Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Man-e-faces]

Hi all,
I've decieded to make the jump from PC to Mac, and I have a few questions if anyone would be so kind.

High end Macbook (4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB and 320 gig) approx 1.4mil
vs
low end Macbbok Pro (4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB and 320gig)
approx 1.6 mil

I know Pro has an extra Sd slot, different body and backlit keyboard etc.Is it worth the extra 200,000 for the Pro version?

Also when looking over this site there appered to be a few issues with Macs and Korean websites? Is this still the case? My Uni uses an IE based Learner Managment System, so will a Mac be ok for this?

Any other prob I should know about before splashing the cash?

Many thanks to all!

[tealeeds1]

[Chokse]

If you were looking for a bigger screen, better graphics, better processor, or something like that, I would say go with the Pro. However, it seems like you are looking for a 13 inch notebook and if that's the case, I don't think the Pro is worth the extra money. Just stick with the regular MacBook.

Some Korean websites will not work with the Mac. These websites will also not work on Windows if you are using any browser other than Internet Explorer. They same will most likely be true for your university.

Advice: Get Parallels or Fusion and install Windows for the few times you will need it. I haven't done it myself. My university reworked the system to work with Macs, and I don't visit any Korean websites nor do I use Korean online banking, so I haven't had any issues. However, it sounds like you'll need Windows installed.

[ThingsComeAround]

pro has the extra Sd slot, backlit keyboard, aluminum body- is it worth an extra 200,000 to you?

Also- to note:
When I got my mac, I purchased it through the Korean website. That way I was able to use the education discount..

If you can purchase (being a recent college grad) it at home I'd say go for it!

Edit: you could give this a try, before you purchase VMWare or Parallels

http://www.kju-app.org/

[AnsanAnswers]

[jrwhite82]

The Pro has better battery life too doesn't it?

The slick look of the aluminum is amazing. It just feels and looks nice. Doesn't affect perfomance...but to me there is value in construction and appearnce of my portable tech.
Aluminum > Polycarbonate

[nstick13]

If you're going to do the Pro, I'd make the jump to the ones with dedicated video memory, otherwise it's not worth it.

You'll have difficulty with Korean websites. Just do what you need to do at school, I suppose.

[Gnawbert]

A lot of the mac rumor sites are reporting that supplies of the Macbook Pro's and Macbooks are dwindling which suggests a revamp on the horizon so I'd consider waiting a little while. As others have said, if you're thinking about doing some gaming on it skip the 13" and go with the 15" and the dedicated graphics card, not the shared memory card.

If you're really just going for portability (and not gaming performance) you might want to consider a Macbook Air. I'm quite fond of both the 11" and 13" ones, although they don't have a backlit keyboard and only the 13" has an SD card slot.

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

I have both, and both in 13" size. I prefer the pro. The plastic tends to crack near the touchpad on the macbook (though they'll replace it). I like the backlit keys, too. If you plan on gaming, though, get the 15" or a secondary monitor for home usage.

[Man-e-faces]

Cheers for the info guys.
I'm going to go with the 13" Pro, and wait a month or so until the refresh which is rumoured to be end of Feb/Mar.

How long after the refresh do you think the new MBPs will be in Korea?
How easy is it to upgrade MBPs on your own? I have zero skill or experience of 'operating' on computers!

[AnsanAnswers]

[zhanknight]

[Caffeinated]

[tatertot]

[red_devil]

The processor will be different, also the MBP will have the full Nvidia GT series graphics card. I'd avoid anything with an onboard or Intel Integrated Video graphics.