Tempted To Buy A Macbook

I started working at Future Shop about 3 months ago and ever since I have started working there I have been dying to buy a laptop for myself (I can't walk by the computer section without thinking "Ohhh, i want it" haha :laugh: ). I am a Hp person; my desktop suite is Hp and my whole plan was to buy a Hp dv6000ca series laptop with 2gb of ram, onboard video and Windows Vista Home Premium loaded on it.

But! I sit next to someone in my Social Studies class who has a black Macbook and I am amazed by it; it just looks so thin and cool. I have friends with Powerbooks and Macbooks and then at work a bunch of people have the new Macbooks. I am now starting to wonder if I should make the move to a mac

I am personally looking at the black Macbooks and when comparing it to the Hp I was interested in the only main differences are the screen size (13" on the Macbook, 15.4" on the Hp), memory (1gb on the Macbook, 2gb on the Hp) and then the operating systems (duh ). The way I see it is with the Macbook I have the option of running Mac OS X and if all else fails I can buy Windows Vista Home Premium and Boot Camp it.

My questions are:
1. Is 1gb of memory really enough? Is it okay for starting with and then maybe should I look down the road to upgrading it to 2gb?
2. How well does Vista Home Premium run in Bootcamp? (I don't think I will be using Parallels)
3. Is there anything to watch out with the Macbook?
4. Would you recommend for me to make the move to a Macbook or to stick with Hp?
5. Are there any main advantages compared to either of these notebooks?
6. If you own a Macbook, what are your comments on them?

Thanks,
- Barret

 

1. 1GB should be fine, but you'll definitely want to upgrade to 2GB now that RAM prices have dropped rock bottom.

2. I've ran Vista in Bootcamp without any hiccups before. Bootcamp is still in beta so it should be even better when the final release comes out.

3. White: scratches easily, Black: oil/finger prints.

4. I'm biased, so Macbook

5. OS X.

6. The black looks 10x sexier than the white.

 

IMHO, go with either apple or lenovo (t60/61). HP blows. My ZT300 lasted less than 2 years before the screen started slowly quitting on me.
again, IMHO, don't buy a laptop because it "looks so thin and cool." The T60 is no thicker than the MB, and it's more durable and sturdier.
1. I would say 2gb is the optimal ram required these days. It's the sweet spot!
2. From what i've heard, runs without any problems in bootcamp.
3. i don't like the keyboard (the feel, not the layout). Type on it a bit before you buy one. Also, the resolution is crappy compared to other laptops (1280x800), so you MIGHT have problems having two documents open side by side vertically (i tend to have one open on the right and taking notes on my mword on the left).
4,5. since you're writing on the apple forum, most ppl will say apple is better than hp. but honestly, everyone's going to tell you something different. I think (I THINK) with hp you get a better deal for your money, but also a less durable, cheap-plastic laptop. You honestly need to say what you'll be using the laptop for, and if anyone answers your question before knowing what you'll be using the laptop for, then just ignore them. Another suggestion: move this thread to the 'what laptop should i buy' forum/subject/sub-forum or whatever they call it.
6. Go to the notebook databases on this website (the tab is on the top) and read the reviews for both laptops (several reviews for both).

 

Excellent point! I completely missed that!

So the main thing I am going to be using this laptop is for personal use such as surfing the net, music/video, email, messenger and homework assignments. I really want a thin and portable laptop that I can take to school if I need it and take it to my lake house. I personally have grown up in Windows; only time I've used macs is in elementary and now at my high school we have a crap load of G5 towers. I've got to admit that I perfer using the G5 towers at school sometimes then our Windows Xp machines.

So ya, my needs are basically just personal and school.

 

For me, those are the two its down to.

I think I'm going to shell out the extra money for a MBP. Heading to the Apple store Friday to take a closer look.

 

For these needs, OS X will serve you very well.

For the questions:

1) 1GB is enough, but RAM prices are low right now so do upgrade to 2GB if you can.

2) Not sure what support there is for Vista in Boot Camp now, but I hear of people using more and more often it so it must be possible. The support for this will certainly be expanded when Boot Camp comes out of beta at any rate (which should be when Leopard arrives in October).

