Which laptop? Macbook, Macbook Pro or Macbook Air? - Page 3

divine · 21-02-2009, 22:28

Dropped a bit since I last really looked then.

They seem to keep them very similar to what the VAT is at if you see what I mean, as the VAT exc. price on the Macbook for example is £625.

Beansprout · 22-02-2009, 03:26

I'm in a similar situation to you, Feek. Currently have an MBP which is dying and in need of repairs which'll probably cost a silly amount, so figuring I may as well get a new one instead.

But looking at the new Macbook / Pro ranges, the only major thing the Pros have going for them is the bigger screen and extra graphics power which, tbh, I've never used. Carrying my MBP around (esp in airports) hasn't been much fun either, and it's too big to use easily on a plane unless you're in Business....and forget about it on domestic/Easyjet flights!

The illuminated keyboard is handy, albeit for the hour a month I need it....

Burble · 22-02-2009, 10:00

I was in a similar quandry about a year ago and I plumped for the MacBook. I thought the Air was underpowered and overpriced whereas the Pro was overkill for what I was going to use it for taking price into account.

Feek · 22-02-2009, 12:44

Beany! Long time no see!
It's not the screen size that I'm bothered about, 13" will do me fine but it's the multiple things I'm reading and now hearing from people about the screen quality being poor on the MB compared to the MBP.

Burble, I know you've got the older model MB but how good is the screen for viewing angle? If you lie in bed with the lappy resting on your belly/chest, can you easily get a good viewing angle?

Burble · 22-02-2009, 12:53

I've got no complaints about the screen. Viewing angles are good, easily as good as my Dell D820 (the only one I've done a direct comparison with). The colours are a tiny bit washed out compared to the D820 panel but I only notice it when I see both machines side by side.

Feek · 22-02-2009, 17:42

So, are you happy with your decision? This is a fairly major spend and I want to get it right, hence why I'm garnering as many opinions and views as I can.

Same question to you Beany..

Will · 22-02-2009, 17:54

Just for my edification what are the advantages of the Pro over the non Pro apart from the screen? And does the price increase make one more worthwhile than the other? Isn't the PRO useable with PArallels and windows etc?

Feek · 22-02-2009, 17:59

They're all usable with Parallels etc.

The Pro is bigger, has more ports, better screen, non shared video memory.

In fact, this is easier...

(ignore these prices btw, they're not what I'll be paying)

leowyatt · 22-02-2009, 18:02

I'd still seriously consider a 15" Pro Feekles

Will · 22-02-2009, 18:14

From reading that alone from a specs POV I'd go straight for the pro 15". But that's with a very flakey knowledge of macs.

21-02-2009, 22:28	#21
divine Moonshine Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Southampton Posts: 3,201	Dropped a bit since I last really looked then. They seem to keep them very similar to what the VAT is at if you see what I mean, as the VAT exc. price on the Macbook for example is £625. __________________

22-02-2009, 03:26	#22
Beansprout Long Island Iced Tea Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 488	I'm in a similar situation to you, Feek. Currently have an MBP which is dying and in need of repairs which'll probably cost a silly amount, so figuring I may as well get a new one instead. But looking at the new Macbook / Pro ranges, the only major thing the Pros have going for them is the bigger screen and extra graphics power which, tbh, I've never used. Carrying my MBP around (esp in airports) hasn't been much fun either, and it's too big to use easily on a plane unless you're in Business....and forget about it on domestic/Easyjet flights! The illuminated keyboard is handy, albeit for the hour a month I need it.... __________________ Uploader Cartoons World Wind

22-02-2009, 12:44	#24
Feek ex SAS Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: JO01ou Posts: 10,062	Beany! Long time no see! It's not the screen size that I'm bothered about, 13" will do me fine but it's the multiple things I'm reading and now hearing from people about the screen quality being poor on the MB compared to the MBP. Burble, I know you've got the older model MB but how good is the screen for viewing angle? If you lie in bed with the lappy resting on your belly/chest, can you easily get a good viewing angle? __________________

22-02-2009, 17:42	#26
Feek ex SAS Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: JO01ou Posts: 10,062	So, are you happy with your decision? This is a fairly major spend and I want to get it right, hence why I'm garnering as many opinions and views as I can. Same question to you Beany.. __________________

22-02-2009, 17:54	#27
Will BBx woz 'ere :P Join Date: Jan 1970 Posts: 2,147,487,208	Just for my edification what are the advantages of the Pro over the non Pro apart from the screen? And does the price increase make one more worthwhile than the other? Isn't the PRO useable with PArallels and windows etc? __________________ *No No!*

22-02-2009, 10:00	#23
Burble Rocket Fuel Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 7,826	I was in a similar quandry about a year ago and I plumped for the MacBook. I thought the Air was underpowered and overpriced whereas the Pro was overkill for what I was going to use it for taking price into account.

22-02-2009, 12:53	#25
Burble Rocket Fuel Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 7,826	I've got no complaints about the screen. Viewing angles are good, easily as good as my Dell D820 (the only one I've done a direct comparison with). The colours are a tiny bit washed out compared to the D820 panel but I only notice it when I see both machines side by side.

22-02-2009, 17:59	#28
Feek ex SAS Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: JO01ou Posts: 10,062	They're all usable with Parallels etc. The Pro is bigger, has more ports, better screen, non shared video memory. In fact, this is easier... (ignore these prices btw, they're not what I'll be paying) __________________

22-02-2009, 18:02	#29
leowyatt Chef extraordinaire Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Infinite Loop Posts: 11,143	I'd still seriously consider a 15" Pro Feekles __________________ "Dr Sheldon Cooper FTW!"

22-02-2009, 18:14	#30
Will BBx woz 'ere :P Join Date: Jan 1970 Posts: 2,147,487,208	From reading that alone from a specs POV I'd go straight for the pro 15". But that's with a very flakey knowledge of macs. __________________ *No No!*