Potential Macbook Buyer Question

For the past weeks or so, I have been shopping for a notebook for college. After much deliberation, I finally decided that I am going to go with a Macbook.

Now, I have some questions about the macbook.

#1. With a white exterior, will the macbook's palm rest area and/or keyboard stain overtime?

#2. Can the macbook handle light to medium amount of gaming? Say, games like Warcraft 3:TFT.

#3. I, being a native PC user, am a bit wary when it comes to apple computers and am not sure how the macbook will be like. My question is addressed to the people for made the switch to mac. Were you satisfied with your switch? Why or why not?

Thanks for your input.

 

1. Possibly, I suppose, but I doubt it. Mine did not.
2. Sorry, I don't game and don't know.
3. The MB and OSX will be different, of course, but you'll get used to, and enjoy the change very quickly, IMO. The system is intuitive for the most part, usually trouble-free and very solid and there's no need (at least, not yet), to worry about malware. I love my Macs, but to be fair, I also own PC's and enjoy Linux and even XP occasionally.

 

The Macbook has intel integrated graphics (most likely the X3100 kind, I can't remember off of the top of my head). If you are curious if it can play those kinds of games, you should check the Intel site, they have lists of the kinds of games their integrated graphics cards can play (won't be as ideal as a dedicated card, I'm afraid. ) You will also have to buy a windows version to play, as you know and use the Bootcamp ability that come in Macs to dualboot to Windows.

OSX is definitely not horrible to use. I have been a Windows user since 1998, and a Mac user since 1994, they are different, but not too much. Macs can do a lot of the different things that Windows can, but there are also just different things. If you are curious about Macs, you might want to go try a Mac out at a Mac Retailer or an Apple store, it'll give you a good first impression of how Mac OSX is.

 

OP, no you will NOT have to buy windows to play Warcraft 3, this runs natively on Mac OS X. It will also run at full settings on the Macbook as the game isn't that new. However newer games will not run but anything in the range of WC3 you won't have a problem with.

 

1. Can't answer that one, as I have an MBP. On the MBP though it doesn't have any stains on its palm rests after having it for nearly a year.
2. The MB can handle light gaming, including WC3. I'm not sure on how high the graphics settings can be set, but you can be certain that it will play well none-the-less.
3. I made a half-switch to OSX so far. My day job requires developing Windows software, so I still use XP and Vista. I use OSX for everything else I do, namely graphics work with Bryce. I'm also glad that some of my development work will shift to OSX since some of the tools I use have been ported. All-in-all, I prefer being in the OSX environment but Windows is great also. I get the best of both worlds when using VMWare Fusion to run Windows XP and Vista virtually.

 

Ah, I see. That's good. Although I shouldn't be playing games once I am in college, but it's hard to just sudden stop, if you know what I mean.

Any answers to question #1: With a white exterior, will the macbook's palm rest area and/or keyboard stain overtime?

Thanks

 

Mine did get a little bit of dirt but its nothing major. Overall its a well built machine.

 

I was in the same situation as you. I tried out Vista and figured I could get by with it but I just didn't like it. After using my friends mac I fell in love with the computer and knew I wanted one.

At first I was looking at the Dell XPS m1330 as a laptop to bring to school since it could virtually play any game I want. However, the battery life on those laptops don't compare with what I get from my macbook.

I'm so happy with my laptop and switching from XP to OSX was no problem. Of course, the laptop doesn't play many games but yes it does play Warcraft and Marbleblast. I figured it's a good thing it doesn't so I don't get too distracted next year.

 

Alright cool. Thanks guys, you just helped me solidify my decision.

oh! New question. How long did it take for the macbook to arrive at your door?

 

When I ordered my MBP, it got delivered in about 10 days in the United States. It probably will ship from China. If you can, buy it at the Apple Store to save yourself some agony and plus you can check it in the store for problems before you leave.