Using Macbook As Desktop?

Hi everyone.
I have an older HP Desktop and a few month old Dell XPS M1330.
I'm tired of the virus / spyware / rebooting of windows and have been considering a Mac.
The only thing I do that I still need Windows for is MS Frontpage and my BlackBerry Desktop (Which I hear a good Mac version is coming this year).
I could either put Windows on the Mac, or probably better yet, just keep my Dell for that and traveling.
Would I have any problems hooking up a regular Macbook to my Samsung 225BW (22") monitor and then just getting a keyboard and mouse and using it as a desktop?

 

no,no problems at all!you ll just need miniDP -> DVI/VGA adapter

 

is virus that serious? or have you been visiting sites that contains them?

do a fresh reinstall and actually buy an internet security suite?

 

The problem is that I'm not great with computers, and also let the AV / spyware programs get out of date.
I usually end up spending more time trying to fix things than getting my work done.
It is my fault this happens, but if a mac would probably end these issues for me, I'm game.

 

Actually Blackberry has a desktop program for the Mac; you don't have to sync via Bootcamp or virtual. I have it running on my MBP and it works fine. Just make sure you download the main program, install it, then download and install the update. Go to BB's website to get the program.

As far as the MB for a desktop, shouldn't be a problem as long as you have a bigger monitor attached (also a piece of cake to do) and the external keyboard/mouse.

 

There are some great guides around this forum how to take care of your computer... many free, great anti-viruses out there, as well as a few other things.

Just look around. There's no reason to buy another computer if you can fix your issues by reading up a 'lil bit.

 

It's just a sync software, isn't it ? you can't backup the bb or install applications with it ?

I'm using bootcamp actually to do that on my bb

 

Unfortunately bad computer habits will be bad for you on either system, so don't expect Mac to suddenly protect you from yourself.
However having said that, you will most likely spend a lot less time "fixing" things on a mac than on a pc... at least thats how it is for me. There are numerous reasons but I think the major one is that there are much less things to update. Just hit software update for mac and that's it... no drivers to hunt down, no special patches from MS which you have to search for etc etc.

I switched about 3 years ago to Mac and have been running that Macbook as my main and only computer for that period. So far apart from 3d games it has had no problems doing anything, so I think you will be fine with just the macbook.

good luck
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Have you ever heard of Windows Update? That might help you in the Windows world.

 

Wupdate also updates drivers?also,have you heard of something like driver "crash" when some drivers don't work together and you have to go and find custom/old drivers,numerous reinstalls etc. etc.-this is what i am doing so far for my m4400 to fix sound issues...and the only "cure" ATM is to remove the optical drive and disable WIFI,eSata and lan.

 

Windows update is hopeless for drivers, and special hot fixes are not included ... you need to go hunting thru MS website for those and that takes time. When you add up all the extra work trying to figure out why your usb add in card doesn't work with the chipset & driver X, and after 5h in forums and on google you finally discover that you really need "y" drivers with "z" hotfix, you tend to loose patience.
a

ps I used windows for 15 years, every version from 3.1 thru to vista... so yes I know about windows update.

 

Vista and 7 WUpdate handles drivers very nicely.

Driver unavailability is not a Windows problem, it's the manufacturer's issue.

 

I have been using my MB as my desktop ever since the day I got it, and of course I have it hooked up to an external monitor. Plenty fast and great for whatever I need done for a desktop, and I always have the option to take it with me on the go if I really needed too.

 

sorry, can't help you with the isight info. when i need isight i open the mb, but i would think an external camera would work fine. the rest works well.

and as an added benefit, when using the mb open for the isight use, i can get profile pix instead of just full-face-on unflattering pix. i'm not handsome enough to be in movies.

oh, when i open the mb the screen stays asleep and the isight works. the mb screen only wakes if i tell it to, so it really is just a camera with only the big display on.

 

And there is the problem. There are a lot of manufactures who just don't submit or build good enough drivers cough "creative" cough.

But that is besides the point. The reality is that Windows is "open" and complex and mac is "closed" and simple. Its not a slander at either system its just the facts. If something goes wrong with your graphics driver on a mac about the only thing you can do is hit software update. Windows offers a whole weekend of troubleshooting possibilities. Some people like this some don't
The OP just wanted to know if mac's were really less work.... which they are end of story.

 

Have you ever think of using Linux? There are many Linux based OS that is very nice: Fedora & Unbuntu

 

If one already finds Windows (especially driver issues) difficult to deal with, they should not even think about Linux.

 

^nice one!

 

Concerning the Blackberry, I just ran across this program. Don't know anything about, not connected at all with the company have never used it, but it looks interesting. http://www.markspace.com/products/b...mac-software.html?source=feb09a_ms_blackberry