Any recent switchers regret their decision?

I would love to see the number of people using Macs grow though.

I have sucessfully converted both my parents, and my two sisters to use Macs and we used to all have windows computers. Also I have converted several people from my school.

 

As long as you have a cpu with SSE2 an SSE3 its not going to be a problem to run OSX on a PC, something like a asus G1S is going to have almost the same hardware as a MBP, you guys are just trying to dumb down the idea of running OSX on a PC because you dont like the idea that somebody with abit of know how can get a identical system much cheaper

I'll read into it more, not to mention you know it will devolope more. Its not like windows was suddenly perfectly working on Mac one day, it was a gradual process.

 

Great idea, ViciousXUSMC. Everyone else is just buying music because they don't like the idea somebody with a bit of know how can download music for free. Let's all do that!

All in all, go ahead and run OS X on a PC if you must, there's no one that can stop you here. Similarly, go ahead and rob a bank, download copyrighted music for free. But don't expect to discuss or recommend running OS X on a PC here on NBR. Its against NBR's rules.

 

Well, even if Apple gave the OK for OSX to be installed on PCs legitimately, how many people who don't use Macs really would use their Thinkpad or Dell with OSX?

A lot of it sounds suspiciously like an excuse - if it was simply the OS they cared about, why not use Linux? It works fine and is legal on PCs, and it's not any worse than OSX or Windows. If software support was the issue, you'd have nearly the same problems in OSX as in Linux, and the same solutions around it too. And best of all, it's free and constantly in development! If the "best OS" was truly what they cared about, even if OSX was offered on PCs, they'd still just use Linux as their main OS. If they needed an additional OS for software compatibility, they'd install Windows, not OSX for max compatibility.

But truth is, for most people, even if OSX was offered as an option, they'd still go with Windows. That's perfectly fine - Windows is a great OS in its own right. On the other hand, most Apple-devotees probably would still buy Apple hardware to go with the OS just for consistency (and for a few unique features). There might be a few who'd take advantage of OSX on PCs, but it'd probably be a negligible market share for both PC makers and for Apple. So then, why blame Apple for using fairly standard business practices on something that most people would never use anyway?

On the other hand, if Apple opened up its MBP for Windows-only, then I'm sure there would be a substantial # of consumers who might be willing to buy the MBP with only Windows - ie. simply for the hardware, design, specs, etc. The pricing might need to be adjusted slightly, but that's another issue.

 

I absolutely would buy a Dell or Thinkpad with OSX. For me, it truly is the appealing thing about Macs.

I realize most people gravitate towards Macs because of the pretty hardware. No doubt, it is pretty, but as a lot of you know, I haven't had the best luck with Apple's current hardware. OSX is what will get me to give Apple's hardware another shot. I'm really hoping for, but not expecting, some exciting new hardware around the release of Leopard.

I really wish Apple would get off of this aluminum and plastic kick, and move to a magnesium alloy case. I'd really like something more durable out of their portables. I guess that's just not "Apple" enough, though.

 

Absolutely. I can't wait for Apple to come out with their new MBP chassis. Using a 50-year old model, however pretty it may be, is just ugh.

It's well past the time when they should be using at the least modern materials for their laptops (i.e. carbon fiber on the outside, Mg roll cage, etc.).

Well, my next laptop purchase should be in 3 years or so. I'm expecting to see significant improvements!

...assuming Apple still has a personal computing division by then of course.

 

Quite interesting what's happening right now in the shift to Apple products...some are buying MBPs for the sake of running Windows full-time (and even trying to delete Mac OS X off the Mac altogether), while others are buying Macs for the sake of Mac OS X, which most people have always bought Macs for; to run OS X.

For me, I like Apple hardware design and the features Apple does but it is OS X that compels me most to get a Mac.

And I don't mind the aluminum (although the MBP seriously needs a redesign, as beautiful as the current design looks) but I wished they would drop the plastic as well. Brushed metal, like in the ASUS W3 would be nice.

 

Alright, since I opened up my MBP today here's my thoughts on my "switch".

First off, I'm glad I made it. Mac OSX is awesome with its architecture (so far). The hardware is impressive, and boots extremely quick into Mac OSX. I like how it looks, how light it is, and how sturdy it is. The screen is awesome, with the correct amount of brightness and vividness.

Onto the operating system, Mac OSX. I like how crisp and clean it is. Sure there are things I don't know about it yet, but thats the fun of getting into something new. I like the dock and how it organizes applications. The fun little animation to get opened applications to "slide" back and forth in the dock is nice, albeit that its more of a gimmick. None the less, that shows that the operating system is performance ready.

