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    Need help making the right decision

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by Thom A$$, Feb 22, 2009.

  1. Underpantman

    Underpantman Notebook Virtuoso

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    Do/can you touch type? If so its quite easy in OSX to set your QWERTY as an AZERTY and switch quickly between the two!
    That way you can get the best of both worlds. While not the most attractive option if you can't touch type you could put some small stickers or use a sharpie on the keys to identify the french letters.
    a
    :)
    ps I have the opposite problem, I want the english keyboard but can only seem to find the french one... I have come to the conclusion that I would rather have a few extra $$ in my pocket then an english keyboard.

    ppss. I really haven't struggled that much with a 13" screen. I've done a lot of grant writing/reports/seminars etc using multiple programs at a time.
    Spaces really helps keep things organized as does expose... thus its possible to work and work well on a 13 " screen.
     
    Underpantman, Feb 23, 2009
    #51
  2. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah I think I could easily get used to it. I'm just too used to my iMac I guess.
    I dunno what you mean by touch typing...
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 23, 2009
    #52
  3. Underpantman

    Underpantman Notebook Virtuoso

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    ^^^
    typing without looking at the keyboard !
     
    Underpantman, Feb 23, 2009
    #53
  4. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah I do, but I still don't understand your point... On a french canadian keyboard the letters are placed the same, there are just other items available like : ëêàèùéç'... etc...
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 23, 2009
    #54
  5. Underpantman

    Underpantman Notebook Virtuoso

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    Ok here is what I mean.
    Go to system pref>international>input menu tab>select the two (or more) keyboard layouts that you want to use. Now in the task bar at the top of your screen you should see a little flag.
    You can then with one click switch between french and english.
    So if you can remember where the accent keys are then you could get by without the the physical french lettering on the actual keys and still type in french !
    Its not perfect but it means that you not stuck either.
    a
    :)
     
    Underpantman, Feb 23, 2009
    #55
  6. Xirurg

    Xirurg ORLY???

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    +you can use key-stickies ;)
     
    Xirurg, Feb 23, 2009
    #56
  7. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    Ah cool, i understand now! It's a possibility! But I still can't make up my mind between the MacBook and a refurbed MacBook Pro....
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 23, 2009
    #57
  8. jabbok

    jabbok Notebook Deity

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    I got the macbook but the screen looked really washed out and after reading on this site and a couple of apple forums it seemed this was a problem with the macbook so I sent it back and purchased a refurbished mbp for $1899.00, I really like it and am glad I went with the mbp. So hopefully you can get a mbp with the french keyboard.
     
    jabbok, Feb 23, 2009
    #58
  9. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    for the MBP (two options) Refurbed + english kb 1900$ or New + French kb 2050$ .The difference is 150$ to have it brand new with the french kb.
    The MB would be 1350$.
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 23, 2009
    #59
  10. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    Is the MB screen this bad? In fact, the main problem in this story is that I've never seen the screen of the MacBook...
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 23, 2009
    #60
  11. wearetheborg

    wearetheborg Notebook Virtuoso

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    Within MBPs, I would go for the new one as it has the keyboard u want at a minimai pricce increase (considering its new).

    The price diff between the mac and the MBP is huge $800 :eek:

    You could get the macbook and a good 20"-22" monitor for ~$1650.
     
    wearetheborg, Feb 23, 2009
    #61
  12. wearetheborg

    wearetheborg Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well then, haul you butt over to an Apple store and see it in person :D
     
    wearetheborg, Feb 23, 2009
    #62
  13. Xirurg

    Xirurg ORLY???

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    Xirurg, Feb 23, 2009
    #63
  14. wearetheborg

    wearetheborg Notebook Virtuoso

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    I guess then wait tll summer or till some friend gets a macbook to see it in person ?
     
    wearetheborg, Feb 23, 2009
    #64
  15. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    My friends that use macs are all on mbp. All my other friends are on pc. The closest Apple Store is at approx 5 hours by car.
    Yeah 800$ is huge, it's the price of a decent pc notebook lol... It's pretty much 800$ to go from 13'3 to 15'4.. considering that i will prolly not even use de discrete graphics... unless i start back playing games... but i'm trying to avoid that...
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 23, 2009
    #65
  16. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    Thom A$$, Feb 23, 2009
    #66
  17. raysmd

    raysmd Notebook Geek

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    well, that $800 you saved will get you a nice 24" ACD. it's a tough choice. MBP or MB + 24" ACD.