3) Both: It's a glossy screen. For many people, this is a good thing, but I thought I'd mention it because I prefer my screen matte.
White: possibility of discoloration of handrest area, not everyone gets this but it seems to have happened to quite a few people.
Black: ...can't think of anything offhand really.

4) I'm biased also, being a Mac user, but I would definitely say switch to Macbook.

5) I'd say the biggest thing is the choice between OS X and Windows. Bundled software like iLife does make a difference to some people, for me that's just a bonus though. I also hear that the Macbooks are more quiet than most of its "rival" notebooks, but I cannot confirm other than to say that I never hear my friends Macbook.

6) I don't own one, but the black one looks so much better than the white one.

 

If the OP needs more ram I would suggest ordering the system with minimum memory. Mushkin.com and Corsair are both selling MB, MBP and Thinkpad memory PC5300 1 gig sticks for $43 dollars. What Apple is charging for an additional 1 gig of memory $175 is insane. I have better use for that money.

 

Yeah, OS X is great. MB keyboard is a bit ... well, i don't like it at all and find typing on it really annoying. MBP is great in every aspect, just a bit bigger and heavier than what I want, with a lower battery life than the MB.
If you're ok with the price of MBP and the size of it, then go MBP. Otherwise, in the 13-14" range, go with MB or Lenovo T60 or T61. If you're ok with a 12" screen,. then... ask someone else, cuiz i don't know much.

 

If those are your needs, I'd say you're all set for Mac OS X!

Surfing the net, there's lots of browsers for Mac. The best/top ones are Safari, Firefox, Opera and I like Camino best. Camino is basically Firefox with a more Mac look. Yes, its made by the Mozilla Organization as well.

Music/video, need I say more? iTunes, Quicktime. You might want to install Windows Media Player for Mac though, in case some sites run WMP only.

Email, well there's Apple's Mail program if you're using that type of email. Or else email like Hotmail, Yahoo Mail will of course have no problem running on Mac.

iChat supports AIM if you're on AIM. If you're on MSN/Windows Live Messenger, there IS MSN Messenger for Mac, but its not that great. I'd go with Adium, which supports multiple IM clients within one.

Homework assignments, you can buy Microsoft Office for Mac (Office 2008 is going to be released soon (released later this year, the name is misleading), don't buy Office 2004), or if you don't need all the features of Microsoft Office you can get the free NeoOffice, OpenOffice's Mac equivalent.

 

Hmm, I use firefox, itunes, adium, and hehe, no office software. Thats what I have windows for (plus games). Actually, after installing windows, I haven't used OSX much at all.

But for school and personal use, OSX is pretty much all you need.

 

Nothing that makes apple and os x stand out. All those things can be done in pc and windows, including itunes and quicktime (i don't know why but i much prefer windows media player).

 

You're right, nothing about the things I said makes Mac OS X stand out. But he can also benefit from the nice UI and features of Mac OS X, while doing those activities as well. If those are the tasks he is doing, I think he can do those well in Mac OS X without the much-more-frequent crashes, viruses of the Windows world.

The original poster showed an interest in Mac OS X, and asked for our opinion if the tasks he does regularly can be done on Mac OS X. All I did was answer his question.

 

yes, i know. I'm not trying to put you down or anything. I'm just pointing out that all that stuff can also be done with a lenovo t61.
I really really REALLY think that if you like a windows platform and you don't mind NOT having a webcam, then go with the t61. You can get better specs than the macbook for about the same price. It's lighter, it runs cooler, as i said it has better specs, e.g. turbo memory, better resolution, option of having a dedicated video card, and fingerprint reader, and much more rugged, meaning that it is more suitable for being carried around.
If having an integrated webcam is a big deal, go with the MB or wait for a month when the t61 WITH webcam comes out.
If you prefer the OS X, then go with MB.
Finally, i can't stress enough the difference between the keyboards. The T61 is just amazing, and MB just feels ... cheap. AT least I'm not comfortable typing on it.

 

Well, I agree with these three things for sure.

