Considering the "switch" with a 15-inch MBP

First off let me say that these forums are some of the most useful, informative I have ever used.

I'm in the market for a notebook and I've been considering the M1330, 14 inch T61p, and the 15-inch MBP. I've been following the M1330 excitement for the past few weeks and I think I'm going to pass on it. The features sound awesome, but the build quality of Dells in general has always (for lack of better terms) scared me. A few years ago I owned a Inspiron 1550 and while it was a block of a notebook, it felt cheap and very "plasticy". So now I'm trying to decide between the MBP and the Lenovo.

I'm a student at the moment and will most likely be for the next 6-8 years. Additionally, I've always been a Windows user with my personal computer. I don't, however, mind change. I really like the rugged build of the T61p, ie. roll cage and amazing keyboard. But the look and seamless software/hardware integration of the MBP is also appealing, I really enjoy the iLife suite (Garage Band looks pretty nice for messing around with my guitar). Not to mention the built-in bash shell is very nice. I do a lot of UNIX scripting for computational chemistry related software and the ability to use this right out of the box with the Mac and avoid Windows Cygwin is very nice.

I guess my main questions are:

1) How do the new SR MBPs hold up to a good amount of travel, assuming proper care? I've read about pitting of the palm rests, etc. how common does this seem to be?

2) Does OS X have a built-in UNIX translator or do I have to download software such as Xcode (I believe it is)? What are the limitations of the bash shell that comes with the Mac?

3) Is there any keyboard flex with the MBP, and if so how noticeable is it?

4) There doesn't seem to be accidental damage coverage provided by Apple? Has anyone tried the coverage from SafeWare insurance company I have read about in many places? Any thoughts on this?

5) How is Applecare about repair/replacements?

Thank you in advance for your comments. Also anyone who has recently switched from a PC to a Mac, your comments would also be helpful. I'm currently considering the 2.4/256 15-inch MBP with iWork 08 and the extended warranty. I also plan to use BootCamp to install XP.

 

1) The MacBook Pros will be fine in normal travel. Its lightweight and as long as you don't drop it by accident or stuff it will be fine. Most people have no problems with their MBPs (or any computer in general), its just the ones that have the defects are usually much more vocal about it , so issues look like they're more common than they actually are.

2) Not too sure what you're asking...

3) On the MacBook Pro keyboards I try out at Apple resellers, I find its a nice keyboard. Not Thinkpad-style, but not bad at all.

4) No, Apple doesn't provide accidental damage warranty. I've had no experience on SafeWare so I won't comment on it.

5) AppleCare is really good. Apple's customer service is excellent; you can bring in your Mac to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider or you can send it in to Apple. Everything is covered by Apple. And too many times I've heard of excellent experiences with Apple's customer service. They will usually replace your Mac with a higher, brand new model if you've had a bad time with your Mac.

 

I haven't gotten a MBP yet, but let me warn you about a couple things with the Thinkpad. First is that the screens suck, it's as simple as that. The brightness level is very low, the backlights are uneven, and the viewing angles just plain suck. Even with my old Flexview T60 the backlight was very uneven, and the brightness wasn't anything to write home about.

Second, even though they're very rugged, they still feel "plasticy" and creak a great deal. I've been assured this isn't the case with the MBP.

If I were you, I'd revise my field to drop the T61p and include the HP 6910p. They're very similar machines, but the HP has a much better screen, the keyboard is really just as good, and the all magnesium construction instills confidence and is a lot quieter.

And yeah, even though XPS and Latitude are both a lot better than Inspiron, I don't think you get the privilege of dealing with the SBSO side of Dell with the XPS line. That means long hold times and generally crappy service.

 

Does AppleCare cover the battery as well? Let' say if my battery dead after 2 years, is there a replacement covered under it?

I'm also planning to do a switch sometime after Leopard released, so just like the thread starter, i'm interested to find out more just to firm up my decision.

 

This might be as good a place as any for me to ask a question I had along the same lines (sort of). I think I know what the answer is going to be, but figured I'd make sure.

What is Apple's policy vis-à-vis user modifications and warranty? If I buy a MBP and add more ram, is that going to void my warranty with Apple? I really want 4GB of RAM in my MBP but I'm sure as hell not going to spend $700+ for it. On the flip side, I get nervous about buying expensive items without a warranty.

 

Adding RAM does not void warranty; in fact there are instructions about it in the manual

For the question about keyboard flex... there is none.

I travel a lot with my MPB no problem... A lot of use on trains and planes. I do treat it very carefully though, I have a padded rucksack and a neoprene sleeve to minimize the chance of scratches, and I clean it regularly and carefully.

 

Awesome, awesome news.

EDIT: Oh, I meant to ask about a hard drive as well. Does installing a new hard drive void the warranty?

 

Installing a new hard drive is apparently very tricky and yes it voids the warranty.

Some people do it anyway on the assumption that Apple won't notice if they do it well.

Quite a lot of discussions on here about that, and on youtube a video of someone doing it...

 

Thanks for the replies.

I apologize if my second question was a bit vague. Does the bash shell in OS X, or I guess it's also called Terminal, have the ability to compile UNIX source or execute a UNIX binary? I heard a while back that they do, but I first may have to download something called Xcode.

 

Yes it does, and you can always use Fink or something too.

Xcode is included on your install disk if you ever have to use it, so you don't have to dl it specifically.

 

No, unfortunately. If the battery takes 2 years to die, then it "died" because of "wear-and-tear", which isn't covered by AppleCare. If the battery died within a year and you didn't even use it much, you could argue with Apple that it was a bad battery. But two years is pretty normal so its considered wear-and-tear.

 

How much does it cost to get a replacement battery?

 

From eBay: Anywhere from $50 to $140

http://computers.search.ebay.com/ma...orking_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQfromZR40QQsacatZ58058


From Amazon: $116 US

http://amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/10...-keywords=macbook+battery&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go

The Apple Store isn't loading for me right now, so I can't give you the price there. I'll edit this later when its up again.

EDIT: The Apple Store has the MacBook battery for $129 US.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=6C04E115&nplm=MA561LL/A

 

The T61p might have the IPS-panel which is nice.

But I want OS X so the choice is rather simple for me.

Bash for OS X are probably not limited in any way at all, and if it is you can always build a newer version.

 

Nope, no IPS in any T61.