    I happen to have the MBP and love it. the screen is just gorgeous.
     
    raysmd, Feb 24, 2009
    #67
  18. raysmd

    raysmd Notebook Geek

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    yea, it's that bad.
     
    raysmd, Feb 24, 2009
    #68
  19. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah... considering the I'm used to a 20'' and that going under 15'' will prolly be frustrating for me, the more suitable choice would be the mbp. 2050$ is a lot though for a non-gaming student notebook... I can afford it... but I don't want to feel bad about spending too much afterwards...
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 24, 2009
    #69
  20. dangtong

    dangtong Newbie

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    If you can afford MBP without stretching, I'd recommend going with it over the MB. The $$$ different is worthed for larger screen estate, better screen quality, a nice illuminated keyboard and more power graphic if you ever need that power later on.

    The MB is also a great choice for your usage if you have limited budget. It runs cooler than the MBP and easier to carry around your classes. The integrated 9400 graphic is capable of handling almost everything. 13 inch screen might be a little small if you're use to larger screen but Mac OS X "spaces" feature is very nice if you're need more desktop space for multi tasking.

    You'll either feel bad about spending too much for MBP vs MB (this is less likely :) for most people); or feel bad that you didn't get the best that you can afford if you going with MB vs MBP and always want the better MBP (this is most likely).
     
    dangtong, Feb 24, 2009
    #70
  21. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    Thom A$$, Feb 24, 2009
    #71
  22. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    Those look great! Make sure you get the right sleeve though, because that's the MB one. I'm sure you could get a wireless mouse for about the same price from newegg, but that looks good also. ;)
     
    Colton, Feb 24, 2009
    #72
  23. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    Did you buy the sleeve? Is it worth it? or a backpack with a pocket for the laptop is enough?
    I do prefer working with a standard mouse...(non wireless) I don't really know why... but I read different scientific articles saying that constantly living near wireless connections and sources could become bad for health... I dunno how true or important is this issue but I still understand people that prefer using wireless items.
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 24, 2009
    #73
  24. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    I do not have the Incase sleeve, I just have an off-brand notebook sleeve from Wal-Mart. :p. I put my MB inside the sleeve, and put the sleeve inside my Targus backpack, and that offers plenty of protection for my goodies. It has plenty of space and everything fits nicely. About the wireless, I have heard things about that, but not with computer mice. I've mainly heard bad things about too much Cell Phones and health problems. :( Wireless = No cords, and no tangles either... :D
     
    Colton, Feb 24, 2009
    #74
  25. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    Okay, i'm maybe gonna go for a Wal-Mart sleeve if it's cheaper and does the job, i'm a student after all lol. I should stop spending... for the mice 19$ seems reasonable and there is a bunch of great reviews about it on the website, the trackpad is supposed to be really nice anyway so i wont spend a lot on a mice. Oh i'm gonna have to get a hub and decent backpack too.
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 24, 2009
    #75
  26. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    Yeah, the Wal-Mart sleeve does the job just as well as the Incase, and is a whole lot cheaper. ;) It'll fit your budget, because it's not a name brand but offers good quality for the price. :) The mouse looks good, but I found a good one on Newegg also. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104033 It's wireless, and it's the same amount as the other one. Looks pretty good! Anyways, a Targus backpack does the job for me, but you may have difference preferences. ;)
     
    Colton, Feb 24, 2009
    #76
  27. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    I'll check that out and try to go see what's up with sleeves in Wal-Mart shortly. Thank you for your advices!
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 24, 2009
    #77
  28. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    No problem! I'm glad I could help you out! If you need anything else, just post or PM! ;)
     
    Colton, Feb 24, 2009
    #78
  29. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    Ah, do you always work on your macbook or you use an external monitor?
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 24, 2009
    #79
  30. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    When I'm at home, I usually use my external monitor, but I have no problem working on my MB screen. Right now I am typing and surfing on my MB screen out in the living room, so no problem here. ;)
     
    Colton, Feb 24, 2009
    #80
  31. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    I should really try to see the macbook... i'm biaised i've only been trying out the mbp...

    Hey guys, I just saw a MacBook, it's was the white one though, god this thing is great! The keyboard is nice and the screen too. In fact, 13 inches seem adequate. The whole notebook is very sweet imo. Is there an important difference between the screen of the white and the unibody's one? I guess that the Unibody would be better overall... After seeing this, I think that the macbook is prolly the more suitable option for my needs...
    I still got a couple of things to figure out; sleeve, mouse, adapter, backpack, hub, etc..

