Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

I mentioned earlier that this is the first time in my life I've ever considered owning an apple laptop or desktop, and I've been a windows developer since '99.
I spent a few years selling ipods on ebay, made lots of money.
Just recently got an iphone for my girlfriend and I, love them.
Have owned every ipod generation ever made, loved them all. The only one I haven't owned is the new shuffle and nano video, because I don't need them.
I absolutely love Apple.
Leo made really good points above. I'm kinda in the same boat as him.
Vista sucked while it was Longhorn. I have no idea what MS is doing, but they're crawling under my skin which each new release. Windows 7 can suck it, as far as I'm concerned. More crap.
The whole "viruses" argument is kinda retarded. It's much akin to "I might drop my laptop in the mud".
Don't drop it in the mud, and there's no mud. :)
I gather viruses to fix them because it's fun, and it's "what I do". But that's me. I understand most folks don't want that problem, and can't fix them, but it's a non-argument that comes up constantly and it's ridiculous.
Christos, buy that Apple. It's cool, it's swank, and Apple will cover your ass. Their customer service and presence is beyond reproach.
You'll be very happy, and that's what matters. :)
Just make sure the machine has an optical drive in it. Airbooks don't, and that makes for lots of pains in the butt you don't need. :tu

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

I've used Windows and Macs but I'm a Windows user primarily. These days, unless you have a specific program that you need a specific OS for, both are good choices. I've even dabbled in Ubuntu which I think is a great package for someone willing to take a bit of initiative, but those users are in the minority. I have been very impressed with Windows 7.

I personally think you can get a better hardware value by customizing a PC to your specific liking, but very few people chose to go that far.

BTW, I'm a PC user and an Apple shareholder.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

I have a spare two cents so I thought I would comment.

On the comparison of the Macbook to the cheap PC. While it mentions the PC has a webcam, built-in microphone, etc. it does not mention that all Macbooks comes with a built-in webcam/microphone, etc. Also does the PC come with a network card? The Mac laptops have built in airport (wireless) network cards and automatically searches for a wireless network when you turn on your computer. If you are going to do a comparison, then do an accurate comparison.

To the person who worked in "photography-journalism" for three years. I've been in the business since 1975 (back in the day when portable was a typewriter weighing under 10 lbs. and didn't plug into the wall) (Side note: Does anyone else remember working an a TRS-80?) I started using Mac's in 1986 and haven't looked back. If you are working in the graphic design, photography or journalism fields, the software you need use was probably written for the Mac before it was written for the PC.

As for the doctor who spent $4,000 on a Macbook. It just goes to prove you can be highly educated and an idiot all at the same time. I also know quite a few doctors because my daughter-in-law is one. They are about evenly split between Mac and PC users. Most of them don't care one way or the other as long as the machine works.

Dependability? My son bought a Dell Laptop a month after I purchased my 15" Macbook Pro in 2006. I am still using my MBP on a daily basis with no downtime. He has had to replace his Dell twice and had it in for repairs three other times. Don't know why the problems but the replacements were because the "motherboard" died both time. The "repairs" were because of viruses that weren't covered by the latest anti-viral software upgrades.

To the person is said he doesn't know of any situation where a Mac outperforms a PC (or something to that effect). You should start reading what many of the PC consumer magazines have been saying for years. They have done benchtests of comparable machines and the Macs win. Every year the do reviews and comparisons and generally the Mac comes out on top. Usually the only place the Mac loses is in price comparisons of bottom line machines and that because the Mac bottom line machine is not comparable to the PC bottom line machine.

What I can't understand is why there are so many "Mac-Haters" out there. Do you PC users think you are so superior to Mac users simply because there are more computer games written for your OS than a Mac?

The bottom line is simply BUY A COMPUTER THAT WILL DO WHAT YOU WANT IT TO DO AND SPEND THE MONEY YOU WANT TO SPEND ON IT. THEN LIVE WITH IT.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

This is big time misleading. You are counting iPhones and iPods. If we starting counting Windows Mobile phones and Microsoft Zune players, not to mention Netbooks, PDAs, and cash registers that run Windows CE Apple's numbers would look pretty puny.

From Business Insider...
http://www.businessinsider.com/apple...s-sinks-2009-4

Apple's Mac business leveled out after strong growth last year. U.S. Mac shipments were down 1% year-over-year, representing 7.4% of the market, according to Gartner. But that's a significant deceleration after the company grew U.S. shipments about 33% year-over-year during Q1 '08. (And grew U.S. shipments 8% year-over-year in Q4 '08, according to Gartner.)

http://static.businessinsider.com/~~...6c7aaa00fdcf0b

These kinds of stats are a little more reliable then the web statistics. By web stats I mean those where the website collects OS info and comes up with a count of how many Windows vs Mac users visit them. Those might be a more accurate picture of active web users vs current sales/market share.

