Macbook Pro for running Windows - good/bad idea?

Just for the record...not even close to twice the thickness.

MBP = 0.95" Source: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs-13inch.html

M4400 = 1.0" - 1.3" Source: http://www.dell.com/us/en/business/notebooks/workstation_precision_m4400/pd.aspx?refid=workstation_precision_m4400&s=bsd&cs=04

8530W (15", I know, but I think that's the one you're referring to) = 1.1" Source: http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF06a/321957-321957-64295-3740645-3955549-3781677.html

Sorry, couldn't let that one slip by.

 

I just measured,and m4400 is 1.35 and hp is ~ the same...strange,they look so massive compared to mbp...

 

Maybe it's an psychological effect. Black things tend to look larger than say a white/silver thing.

 

considering that all 3 are silver?

 

NVM then..
Though it can still be psychological effect.

 

it really is...maybe round edges help a bit?

 

Its definitely the round edges. Round edges make something look smaller than it actually is.

 

Running Windows 7 on a MBP is certainly possible, and it actually runs rather well. However there are still features that are not enabled under Windows because drivers have not been shipped for the parts on the MB and MBP to enable them. Better battery life could be enabled through beter chipset and system profiles. Having scaling CPU and GPU enhancements will massively increase battery life. Windows 7 can take advantage of the EFI to speed up boot times (so can Vista as well). I imagine that as Apple puts out better driver packages for BootCamp, things will look better and better for WIndows on MB/MBP. However, until that time, really you can get a very similar in power machine for a bit cheaper if it is not an apple product. Apple makes some nice equipment, but until they can provide solid alternative OS support, running something other than OS X on it will be an "at your own risk" kind of deal. However, that said, if you do end up getting a MB or MBP, then go ahead and make a BootCamp install of Windows 7 Release Candidate. You can get it for free through August 15th, and the final version is due out on October 22nd. You can pick up your license and download the ISO (get 64 bit) from TechNet here: http://tinyurl.com/832nco

 

It's been two years and there hasn't been a worthwhile driver package for Vista. What do you think? It only runs 'rather well' for people who are already convinced that Windows sucks, and therefore regard the incompatibilies, BSOD's and issues as expected.

 

while i do have a long list of issues with windows as an operating system, i do recognize that the incompatibility fault is with apple, not microsoft.

however, this sucks in principle. now every company in the world needs to write their own software to plug their hardware into windows, and you will get a variable final experience with windows based on how well that is done.

but there are downsides to the obvious alternative as well.

nevertheless, i recommend buying a PC to run windows exclusively.