Choosing Between the Core 2 Duo MacBook and MacBook Pro
With the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, we finally have a great mobile CPU that can capably run multiple operating systems at once. That gave me the extra incentive to investigate switching to Mac OS X. Apple basically has two choices in laptops, the 13.3" MacBook, and the 15" and 17" MacBook Pro. I liked different elements in each of those models, and, had a difficult time choosing, because none of the models captures everything I want.
First, let's talk about the MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro has a great keyboard (I personally like the feel of it much more than the MacBook's). In addition, it has a critically useful expansion card slot, an ExpressCard/34 slot, which is useful for sticking in flash memory cards. True, you can get a USB flash card adapter, but I hate things dangling or sticking out of my computer. The other thing the MacBook Pro has is a much better 3D graphics processor, the ATI X1600, which is fast enough for gaming. However, the MacBook Pro has some negatives such as a much larger size and also, the screen on display models I looked at seemed to have issues with very poor viewing angles and brightness falloff.
The MacBook has some important advantages over the MacBook Pro. First, there's price- for a similar configuration, I found that the MacBook was about $600 cheaper than a similarly configured MacBook Pro (but the MacBook Pro starts with a 2.16 Ghz processor whereas the fastest MacBook is 2.0 Ghz). Second, the MacBook is more compact in size, and also lighter weight (5.2 pounds vs. 5.6 pounds). I found it much easier to carry around the MacBook. Second, the screen on the MacBook seemed to have less brightness falloff. The smaller 13.3" screen was a tradeoff I was willing to make, and since I don't do much 3D gaming, I was willing to live with the slower Intel GMA 950 graphics processor. I figured, I could always get a separate gaming console such as a PS3, Wii, or XBox 360 with the money saved.
In the end, the MacBook won me over because if its size, weight, and price. It's overall a better value in my opinion, though it comes with compromises. After living with the MacBook for two weeks, I am still happy with that decision and would make the same choice today.