iFail

I've recently decided I need to update my current laptop (Some piece of **** I got years ago, PC).
The basic uses would be:
-Huge music library
-Internet
-Use of music programs to create
And then the regular uses of a word processor or something if needed.

I just need to know if I should buy the MacBook @ $999 and that'll or work.
Or if I should buy a Macbook Pro 13.3" or 15".

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

MacGenius24

For your simple needs, A Baseline Macbook would do fine. I'm curious to know if your in looking to buy from the Canadian store or the American store because the price of the MacBook you posted belongs to the American Store.

And how big is your Music Library?

Do you mean to create music? If so, I use Logic Pro, Reason 4 and Garageband on my 2006 1.83 GHz 2 GB Ram, MacBook. It all runs pretty smoothly. So I'm pretty sure the new updated ones are better for these tasks.

Microsoft offers a version of Office for the Mac. Now It is outdated in my opinion, for the version is 2008. But none the less, it's great for switchers to the Mac. Apple offers there own office suite named iWork. I prefer this over Office for how simple it is to use and the professionalism.

Just my 2 cents

__________________
1.33 GHz iBook G4, 10.5 ; PowerMac B&W G3 400MHz, 10.4 ;1.66 Ghz Mac Mini Intel Core Duo, 10.5
_____________________________________________
Bill: What's That
Steve: A iHouse
Bill: But It Doesn't Have Any Windows!
Steve: Exactly!

andreww

Why spend $1000 on a macbook when for $20 more you you can get a macbook pro from the refurb store?

Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
13.3-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display
2GB memory
160GB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
SD card slot
Built-in 7-hour battery
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
Illuminated keyboard

$1,019 CDN

Thundaboom

Macbook all the way. It can retain a lot of music library, supposably you have a decent amount of hard drive space.

As for audio programs, I use FL Studio (under crossover) to do the music. Very good to use.

antic

The basic Macbook would probably do. Then you can spend some money on upgrading the hard drive and memory.

__________________
If it wasn't for the last minute, nothing would get done.
-Dilbert
_______________
13" Unibody MB
20" iMac (white)

Rounder

I agree. Unless iFail is looking to use educational discount, I would also go with the MBP refurb.

__________________
 iMac 21.6" 2.5Ghz i5, 8GB, 120GB OWC SSD, 500GB HDD
 MacBook Air 11.6" 1.6Ghz i5, 4GB, 128GB SSD
 iPad (4th Gen)
 iPhone 5
 Apple TV (3rd Gen)

wonderings

I would go the refurb MacBook Pro. Feels much sturdier then the plastic and the illuminated keyboard is actually a great feature. I think the MacBook Pro can also support more ram, though I could be wrong on that. Its a no brainer if the price difference is only $20, you get the same warranty and everything with a refurb from Apple.

__________________
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” Bishop Desmond Tutu

Vishalca

I'm also wondering the same thing, as I need a new computer for med school. With educational discount, there is a $150 difference between the macbook and macbook pro; in terms of what I'll get for $150 more (aluminum body, backlit keyboard, 2gb more ram), I'm leaning towards the Pro, although the performance increase seems almost negligible. If I can sell the iPod touch for $150 (just got an iPad, don't need the touch), I'd be happy!

For $20, I'd go Pro for sure, but keep in mind that refurbished models are not eligible for the free iPod or printer.

mguertin

I'd go refurbished Macbook Pro as well, much better built piece of hardware -- much more solid.

ChilBear

+1 on the MBP refurb. We watched the Refurb store late at night for an Anti-glare and it was worth the wait as the child can now work out of doors. We paid somewhere around $1489.

__________________
iMac 24 (1 - White and 1 Aluminum) * Parallels V6 w W7
Mac user since 1985 • iPhone Black 3GS 32GB • iPhone 4 White 16GB • iPad 3G