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Mac comparison. Is it worth the extra $500?

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steevner
Posts: 4502 - Karma: 47
I'm deciding between 2 computers, a macbook, and macbook pro.
I want to know if the difference between them is worth the extra $500.
Does 2gb of ram vs 4gb of ram make a big difference?
Does 2.4Ghz vs. 2.53Ghz make a difference?
Is there a battery life difference? (this is a big one for me, the new MBPs have better batteries, do the MB's have the same ones??)

MACBOOK (13.3")

Enclosure Precision aluminum unibody Processor 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo L2 Cache 3MB shared System bus 1066MHz Memory 2GB (two 1GB SO-DIMMs) of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500); supports up to 4GB Hard drive1 250GB Serial ATA; 5400 rpm Slot-loading optical drive 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory2 Video Built-in iSight camera; Mini DisplayPort output port with support for DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI (requires adapters, sold separately) Display 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, 1280-by-800 resolution USB Two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps) Audio Built-in stereo speakers, built-in omnidirectional microphone, combined optical digital input/analog line in, combined optical digital output/analog line out Networking Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) Ethernet Wireless Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (based on IEEE 802.11n draft specification)3 ; built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) module Hardware accessories 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, power cord, lithium-polymer battery Height 0.95 inch (2.41 cm) Width 12.78 inches (32.5 cm) Depth 8.94 inches (22.7 cm) Weight 4.5 pounds (2.04 kg)4
VS.


MACBOOK PRO

Enclosure Precision aluminum unibody Processor 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo L2 Cache 6MB shared System bus 1066MHz Memory 4GB (two 2GB SO-DIMMs) of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM; supports up to 4GB Hard drive1 320GB Serial ATA; 5400 rpm Slot-loading optical drive 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics processor; and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory2 Graphics Memory 512MB GDDR3 Video Built-in iSight camera; Mini DisplayPort output port with support for DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI (requires adapters, sold separately) Display 15.4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, 1440-by-900 resolution Expansion Two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps); One FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps) Audio Built-in stereo speakers, built-in omnidirectional microphone, combined optical digital input/analog line in, combined optical digital output/analog line out Networking Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) Ethernet Wireless Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (based on IEEE 802.11n draft specification)3 ; built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) module Hardware accessories 85W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, power cord, lithium-polymer battery Height 0.95 inch (2.41 cm) Width 14.35 inches (36.4 cm) Depth 9.82 inches (24.9 cm) Weight 5.5 pounds (2.49 kg)4
Aug 27 2009 10:43PM
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prontocuts.com
Posts: 5244 - Karma: 42
Just get the macbook and upgrade the ram for like 30 bucks and save tons. But its all about preference
Aug 27 2009 10:46PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
i'd say macbook..... UNLESS you're a graphics arts major or something and need to run photoshop/illustrator/final cut/etc. on it. Then you may want the Pro in that case
Aug 27 2009 10:48PM
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sstricky
Posts: 1876 - Karma: 111
Click for larger image
Aug 27 2009 10:49PM
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sstricky
Posts: 1876 - Karma: 111
Click for larger image
Aug 27 2009 10:50PM
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steevner
Posts: 4502 - Karma: 47
Those charts didn't show up very nice.

BUT, I thought I'd add, I'm using it for: school shit, some CAD programs (not a lot, but I'm in engineering), and minimal photo/video editing.

I kinda like the idea of a small screen, because I've got a 20" 2ndary monitor I plan on using.
Aug 27 2009 10:52PM
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steevner
Posts: 4502 - Karma: 47
and I can't upgrade them from the apple site, I'm getting it from the refurbished store.
Aug 27 2009 10:54PM
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neutralzombie
Posts: 8629 - Karma: 606
i wouldn't get a 13" but that's just me. i hate the 15" already and i always feel like i'm ducking in to read...and the eye doctor keeps telling me i don't need glasses... o.O
Aug 27 2009 10:58PM
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prontocuts.com
Posts: 5244 - Karma: 42
yay engineering, same with me. But all my CAD programs are windows.


anyways, you NEVER upgrade from apple, what would be $30 DIY is like $200 via apple.


You're an engineering student, Im sure you will figure out how to put new ram in
Aug 27 2009 11:01PM
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steevner
Posts: 4502 - Karma: 47
I know I'll figure out how to put it in, but i have no idea what kind of RAM it is... Not the most computer savvy.