Also this was not a totally hypothetical question.
[size=3]

There are a number of Hackintosh or Hackbook websites. Just about anything's possible with Google and a little savvy.

http://www.dailyblogged.com/83/dell-...-pro-tutorial/

http://www.hackintosh.com/

http://www.hackint0sh.org/



Here's is a good deal I helped my mom pick out recently. She picked it up last night.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0320534

$749.99
Intel® Core(tm) 2 Duo Processor T6600 (2.2 GHz)
4GB RAM
500GB Hard Drive
CD/DVD Writer DVD+/-RW Drive
7-in-1 Media Card Reader
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 (512 MB)
10/100 Network
802.11N Wireless Mini Card
17.3" High Definition+WLED Display with TrueLife(tm)
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)

My mom has some old, scratch that, really old financial apps. So I found her the specs I recommended with Windows 7 Pro. Professional allows you to run the Windows XP compatibility mode. Since all her apps run fine on XP, this will ensure that even old 8 bit & 16 bit apps will run fine on this x64 version of Windows 7. Windows 7 Professional also offers full system backup software built in.

I would also like to mention that there has been a ton of conjecture. I have done my best to backup my positions with credible links. Mind you I'm not talking about Op-Ed type columns full of more conjecture. I'm not pointing any fingers, but an opinion is just that. Masquerading one's opinon as fact is another thing.

By the way, here's a list of just some of the software not compatible wit Mac OS X. I know it's an old list but you get the idea...

http://www.macintouch.com/leopard/compat.html

If you want a more complete list, walk into Best Buy, Micro Center, etc and start looking at the side of software boxes (especially games). You'll find that a staggering percentage of them don't have a little Apple logo on them.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

and just for fun...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEAGmBRC1dc

NSFW (language)

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

That's funny! Inaccurate, but Funny!

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

The only problem with this entire debate is that both sides are trying to cite objective information for a subjective decision. Not that one shouldn't do research when buying a laptop, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and there are machines in both camps capable of doing pretty much everything.

But I did notice you go to the "no games" arguement alot. Did he ever mention even playing games? I noticed its not in the first post in % of use, so why use that as an argument in this case?

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Jim you should win an award for best posts in this thread. You, shilala and a few others have some of the most relevant posts. No need for gaming on my end. I have a PS3 and my brother has a 360 so I got gaming covered.

A lot of people are right in saying buy what you like and are most happy/comfortable with. I like Apple the most. I'm most comfortable with a PC only because I've used it for so long. In the end I feel I'll be happy with a Apple.

Anyone know if any updates are coming out on either side? For example faster usb port? or anything like that?

I'm really enjoying the back and forth tho :tu

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

SSUSB or USB 3.0 will be out sometime next year, likely later in the year. Don't know when it will hit the market though. SATA 3 should be a big performance boost as well, but will probably be included in the same redesigns as the SSUSB.

IT has been my experience that waiting for the next best thing in computers is futile.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

How bout a link to the machine you've chosen so we can pick that apart?
That'll be fun. :D

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

:tpd::D

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

In the 80's, one guy, Steve Jobs designed the machine, built the machine, and wrote the OS for Apple. It was not rocket surgery.
BASIC was open source. There was no graphics support.
I coded the graphics support for BASIC so I could create an interactive book that worked just like you'd read a book on a Kindle nowadays.
It was on Marine Biolgy.
I also coded music to make singing Christmas Cards that astounded people. MIDI was already there, just no BASIC support, so I coded it.
I won all sorts of accolades, and got four periods a day in middle school and high school to do genius stuff. So I did.
I smoked lots of dope, drank tons of beer, and played Galaga at Sheetz while I was supposed to be doing brilliant things.
It was awesome.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

:tpd:

Most prophetic words in this thread.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/...co=MTM3NDczMDg

I know waiting is dumb as technology is dated shortly after you purchase anyway but 3.0 USB to me would make a huge difference. I thought it was supposed to come out around now?

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

That link didn't save my configured laptop but i added the 7200RPM 320gb hdd. Antiglare screen, iWork, Aperture and the applecare.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

how much is the HDD? you can probably get one 3rd party and install yourself for alot less.... it isn't that hard to do either. They made it harder with the unibody macs compared to the old ones, but still is fairly easy. Applecare is a must (ask Carlos! hahaha, although I think he may just use bestbuy warranty)

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

That's all I need. Open up my laptop to save some money on a hdd and f everything up. 50 bucks for the upgraded hdd..

Wish applecare covered accidental damage. Used that a few times on my Dell :(

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

there is always the "it just stopped working" defense.... actually works quite well at Apple. hah

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

That works until you use your laptop after taking a shower and not drying off good enough :r

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

well dont do a hdd swap in the shower and you should be good :D

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Wise words :tu

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

wait.. I can use my ....





nevermind.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

And all this time I thought the TRS-80 was made by Tandy/Texas Instruments.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Installing a new hd is extremely easy, but if you're not someone who takes computers apart, don't bother. A 3rd party one is much less than the one apple will sell you. Now stop dragging this out and just buy it and lock/delete the thread, kthx :)

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

You would get much better performance from an SSD over a HDD. HDD's are the current weak link in computer hardware. SSD's while still new and expensive are very fast. I'm picking one up right after Christmas. Hopefully the Intel's will get a price drop, or I'll get a gift card.

