To buy, or not to buy?

So I've been a PC user forever and currently looking to pick up a new notebook today since classes start up tomorrow. I use to laugh at the thought of buying a Mac (typical PC guy I guess), but when they switched over to the Intel CPUs and released boot camp, the Mac notebooks became appealing. Simply put, their design and features are second to none. I don't understand why PC notebook manufacturers don't step up and try to release something to compete with Mac notebooks. Sony appears to be trying but still falling short in many areas I think.

Anyways, long story short, I'm looking to buy the Macbook Pro 15" for $1650 with a free iPod (which I plan to sell). So really, about $1550 when all is said and done plus tax. What I'll be mostly using it for is email, school work, music, web page designing/coding, and maybe gaming. I have a lot of PC software so I'll definitely be running boot camp (or maybe Parallels). This is what I have the question about...

From what I understand, running boot camp will install Windows natively and run just like any other PC would. Is there any cons to running Windows on a Mac? I've read about the camera not working? How does double clicking work (does the two finger scroll work in Windows)?

Parallels, I know this "virtualizes" Windows and allows you to run it within OSX. Any of you running this and what has your experience been? I'm thinking of just using parallels since all I need Windows for is Office 2007 and Internet Explorer (for testing out webpage compatibility). I've seen some people gaming through Parallels though - how is that?

Lastly, I was really hoping to get a 14.1" screen notebook. 15.4" seems pretty big to carry around. For those of you that own the 15.4", what are your thoughts? Less of a hassle than you originally thought?

Anyways, any other input would be great. I kind of feel stupid for buying a Mac since I have no specific need for OSX, but I can't find anything close in the PC notebook market in terms of thinness, magsafe power adapter, clarity of the screen + LED backlighting, and overall design.

EDIT: Forgot to mention, isn't OSX leopard coming out in two months? How much will it cost to upgrade?

 

1) There's not many cons to running Windows on a Mac. Its native, so its up-to-speed to a PC of similar specs. The iSight camera does work now (didn't work in previous versions), and the trackpad still has some work to do (not perfect yet in Windows), but Boot Camp will be finalized in October along with Leopard, so not too long.

2) Parallels and VMware Fusion is fine. Its stable and does its job well. Of course, system requirements will be higher (expect to have at least 2 GB of RAM, but since you're getting a MBP that's already 2 GB by default), and gaming through Parallels is possible, but I recommend to game in Boot Camp for a better experience. Read this sticky for more info on Boot Camp and Parallels and VMware Fusion.

3) Well, the dimensions of the MBP is already smaller than some other 15.4-inch notebooks, such as the G1. Also, the MBP is very light in weight in its class.

5) Leopard is coming out in October. Regular price is $129 US but you're a student, so $69 US. Yes, that is a full version.

 

Thanks a ton for the quick response! Only $69 for the full version? Excellent!

Now I just need to decide on matte vs glossy...

 

No problem, Eluzion. Yeaps, OS X is ridiculously cheap compared to Windows. I don't know why Apple charges so little for OS X but a bit more for hardware .

If you want me to help you on the matte vs. glossy question as well , I think glossy is better. But it depends on your tasks...working in a bright office or outside often will be harder on glossy than on matte, but glossy displays colours more vibrantly than matte does.

 

Yeah, it does seem kind of pricey (their hardware) but the features offered make it worth it, imo.

As for the screen, I think I'm going with glossy. Colors do look a lot better from what I've seen.

Well off to the Apple store I go.

 

there are a variety of issues with windows running on the macbook pro that harshly limit portable usability. however, they are all software based and should be easy to solve- hopefully they will be on the final release.

the macbook pro is very light for a 15" notebook, and unusually sturdy. lets just say that i dropped it 3 feet onto a wood floor and it didn't even scratch it.

keep in mind that the price of the macbook pro is actually 1799 with an EDU discount, and then to optimize the price you can get a free ipod and printer and sell them both. after all is said and done you will probably be looking at more than $1550 after tax and cost of selling the equiptment. not too much more though...

im sure there are a set of standards that you can follow to insure internet explorer compatibility. i guess parallels is a good choice for that. you can get microsoft word for os x if you want to.

don't bother gaming on a virtual machine. more headache than its worth. boot camp.

 

I personally prefer the glossy screen. The reflections don't really bother me too much because i'm not paying attention to them. I'm paying attention to the beautiful, rich colors of the glossy. Using the glossy in front of a bright window or outdoors is a different story. But i dont use my computer outdoors anyway.

 

Well I ended up picking it up. Couldn't resist once I got to the Apple store. I've got Windows XP running in boot camp and parallel. So far everything is working great.

Thanks again for the input.

Anyone else think these things run pretty hot on the bottom?

 

Yes, the MacBooks and MacBook Pros run hot on the bottom. Then again, all notebooks nowadays runs hot in the bottom. But the MB and MBP are designed for passive cooling rather than loud fans, so that's why.

 

I hope your enjoying your MBP. I ordered mine online and it was delivered this morning. This is one of the most beatiful pieces of machinery I've ever seen. It is my first mac and also my first laptop. I think it was worth every penny I spent. I'm also going to run Boot Camp when I get home from work.

 

Agreed. My m1210 is about the same as my Macbook, as far as temperature goes.