Pros/Cons of Apple Notebooks

Hey, I have not had much experience with Apple notebooks, so I was wondering if you guys could just tell me the pros and cons of the notebooks. Thanks!

 

Could you be more specific? Many of the pros and cons are subjective, and that goes for any notebook. I would suggest reading some reviews. We have several here of the MacBook and MacBook Pros, including my own which is linked in my sig.

 

You mean the pros and cons of the Macbook hardware in comparison to PC notebook hardware instead of the Mac Operating System in comparison with other OSes? Well, I suppose:
Pros:
It looks good
Macbook Pro got a light sensor
HD sudden motion sensor
Proper Firewire slots (not the mini ones which are pretty useless on PC notebooks)
Built in VGA camera (although that is becoming pretty common these days)
It can run both Windows and MacOS
It's got a MagSafe power adaptor
Excellent design (especially the MBP)
Backlit keyboard on MBP

Cons:
Not the best bang for buck. But then again, you don't have much choice if you have to run Mac OS (which usually is the main reason why people get Macs).
No memory card reader
Not a lot of USB ports
No modem

 

maybe the biggest con: a bit heavy

 

The MacBook, yes. The MacBook Pro however is one of the lightest 15.4" notebooks at 5.6lbs

 

Macs offer superior design, such as the light-up keyboard and the magnetic power cord. These are great innovations but you end up paying a premium price for having the Apple logo stamped on your laptop. The OS is more user-friendly, but let's be realistic; if you find Windows frustrating, maybe you should not touch a computer again.

Also, Mac OS X is not as secure as Apple advertises. The idea that Mac is more secure than Windows is a misconception because most malicious hackers target Windows, not Mac. So in reality Mac is just hiding behind Windows.

Additionally, Mac is subject to the same hardware weaknesses that it shares with Windows - particularly the wireless 802.11 standard. Maybe you've heard about that demonstration in which a guy hacks a Macbook from across a table using a Dell.

Hardware issues: heat. Apple has chosen to use aluminum and magnesium alloy for their laptops. Many people applaud this but this design choice brings further down-sides. In addition to adding more weight Apple uses the metal body to conduct heat and dissipate it, so their laptops, particularly their early MBP models run hot, sometimes to the point of being unstable.

One more thing - I'm under the impression that the OS takes a huge amount of HDD space. I considered buying an Apple but as you can see from my sig I went with Toshiba. At the Future Shop I was playing around with a 80GB Macbook and I found that the HDD already had 17.5GB taken.

One last thing - don't be fooled by the advantage that Macs "run" Windows. This is true, but the the real truth is that if the hardware is not designed for the software, then the software is useless. Not only does Bootcamp+Windows+Mac OS X take a lot of space, but audio as well as other small functions do not work in Windows. My point is that Apples aren't designed for Windows, so it's not that big an advantage.

 

I think thats a bit subjective. Please keep it to objective pro/cons as much as possible.
And compared to what? Whats heavy? Whats light, what models are you comparing them to?

The MBP is one of the lightest 15.5" notebooks out there.

Budding, good pro/con on the MBP there.
I think a lot of the cons went away with the new version of the MBP.
One con that could be included is the lack of a 2nd mouse button. But honestly, in OS X, the 2 finger right click works great. They need to get the software updated for XP to do that as well.

PRO-
The trackpad is one of the largest out there. The drivers in OS X allow for two finger scrolling and a right click.

Lots of free software

Tech support is often fast. The few people I know have had to send stuff back often have a 3 day turn around.

Supports all OS's (through virtualization and/or bootcamp)

The display is very bright.

Battery life is good for a 15" notebook. It can reach over 4 hours with the CD model, and probably just over 4.5 with C2D model. thats with low brightness and taking notes.

No real viruses

A small lurning curve (larger for others)

Uses a Unix kernal

Con-
Doesn't make me breakfast in the morning

Um...


Seriously, thats all the cons i can think of with the current model. Of course, I have a few complaints abou the older one.

