Apple Macbook Buyers Guide
Theres a lot to like about the Apple Macbook series. The Macbooks are sleek, have excellent keyboards, and since Apple makes both the operating system and hardware, the user generally gets a very cohesive computing experience. While the Macbook line-up is very straightforward when compared to the what you normally see with Dell and HP, its still possible for the consumer to make a mistake when purchasing a Macbook. This guide will help simplify this process.
The Macbook line-up is made up of three distinct models. The Macbook, Macbook Pro, and Macbook Air. Theres no definitive notebook that will suit everybody. Each model is designed for a specific type of user.
13 inch Macbook
Lets first examine the Macbook. I consider this to be the entry-level, general use notebook. I dont mean that in a bad way. Anyone interested in general business apps, internet, basically anything thats not too graphics intensive will enjoy using this notebook.
The Macbook as a 13.3" screen which is a good compromise between usability and size. The keyboard is solid and overall package is very portable. One possible con is the weight. For a notebook of this size, its a bit heavy at 5 pounds. Interested in a simple, fast notebook that works well with most non-graphically intensive apps? The Macbook is for you. Now if youre looking for something with some graphics firepower you need to take a good at the Macbook Pro.
Macbook Pro
Why get a Macbook Pro? It costs hundreds more and its a bigger package. One big answer...its the GPU. If you want a true discrete graphics processor, you need to get a Macbook Pro. If you want to do things like high-end video editing, 3-d modeling, and 3-d gaming, a decent GPU is a must and Apple delivers well with the Macbook Pro. Currently, the Macbook Pro comes with the Nvidia 8600GT. This is a good mid-range GPU and should work well with most graphically oriented applications.
Other advantages of the Macbook Pro...better quality LED backlit display, larger display, a really nice aluminum enclosure, backlit keyboard, Multi-touch trackpad, GPU, and good selection of input/output ports.
Disadvantages include: much higher price, larger/heavier, harder to upgrade hard drive (doing it yourself will void the warranty), the metal enclosure gets hot and if it takes a hit, theres a good chance it will dent (unlike the more resilient polycarbonate encased Macbook).
So who type of person will enjoy the Macbook Pro? If you like using applications that are graphically demanding get the Macbook Pro. So were talking people working in 3-D, high-end video editors, and gamers. Also, if you want a portable computing experience thats closer to that of a desktop, the Macbook Pros larger display and superior performance will get you there.
Macbook Air
Lets round out this discussion with the Macbook Air. This particular notebook is severely limited. It has the slowest processor, you cant upgrade the memory, you get a puny amount of storage, no ethernet jack, and no built-in optical drive. Despite all these restrictions, this is the perfect notebook for the right person.
Who is the perfect fit for the Macbook Air? For one thing, this person already owns a Mac thats their main machine. Please do not try to make the Macbook Air your main machine as youll constantly run into the machines limitations. Basically, the Air is designed to be a portable extension of your main desktop. If you keep that in mind, youll be rewarded with a ultra-light, machine that will handle all of your general applications while youre on the road with style. So running your business/internet apps will be not be a problem. Trying to play Crysis or editing gigabytes of HD video footage is not recommended.
I hope this guide has made the Macbook selection process easier for you. If you happen to live near an Apple store, I strongly recommend dropping by and asking questions. Ive generally found the staff at my local store to be knowledgeable and friendly. While youre at the store dig in and play around with the various models. Best of luck and I hope your mobile Mac experience is a good one.
For more information, you can reach Jason through his blog, Apple Otaku.
It covers a weird mix of Apple related products and Japanese culture.
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