Want to buy a MacBook Pro just for PC use. No boot camp and Windows XP possible?

Please don't laugh or berate me Apple fans for wanting to do this. Windows is all I know and I have all windows software and would like to buy a MBP to exclusively run windows ...

MBP has everything I want in a notebook.
-lighted keyboard (Alienware has it but it's heavy flimsy and vents everywhere)
-LED glossy screen w/ ips tech for great viewing angles and high contrast
-tough
-decent enough ram to run XP 2 gb
-latest intel chips
-decent video card for 3d
-thin and light for a 15.4" @ ~5 lbs
-aluminium construction
etc, etc

Just seems like the perfect laptop for me and I can get it for $1800 with a free ipod though apple education. Expensive compared to PC laptops sure but NOT when you start decking out an XPS or anything else same way you really get more bang for your buck for a MacBook Pro. Then you add the intangibles like I have looked at the industrial design of most windows only notebooks and they suck fat, ugly, heaps of vents all over the place etc.

With that said when I install Windows XP will it run just like a PC notebook?

Are there any issues I should know about before purchase to run as a PC?

Do i have to use boot camp or can I wipe OS X and reformat drive to NTFS and install XP from scratch? e.g. Can I run Windows XP exclusively?

Is there a site which explains the nuances of installing the extra patches and drivers to get all the functionality of the MBP to work?

thanks

 

You can shrink the OSX Partition down so basically just the OS is on its partition, I dont recommend completely removing OSX, besides, you may feel compelled to check it out and mess with it from time to time. As far as using the MBP strictly for Windows, Sure, it can be done, but its kinda like buying a Porsche, then immediately swapping its shiny new engine out, leaving it in your garage in a glass case, only to replace it with the dirty, rusted out engine from your Geo Prism.

Thats my two cents honestly, you could do it, but seriously, why not have your cake and eat it too if your going to buy a MBP, play with OSX, you just might like/love it =P

 

don't get a macbook pro if you're going to run windows

 

This comes up from time to time and it just makes no sense.

Even though the Mac is essentially made with PC components, the EFI/Firmware is still Apple based. A Windows based PC will be better for 100% Windows use simply from the standpoint of firmware and driver support. At heart, the Mac is still a Mac.

LED screens and draft n wireless are ever more common from PC manufacturers these days.

Just look around, I'm sure there are some sweet PC laptops in the $2000+ range.

 

This question has been asked many times in the same general way, and the general consensus from NBR members seems to be that you'd be doing yourself a favor by simply buying a nice PC. Asus for one, makes (IMHO) great-looking machines. FWIW, I agree with the consensus even though I love my Macs and OSX.

As to actually loading XP without using Boot Camp, I don't know, but it seems to me that it's probably possible.

In any case, good luck.

 

dumb idea

I would at least try OS X

 

Why buy Apple for Vista? Waste of your money,but choice is up to you!

MBP can run Vista without bootcamp. Here some more info

 

It's possible to shrink the OS partition down to about 5 GB if you really cut out stuff, then you can use boot camp to run Windows.

However, it's unwise to buy an Apple computer just for Windows. Not because you're using it for something other than it's purpose, but because the drivers just aren't there. Using Windows on it even just half the time you wont notice or care about the driver issues. Using it 100% of the time would get really frustration because you're forced to live with lots of little incompatibilities and there's no way to fix it.

Check out: Acer, Clevo, Sager, Alienware, etc...
Or don't shrink your OS X partition all the way down, and try it out for a couple of days. I think you'd change your mind about it.

 

Where did you get that info about the MBP screen being IPS? I don't believe that's true.

Anyways I know where you're coming from because I've thought about buying an MBP for Windows use too... it's a nice machine. I think the Dell XPS M1530 is probably the closest thing to the glossy-screen MBP that's designed for Windows. The only one of those features really lacking (except IPS which I don't think anyone has anymore) is the backlit keyboard. It's not quite as light as the MBP either, but it's still pretty light. On the upside, you do get considerably better specs for the money with the M1530. Asus has a few models worth looking at too (M50, M51, V1S). For some other suggestions, try the "What Notebook Should I Buy?" forum.

