Macbook vs. Macbook Pro
Hello Im deciding between getting a :
-13" Macbook 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM & 500GB Hardrive ($1,125)
-13" Macbook Pro 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM & 500GB Hardrive ($1,370)
-13" Macbook Pro 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM & 500GB Hardrive ($1,535)
Which one do you think I should get? And if you know where I can get it cheaper I’d appreciate it 
Get the Pro, even an entry level one is fine, but if you are doing music work, the firewire port is nice amongst other things since they are limited on USB.
Also, you can get a refurb MacBook Pro 13" for $1096 on the Apple website
go pro for the firewire port. get the version with the smaller amount of ram and then add some more yourself afterwards, it’s cheaper that way.
i would go with the mbp 2.26 lowest price.
I don’t have a Macbook myself but from what I’ve seen the build quality on MBPs is a lot better than on the regular ones. Especially the keyboard and touchpad tend to look used on MBs quickly.
i also agree on getting the pro for firewire. also ram is cheaper from other sources than apple. furthermore .. consider swapping the main HD for an SSD, or replacing the DVD for an SSD (you can get the DVD in an external case for the rare situations where you do need DVD).
It’s cheaper to get the lowest one and then upgrade as needed. That being said, it’s easier to drop a bunch of money on one that is set up the way you want.
Keep in mind the size of the screen, make sure it’s something that you would be able to function on. After that, making sure the CPU speed is up to date (any new one will be). And then RAM, literally as much as you can cram in there.
I believe DJTT put up an article about the benefits/costs of an SSD drive, and I’d really suggest that as well. Then you don’t ever have to worry about it failing.
I know with Windows 7 some of the SSD drives no longer have a “slowing down” issue either, but I’m not sure with the Macs.
whats the difference between a 256GB SSD and a 500GB Hardrive? wouldnt the 500GB hardive be better considering it has more memory
Yes, the 500GB HDD has twice the memory but solid state disks (SSD) are way less sensitive to vibrations and impacts. Something you might want to consider when using your laptop to play in loud and messy clubs 
Is that possible?
Do you have any link on that?
It sounds interesting. I barely use the dvd player. The last time it was when I installed Snow Leopard a few months back…
yea that would be good I would just keep 500GB and have the 256 SSD… any link to replace the DVD drive with the SSD?
Unibody MPB are one solid plate under the laptop, you basically remove about 10 screws and the internals are laid out plainly. The hard drive is located next to the battery which is near the screen hinge.
Also, what do you mean by replacing the DVD drive for a solid state drive?, those are two totally separate laptop components. I understand replacing the hard drive for a solid state since that offers significant speed boosts (pending on if it’s MLC vs. SLC, and the bridge controller being used to write the bits), but swapping the DVD for an SSD makes no sense.
So everyone would recommend the 256GB SSD over the 500GB Hard drive?
powerbookmedic.com has them, they are not cheap its about $66 for basically a hollowed out dvd drive.
They also have a chart that shows the max amount of space you load your mac’s up with. I think the macbook pro is limited to 1.5tb 750gig per bay. Dont forget to that you will drain your battery, and increase noise. Not to mention you will void your warranty.
just google and you will find plenty of places that will swap out your dvd for another HD/SSD. several of my co-workers have done this. so they now have a traditional HD for mass storage and an SSD for all the stuff they need to read fast or that they want to protect from getting lost.
opps…i did read the whole post, I would get the low end mbp model…something about white macbooks, looks like a girls laptop…i say it cuz my wife has one