I already dived into the Boot Camp and virtualization world... First off I put in Boot Camp v1.4 and installed Windows XP Pro. It went very smoothly from start to finish. After I installed all the drivers, I went ahead and installed VMWare Fusion on the Mac OSX side and used the Boot Camp partition to get into Windows. Everything worked like a charm. Even Expose, which I absolutely love. Windows applications each show up in Expose, and I can quickly launch any Windows application from Fusion's Launcher tool.

Anyway, thats what I have discovered so far. This weekend I will post a more refined and detailed review of my experiences with the MBP.

Edit: The windows task bar is now meaningless in my life! I love it.

 

Don't get me wrong. I love the looks of all Apple machines. No one else comes even close. But durability of Apple machines is a serious issue. The aluminum looks amazing, but if I bought a MBP I'd probably be afraid to take it out of my house. Aluminum is just too soft of a metal to encase a portable computer in.

I'm not asking for a ToughBook. I'd just like to carry my computer around without feeling like I'm moving my wife's good China.

 

Post this on your own new thread, dbam . It deserves attention! Instead of hiding it in another thread .

 

Hehe, I shall do that right now.

 

I agree. Why hide your joy in a thread devoted to the disgruntled Mac user.

Go, and go fast. It's all I can do to keep from raining on your parade in this thread. I can only stop my negative feelings for so long.

 

mick are you still stick with the MBP...? I am stuck in between a lenovo or reordering another MBP and hopefully ill get lucky.

 

See thats what I was talking about, bogus defenses.

People like to say, well the MBP is worth the premium over a windows machine because OSX, you cant use OSX on a PC and thus it justifies the extra, and now you can run windows too!

Well debunk that with the idea you can run OSX on a PC.... and you start comparing it to robbing a bank, or stealing music?? WTF? thats not even close to the same thing. Its just the parelell.

If you can run windows on a mac... you should be able to run osx on a pc.... its equal but opposite.

Now that you have the same base line, you can cleary compare the hardware and the cost and evaluate the advantages clearly with no bias to the OS.

 

Nope. I never had a MBP. I had a Macbook that was in and out of service the whole time I owned it, and ultimately was replaced by Apple.

Now I'm using a Dell XPS m1210. It's a nice little machine. It has a small footprint, is lightweight, and powerful. There are no compromises with this machine, and I don't have to worry about it breaking.

If I were you, I'd have a hard time shelling out the cash again for the MBP, after already getting burned. You know the old saying, fool me once shame on you...

They lack the *** appeal, but Thinkpads are widely regarded as the best built notebooks in game. Sounds like a pretty safe bet.

** Wow, that's some touchy filter.

 

Now you've misunderstood me. I've always stated, if anyone plans to use Windows full time don't get a Mac. I agree with you on that; if just by hardware just stick to PC. But the point is you stated that we try to be "hush hush" about running OS X on a PC, and how that is much cheaper and we're just miffed that people are realizing how to do that.

You were basically saying why buy a Mac when you can run OS X on a PC. So I countered by saying why buy music when you can download it free. They're both illegal.

Read your original post:

Exactly why I said, somebody with a bit of know-how could get the music you buy for free. Should we supporting that?

 

Also, I'm sure if a Mac OS were to ever be able to be run legally on a PC you can be 99% sure you'll have to pay for it so there goes your $150 premium.

 

The sheer amount of opinion in here is enough to make anyones eyes bleed. The only fact here is that PCs are cheaper, maybe not be $1000 ;ess, but nevertheless, it is...cheaper.

 

Go figure, an online forum with people who post opinions.

 

That's a lot of arguing that I honestly read about half of. I concede the point that apple's price point is high.... oh but wait, I said I GOT IT FOR $2000 USD so it was the sweetest deal for sure. Many more brand new in box units I saw on eBay. So if you purchase for said price, all of these arguements are moot points because they cost nearly identical prices but apple has the lighter, thinner, higher specced machine. NEVER PAY MSRP

 

Hrm, well to be fair, if you want to consider the MBP's price via eBay, you'd have to consider other PC laptops, like the Inspiron mentioned above, via eBay as well. Otherwise it's not a fair comparison with so many variables different. So the Inspiron sold via eBay would probably be cheaper than Dell's MSRP as well.

 

I bought MBP - running Vista 32 bit all the time. With bootcamp 1.4 - almost all the hardware works - so I would say if you want to run solely Windows on MBP - no problem.
There are many drivers missing for 64 bit Vista...But hopefully they will fix that till October...
Also pricewise - MBP is better hardware deal than comparably spec'd Lenovo, HP or Sony notebook (with higher resolution screens).

