MacBook vs. MacBook Pro 13"
Yesterday, October 20, 2009, Apple update their line of iMacs, MacBooks, Mac Minis, and Bluetooth Mice. People have certainly be talking about the new iMacs and especially the Magic Mouse that comes with it as standard. What disappoints me is the lackluster response people are giving to the new MacBooks, which is, generally, no response at all. Little people, if any, have come to realize the minimal difference between the new MacBook and the 13" MacBook Pro. Yet Apple still has a $200 difference between the two; MacBook at $999, MacBook Pro at $1199. Here, I'm just going to compare the two models, and hopefully, this can help you find the computer right for you. First, let's have a little comparison in basic specs:
MacBook:
- 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 2GB DDR3 memory
- 250GB hard drive
- 8x double-layer SuperDrive
- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
- Built-in 7-hour battery
- Polycarbonate unibody enclosure
MacBook Pro:
- 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 2GB DDR3 memory
- 160GB hard drive
- SD-card slot
- 8x double-layer SuperDrive
- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
- Built-in 7-hour battery
- Precision aluminum unibody enclosure
As you can see, the specs on the two computers are astoundingly similar! The minor variations are that the MacBook has a 250GB hard drive, while the MacBook Pro has a 160GB hard drive. Also, the Pro has an SD card slot built-in, as well as a FireWire 800 port. The MacBook has neither, and, for the record, no longer has FireWire 400 either. The Pro also has a backlit keyboard, unlike the MacBook which just has the standard white keyboard. (Something interesting to note is that the MacBook Pro 13" still doesn't have the option for a matte display! I'm astounded that Apple didn't think to add this since they just updated the MacBook's to be almost pro.) Fourthly, the MacBook Pro can go up to 8GB of RAM and have a 256GB solid state drive, while the MacBook can only handle 4GB of RAM and a 500GB SATA drive (special thanks to Mike Iz!). Another thing is that the MacBook has no battery indicator whatsoever on the exterior, so you have to waste battery to wake it up and check. Also, apparently, the MacBook doesn't have an IR sensor that is compatible with the Apple Remote, but I'm not sure. (special thanks to MarcBookPro!) The final difference, that I have noted, is that the MacBook Pro has a precision unibody enclosure from anodized aluminum. The MacBook has the unibody enclosure made of the same polycarbonate. Something just tells me the MacBook Pro may be sturdier, but's that's just an opinion.
Overall, there really is not much difference between the two computers. The little additions and variations may affect your opinion on which one you want to buy. Whether you think it's worth the extra cash to cough up for the Pro, that's up to you. I guarantee you will not be disappointed with either machine. They are both sturdy pieces of hardware and definitely get the job done.
Please leave a comment leaving your thoughts on the two, and which one you prefer. Also, if there are any additional differences that I failed to point out, please leave a comment to let everyone know, because that one little difference could change someone's mind, as I said!
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Mike Khuraibet Oct 21, 2009 at 6:15 PM
Reader Comments (4)
Can you add into there that the macbook pro can go up to 8gigs of ram.
thanks!
Don't forget that the MacBook is also lacking the battery indicator lights on the side and the IR sensor, which means no Apple Remote for the white MacBook as well.
Great review! And I agree 110% on a 13" MacBook Pro in Antiglare!
Not to mention the Macbook's battery is now non user replaceable like the Macbook air.
Also, i just found in the store that they released a new Apple remote, check it out.