The Thinkpad keyboard is legendary...the best out there. My friend has a Thinkpad and no doubt typing on it is great. Normally, the MacBook keyboard is generally good, but when compared to a Thinkpad keyboard of course Thinkpad keyboards are the best.

And you're right, the MacBook is pricier than the Thinkpad, but there are "hidden" costs to the MacBook that's integrated into the price, such as the iLife suite and of course the iSight camera. Those bring up the price.

And in regards to Thinkpad getting a camera soon, even if they do get a camera, I think I'm pretty accurate in saying its not as sleek as the iSight camera is (you've seen the pictures of laptops with a bump at the top, right? ).

 

agreed :d:d

 

Whoa, thanks guys for all your comments! And yes, I did notice on the Hp laptops they don't have a flat camera like the macs do; kinda was disappointed at how much it jetted out.

I'm not going to lie but where I live I barely see anymore IBM laptops anymore; only business people have them. And I can't staff purchase IBM laptops due to FS doesn't carry them . Thank you for your comments on it though; good arguments between the IBM and the MB.

So I think I am going to buy the Macbook pretty soon; I had a friend at work today itching to buy the old black Macbook display unit haha. I want to wait until the 23rd when retail stores are going to have them.

One question though; should I wait a little while before buying one just incase there are bugs or issues, or should I just buy it at launch? Would there be any issues and what would you recommend?

 

If you are talking about the recent revision of the macbook which bumped up the processor speed...I dont think its necessary to wait. That was a very minor change and I highly doubt faster processors will cause any bugs or issues. The increased standard RAM and Hard drive will have no impact either.

Its like changing the tires on a car, the engine will be the same, therefore it will run the same. Wierd analogy but I hope you get the point lol. Either way, who wants to wait longer than they need to.

 

So guess what?!.....
.......I bought one!!!!!!
....Well it's kinda a complicated story

K, so my store never received any of the new Macbooks for some reason and I desprately wanted to get the Macbook.

So instead of carrying around $2000 in my wallet (Because TD won't change my limit on my card cause I'm on a "Youth Account" ) I talked to my Manager at work and had a Layaway Deposit done. So that means the Macbook + Warranty I have paid for (my money is now in our system) but now I have to come in and get it when we receive some. It technically doesn't reserve me one but I have paid for it.

It's odd but it's better then being mugged for $2000
- Barret

 

Well hopefully you don't have to wait too long. Although it will be a great feeling to just pick up the notebook when it gets there and not have that sinking feeling of handing over $2000 at the same time.

 

So I got it!!!! For some reason our store never received any Macbooks yet another Future Shop not too far away did so I took my Layaway Deposit reciept there and picked it up

• Black Macbook (Core 2 Duo (2.16ghz), 1gb ram, 160gb HD)
• 3yr Warranty on the laptop
• Wireless Mighty Mouse
• 2yr Warranty on the Mouse
• (Ohhh staff pricing)

I love it!!! Got it all setup and have been loving it. Not going to lie though, i was freaking and flipping out an hour after I got it

I was typing and the U key felt strange and while i was typing it flew off! I was freaking out; i called the Future Shop I bought it from and told them to put one on hold for me and called my manager saying I could possibly be 5 minutes late. I then look at the keyboard, push the key back on and it's fine now (Had to phone the Future Shop back and say to cancel the hold and called my manager to say I would be there). I never realized the keys were removable

Anyways, I'm loving it and thank you for all your guys inputs!!!
- Barret

 

But if it's in place and flies off all of a sudden just by typing away, it might have a problem. I didn't even know the keys were removable, but look carefully for other people's responses to this problem on this thread.

 

The key flew off? Wow...

I'm not going to "try" on my MacBook keyboard, but I never noticed that the keys could fly off...or be pushed back in. But it does look like it can...but I still won't try it .

How hard do you pound on the keyboard?

 

when i opened the laptop (First time) the U key looks uncentered and looked differently placed then the other keys so when I hit it with my finger while typing it just flew off.

It just clipped right back on and seems to be back in place. Looks like a normal Macbook keyboard now and feels secure.

uuuuuuuuu (hahaha, jk )

- Barret