 

So you're saying Unix is less secure because people don't target it? I understand your reasoning here, but it IS more secure. The design of the OS is much more secure. Yes, there will be flaws, but not to the extent of Windows.

Yeah, the one where they had the mac accept the connection first? Yeah... not that hard to prevent. And you can't really include a pro/con on something that all computers share. Thats like saying a Mac isn't as stable because it uses hard drives that can fail.

Um.. no. it doesn't get that hot. Yes, it gets somewhat hotter than other laptops with the same hardware... but it's an inch thick. You can control the fan speed and it'll never get hot and you still can barely hear the fans.
The only time mine gets hot is when it's charging and under full load. And it is still cooler than my Sager and pretty much every other performance notebook I've ever used (including Dells and Alienwares) and much cooler than some of the tablet PCs.
A lot of the previous heat issues that people were complaining about have been fixed. The MB runs very cool now. I can't tell you the last time I've seen a thread on here or other mac forums that are about hot MBP or MB.

Yup, it is big. You can get it down pretty small though.

uh.. again, you're wrong. I have not found anything that does not work in windows. Sorry, but it works just like on a PC. Sound, video card, isight camera, keyboard, and trackpad. Sure, the power saver doesn't work right, but the only time I use windows now is to play Civ 4 or other games.

 

I always seem to weigh in on these types of threads on the Mac side of things. I just want to underscore a few points:

1. The Mac OSX operating system is more secure out-of-the box because it has the root user (super-user) disabled and all of its file sharing servers turned off. Windows 2000/XP users are all Administrators by default, which further enables the malware/virus writers to do more serious damage easier. Yes, Vista will change this somewhat (how well remains to be seen) and yes, most educated users will be able to take a few steps to tigheten their security better, but these facts remain.
   
2. A typical Mac OS X install is similar to a modern Linux install in that they both take up more HD space than a Windows XP install. I am not here to argue about how much and perchantages. The reason that almost 20GB is taken up off the shelf probably has to do with the iLife programs, specifically iDVD which has a large HD footprint due to its included templates.
   
3. I can say I have seen Mac laptops last and be useful for greater than 5 years. I think that would be true for any quality laptop and I think the prices reflect that.
   
4. If I have to purchase a new laptop my first stop will be Apple. I hope at that point they offer a higher end video card, but that won't stop me from taking a hard look.

 

Wow, thanks a lot for the info! With bootcamp, I am actually considering an Apple.

 

Thats cool man. I always HATED, and I mean HATED Apple until I played with a friends MBP. Then I like it... just a little.
So I thought, hey, if I don't like it, I can return it within 14 days, or just use windows through bootcamp. But after using OS X for a few days, and learning some of the ins and outs, I fell ln love with using OS X.

 

if i uninstalled or deleted some of the files that are pre-installed, could i get them back later on?.

is there backup CDs for them?

 

Very good question. I am curious about this as well. Historically Apple has been very good about including re-install CDs/DVDs with their hardware.

 

yep, you get the original install dvds with everything that comes preloaded.

 

Might want to check this out (for the pro)...

Looks like they have some major QC issues if you ask me. It'll probably be fine if you wait anohter few months for them to fix all the problem, but I suggest to halt from buying it for anohter few months at least, unless you like dealing with Apple Care Representatives... I, personally am sick of bringing my mac book pro to Apple Care... I've had to do this 3 times in the last 4 months... got the IO board replace, a couple melted adaptor... and overheated battery.... @@;;; Oh, mind you, everytime they tell me NOTHING is wrong... if they say that one more time, I would so ***** them over (since it seems like I have a NEW problem these days with my macbook turning off on full battery for no reasons... ).

Mind you, the regular mac book seems to be fine and complaint free so far. So if you really want an Apple laptop, I say stay out of pro and go for the macbook!

 

I got the latest macbook pro and I've hod no issues except for a really noisy fan. The overheating issues basically gone!

