The great decision

So I finally have decided to make the switch. It was difficult enough going from Coke to Pepsi, I can't imagine this one will be much easier.

I'm going from PC to MAC. At least as far as my laptop is concerned. I have owned an e1705 and Compal Hgl30 and both to me have been unsatisfactory.
I have built pc's for years and love love love messing with computers, which is why I think i've always been hesitant to switch over to macs; afraid that i wouldn't be able to use my knowledge and I would be at the bottom of the food chain again. The guy calling tech support for hours trying to figure out why removing an icon doesn't uninstall it.
At any rate, I have a gaming pc which is more than sufficient for gaming. It has the 8800, the c2d, 2gb ram, raptors, 680i, etc. This will be my build still for counter-strike and wow.
With school starting though I need something portable. The e1705 didn't work out because of its size. The compal didn't work out because its battery life was not up to par. So here I am... At a crossroad in my life, dangling by a thread. Macbook or Macbook Pro?

What I will be using the laptop for:
Internet access, Writing Papers, Blogging, Taking notes in class, etc.
What I will not be using the laptop for:
Gaming, gaming, and more gaming.

I am coming to you guys wondering which laptop MB or MBP gets better battery life? Also which one would be better suited for school? Size is not an issue as far as 15" vs 13" and weight is not a factor. I just want the best battery life and performance.

Also should I wait for the new Leopard to come out and will they up the 950 to a different discreet graphics chip? Just looking for some advice. Thanks in advance!

 

The MacBook Pro probably has better battery life right now, because of the energy-saving LED-backlit screen. Expect about 3-4 hours on the MacBook, and about 5 on the MacBook Pro.

Yes, there is a possibility of an update of the MacBook in October with Leopard. If there is an update I'd expect Santa Rosa (so that brings along X3100 as well) and maybe LED-backlit screens on the MacBook as well.

I would say get a MacBook, since all the gaming power you need is in the desktop. The main reason most people get the MBP over the MB is the graphics card, and you've strongly stated you won't be using the graphics card, so I'd say save some cash and get a MacBook.

 

Good to know. I was drawn a bit to the MBP because of the backlit keyboard and the LED screen and if its getting battery life then that might be the possibility. Cost isn't too big of a deal as i've been working for a couple years to pay for all of this. Thanks again sam.

 

Ah, well in this case I'd say go for the MBP!

It doesn't hurt to have a gaming-capable notebook, and since you like the features of the MBP, want more battery life and cost isn't a big deal, go for the MBP.

 

or buy an extra battery for the Macbook. Good luck

I switched to Mac full time, just 6 months ago. I've learned quite a bit and enjoy it thoroughly. Like you, I had built several PCs, learned gratuitous amounts of information regarding architecture, adventured modifying the windows registry, and learned what seemed like.. a solid command of computers. OSX does feel like you're using the other side of your brain at first..but I'm happy with the surgery. I'm surprised you weren't happy with the Compal hgl30. Right before I bought this, my wallet was on a hair trigger for either that or the hel80.

 

I have both machines and the MB gets quite a bit better battery life (5-6 hrs vs. 3-4.5 hrs). The graphics card in the MBP cancels out any energy saving benefits from the LED backlight. If I were in your shoes I would choose the MB for a couple of reasons.

1. The MB can take a few more bumps and drops than the MBP and if you were to break the MB it would cost less $$ to repair it.
2. The MB is a bit more portable. So it will give you more desktop space if you take it to class or to the library.
3. The MB has better wireless reception so you can pull in more access points wherever you may travel.

 

If you're looking for a notebook for school and not gaming, I'd probably say the Macbook as well. I personally have a Macbook Pro for school, but it was also replacing my desktop (custom built E6600, 2Gb DDR800, 8800GTS 640mb, etc.) which I use to game on. I don't really play games anymore but I wanted the Macbook Pro just incase (plus it's damn sexy, haha).

But in your situation, unless you have the extra $$$ to drop on a Macbook Pro, I'd say a Macbook would be perfect. The 13.3" screen makes it extremely portable and from my experience using friends Macbooks, they have better battery life than the MBP (the screen is what drains a lot of power, and the 13.3" will use less power than a 15.4"). Anyways, whichever you decide to go with I'm sure you'll be happy.

 

Hmmm pretty torn now if thats the case with battery life.
Another quick question: The Apple refurbished notebooks are a bit cheaper than my academic discount are, would I be better off buying new for about 100 bucks more via academic or saving 100 bucks and going refurbished?

 

I would say saving the $100 off refurbished is good. Refurbished Macs are fantastic quality, often thought to be new until you tell them its a refurb. And you can add AppleCare on it too if you want.

 

I'm in the same boat as you. Trying to decide HOW to buy a macbook, also waiting on my new debit card

 

Where to get refurb Mac?

 

Check it daily.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP...rowse&mco=3929D548&node=home/specialdeals/mac

 

I recommend getting a brand new 2.2GHz MBP. You don't receive academic discounts when purchasing refurbished MBP's, so paying $1799 for a new one versus $1699 for a refurbished isn't too bad. You can also get $199 mail-in rebate for an iPod and $100 mail-in rebate for a printer. So, those are other incentives to purchase an Apple.