How does the regular Mac Book compare to the Mac Book Pro.
I would really like to buy a Mac Book Pro but its out of my price range.
Is a Mac Book the same machine with a slower processor and less ram or does the difference go beyond that?

Thanks in advance.

-Brian

Brian,

There are a few other differences, but the processing speed and ram are the main ones. The MacBook starts with a 13" display and the MacBookPro states with 15, for example.

If I were you, I would buy the MacBook and upgrade the memory -- but not at the time you buy it. You can buy memory from Small Dog or one of the other online suppliers for a lot less than you will if you upgrade at the time of purchase.

John

Graphics are another difference. The graphics on the MacBook are dependent on the computer's processor and amount of ram it has available. The graphic demands on the MacBook Pro are sent directly to the graphics card which lessens the workload of the computer's processor. Everything sent directly to its appropriate card, no matter what operating system you have, lessens the workload of the computer's processor; thus, the computer will appear to run faster. Computers that appear to run slower than others may not have a separate graphics card, may have a slower graphics card, or not enough memory when both have the same computer processor.

If what you do is low intensity graphics (ie. text,) then the MacBook is for you. If what you do involves lots of graphics (ie. photos, videos, etc.,) then I recommend the MacBook Pro. If there is an Apple Store near you, test each one in the store prior to purchase. Only you can determine which one is best for you.

Brian,

Unless you're a hardcore gamer or professional graphic designer/producer that demands the ultimate hardware machine, a macbook is more than fine. I've had a (black) macbook since 2007, and it's still operating smooth and fast like brand new--even though I have tons of photos, videos, and applications. The newer aluminum cased macbooks are even better--you'll be thrilled! I'd recommended just not buying the lowest-end model (for $300 bucks more you get faster processor, 55% more memory, and illuminated keyboard)

Mark

Unless you're a hardcore gamer or professional graphic designer/producer that demands the ultimate hardware machine

You're definitely right. I even have a friend who is a professional designer who is considering buying the regular MacBook saying that the specs are sufficient for what he needs to do. I am going to get one sooner or later.

By the way, are there hardcore gamers that use a Mac? I was under the impression that they were all pc users.

I have a MacBook Pro from 2006 but the newer macBooks blow mine away. I can do everything I need to do: movies, Photoshop, web, all at the same time without thinking about it.

Plus if you carry yours, you can get a MacBook with a 13" screen that is small and light and plug in an external monitor and keyboard at home. The 2009 model weighs 4.5 lbs and has a battery life of up to 5 hrs.

Are all the important RE Business software titles available for Mac? Or am I gonna have to run the Windows OS in order to use critical applications?

Also, how many of you run the Windows OS on your Mac, and why? Do all the web-based tools work on a Mac (zipforms, docusign, top producer, etc.)?

I'm considering investing in the Mac Book Pro, but am nervous I will spend $$$$ of more dollars getting all the software again. Thank you for the help.

You can find VMWare Fusion for about $40 but you will also need to find a Windows license as well. I think I paid about $125 for an OEM version of Vista 64 Ultimate (that was a big mistake, I should of stuck with XP Pro).

I also have a lean Win2000 VM that starts up much faster.

There are too many odd and proprietary real estate software products out there that are not Mac compatible. I feel that if you are planning on getting a Mac for real estate then you have to make the commitment to get a Windows VM as well.

You should be able to transfer your existing licenses to the new machine though.

We need a FAQ of software and it's compatiblity.

MLS
FlexMLS - YES
Rappatoni - NO

Web CMS
Point2 - YES

CRM
Top Producer - ?

Document Management
RealFastForm - NO
ZipForms - ?
Docusign - ?

Scheduling
Showing Desk - ?

Tax Maps
RPD/PocData - NO (coming)

I'm not sure if I have these categorized correctly but it's a start.

Malcolm Waring, Realtor, e-PRO
Pocono Real Estate

I bought a PC when I first got into REAL ESTATE about 3 years ago and I absolutley hate it. I have always been a Mac person. Has anyone switched in the middle of their RE Career and had any major problems going back to a Mac from a PC? Is the VM pretty easy to use for the PC apps? I am getting overwhelmed with all of the computer stuff I have had to learn and the switch back is feeling unnerving, but I really want to go there.

I did the same thing. I am back home. VM works fine for trueforms,winforms and rappatoni. I use the Mac side for everything else. I would never buy a PC again-only MAC