Future Apple Convert: Macbook Pro Questions

For the past 10-12 years I have used PC desktops exclusively for schoolwork and gaming, but in the last year or two I’ve grown to appreciate the simple, intuitive nature of the OS X interface through my use of Macs at school and in my sister’s happy 3-year ownership of a PowerBook. Although I’m relatively computer-savvy, the complexity of unlocking the potential of a PC has confined me to a meager and unstimulating PC existence; all the more reason to experience a Mac .

Recently I have begun to feel the steady shift of laptop ownership from that of luxury to near necessity, and with the beginning of my junior year of high school looming in the near future, as well as the steady decay of my desktop PC’s performance, I’ve begun to consider Apple’s line of Intel notebooks in hopes of finding a suitable replacement. The notebook will be used primarily for schoolwork, but, as I intend for it to replace my desktop, most likely for gaming as well. I hope to use it well into college, so I'd like to invest in something that will best operate any class-required software or games that I may encounter in the next 5+ years.

So far, I’ve settled on the following. Please feel free to comment and offer suggestions.

Macbook Pro 15.4”: The Macbook isn’t very aesthetically pleasing in my opinion, and the lack of screen real estate is a turn off. The extra horsepower of the Pro is also a plus.

>>>2.16ghz processor/256mb video ram: Although this is more a luxury option at this point, I see the $200 price difference as the equivalent to a video card upgrade I’d make on a desktop 3 years after purchase.

>>>2gb of Memory: Hands-down easiest way to improve performance. I’ll definitely buy a 1gb stick from Apple and the second from a third-party off Newegg.

>>>120gb Hard drive: I’ve pondered this for a while and came to the conclusion that I wouldn’t really see the benefit of a faster drive without running large applications, and extra storage space is always nice to have.

>>>Glossy screen: I’ve read the debates on Matte vs. Glossy, but after watching a video trailer on them both side by side, I really enjoy the sharp contrast on the glossy and don’t mind the reflections.

Apple Care: Definitely.

Software

>>>Office 2004 for Mac: While programs like NeoOffice are available, I’d really like to be able to fall back on the software I’ve grown used to on my PC as well as the Macs at school.

>>>.Mac: I was skeptical at first, but my sister really seems to value the iDisk and the backup capabilities… it’s worth a try at least

>>>iWorks: Still skeptical; I think I’ll just go with the trial version and perhaps buy later

>>>Norton AntiVirus 10.0 for Macintosh: From what I’ve read I don’t think it’s necessary, but my dad is quite adamant that I get Norton. I’ll try to win him over on some of the promising freeware antivirus programs I’ve read about.

Printer: Canon PIXMA MP500: My old printer is starting to crap out after about 6 years of use, and the reviews for the MP500 look good. It’ll be interesting to own a multifunction printer.

Cases

>>>Brenthaven Metro: I was really impressed with this case when I saw it in the Apple store. The great construction and interior of the case sold me right away, and I much prefer the nylon exterior to a more expensive leather one.

>>>Booq Vyper M2 Sleeve: At first I though the standalone Brenthaven Metro would be sufficient, but I really do like the flexibility of slipping the laptop into a sleeve and tucking it into my backpack like a textbook. The Vyper sleeve looks durable, and isn’t nearly as garish as the neon ones on display at the Apple store.

>>>InvisibleShield: Seems a bit overkill. I’m still debating this one.

Okay, now that you’ve read my ramblings this far, I’m still hung up on a few items:

>>>1) When to buy?

>>>2) Is InvisibleShield worth it, or is it a bit anal/overkill? Advantages/Disadvantages?

>>>3) Given the possibility of a lemon, I wouldn’t apply the InvisibleShield right away in case I had to have the notebook repaired or replaced. I know it’s best to apply an InvisibleShield immediately; what precautions should I take to (keep) clean the notebook before applying the InvisibleShield?

>>>4) With free time left to spend this summer, what books/manuals should I consider to help me transition from PCs to Macs and learn about Mac OS X before I buy?

>>>5) Once I do receive the notebook, how should I stress test it, and what things should I routinely do over the first 2 weeks to determine if a replacement is necessary?

My take based on what I’ve read so far:

>>>1) I’ve been waiting to hear what Steve Jobs will say at the WWDC next week. At this point, there are four main concerns: Leopard, Merom, Santa Rosa, and Macbook Pro revisions. I don’t mind paying for a Leopard upgrade; Tiger works great now. I don’t think Merom will make a big difference in the primary applications I’ll use. I’d like to buy sometime before Christmas to avoid the crazy holiday shopping season and get at least one semester of use out of it this year, and I doubt Santa Rosa will be out by then. Right now I’m just waiting to see if there are any major Macbook Pro revisions to be announced for the near future. It’s not likely, but definitely worth waiting another week.

