[swazonek]

For my college course I am required to get a Mac laptop. I am eyeing the Macbook and the low-end Macbook Pro. I am a heavy gamer and a heavy photoshop user. I most definately want my laptop to be able to play Spore when it comes out. I like to have many applications running at the same time and this laptop will be a desktop replacement because it's the only computer I'm going to have and I'm used to using a powerful desktop PC. Now what laptop should I get? The Macbook Pro is very expensive compared to the Macbook so is it worth the extra large amount of money?

Thanks.

[smax013]

swazonek said:

For my college course I am required to get a Mac laptop. I am eyeing the Macbook and the low-end Macbook Pro. I am a heavy gamer and a heavy photoshop user. I most definately want my laptop to be able to play Spore when it comes out. I like to have many applications running at the same time and this laptop will be a desktop replacement because it's the only computer I'm going to have and I'm used to using a powerful desktop PC. Now what laptop should I get? The Macbook Pro is very expensive compared to the Macbook so is it worth the extra large amount of money?

Thanks.

If you are doing any serious gaming (as in graphically intensive gaming), then you will most likely want a MacBook Pro. The integrated graphic chipset in the MacBook will handle some games, but likely will balk at the more graphically intense games.

[rickcarl]

That one game will cost you if you move from the lower priced Macbook to the higher priced Pro especially if it takes time away from your studies which is required at some, but not all, colleges.


When asked, or when I see posts B-), I recommend the bottom least priced Macbook without the superdrive unless you need to burn DVDs regularly. Add extra RAM and it works nicely. You can save even more money by buying an older refurbished Macbook or for that matter a Macbook Pro. Finally, if gaming is important, bring your gaming computer to school and buy an Air for classroom/carry around.



I run Photoshop on my Macbook and it runs well.

[wgood]

The low end MacBook is a great place to start, however the extra horsepower and SuperDrive of the middle grade MB are definitely worth it. You may not burn DVDs now, but some day you'll be happy you have it.

As previously mentioned, the MBP separates itself from the MacBook in screen real estate and graphics. If you anticipate yourself playing high end games with this laptop, the MacBook Pro should be only machine you look at. Personally, my MacBook plays the few 2001 - 2003 era games fine (Age of Mythology, CC Generals, etc).

If you can afford it, I would definitely suggest the MacBook Pro. If not, the middle grade MacBook would more than meet your needs.

[MacosNerd]

If you're into games as you mention then the answer is simple. The MacBook Pro. The MacBook's integrated graphics is just too slow to suit your needs. Photoshop, doesn't really rely on the GPU but rather CPU so from that perspective its a toss up.

The price difference is commensurate with the features you're getting. A larger display, a much much better GPU, FW800, a cardbus slot, etc. While it be difficult to justify the price jump, since you want to play games you'll be dissatisfied with a MB because of its meager GPU.

[estumpges]

For "heavy gaming" the MacBook is not at all suitable. For the average computer user, the Macbook represents a great value compared to the MacBook Pro but when gaming and graphic intensive apps are entered into the mix, the MacBook Pro becomes essential.

Also, since you are looking for a desktop replacement the MacBook Pro is definitely the way to go. In your case the MacBook Pro will be well worth the extra money.

That's my take on the matter. Good luck with the decision.

[gooser]

just curious. what curriculum REQUIRES that you get a mac?