I regret MBP purchase only because it gets so HOT - even if FANS are spinning at 3000 rpm - it is too hot to put it on the lap. And it is a lie that OSX runs cooler than Windows - with same fan speeds - it runs same HOT on both...
Another little thing is that it only has 2 USB ports (and 2 useless firewire ports - 1 would be enough).

 

Well no, it's true in the sense that left to themselves, my fans spin a lot more often in Windows and need to spin faster than in OSX doing similar tasks (or if just left idle) - if we're going by the assumption that as heat increases, fan speed increases (which is by no means proven on a MBP under any OS!).

It's also true in the sense that, holding both fans steady at the same RPM in both OS's, Windows will see higher temps than OSX.

They both run hot under any circumstances, but relatively, OSX runs cool er than Vista.

One USB actually allows more power than the other - go figure, you'd think Apple would advertise this as a "feature" - although in this case, I think it's simply that one USB doesn't allow enough power than the other

Also, it's one firewire 400 and one firewire 800, so they're not completely redundant - I guess. But I agree. Ditch the 1394a and put another USB in its place. Better yet, add a firewire s800t (1394c) instead!

 

Are you running InputRemapper on Windows? Cause it is one thing to leave fan management to EFI and another thing to use software for it.
OSX has different FAN logic than what you would get in Windows. I guess it is because OSX has proper ACPI driver and Windows does not - so fan speeds are being controlled by EFI. I noticed that by default in OSX fans rotate at 2000 rpm and on Windows at 1000 rpm. That is a huge difference - thats why Windows get hotter and then fans might be kicking in only at high temperatures.
Regarding firewire - do you have any hardware that you use with it? Cause i do not and never had

 

No, I usually set it with smcFanControl in OSX first at 3k though. However, it could be as you said and it's not recognizing it and simply trying compensate really fast after it gets too hot. I'll check out some numbers when I get home and see if that's the issue. Thanks for the suggestion.

I have not and never had any firewire peripherals. That said, I'm getting a WD MyBook Pro shortly, so I will soon no longer be completely wasting that port at least

 

Here's my thoughts. Please correct me as I haven't used an Apple computer since the IIgs. I just happened to find this interesting thread by accident.

First of all, why would a "PC" user want to load OSX onto his machine? And why would a MBP user want to use Windows on his machine? If it were me, the reason I'd want to run Windows on a MBP is to play games, which brings us to this point: the desire to run Windows on an Apple machine is not an advantage; rather, it only serves to highlight one of its major weaknesses, that of mainstream software availability. In this regard, the PC wins over the Apple computer. Quite simply, PCs don't need to run OSX even if they could.

Now, you could say that OSX is the superior OS because of all those things that have been brought up in this thread. Of course a PC user would want to run OSX! But let's be clear, a PC user can easily dual boot one of the Linux distros and probably configure an OS that is just as nice as OSX. Of course, you won't get the luxury of being able to switch between OSes without a reboot, but what kind of price would you put on that? Personally, I wouldn't pay 10 bucks for that.

And since everyone's talking about price, we should at least look at price flexibility. It's been acknowledged eariler in this thread, but you kind of glossed over it. Entering Apple world means pigeon-holing your functionality. Everyone seems bent on comparing top of the line models, but what about Joe consumer like me who can't shell out 2000 dollars for a MBP? As a gamer, I have no choice but to choose a PC because the regular Macbook just doesn't cut the mustard.

I guess that last point is irrelevant, but I just thought I'd throw it in there.

 

Read the full content of this Article: http://www.dev.notebookreview.com/news/amazon-takes-on-dropbox-with-new-cloud-drive-file-sync-applications/

 

i mostly agree. there really isn't a reason for a PC user to try to run os x. i don't even know why anyone would want to.

the ability to run windows is not an advantage over a normal PC laptop, obviously. it is an advantage compared to powerpc macintosh computers in the past, though. buying mac hardware no longer means being pigeon holed, as you say. its not longer a reason NOT to buy a mac. people incorrectly call the removal of a disadvantage an advantage, but all in all they aren't too far from the truth. if you are doing a pro/con analysis, the inability to run windows gets removed from the con side, the total attractiveness of the platform increases.

os x only has 5% market share and thus has a much lower software development base than windows markets. however, the 5% tend to be very involved in the community and a lot of quality software is out there. one place that apple software support really shines is content creation and management. iphoto, itunes, and especially things like logic express, final cut express, photoshop. true- photoshop and itunes can be had on windows, but exclusivity isn't a big deal. the fact is that they are there for the long haul on os x.

apple really doesn't pigeon hole functionality in my opinion. you can run windows if you want to, or you can run os x. either way you have a very potent and effective tool for your disposal.

also, Joe Gamer definitely does NOT want a macbook pro. gaming on the macbook pro is like a little extra bonus for those who primarily want osx or maybe just value a portable gaming machine moreso than dollars or performance.

