Macbook vs. Macbook Pro question

[MochiFX]

So anyways I used to use the original iMacs from way back when and went to PC for some time. Now my needs have changed and I am looking towards purchasing either a MacBook or a MacBook Pro.

What I want to know is which model I should get for these needs:

-Photogprahy/photo editing (mainly photoshop)

-Use of vector based programs such as Illustrator

-Word/document processing (I'm pretty sure both are over capable of doing so)

-Ocassional gaming (Counter-Strike:Source & OrangeBox with playable frame rate of course)

-Portable and won't drag me down (so preferably its going to be the 13'' or 15'')

[Cara Veteran]

So anyways I used to use the original iMacs from way back when and went to PC for some time. Now my needs have changed and I am looking towards purchasing either a MacBook or a MacBook Pro.

What I want to know is which model I should get for these needs:

-Photogprahy/photo editing (mainly photoshop)

-Use of vector based programs such as Illustrator

-Word/document processing (I'm pretty sure both are over capable of doing so)

-Ocassional gaming (Counter-Strike:Source & OrangeBox with playable frame rate of course)

-Portable and won't drag me down (so preferably its going to be the 13'' or 15'')

Good morning,

Based on what you are wanting to do with your machine I'd recommend a 15-inch MacBook Pro for your use.

The larger screen will enhance your ability to work with Photo Editing software such as Photoshop and critical with software such as Illustrator where scaling can matter.

Word processing can be done no matter what machine you were to select so that shouldn't play into your decision, Microsoft Office 2008 or Apple iWork will function perfectly on either.

For gaming, the discreet graphics of the MacBook Pro is where it will shine. :)

At the price difference, you can't go wrong with the MacBook Pro. :) 

[TheDreamX]

I would suggest a MacBook Pro. While the new MacBooks may be able to handle most of that, they won't do it well. The gaming aspect is what takes it over the edge, however. MacBooks are not made for gaming at all.

[MochiFX]

alright thanks, I didn't expect an answer so soon. o.O

I had to wait for days to see any response on another forum. (Well maybe not days...but definately longer)

[Cara Veteran]

alright thanks, I didn't expect an answer so soon. o.O

I had to wait for days to see any response on another forum. (Well maybe not days...but definately longer)

Neowin is like no community you've ever seen. :)

When you add onto that the Neowin Apple Community is very active, you get quick responses. ;)

We're always glad to help! 

[DrewJW]

alright thanks, I didn't expect an answer so soon. o.O

I had to wait for days to see any response on another forum. (Well maybe not days...but definately longer)

Neowin FTW. I'd never be without this place now I have found it :D

[Cara Veteran]

Neowin FTW. I'd never be without this place now I have found it :D

Not many forums out there still have active users from 2001 & 2002! ;) Come to think of it, most Tech Sites don't last that long, only the good ones. :)

[MochiFX]

oh about the grey color it comes in...does it turn an awful color if used too long? I know the white macbook one turns brown/black after prolonged use while the black macbook turns brown/white.

[Cara Veteran]

oh about the grey color it comes in...does it turn an awful color if used too long? I know the white macbook one turns brown/black after prolonged use while the black macbook turns brown/white.

Actually that has been corrected in most modern revisions, however no the MacBook Pro is anodized aluminum so it does not change colors in the slightest. :)

[MochiFX]

Sorry for jumping around so much but since I'm already here would you recommend the low end 15' or the high end 15'. The only difference I see is a slightly larger HDD (I don't use much HDD space to begin with) and 512MB of ram instead of the 256MB. Is it worth that extra $500 for slight more video ram?

[Cara Veteran]

Sorry for jumping around so much but since I'm already here would you recommend the low end 15' or the high end 15'. The only difference I see is a slightly larger HDD (I don't use much HDD space to begin with) and 512MB of ram instead of the 256MB. Is it worth that extra $500 for slight more video ram?

If you have the money? It's worth it. I consider that future proofing, the additional video memory itself is something I consider a huge upgrade for the future. The Hard Drive, not so much as it can be upgraded later.

[MochiFX]

Yeah that makes sense. I guess I gotta wait another month to save up. :x (TIME FOR THE OODLES OF NOODLES. . .lol)

[Cara Veteran]

Yeah that makes sense. I guess I gotta wait another month to save up. :x (TIME FOR THE OODLES OF NOODLES. . .lol)

When you do get your machine, make sure to take unboxing photos for us all! It's always great to add another Mac User to the site and to see you get to use the machine for the first time! :)

[MochiFX]

Have you heard of colorware? It makes the machine look a bit more personalized, not sure if it voids the warranty though.

http://www.colorwarepc.com/p-57-macbook-pro.aspx

EDIT: Yeah it changes warranty, so nevermind on that.

[Cara Veteran]

Have you heard of colorware? It makes the machine look a bit more personalized, not sure if it voids the warranty though.

http://www.colorwarepc.com/p-57-macbook-pro.aspx

Yes, this voids the Apple Warranty, however Colorware does offer a warranty through them, that being said however it is NOT an Apple Warranty.

Not worth it in my opinion.

[+StevoFC MVC]

Yeah that makes sense. I guess I gotta wait another month to save up. :x (TIME FOR THE OODLES OF NOODLES. . .lol)

Heh, it will be worth it in the long run. :p

[MochiFX]

Thanks for all the help. I think I had more than enough questions answered for today to keep me busy. ^^

[Cara Veteran]

Thanks for all the help. I think I had more than enough questions answered for today to keep me busy. ^^

Anything else don't hesitate to let me know! 

[Hell-In-A-Handbasket]

i can run everything on steam(under bootcamp) with verry nice framerates/rez on my MBP 2.33 C2D 2GBDDR wich is the first gen C2D, id recomend a MBP cause youw ant to play games on it.

because teh MBP gets hot, invest in a Laptop lift.

[MochiFX]

Screen wise, should I get gloss or the regular finish?

[Cara Veteran]

Screen wise, should I get gloss or the regular finish?

Matte. :) It's personal preference but Matte doesn't have the bad glare problem that all glossy screens tend to. :)

[Steve]

I would definitely recommend a MacBook Pro. I work on an iMac at work, and used to work from my PowerBook G4 at home, until it was recently stolen. I replaced it with a 17" MacBook Pro with the Hi-Def LED screen and it is simply awesome. Super fast, and just amazing, I can't think of anything bad to say about it really.

Cara - How do you become a Neowin Veteran? I'd like to think I'd of met the criteria??

[+StevoFC MVC]

Cara - How do you become a Neowin Veteran? I'd like to think I'd of met the criteria??

She was a moderator. You can't be a vet if you were never a mod.

[NeoXY]

A macbook isn't going to play you Portal.

And everything else you listed there is more suited for a MBP anyways.

[Cara Veteran]

Cara - How do you become a Neowin Veteran? I'd like to think I'd of met the criteria??

As was said, I think to be a Vet you need to have been a Moderator or some other staff, I was a Moderator for a while here and then ended up dropping off the face of the Earth for a while due to some personal issues, coming back Neobond and the crew were kind enough to promote me to a Vet status, not staff but the next best thing. ;)