

Alright awesome guys, i appreciate the input. I believe i will be getting the mac book pro since i do like to have a 15" screen. I could probably live with 13" on a mac book, but 13" to me seems a bit small. As well for what i am doing, the pro would most likely be future proof in a way that i wont be upgrading for quite a while. Any opinions on future proofing?