Macbook Pro: Is It Worth The Extra $$$ For Light Studio Recording?, MBP or Macbook - value? Options

[billoetjen]

Hi Folks,

I've just about stretched my old hotrodded Pismo (G3 PB upgraded to 550 MHz G4, 1 gig ram, fast harddrive, Tiger) as far as it can go.
This week I'm getting either a new Macbook (midlevel, with superdrive) or a MBP (entry level). One thing that I'm concerned with is that I've just started recording my band's rehearsals (soon, gigs) with a presonus Inspire, using Garageband, on the old Pismo. Either of the new 'books should handle the processing for editing, effects and exporting to mp3. Is there any compelling reason to go all the way with the MBP, or will the humbler 'book be just as nimble for these tasks?
I'll tell you upfront that I'm leaning towards the MBP. I've gotten spoiled by the distinction of owning the Pismo (best damn laptop ever made) all these years. I know Apple will never make the mistake again of building something so eminently upgradable. Cuz, instead of buying new Apple computers, Pismo owners have been buying after-market processors, memory, harddrives and optical drives.

This may be a more complicated question than it seems at first blush. I'd appreciate any thoughtful feedback.

Thanks,
Bill Oetjen
[EDIT LPM there's a safe email link right on the left]

[lepetitmartien]

Well, the main differences are better expansion, more ports (especially firewire), more RAM, better video card and bigger screen. On the CPU side it's the same for now.

Depending on what you do, if you dont need the real estate or the extra RAM or don't plan to use PCcards audio interfaces, the macbook is enough. Now, in case, there's a rumor today of a macbook upgrade soon…