Comparing the Macbook and the Macbook Pro

Let's talk Macbook Pro for a moment, shall we?
As a way of comparison, here are the specs on the Macbook 13" white model (at today's prices off of Apple's website):

2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB memory
250GB hard drive
Double-layer SuperDrive
$1,299.00

... and here are the specs for the basic Macbook Pro (15" screen):

2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB memory
200GB hard drive1
Double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB
$1999.00

So basically the only difference between the Macbook Pro and the Macbook are:
* The Macbook Pro has a metallic body, where the Macbook has a plastic body. (Whether that's good or bad depends on who you ask. Several websites report that the Macbook Pro's body scratches and dents more easily than the plain ol' Macbook.)

* The Macbook Pro has the upgraded video card. (a good thing, methinks ...)

* The Macbook Pro has a larger screen (15" and 17"). (not bad ...)

* The Macbook Pro costs $700.00 more! (an absolute deal-breaker ...)

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
I liked the feel of the keyboard on the Macbook Pro better, but as a small business owner, I couldn't justify the $700 extra cost. If I don't like the keyboard on the MacBook (and the jury is still out on that one), I can buy an external keyboard for far less than $700.00.

I'm not sure about the real difference in the videocard, so I went with the less expensive version (which is my company's policy when I'm not sure about the cost/benefit of a particular business tool).

I also liked the slightly larger screen on the Macbook Pro, but I was strongly committed to keeping size/weight down. I like to backpack as a hobby, and I've learned the hard way about buying bigger (and heavier) equipment! ;-)

With all of the inconveniences facing travelers these days, when I travel for a keynote speech or some other business purpose, I want to keep my weight down to a bare minimum.

BOTTOM LINE FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
All other things being equal, had the Macbook and Macbook Pro been closer in price, I might have been swayed to decide in favor of the 15" screen on the Macbook Pro, but the huge price difference between the Macbook Pro and the Macbook just didn't justify a Macbook Pro purchase.

On the road, I'll mostly use my Mac for writing and internet connectivity, although I do like to work with graphic design programs when I'm in the hotel during the evening (designing book and workbook layouts, etc). I'll also do some straightforward video editing, but nothing that I think will tax the graphic card on the Macbook.

So, for a small business owner, the seemingly unnecessary higher cost of the Macbook Pro makes the cost/benefit analysis pretty simple:

For the entrepreneur and small business owner, the regular Macbook is the way to go.