For me the deciding factor was price - I just couldn't justify the steep premium for 17".

However, in retrospect I think it would have been worth the $ because the 13" screen is rather small compared with the large monitors that I use at work, and feels even smaller thanks to the widescreen format.

On the plus side, the 13" is far better for travel, it easily fits inside briefcases, knapsacks, etc.

In an ideal world (from Apple's perspective, too) you could buy one for home and one for travel.

Let me just start by saying, I think the MACBOOK is an EXCELLENT computer, and I really love it. But I sold it.

couple of KEY reasons for me.

I could not stand the GLOSSY, so the MBP is the only option there since only the MBP is sold with a MATTE finish (or glossy if you so desire)

I LOVE the chiclet keypad of the MACBOOK, but the regular keypad of the MBP is fine. I would prefer the MB keyboard on the MBP, but ah well.

I DO like the fact that I DON'T have to carry the adaptor with me to connect to a VGA or DVI monitor, with the MBP it is just there. That is a plus.

The 15" screen is quite a bit nicer (not just the MATTE finish) on the MBP, LED display, instant on, etc. I find them some of the best screens next to an IPS thinkpad which are RARE.

THE MBP is a bit heavier, and I REALLY LOVE the MB size an style.

My perfect machine would be a 14" MB with a MATTE screen and a truly discrete graphics card. That would ROCK!

Someone suggested to me buying an external "cinema" display (23" would be more than ideal although I think the 20" would be just ideal enough) with a wireless keyboard and mouse for at home, that you would just connect your MacBook (regular). Thus getting the larger screen and versatility of a proper keyboard and mouse while also having the greater ease of travel with the MacBook. Obviously, price becomes quite an issue...

This is an issue for me as well. For some reason, I have a huge "issue" with carrying around extras for a laptop beyond the power adaptor and maybe an ergonomic mouse, as I said earlier. Considering that almost all projectors these days seem to be VGA, I don't see why Apple does not include both a DVI and VGA port on all its portable Macs. It can only increase the versatility and appeal, but I suppose Apple would loose out on charging the customer an obscene amount of money for a fairly simple piece of technology, right?

Additional update from macrumors.com:

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/04/16/...-pro-and-more/

[QUOTE=SchmeckFlyer;9581110I don't see why Apple does not include both a DVI and VGA port on all its portable Macs. It can only increase the versatility and appeal, but I suppose Apple would loose out on charging the customer an obscene amount of money for a fairly simple piece of technology, right?[/QUOTE]

I can't speak about the MacBook, but with the MacBook pros, a DVI-VGA adapter is included in the box. It's a small little thing.

The biggest thing for me is the Express Card slot. I can use my Verizon air card in the MacBook Pro and not have a giant thing sticking out of a USB port. The glossy screens are terrible (IMO) for photo work. I do a lot of work on my computer outside, in the car, and it's impossible to use it outside.

Get yourself the 23" screen, a wireless keyboard and mouse, and you'll be impressed. I love my 23" screen. Eventually I'm getting the 30" screen.

MBP starts at $1999, MB at $1099. And cost of adapters for MB - from the apple store site:
Your MacBook has a mini-DVI video out port that allows you to connect an external display or projector using a mini-DVI adapter. Choose the one that works with your display's video interface.
Apple Mini-DVI to DVI Adapter Add $19
Apple Mini-DVI to VGA Adapter Add $19

Why doesn't Apple include a VGA port on its laptops???

they do.

all mac laptops have dvi out, which includes vga, composite and s-video on the same port. the macbook pro has a standard dvi plug, while the macbook and macbook air have thinner plugs (mini-dvi and micro-dvi) due to their form factor.

for vga, all that's needed is an adapter cable, and that's included with the macbook pro & macbook air, but it is optional for the macbook. for s-video and composite, the adapter is optional.