In looking at your build, it looks like you are spending $2500+. Wow! I knew Macs were expensive, but I honestly had no idea they were that expensive.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

IIRC, that was Wozniak, not Jobs. Jobs was more of the marketing type.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Solid state drives are great, and fast, but the size of drive you get for the money isn't worth it..yet. In time they'll come down in price, but for now, it's more economical to get a normal hard drive, which are still great, just not the latest and the greatest.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Perhaps for the OP's macbook, but after the initial outlay, it's really not that much for the gain. You would have to settle for 128GB or pay a lot more for the large drive which probably isn't worth it. Yes they will be better in the future, but as I said before waiting for technology is futile.

I just built up an overclocked i7 photo-processing rig, and there is no better component to look for a performance gain. I'm considering going dual 80GB for my rig. Dual OS boot with a switch on the case and enough space on each drive for programs.

That said, 95% of users probably wouldn't notice the difference.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

exactly.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

You're right, it was Woz. Jobs left in 80-something then came back later.
Jobs sold the Apple to a shop, then he and Woz and a few other dudes cranked out 50 machines to fill their first order.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

The antiglare is a great idea. That glossy stuff drives me nuts.
I gagged on the price, too. Make sure you hit the refurbed site at apple.
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...co=MTY0MjUwOTE
You might be able to save a good chunk of money, even if you have to switch up a bit?

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

I just got an Asus netbook for christmas and love it, have been playing with it non stop. Anyone have an idea where I can get MS office for Windows 7 cheap? I dont like the new version of Word, I was hoping someone might know where I could find Word 2000

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Mac = Not gay
Windows = Leaning towards gay

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Well I'm at the Apple store typing this from a macbook. Today might be the day :D

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

There's no going back now. I guess by now you're a new Macbook owner?

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

you will not be dissapointed with the mac book, I have had mine for about a year and a half and have had no problems with it at all. :tu

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Same here. If I had it to do all over again I'd do it in a minute. I think that's the best thing anyone can say in retrospect about a purchase.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Price is coming out to be the issue for me. You can get the same computer in Windows for just about half the price. It is driving me crazy. I priced out a HP and got the beats by Dr. Dre headphones and it was all still under $1800.

I should just give someone my card and say here buy me a laptop.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

did you happen to see this other thread?
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26568

:r:r

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

I saw white macbooks at Best Buy last week for 699.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Unless you have an unnatural disregard for money, price is always a factor. That said, not all 91% of users buy Windows based computers for that reason alone.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Christos,

Just to help add to your dilema...
From HP's online store:

$1,492.98
HP dv6t Quad Edition
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
Intel(R) Quad Core(TM) i7-720QM Processor (1.6GHz, 6MB L2 Cache, 1333MHz FSB)
4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 230M
15.6" diagonal High Definition LED HP Brightview Widescreen Display (1366x768)
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
Intel Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student 2007
3-year HP Care Pack Accidental Damage Protection Service

Saves you about $1000, provides better performance, includes Microsoft Office, and 3 year Accidental Damage Protection.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

I think if you buy quality once you wont be sorry. The product will last and you will be happy with it.
You might be sorry if you try to skimp and get a second rate product.
I've used PC's all of my life. I switched to Mac in October 08 and never going back to a PC.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

it is NOT the same computer, no matter how you look at it, spec for spec, dollar for dollar if you don't get that you'll never get it.

Just buy a windows machine and pat yourself on the back.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

I live near San Francisco. I know a lot of gay people. And yes, most of them use Macs. Just sayin.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Buy Mac and don't look bac! just saying.

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Doesn't mean Darrell have a mac?
:lv












;s

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Adam: You're A "Brave" Soul!:r

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Pretty close to San Francisco, too. Hmmm. :hm

Re: Buying a new laptop- Apple?
 

Just make a freakin decision and get over it!

Computers are tools. Buy something to fits your needs and budget. If you're worried about the price then don't buy a Mac. It's that simple. Despite all the rhetoric a computer is just a computer for most people. If you are not a techno-wienie or planning on doing high end mathematical calculations or graphics then either a Mac or a PC will probably do what you need to do.

There are pros and cons for both systems. Personally I've used Mac products since 1986. I worked in photojournalism and found the Mac, at the time, did what I needed to do better than what the PCs had to offer. I was a magazine editor with a printing company for 10 years and we used nothing but Macs to do the editing, layout and design. When the company moved to a digital workflow, the imagesetter was windows based but the pre-press software was all Mac based and they worked very well together and still does.

I am now self employed and I run all my financial needs on a Mac using Quickbooks Pro which the accounting firm I use recommended. They use both Macs and PCs by the way.

Again, if you are a student and money is an issue then buy the PC. THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN'T BUY A MAC LATER when money is not an issue.