I'll likely steal a copy of XP and run bootcamp or a program of the like for my cad programs
Aug 27 2009 11:06PM
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wintersway
Posts: 5115 - Karma: 128
13 inch macbook pro?
Aug 27 2009 11:07PM
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steevner
Posts: 4502 - Karma: 47
No, it's a 13.3" macbook. It was out for a while before the summer, which is why I'm skeptical about the battery life.
Aug 27 2009 11:09PM
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i.am.a.skier9238
Posts: 65 - Karma: 10
macbook pro is worth it believe you will love everything about it... theres so much little things that you will come to love...
Aug 27 2009 11:10PM
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neutralzombie
Posts: 8629 - Karma: 606
you void your warrenty as soon as you open it up. how do they know, i don't know, just saying, and in my opinion not worth it.

macbook pro battery life is about 5 hrs when you first get it. i'd assume the reg notebook is the same. in the long run, it depends if you end up leaving it on all the time and just shutting the screen down, which is what i did and it was the dumbest thing ever, i should've known better. basically after a year of mistreating ms mac, my battery life is about 20 minutes if i'm lucky.
Aug 27 2009 11:13PM
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prontocuts.com
Posts: 5244 - Karma: 42
Do you have any idea about what you are talking about? Any idea what so ever?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1651
Aug 27 2009 11:16PM
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prontocuts.com
Posts: 5244 - Karma: 42
http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=Macbook+ram


man im douching up this thread
Aug 27 2009 11:17PM
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steevner
Posts: 4502 - Karma: 47
you started out helpful, and then this...
Aug 27 2009 11:36PM
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50in07
Posts: 3070 - Karma: 1,471
The 13.3 inch macbook pro is only 200 more than the 13.3 inch macbook.
Aug 27 2009 11:49PM
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hartig
Posts: 8192 - Karma: 10
so.. you liek your dell?
Aug 27 2009 11:52PM
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NW_Rider
Posts: 2580 - Karma: 314
Just because a company owns another does not make the product the same. i.e.

a 2005 Mercedes does not equal a 2005 Chrysler.
Aug 28 2009 1:18AM
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Bright_Nation
Posts: 400 - Karma: 12

Join with the rest of us!  the pro is sick.  You really don't need the extra power most of the time, but I bet it will come in handy once in a while.  Plus the bigger screen comes in handy, even when you have a second monitor.

Your sis probably agrees, she loves hers and definitely doesn't need all that power other than when she DJs, and that wasn't a factor she thought about when she bought it, that came after.
Aug 28 2009 3:43AM
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eheath
Posts: 61107 - Karma: 118,280
Unless you're going to be using FCP, any adobe program, or any other intensive app, just get the macbook.
Aug 28 2009 3:56AM
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Lanceasaurus
Posts: 925 - Karma: 109
If it costs more its better... lol jk but the one that costs more sounds the best.
Aug 28 2009 4:46AM
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GORlLLA
Posts: 1950 - Karma: 45
Macs suck. PC owns.
Aug 28 2009 6:06AM
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crazyfuck
Posts: 5968 - Karma: -7
she never does. just ignore her.
Aug 28 2009 6:16AM
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mmallender.
Posts: 5805 - Karma: 936
so false..... nice try though
Aug 28 2009 6:42AM
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neutralzombie
Posts: 8629 - Karma: 606
that's what i was told a few years ago. so that's what i was going by.
Aug 28 2009 8:49AM
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drumbumocdp
Posts: 3228 - Karma: 1,079
most people really wont need the extras that come with the pro. i think the pro is build better (solid aluminum case vs. plastic). and will last longer. i dig the shit out of my pro. ether way, you cant go wrong.
Aug 28 2009 9:30AM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,221
no, 1999 mercedes= 2005 Chrysler
Aug 28 2009 9:32AM
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Crack.
Posts: 6020 - Karma: 86
this whole post is absolute shit. Every single thing is false. I would like to see this get deleted.
Aug 28 2009 9:44AM
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Crack.
Posts: 6020 - Karma: 86
do you believe everything your told? Your like that girl in LM who was trying to argue that you can get pregnant through underwear.
Aug 28 2009 9:46AM
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neutralzombie
Posts: 8629 - Karma: 606
so then tell me how my battery life is literally so low after less than a year of use? because i really would like to know.
Aug 28 2009 10:01AM
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Crack.
Posts: 6020 - Karma: 86
battery life goes down no matter what you do. Yea, doing what you did probably wasn't good for your computer but you can't solely blame it on that.
Aug 28 2009 10:10AM
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neutralzombie
Posts: 8629 - Karma: 606
so don't tell me it's false if it's a factor.
Aug 28 2009 10:13AM
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OhMyBosh
Posts: 5056 - Karma: 170
You could get a PC that is better (performance-wise) than the macbook pro for $500 less.
Aug 28 2009 10:16AM
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neutralzombie
Posts: 8629 - Karma: 606
anyways, this is what i meant, but whatever. it doesn't matter