 

wow! Well, some people just have bad luck with stuff! but hey, you can send it in to get a new one now. I mean, what is it... after the 3rd time they're required to give you a brand new unit, at least in the US.

Also, alot, if not almost all of those issues have already been fixed.

 

Time to demand a new laptop from Apple Care then.. I don't think my latest issue is about overheating but battery defacts... or weird circutry problem (but of course, they told me "nothing is wrong" everytime I freak out and tell them my mac book pro may blow up on me and demand they check it over... hey, can't blame me... I've witnessed a couple adaptors melted pretty badly... ) @@;

 

Hrm, were you only taking your unit into the Geniuses? Or did you actually ship it in?
but man... I tell ya, I've actually seen a lot of laptops that have the same battery issues and adapters melting. It's not unique to apple. Gateways, Dells, Alienwares, I've seen it happen on all of them. I think it's mainly caused due to the heat of the battery recharging plus the heat of the cpu, hard drive, and gpu.

I'll have a chance to talk to one of the system engineers at the end of the month. I want to ask him about some of the problems I've had. I know I need to replace mine, but I'm trying to put it off till after classes are done.

Sucks to hear about your luck though. I know I'm a bit frustrated. As much as I love it, I have more problems with OS X than windows... But again, I know it's due to being a bad unit.

 

Try calling Customer Relations. Their phone number can be found on Apple's site in the Contact Us section. They are much more helpful than AppleCare for a chronic issue, at least they were with me.

 

I shipped it in.

Not really that much dedication, I think... since it's a wiki. I think it's just whoever finds defacts, make evidence of it and post it up. It's not any difference than this site that does collaborate laptop reviews...

 

Well... as far as I know, Customer Relations are a part of AppleCare, AppleCare is just the part of Apple that handles tech support and customer relations. So I am not sure what you are comparing them to

 

They are completely separate. I was having issues with my 4th MBP and could not be without a computer for another week. AppleCare did not really care and said there had to be one more issue before they could send me a new one. I called an Apple Store and they suggested I call Customer Relations. I called, it is actually Apple's Corporate HQ, and the phone was actually answered by a person, not a machine. She transfered me to a person in Customer Relations who ahppily took care of me with no problems.

 

Has Apple fixed the problem with the heat problem that the MBP has? Because I am thinking of buying one and that is one of the deciding factors.

 

Heat problem? What heat problem?
lol, only the older MBP had problems. And the problem was mainly that they ran HOT. ALL the time. The later CD MBP only really got hot under very heavy use and while charging. I can't remember it getting really hot playing Civ 4. I mean, it does get hot, but it wouldn't bother me to put it on my bare legs.
Now when it's charging and under heavy load... it can get quite hot. But still not as hot as some other, large notebooks. Besides where the battery is, the only other part that gets hot is above the keyboard, but really, you won't be touching that spot normally.

There is also a free tool, called the SMCFanContorl that allows you to adjsut the fan speeds. This makes a MAJOR difference. The CD normal fan speeds are 1000rpm, but they can go up to like, 6000 rpm. I keep mine around 2000-2500 and it keeps it significantly cooler, and still is very quiet.

I understand the C2D MBP have their fans set at 2000rpm. But I'm not sure what the heat differences are between them.

 

Ah, thanks for the update.

 

I dont live near an apple store so I was wondering how it would affect my purchase of a macbook. If something does go wrong and I need help does apple provide free shipping ? With some of the stories I've read about the issues macs have had it scares me a little thinking about added costs.

 

Erm, I don't think there are costs associated with having to ship it in to be replaced. Thats normally covered by the warranty. But I'm not sure, I've never had to send mine in.

There really haven't been any issues reported in a while. Apple fixed pretty much all the problems. The random shutdown on the MB may still be present, but it's hard to tell.

