I am considering getting a MacBook as my next laptop, making the giant leap from a Dell Inspiron (with which I have very satisfied) to the Mac world. My mother is actually also making the leap to an iMac; she especially enjoys the lack of cables (she even decided on her own to get the Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, as well as AirPort) and likens the design to Gaggenau or B&O.

But I'm not quite sure exactly what the differences are between the MacBook Pro and the regular MacBook. As far as I can tell, the obvious differences are price and design. The speakers on a Pro also look larger, but I'm not so sure that option would be important for a laptop. Some people claim the regular MacBook is better for people who travel frequently (because it is comparatively small and light?) and/or do not often run very hungry/intensive processes (gaming). However, the 15" Pro does not seem especially larger than my current Dell Inspiron E1405; it is certainly thinner and weighs slightly less.

My guess is the main differences lie in performance, but even there I cannot see anything glaringly obvious that distinguishes the two. I generally do not do any gaming, and the most "powerful" application I run is Adobe Photoshop (I think). I do a lot with pictures and movies, however (but that goes fine even on my ancient 1.5 year old Dell).

So what exactly are the differences? Which one is the better option for performance along? For mobility alone? For price/quality relationship?

I tried doing a search, but "Pro" is too short a word. So I did not come up with any threads that specifically put the two side by side. Apologies if this has already been discussed.

Go to www.apple.com and visit the store. You can see the specs for the MacBook and the MacBookPro. The MacBookPro is slightly faster, has an aluminum case. For me the deciding factor was that the video card in the MacBookPro could power the 32 inch Cinema Display. I do photos and wanted a huge display to edit my photos. I migrated from an iBook. Other than the photos, I'd do a MacBook. The old iBooks were supposed to be studier (because they were primarily for school use, I suppose) than the MacBooks. I suppose the MacBooks are the same--a little sturdier, but I don't know.

I'm not sure if this chart is still up to date, but Apple has a nice comparison on their site:

http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Im...mk0SuMTYMKvCrw

Differences: size/weight obviously (the MacBook is really heavy for its size whereas the Pro model is very light for its size), material and build quality, graphic card (dedicated in Pro), performance (more powerful components in the Pro) and screen (choice of matte or glossy in the Pro).

Due to the weight and quality issues of the regular MacBook I'd recommend a Pro model (specificity a refurbished 2.2GHz for less ten 1500 USD) unless you're a road warrior and need something really portable/lightweight.

A MacBook Pro, as its name will tell you, is geared towards professional users on the go. These computers are more suitable for those who plan on doing gaming as well as intensive video and photo editing, and need lots of storage space to store those creations. The Pros are also more flexible, since they have the ExpressCard/34 slots in them for anything you may need.

From what you provided, I don't think you need a Pro. The regular MacBooks are more suitable for travel due to their smaller size. Also, they're sturdier and can still handle quite a bit of photo and video editing if you maximize the amount of RAM in the machines.

I recently made the switch to the MacBook Air from a regular MacBook. I realized after giving it a lot of thought that it's the best one for me. I don't play PC games, am not a movie editor and seldom utilize my MacBook's disc drive. So having a very light computer while traveling is awesome.

One thing I don't like about the mac book is the glossy screen. It is nice if you are watching videos though I like the sharpness of the other style only available on the MBP. The style of the keyboard is also very different between the two computers, so make sure you get into a store to try them out if you have a preference and are going to be doing a lot of typing.

Their differences

Processor (not really important IMHO)
Graphic Card (integrated (intel 3100 on macbook) vs dedicated (nvidia on pro))
Mini Dvi (Macbook) vs full size Dvi (pro) connection
No expresscard on macbook (sucks)
firewire 400 (macbook) vs firewire 400 & 800 on pro
Illuminated keyboard on pro
multi touch trackpad on new pro (like iPhone tech)
Display, glossy on macbook vs matte or glossy on pro

I have a macbook, I loved it, the size is perfect for travelling, the only one I hate is the fact that it doesn't have an expresscard. I wish apple sell a macbook pro on 13 inches size, that would be perfect for me.

Others pretty much answered but let me say:

1. macbook has enough firepower for most users, unless you're into gaming or tons of graphics...POV
2. both are due for 'update' and if you're not in hurry, wait till june (check appleinsider and macrumors for more details)

Well, if you're not in a hurry then you might as well wait forever, as some major/minor updates relating to new cpu/gpu/whatever show 2-3 times a year (with last revision dating back to 28th feb).

Wow. Thanks for all the detailed and quick responses!

What is the (quality/performance) difference between dedicated and integrated videocards? I'm assuming the dedicated is "better" as it is in the Pro model.

The 15" Pro model does not seem so terribly big, and manageable for travel. Anyone with actual experience? Although I only need my laptop for about half the trips I take, when I do it has not been a big problem or nuissance. And at 14.1" the Dell I have isn't much smaller than the 15" Pro.

I am a huge fan a flexibility, however. That could sway me to the Pro (plus it looks so much better!). I know two people with a MacBook (regular) and they seem to have constant problems with connectivety and need special adaptors etc. to use projectors and the like (while my Dell loves everything).

I don't think it's very up-to-date, because the table does not include the customisable option to decrease the hardrive size while increasing retrieval speed, among other things.

Update i mentioned:
1.http://www.appleinsider.com/articles...urces_say.html
2. http://www.macrumors.com/2008/04/07/...esign-changes/

Lack: your comment very insightful....thanks

Get the MCBPRO - if you use photoshop you want the bigger screen and the and if doing video you will appreciate the bigger screen. Also, the aluminum does not discolor like the white plastic on teh MCB.

One just copies another :-). And, as far as AppleInsider rumors go, we should have regular MacBooks with 15,4" screen for about a year now.
Aside that, the question is, will the update bring any noticeable improvements over the current model? Hight doubt that, and I guess we all know the tough experience of being apple first revision product test bunny.

Here's the current side-by-side comparison chart:

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...family/macbook

I'm thrilled as can be with with my (black) MacBook. Plenty speedy for my needs (academic work, general computing) and it *just barely* fits on an airline or traincar tray table, unlike the MacBook Pro. I don't find its 5.0 lb. "heft" a problem like some others do. ::shrug:: It fits nicely in both my laptop backpack and my Chrome bike bag.