    For a potential external monitor, the adapter needed is the mini-display to dvi?
    And.. Should i wait untill the end of my first year of purchase before getting the apple care or i should get it right away if I'm hoping to keep the notebook for a decent period of time?
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 24, 2009
    #81
  32. Xirurg

    Xirurg ORLY???

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    uni mb uses LED,which is a little better then MB's screen!

    and those cheap things you mentioned,it is the easy part-post it in Accessory section and guys would help you!

    it depends what adapter are you going to get.

    And about apple care...get it from eBay for ~150$.
     
    Xirurg, Feb 25, 2009
    #82
  33. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    @ Thom A$$: If you have a monitor that uses VGA, then you will need a Mini-Displayport>VGA, and vice-versa for a DVI monitor. ;)
     
    Colton, Feb 25, 2009
    #83
  34. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    So... I'm pretty much about to order a macbook but I'm still facing an hesitation... I wonder if getting a mac notebook right now is the best option for me... compared to waiting for loepard or this generation of the mb is not as good as a next one could be, etc etc...I'm just reconsidering my buy to be really sure of it before ordering. Another thing that makes me hesitate is that I saw a whole lot of pc notebooks offering equivalent components for much cheaper prices...
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 26, 2009
    #84
  35. Xirurg

    Xirurg ORLY???

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    man,if your hear wants apple get it now!you can always resale it if you don't like it! :) if you wait for something new,you ll wait forever!buy it when you really need it!
     
    Xirurg, Feb 26, 2009
    #85
  36. CanadianDude

    CanadianDude Notebook Deity

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    Are you getting the macbook white or the unibody? The macbook white is pretty good because it's been out for a long time and all the problems have been fixed.

    The unibody is fairly new so it's hard to comment on long term reliability.
     
    CanadianDude, Feb 26, 2009
    #86
  37. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    I dunno... I was going with the unibody in fact:
    - looks and feels sturdier (more solid alu/plastic)
    - better components, (Fast DDR3 ram, bigger hd)
    - better screen (from the comments I heard and saw)
    ...
    Am I having a decent point of view about the two?
    cause at first i decided to look at the mac notebooks because of their sturdy aluminium case, compared to most pc laptops that I used made of cheap, often flexible, plastic parts... and I'v also been using an imac for almost 2 years so I'm used to it and like the os. I saw the white one the other day though.. it seems really nice too, I didn't see if it was as sturdy and solid as the unibody one because it had a leather coverage (protection case) on it... so i haven't been able to feel it....
    I'm not able to make up my mind about this important spending...
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 26, 2009
    #87
  38. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    As you mentioned above, that you can get pretty much same performance getting a Windows based system, it seems that price does play into this buy equation.

    Same dilemna for Windows users deciding between a Sony or a Gateway (just an example, since I do own an eMachines, and a Sony).

    Go with the $$$ feeling.

    cheers ...
     
    qhn, Feb 26, 2009
    #88
  39. wearetheborg

    wearetheborg Notebook Virtuoso

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    Waiting is always good :D

    Give it time; you will converge to a decision.
    Think about mac, MBP, and other windows based laptops. Explore linux. You got time :)
     
    wearetheborg, Feb 27, 2009
    #89
  40. wearetheborg

    wearetheborg Notebook Virtuoso

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    wearetheborg, Feb 27, 2009
    #90
  41. jimboutilier

    jimboutilier Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    Notebooks with 13.3 screens seem to be to sweet spot for being useable all day but still being very portable. As you go smaller power and usability suffers and bigger portability suffers.

    I travel every week and even when I'm at a location I transport my notebook from meeting to meeting so portablity is a big factor. I've used a 15'4 MBP and it was a fantastic machine but really too big and heavy for my portability needs. I've used a Macbook Air which had terrific portability, even enough power, but just did not have the capacity. So now I use the Macbook and find it a good compromise. Wish it had the much better screen of the MBA but its good enough.
     
    jimboutilier, Feb 28, 2009
    #91
  42. Thom A$$

    Thom A$$ Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah I guess it would be a great compromise also considering the price of the two machines. If not, I guess it's possible to return it anyway, maybe to upgrade to the pro. I'm just insecure about the screen size... I adore my iMac, it's definitely an awesome desktop... But you need to do some sacrifices when you want portability...
     
    Thom A$$, Feb 28, 2009
    #92
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