 

I’m thinking of buying macbook ... around $1200 but worried that it's gonna be boring just when i had 3 mac mechines two of them was macbookbefore this one... the osx is 99% error free everything works perfect . so I will be just using it not fixing problems like XP although Xp also is a perfect o/s as I use it daily but to me the I have more fun in Xp trying different software bla bla trying different stuff n games etc. what do u users suggest ? ? After all it will be 64mb graphic card so not much of games in this.

 

The reason I'm getting a Macbook is because I needed a portable stable error-free GUI running on a solid Unix backbone. If you are looking for something like that, then get a Macbook. If you are thinking of gaming, forget about the Macbook and get a iMac or MBP instead.
You can try different software on a Macbook as well with Parallels and Boot camp and all that stuff.

 

One positive... great resale value... Macs have a diehard fanbase and will pay a premium for an Apple branded computer when "equivalent" (minus the OS) computers are selling for a fraction of the cost.

One negative... no docking station... available third party solutions are clunky... all ports are on the SIDE of the laptop... horrible, horrible design if you intend to use the notebook primarily as a "desktop replacement"

Oh, one more negative... much too difficult to upgrade... compare to a Dell or HP, it's usually two screws and you can pop in a new hard drive or memory... with the Apples you have to go online to find instructions on how to do it as well as risk voiding your warranty... difficulty varies with model though... I think it's funny you have to use paint spatulas on the Mac Mini to open it up...

On a scale of 1-10 I'd give the OS an 8 (Windows gets a 7). I'd give the actual hardware components a score of 8 (minuses for slow 5400rpm HD in new MBP, low screen resolution) and for the execution of the hardware design I'd give a 6.5 (ports on side, no right-mouse button (yes I know you can finger-click) not easily user upgradeable)...

A "perfect" apple would be a workstation class HP such as the dual-core HP nw8440 running OSX... the best of all worlds... maybe someday (actually it can already be done illegally if you create a "hackintosh").

 

I can only partially agree with you on those chelsel. Yeah, they are more expensive, but hey... You get much better customer support and build quality compared to anyone else. And an extremely fast turn around if you do have to send a unit in.
Yup, no docking station. That sucks. But honestly, I wouldn't pay $300 or so for a docking station if they did offer one.
How can you possibly complain about the ports on the side? It's hte best design decision. That way, when it's on my lap and I'm moving around, I'm not pushing the cable and stuff that are plugged in, cuasing the ports to kind of loosen up. I absolutely loath back cables. It'll break your headphone jack in a heartbeat (happened on my sager) if you use your notebook on your lap.

Yup, difficult to upgrade the MBP. Easy on the MB. Directions are in the book that comes with the unit. The more annoying thing is finding a screw driver that fits the screws. Regarding the mac mini and imac, I dont' know anything about upgrading them, so I can't make real comments on them.


I'd get OS X a 9. It's pretty much perfect, only a few minor imperfections as far as I'm concerned. Such as not being able to run front row on a second monitor (it goes black). Stuff like that. True, it sucks that the new MBP don't have the option for the 7200 rpm drive the old MBP had. I'm partially glad I bought my CD MBP so I could get the 7200 rpm drive.
No right mouse button was a minus when I first got it. Major plus now. Good riddance to that right mouse button! The two finger right click I think it is MUCH nicer than the two buttons found on every laptop I've used. They just need ot get it working with the bootcamp drivers.
I'd give the hardware design an 8. It really needs to be possible to upgrade the HDD in the MBP.

Well, I doubt we'll ever see OS X being legally installed on a machine other than a Mac. I would like the option for some additional models. I'm glad they're finally going to try a 15" MB. But they should also do an ultra portable.

 

Regarding the docking station... again, I only miss it for the cases when I want to use the Mac as a "desktop replacement" and keep an uncluttered desk... otherwise, for lap use, ports on the side ARE a good thing

 

Boring? Wow... i discovered programs on OSX that I've never know about every other week... You have no idea how much fun I had the week I discovered Garage Band...

Ohhh.. and I just found out about Inkwell lately, after owning couple wacom tablets for years... I'm still playing with Inkwell... wow... Apple software developers think of everything, don't they?