The only thing that would stop me from getting a MB over a MBP is the screen. The "new" MBP LED-backlit screens are amazing!. So clear and bright. The MB glossy screens definitely leave something to be desired. They aren't terrible by any means, but in comparison they just suck. If they fix the MB screens then its basically a no brainer. Put 4GB of ram in the thing and be done with it.

I'm running an old 1stgen alu-Powerbook. It works well enough that I can't possibly justify buying a new one. I'll probably get the Macbook as its pretty cheap when you get the entry level one (especially with the student discount, which I am). I'll surely put 4GB of ram in it though. With that $1000 I save on the macbook pro, I can get 2 months rent, 2 months groceries, a track bike + 1 month rent, a nearly complete climbing kit, a new surfboard and a track bike. I guess you should look at what You'd spend that $1000 on. If you'd spend it on really great things, get the macbook. If not, get the macbook pro for its wonderful screen and fasterness.