[NicholasCox]

Hi.
My wife is a good woman. She needs a laptop and noticed I was just about outgrowing my G4 iBook, and suggested she take that and I get myself a new MacBook.
So!
I was curious as to whether or not you felt that it's worth the $700 for the 15" macbook pro over the 13" white macbook. It seems like the pro has a bigger display (duh), a better graphics card and...what else? Same processors, hd's, etc. Where is the extra money going and is it worth it?

[Typhoon14]

You've pretty much nailed it. The single biggest difference between the machines is the video card. The MacBooks have an integrated chip unsuitable for 3D-intensive applications or games, while the MacBook Pros have a fairly powerful dedicated graphics processor. If the work you do really requires that extra graphical punch, then you should go for the Pro. Otherwise, the MacBook is a very good deal.

[braindoc]

Like with any other computers, all the extra bells and whistles is worth it if you make use of it; otherwise its a waste of good money.
I mean to some graphics pro or gamers, the dedicated graphics card and larger screen is enough of a reason. Perhaps you are someone who does significant of video editing, then the graphics, larger screen FireWire 800, dual-layer DVD burner, and the expansion card slot is easily justified.
On the other hand, I needed something that was smaller, had lower heat emission on my lap, scratches that can be buffed out, more rugged; and I plan to use it mainly for Web surfing, Mail, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, burn my Dual-layer DVD on external drive... The MacBook was more of my cupa' tea. I mean if there was a 12" MacBook Pro I would probably have bought it.
I wouldn't recommend to run the pro suite of apps on the MB instead of the MBP. If you have been pretty happy with your iBook functionality then the MB is an excellent path of progression.

[RichL]

I'm enjoying my MB quite a bit.
If you don't play intensive 3D games and need the graphics card or a bigger screen, the MB should be fine.
I don't really play games, so my MB has been able to do everythnig I need..and do it well.
RichL

[griffman]

And the only games that really won't play well are the bleeding edge 3D things. Older games, even 3D ones, seem to run OK. The new Universal binary Halo, for instance, scored time demo rates in the 30fps range on my MacBook, which is decent enough for typical gameplay.
-rob.

[macnuke]

she was good enough to make that kind of suggestion, I say get the MB, some RAM and use the balance of that $700 to take her on a little holiday.
your post gave me the impression that the iBook you have was pretty much doing what you wanted it to.

[RichL]

Nick:
nuke's suggestion sounds good...maybe you could take all of us with ya?? /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
RichL