>>>2) I’ve used a vinyl skin, a screen cover, and a good aluminum case for my iPod 4G, and it does indeed protect it from scratches. Furthermore, many people buy skins to personalize their iPods, so it isn’t exactly out of the ordinary. But for a laptop, would an InvisibleShield be a bit too aesthetically-displeasing? I would imagine the aluminum shell to be a bit more durable than the plastic shell of a Macbook and less prone to scratches than the chrome backing of an iPod.

>>>3) Hmm, not much to suggest yet.

>>>4) So far I’m thinking “Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Tiger Edition” and/or “Mac OS X: The Missing Manual, Tiger Ed.” Looks like you can buy them both on Amazon for $35 USD total.

>>>5) Probably check system temperature, whining, mooing, battery swelling.

Thank you for reading this far; any help would be greatly appreciated. I can’t wait to own my first Mac, and I look forward to reading your comments and feedback!

 

Long but well-thought out post

1) As you eloquently put it yourself, it wouldn't hurt to wait a week to hear what Mr. Jobs has to say at WWDC. No one is really sure what will happen but the Mac Pro seems to be set in stone.

If he does announce an updated MacBook Pro, the current ones are bound to become cheaper. It never hurts your wallet

2) I have no experience with invisishield and so far my MacBook Pro isn't suffering from a plethora of scratches...yet.
So I have no first-hand experience regarding this.

3) Before applying anything sticky (to anything) it is a good idea to make sure the contact area is clean and free of dust.

4) I never bought any manuals but I may also be missing out on some cool hidden features.

5) It is always wise to calibrate the battery. How to can be seen here.
Check it for unusual noises. If it has some sort of electric buzzing or whining, you should contact AppleCare (for more information - here).
If it just by idling exceeds 70°C, I would contact AppleCare.

Your configuration seems solid but if you have to do anything demanding, I suggest you invest in an external 7200RPM drive.

About the whole matte vs. glossy thing, I would strongly urge you to reconsider. Looking at my girlfriends MacBook without sitting at the right angle makes me crazy. The viewing angle of the matte screen is far better and still the best matte notebook screen I've come across.

2GB memory is also wise, currently I have 1.5GB and it works great for me.
I made the transition in May and I absolutely love it. Welcome to the world of Apple

 

You seem to have thought everything in advance, congratulations. I would only add, in regards to Office, that Office for Mac feels quite different from the Windows version, in my opinion. Since the Macbooks/MBPs come with a trial version good for 30 days, you can test it and then decide if it is good enough for you - you might as well run Office for Windows under Parallels, CrossOver or Bootcamp.

As for the stress test, you can run Apple Hardware Test, and memtest for OS X is a good idea too. I have no idea of good graphics test suite for OS X, you might try and donwload Quake 3 or UT2005 demo.

 

Thank you for the replies!

I wrote the original post after trudging through a few hours worth of some dense summer reading; in retrospect, the first two paragraphs do sound a bit... bombastic, hehe .

I'll be sure to do a battery calibration as soon as it arrives, and a memtest does sound like a good idea. My cousin recently picked up one of the white Macbooks, so I may go visit her and see how a glossy screen looks outside the Apple store .

You're right, I've noticed the Mac version of Office does take some fiddling; I'll probably try out a Bootcamp/Parallels approach to the windows version and compare it side by side with the trial mac version. I know I've got a few installs left on my old Windows Office 2004 CD... I think my mom may have a few left on her Mac version, too.

Thanks for the tip on the external drive; having a big 5400rpm drive on the machine and a good 7200rpm backup would be the best of both worlds. I've heard of LaCie and Seagate; which brand would you suggest?

My main concern is having enough time to appropriately stress test and hardware test it. First quarter of school is going to be a bit demanding in particular, but I think if I've got a plan down I should be able to get through it in a few hours spaced out over a week . The real trouble will be if I've gotta drive down to the Apple store for repairs/replacements....

Thank you all again for the feedback!

 

>>>1) When to buy?

Buy when you got the money. Merom is expected on Pro late august?

>>>2) Is InvisibleShield worth it, or is it a bit anal/overkill? Advantages/Disadvantages?

- Definitely worth it if you have a Macbook, I have a white one and after a month and half of use, I found the shield to yellow where my palms usually are, underneath its still white as if it were new. As for MBP not sure.

>>>3) Given the possibility of a lemon, I wouldn’t apply the InvisibleShield right away in case I had to have the notebook repaired or replaced. I know it’s best to apply an InvisibleShield immediately; what precautions should I take to (keep) clean the notebook before applying the InvisibleShield?

- yeah just wipe it off a bit or something, if you get it new and apply it, you shouldn't really have to worry about it. Make sure no hairs are on it as well.

>>>4) With free time left to spend this summer, what books/manuals should I consider to help me transition from PCs to Macs and learn about Mac OS X before I buy?

-Mac OS X Tiger Edition: The Missing Manual. I have this and it's EXCELLENT!

>>>5) Once I do receive the notebook, how should I stress test it, and what things should I routinely do over the first 2 weeks to determine if a replacement is necessary?

- Just keep an eye on temperatures, and test all the hardware components on it such as the drives and if they burn or not and the wireless. etc etc.