b. Limitations. The Plan does not cover:

2

(i) Installation, removal or disposal of the Covered Equipment, or installation, removal, repair, or

maintenance of non-Covered Equipment (including accessories, attachments, or other devices such

as external modems) or electrical service external to the Covered Equipment;

(ii) Damage to the Covered Equipment caused by accident, abuse, neglect, misuse (including faulty

installation, repair, or maintenance by anyone other than Apple or an Apple Authorized Service

Provider), unauthorized modification, extreme environment (including extreme temperature or

humidity), extreme physical or electrical stress or interference, fluctuation or surges of electrical

power, lightning, static electricity, fire, acts of God or other external causes;

(iii) Covered Equipment with a serial number that has been altered, defaced or removed;

(iv) Problems caused by a device that is not the Covered Equipment, including equipment that is not

Apple-branded, whether or not purchased at the same time as the Covered Equipment;


http://images.apple.com/legal/applecare/docs/AppleCare_Protect_Plan_NA_en.pdf

Aug 28 2009 10:18AM
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neutralzombie
Posts: 8629 - Karma: 606
guess i should read further!

(A) Do-It-Yourself Parts service where Apple requires return of the replaced part. Apple may require

a credit card authorization as security for the retail price of the replacement part and applicable

shipping costs. If you are unable to provide credit card authorization, Do-It-Yourself Parts service

may not be available to you and Apple will offer alternative arrangements for service. Apple will ship

you a replacement part with installation instructions and any requirements for the return of the

replaced part. If you follow the instructions, Apple will cancel the credit card authorization, so you

will not be charged for the part and shipping to and from your location. If you fail to return the

replaced part as instructed, Apple will charge the credit card for the authorized amount.

(B) Do-It-Yourself Parts service where Apple does not require return of the replaced part. Apple will

ship you free of charge a replacement part accompanied by instructions on installation and any

requirements for the disposal of the replaced part.

(C) Apple is not responsible for any labor costs you incur relating to Do-It-Yourself Parts service.

Should you require further assistance, contact Apple at the toll-free telephone number listed below.

Apple reserves the right to change the method by which Apple may provide repair or replacement

service to you, and your Covered Equipmentʼs eligibility to receive a particular method of service,

including but not limited to onsite service at any time. Service will be limited to the options available

in the country where service is requested. Service options, parts availability and response times

may vary according to country. You may be responsible for shipping and handling charges if the

Covered Equipment cannot be serviced in the country it is in. If you seek service in a country that is

not the country of purchase, you will comply with all applicable export laws and regulations and be

responsible for all custom duties, V.A.T. and other associated taxes and charges. For international

service, Apple may repair or exchange defective products and parts with comparable products and

parts that comply with local standards.

Aug 28 2009 10:20AM
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Tripplesixty
Posts: 835 - Karma: 148
The upgrade up front is always worth it.  Your hard ware will be obsolete in 6 months and your going to wishing you had upgraded when you had the chance... This is always the case with electronics, always go for the best or one step down, otherwise your hardware willl be out of date in no time

Aug 28 2009 10:32AM
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Crack.
Posts: 6020 - Karma: 86
ok, i'll give you one thing right in that post. read the rest though, it's all just bullshit. why the fuck would they even give you warranties if it's void as soon as you open the product. it makes no sense. i know that it's kinda stupid to point out but the regular battery life of a macbook pro is NOT 5 hours it's 4 (key word regular). And you're saying the the macbook gets almost as much? wrong, the macbook actually gets more battery life then the macbook pro, for obvious reasons. LINK: http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/apple-notebooks/93331-macbook-vs-macbook-pro-battery-life.html