Joe Consumer can get a macbook if he wants to, though. Joe Consumer doesn't play computer games.

 

Don't you think you should give it a little more time before making a decision like this?

You should preface a statement like this with, "I've owned my MBP for three days".

I'm not knocking your early love for your machine. I'm just pointing that it is early.

 

Lol true, but congratulations on buying something you're satisfied with way in any case

Ideally though, these forums exist, in part, to minimize any dissatisfaction with each person's purchase after the fact (other than those arising from isolated defects). With all the information buried on these forums, and all the people who advise trying out the machine for extended periods of time before buying, making an informed purchase and then being satisfied with it because of all the research and preparation done beforehand should be a more common occurrence.

In other words, there shouldn't be too many people who regret their decision afterwards because most of those who would be would've been advised NOT to buy that laptop in the first place - theoretically

 

Your right. I did jump the gun with that post . All-in-all, so far I am pleased with it.

Hopefully in a month I'll be as happy as I am now with it. Time will tell.

 

I agree, and I'm happy that dbam987 likes his new machine. However, I'll be more interested in hearing his opinion after his "new Mac lust" wears off.

It's very easy to fall in love with Apple hardware and OSX. Like all love, though, tough times are when you find out just how strong your love is.

 

Me too!

 

my experience has gotten better with time.

im about to just give up windows gaming and play halo on os x

 

Show me a MacBook Pro that closes matches or exceeds the Asus G2S-A1 I just ordered, for the same price ($2029) and I will get it. But the way I look at it is that I saved close to $800 and got a better 17" 1920x1200 screen with a lot of extra goods. True it is actually 1.8" thick (did not realize this, the pictures make it look pretty thin). But also my emachines previously wasn't much thinner if any at all and I loved it.

All in all I do not want to deal with getting XP or Vista on the MBP natively, I cannot afford to have any issues with XP. I'd rather have issues with an OSX install.

I am surprised Asus doesn't match the same dimensions considering they at one time had the thinnest PocketPCs on the market they obviously have some worthwhile engineers.

Up at my work place they use Apples for Graphic design work, I tried using it for my web design work for them and coding the site among other things. I used to think that most 3rd party apps I would want from Windows would be in Mac form somewhere, the truth wasn't as pretty as I thought it would be... and I am an expert googler and it did not do me much good after 2-3 months on the Macs.

Everything I did on the G4(w/ 2gb RAM) was done slower, had more issues and crashes in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Indesign more than I can ever remember seeing ever since I started using XP several years ago. The torture and lost work and lost productivity drove me crazy. How the other two graphic artist can take it from their "superior" G5's which have as many CS2 problems I don't know.

I give Apple their due when it comes to some things but overall I can't justify the cost and lack of productivity I experienced and the lack of productivity I see in other Mac users. If I was to start a design agency tomorrow, mac users would not necessarily be who I'd be looking for, more like running away from.

 

Glitchbit: I'm not going to use the fact that this is your very first post as a way to judge your experience. Anyways...

The 17-inch MacBook Pro isn't the same class as the G2. It has the same specs as the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro (except for the higher resolution and non-LED screen). So go ahead and get the G2.

If all you plan to do is deal with Windows natively on the Mac, then don't get a Mac. Get a PC. I don't know what you're complaining about.

What kind of third-party applications are you looking for? Maybe you should ask us.

 

Actually, if you were getting a 17", I don't see why you wouldn't get the Clevo m570ru instead of the Asus G2...Asus is actually pretty weak in the 17" department compared to their 15" and ultraportable offerings...but that's neither here or there.

 

Sam: Thanks for not judging me soley on my first post lol.

Locate32 is a big one, there is a command line like alternative for OSX don't know how well it would work with a Samba share. Also I doubt any of my co-workers would want to deal with a command line.

The reason why Locate32 is desirable is that it creates a database file for networked computers to use to look up files at various locations. unlike spotlight which is local and even if it is setup to index a network drive it cannot share its index with others as far as I can tell.

