I'm a full time graduate student who is nearing the end of my degree in a tech-based field (read => downloading betas & trial apps and testing the heck out of them to see if they meet certain needs, designing and developing media-intensive presentations and applications, and just generally being really hard on my computer). In other words a MacBook wouldn't hold up to my daily demands.
I use my MacBook Pro for all of the work above, as well as most of my digital entertainment needs including watching dvds (netflix, so ripping isn't exactly an option) and playing games which require a dvd in the drive. These activities won't change drastically when I'm out in the real world. At present, my computer is provided as part of a school sponsored assistantship. In the next few months, I will be transitioning to the 'real world' and buying my own. I am really looking forward to the new slim MBP, but it won't fly for my overall needs without a dvd drive.
Grad Student
I'm a full time graduate student who is nearing the end of my degree in a tech-based field (read => downloading betas & trial apps and testing the heck out of them to see if they meet certain needs, designing and developing media-intensive presentations and applications, and just generally being really hard on my computer). In other words a MacBook wouldn't hold up to my daily demands.
I use my MacBook Pro for all of the work above, as well as most of my digital entertainment needs including watching dvds (netflix, so ripping isn't exactly an option) and playing games which require a dvd in the drive. These activities won't change drastically when I'm out in the real world. At present, my computer is provided as part of a school sponsored assistantship. In the next few months, I will be transitioning to the 'real world' and buying my own. I am really looking forward to the new slim MBP, but it won't fly for my overall needs without a dvd drive.