Your post was pretty dumb, one thing was arguably right, but it's funny how you blamed your computer having not good battery life solely on how you left it on, when so many other factors could apply. LINK: http://www.friedbeef.com/top-15-ways-to-extend-your-laptop-battery-life/
Aug 28 2009 10:33AM
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Crack.
Posts: 6020 - Karma: 86
wtf my post got cut off? Anyways, all those things are explaining how to keep your battery life strong, but take the reverse effect of those (opposite) factors and those could all be reasons why your battery life is not good, rather then just one.
Aug 28 2009 10:35AM
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sstricky
Posts: 1876 - Karma: 111
i dont own a dell or anything that is owned by dell (i.e. alienware)

i own all custom PCs except 1 laptop that is a tablet (HP) that is 4 years old and is running better than most peoples macbooks that they got 4 years ago. (macs fail after like 4 years imo)

most of my PCs are running ubuntu linux and they are fast as a euro train.

if you want a laptop and you want a mac, then get a macbook and keep the extra money for upgrades, but wait you cant upgrade macs... sooo imo get a laptop that is very very easy to take apart, upgrade, take the mobo out.. they exist ex: asus. (NOT dell, sony, hp, etc...)
Aug 28 2009 10:35AM
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neutralzombie
Posts: 8629 - Karma: 606
sorry, ive only owned pros, so i was just guessing. i didn't look into macbook battery life either. and i said your warranty would be void as soon as you start tinkering with the insides of the laptop, not when you take it out of the box.
Aug 28 2009 11:01AM
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Tripplesixty
Posts: 835 - Karma: 148
I'm about as far as you can get from being a mac fanboy, but your wrong when you say you cant upgrade a mac.  Any laptop is limited in what is upgradeable.  Generally you can upgrade ram, your HDD, your battery and add a PCI-e card and that's it.  You can do all of those on a mac, at least the mac book pros from 2 years ago.  If your talking about desktops... thats a whole nother topic
Aug 28 2009 11:13AM
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978
Posts: 123 - Karma: 34
I have the 17in macbook pro with the 3ghz dual processor 500gb 7200rpm drive matte display 4gb ram. it is the best 3000 i have spent.

I have a nice large resolution with almost perfect color with no glare with the matte display. i would definitely spend the extra moneys

Click for larger image
Aug 28 2009 11:42AM
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Omega2227
Posts: 225 - Karma: 11
Idk what you did to your but to be honest, I've had mine for almost 3 years now and I think I've actually shut it off a max of 20 times. I leave it plugged in on my desk at school all the time and don't normally shut it down at night. The only time I do shut it down is when I'm traveling long distances.
My battery still lasts about 3 hours
Aug 28 2009 11:42AM
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978
Posts: 123 - Karma: 34
my friend also spent around 2400 for his xps and the only better thing was the graphics card which was made for gaming instead and the ram it had 8 gbs. but he doesnt have a good display and its only 15in
Aug 28 2009 11:46AM
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crazyfuck
Posts: 5968 - Karma: -7
a few years ago?  just stop posting... why would you post something as truth that you don't know is current information?  furthermore, i trust your computer knowledge and your understanding of Apple's policies about as far as i can throw you... which, judging by your pictures, would be about 2 feet.  you burned the fuck out of your battery because you thought it would be a good idea to just close your computer instead of putting it to sleep?  something like that doesn't happen overnight- it's the result of persistent ignorance.

you make me wish NS had a "block" feature...
Aug 28 2009 11:49AM
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dan.b
Posts: 866 - Karma: 10
if you want to emulate windows to run your cad program, than the pro might be a good choice...
Aug 28 2009 12:37PM
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beezey
Posts: 9027 - Karma: 428
i like turtles
Aug 28 2009 12:49PM
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Omega2227
Posts: 225 - Karma: 11
Hey guys why don't you try flaming her more?
Seriously, she posted some stuff she thought to be true, turns out it wasn't
Why don't you go shit on people spewing lies from both sides in some politics thread.

Aug 28 2009 12:50PM
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