Also there are things such as the drop down menus in photoshop that work better on windows due to me being able to quickly swift through fonts, layer effects and other settings. Something that can not be done on a Mac. And there is programs that I use to automate things on Windows and it applications that don't always translate well on Macs.

However I do really love Applescript automation, I've done automations with it that I have yet to convert over to Javascript for windows.

Also I hate the Finder, I cannot find anything on the Apple to help me browse around the file structure as well as QTtab and Explorer on XP and Vista. Also I really start to miss the taskbar... I asked for help over at neowin on that one and no one really had any solutions for me, nor could I find one on google and gave up.

Overall I can just get around and navigate a lot faster on XP and even Vista. Thus I am able to get more work done and I have more programs to choose from to accomplish my daily tasks as a computer tech, photographer, and graphic artist. I just can't see a reason to use OSX daily, I like its style, eye candy, and smooth and fluid effects but at the end of the day it doesn't make it any more functional, or help me get my work done any quicker, it just slows me down. Not say I don't try and imitate it some with Y'z Dock and what not.

 

I seriously doubt Dell, HP, Asus, Lenovo are not capable of designing similiar dimension notebooks. There are a lot of sacrifices involved for such design and they have a much much bigger consumer base to consider.

I would much rather have a 1.1-1.2 inch thick MBP but with much much better cooling solution and one or two extra USB ports.

 

Just switched today - running CS3 great! No regrets whatsoever!!!

 

glitchbit,

i mean, you were using an "emachines"

oh for the love of god.

 

Actually Arima made emachine laptops and Gateway bought them to make their laptops. Whole nother company separate from their desktop division.

And personally I am not too fond of Foxconn, but each its own. I dealt with a lot of bad PSU's from them. (I have built over 100 computers with their cases and PSUs in them) But I supose it doesn't necassarily reflect their quality in other areas.

 

Thank you everyone for all your help in answering my questions.

I've just put an order for a 2.2ghz Macbook Pro (since Dell finally gave me my money back) to arrive 30/08 and I couldn't have done it without you.

I've also put in a bid for a red Techshell case on eBay which I hope to get around the same time. I'll be sure to post pictures and benchmarks when I receive my new MBP.

 

I love the new MacBooks, though it's not in my price range. When the first MacBooks came out, I thought they were reasonably priced in comparison to other PCs out there w/ Core 2 Duo. I actually told my boyfriend to buy the middle-line MacBook, but he insisted on the Black MacBook for looks. It's great, I love using it, and I love the feel but I hate how pictures look quite grainy on it. I dont know if this is specific to the LCD or the lack of a dedicated GPU though.

Now the prices for Centrino Core 2 Duos have gone down and I do feel the MacBooks are overpriced in every sense. I got 2 laptops for the price of one MacBook Pro. I got the XPS m1330 with an LED screen, 2 GB of Ram, Dedicated GPU 128mb NVIDIA, 3 year warranty (awesome) with one of the latest processors Centrino Core 2 Duo for $1138. I got the same Inspiron 1420 for $900 including tax/shipping configured the same way + warranty (minus the LED screen). Talk about bang for your buck! All-in-all 2 laptops for $2144 and that's after taxes! Yeah, it's no "Lexus" but the XPS is quite up there in terms of sleek looks. I've seen Bench Mark comparisons and it holds up quite well to the Mac systems.

I'm not Mac bashing dont get me wrong, I actually made the switch a while back. I used to use an iBook and it gave me problems, hence why I switched to a Dell. I should have gotten a PowerBook but couldn't really afford it. I dont know if this would have fixed my problems but I really think I would have had less problems in the end. I figured I didnt need a great laptop since I had a powerful custom-built desktop but I was wrong. I was used to the power of my desktop so using my iBook was quite a negative experience. It had trouble connecting to the school's network. It would freezing using MS office! my friend has a $2000 MBP and swears by it although his freezes more than mine. He made it a priority to hit Apple S every 3 minutes because of that.

I mean if the most basic thing you can do on a PC is type notes and it freezes during that, I have to say my iBook purchase was a big regret, just by looking at that. I mean it's Apple for God sakes! They tout having superior stability.

 

Your friend's MacBook Pro probably has something wrong. There is no way it freezes that often unless something's wrong. As for Office, Office 2004 isn't Universal Binary so it takes more resources to run as it needs to run via Rosetta, but it also should not be freezing all the time.

 

Shouldnt but it does! My iBook froze less than his. Imagine that.

 

Then once again, his MBP is probably problematic.

My suggestion to him is to re-install OS X. That may help reduce his constant freezing.

 

Yeah, perhaps. I'm sure a fresh install would do him wonders.