The new all-aluminum Macbooks made it a bit difficult for me to justify getting and using a Macbook Pro. Whilst the Macbook is definitely targeted for the consumers and the Macbook Pro for the professionals, obviously, the added punch is simply a bit too much for me. Some points to consider:
1. Processor. The speed is not as significant - 2.4GHz vs 2.53GHz. The cache is definitely a killer but hey, I think I can live with it. I used a 1.6GHz Macbook Air before and whilst the Air has 6MB of L2 cache as compared to the 3MB of the Macbook's, the processor speed (1.6 vs 2.4) will compensate.
2. Graphics. I currently use a 2.5GHz Macbook Pro and I do not play games on it. Basically, I do not push the GPU as much as gamers do. The most it handles are DVDs and videos. Whilst I am thinking of using Second Life and Project Wonderland, I think the Macbook can handle these environments with no problems. Having two graphics processors is overkill!
3. Firewire. As I mentioned above, I used a Macbook Air - so the lack of the Firewire port isn't much of an issue. I will miss it, definitely. However, I can live without it. It is a good thing that all my external HDDs support both Firewire and USB 2.0 interfaces.
4. Weight. I definitely miss the Macbook Air's weight but I will not miss the Macbook Pro's 5.4lbs (5.5 lbs with the latest model). I opted against the Macbook before because it weighed 5 lbs - not as significantly lighter than the Pro - but now that it is only 4.5lbs, my back and shoulders will thank me soon.
5. Screen. The 15.4" vs 13.3" is a no-brainer. The 13.3" screen may be too cramped for doing software development, i.e., XCode and Netbeans, but I can always use another monitor, right? I have an old 17" on my office desk and will soon get the 20" iMac there. :)
6. Illuminated keyboard. Another deal-breaker for the Macbook before was the lack of the illuminated keyboard. Now that the high-end Macbook supports it, no reason to spend much more than what I need (and want).
7. Expresscard. Have had this ExpressCard port for a long time and been meaning to get a multi-card reader for my digital camera's memory cards but I guess that will no longer be relevant. I thought of an HSDPA Expresscard but with most manufacturers making USB-based modems as well, why bother with a more expensive Expresscard, right? :D
8. iPhone headset with mic. Both Macbook and Macbook Pros now support the iPhone headset with mic. No need to bring that USB-audio in/out gadget just to be able to use the generic non-USB headset.
So there you have it, my reasons for "downgrading". I cannot wait for stocks to arrive in the Philippines. Don't worry, once I get it, the unboxing photos will be posted here - from Flickr. :D
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