Originally when the aluminum Macbooks came out (2008), there was a remaining entry level plastic Macbook. The 13 inch models were Macbooks while the 15 and 17 inch models were Macbook Pros.

Many felt that the aluminum Macbooks were very very close in performance to the Macbook Pros. In the summer of 2009 when the products were refreshed, Apple made the 13 inch aluminum models Macbook Pros. The aluminum models have sealed batteries.

A few weeks ago Apple updated the 13 inch plastic Macbook and gave it a sealed battery as well and also introduced the new iMac line.

So essentially, anything above the base level 13 inch computer is now a Macbook Pro.

My wife and I both have the plastic Macbooks from 2006, when they were first introduced. With the models out now, though, I would spend the little extra and go for the Pro. It's not super light, but has all the things you would need. I would not spend extra on the larger screen for most users, as it is heavier as well. I also believe the aluminum one will be stronger. If super light is what you want and are willing the make the sacrifice of an integrated optical drive, you could go for the Macbook Air, though that is even more expensive.

If possible, you should also go check out the computers in person, whether at an Apple store (more selection) or at a Best Buy.

With previous models, it was very easy to upgrade RAM and the hard drives on your own, though now with the sealed models it is a little more involved.

fuzz