What better way to start a new chapter by introducing the trusty machine that enable blogging and pictures so much more elegant and stylish?
The new Macbook and Macbook Pro from Apple are real eye-candies, and these beauties are definitely more than meet the eyes. The new Macbooks are clad in a anodized, aircraft-grade, (precision) laser carved, brushed, unibody (one-piece) aluminum (think Steve Jobs meets one of the Project Runway challenges). This translates to a Macbook with less seams, less gaps, lighter weight, and a more solid feel, thus smoothly entering into Apple's whole new Aluminum world, phasing the classic glossy White (correction: low-end 2.1GHz Macbook White is still available for the nostalgist).
On the surface the new Macbook and Macbook Pro look identical, sans the difference in screen size (13.3" vs 15.4"). Inside these two beauties both house equally beastie and powerful Core 2 Duo processors and integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9400 graphics. While an additional GeForce 9600M GT works simultaneously within the Pros to give you double graphics power if you ever require it (though you have to log in and out to make the switch on/off): for playing 4 WoW characters at the same time, for running all Kong Videos available simultaneously, or simply airbrushing all your photos in batches.
They are probably the first, and perhaps for a long time the only notebook to ship with a trackpad without any buttons, except that the button is also the trackpad. Pressure-sensitive clicking I guess, a very risky move as I myself do prefer to separate my clicking from the estate my fingers move around the trackpad. More importantly the trackpad is now etched glass! Most fitting for even the most fragile jade hands...
And finally the back-lit keyboard lands on 13.3" Macbook! However it is only available in the more expensive higher end 2.4GHz models. That means more irritation from idiots who like to use not only their phones, but Macbooks in the cinema.
It is really a tough call between the few new Macbook and Macbook Pro models, since they are even more so similar now. I guess the primary factor would be your budget, followed by your needs, and lastly your wants.
For the newcomers with a budget: The 2.0GHz Macbook offers no back-lit keyboard, but that's just about it. Highly recommended if you always work in a well-lit environment.
For the office workers and tertiary students with more cash to spare: Go for the 2.4GHz Macbook if you are need the extra back-lit keyboard and 0.4Ghz to work on your spreadsheets, presentations and reports well into the late nights.
For the hardcore gamers, professional photographers and film-makers: Go for the 2.4GHz Macbook Pro unless your pocket is really really deep.
Macbooks and Macbook Pros are usually cheaper in the summer season due to the Back-To-School Rebate offer starting from April to September every year, which entitles you to a free iPod together with a purchase of your Mac. Otherwise, you can also click on the Education Store section of the online Apple Store for substantial discount.