Then again, the MBP is certainly a nice laptop, and no one's going to stop you if you want to get an MBP and run Windows on it. Do a search in this forum; this topic's been covered before. You'll find that some people have posted that they've done that and they're happy with it, and others have posted that they've done it and are unhappy with that setup.

 

u r lucky this thread hasnt been closed yet....the senior guys consider hackintoshing as a crime....!!

 

Zebo I am in the same boat as you, going to buy a MBP for mainly PC Usage, I will probably leave OS X on there though for firmware updates or whatever but I wont use it. I have had OS X before on other mac machines but I am one of those that really don't like it at all, I'm more of a Unix/Win user, might also have to do with the fact that I do a lot of gaming but generally I like windows better.

I'm also a sucker for design, there is simply no PC laptops at all that comes even close to the design of the macs, I mean.. mac is hip.... design is important, even if I can get a pc with the same specs as MBP for like 500$ less I don't care, I can afford it mehe so yeah , to your question though.

I havent tried it myself but as far as I know, and from what I've read you can use just windows xp on your MBP and it'll work fine, you wont be able to catch firmware updates and the likes though, but if you install windows and it works fine.. why fix it if it aint broken =)

 

You are aware that it is legal to run Windows on a Mac right? In fact, it is endorsed by both Apple and Microsoft, since both parties make money.
It is illegal to run OS X on PC machines, since Apple does not make money as Apple profits from selling Macintosh computers and not just OS X.

 

You do realize that Unix and Windows are nothing alike, right? And that OS X is built from software based on Unix...

 

Speaking as someone who has recently switched to a Mac, buying a MBP *JUST* to run Windows on it is just plain silly.

Guaranteed, if you buy a Mac and start to use OS X, you'll have no use for Windows at all. It's very rarely I actually boot my MB into Windows now. There is the odd time I'll run Windows under Parallels, but that's it.

Mac's are generally more expensive than a similarly spec'd Windows machine so unless you're going to run OS X, save your money and buy something specifically designed for Windows.

 

I think he was being sarcastic. =)

 

OS X for when I'm working on the road, Windows when I want to play (games), and Linux through VMWare for when I want to tinker. Computing doesn't get any better or more flexible than that, IMO.

Buying a Mac just to run Windows on it is country dumb.

 

If you really want to, yes it could be done. Just delete everything you can on the mac side to shrink it down, then give the rest of the HD space to windows. No, you can't have only windows running. Now, I'm going to agree with everyone else. Buying a mac to run only windows is stupid. There are a lot of options for windows laptops you should just get one of those.

"hackintosh" is not running windows on a mac. Hackintosh is where you run mac os x on a windows machine. You are allowed to run windows on macs.

 

Actually Apple has made close to $3000 now because I ran OS X on my Dell m1330. After 2 days I knew that OS X was for me, and a week later I bought a MB.

Although I understand the legalities of OS X on non-Apple hardware, had it not been for that ability, I may not have switched.

 

I got a HP DV6500t special edition and it runs windows great...and looks really good too...the only thing it doesnt have is a backlit keyboard, but other than that it looks just as good as a mbp if not better...and it has hdmi output, something the mbp doesnt have. Im thinking of getting a mbp later on this summer as well, but thats because i want to get into osx. If you have the money to spend and reeaaally want the mbp...go for it...but like some of the others said, you could get a machine that looks just as good as the mbp and works just as good or better for a way cheaper price...get a mac if you wanna dip into osx...if not...i just think your over spending to run windows 100% of the time...the free ipod is a sweet deal though...if you get it and sell it, it might make the $1799 price worth it...as always...its all yup to what you really want...

 

Thanks for the link but I wouldnt run Vista if you paid me. it's a total POS. I tried it for a week and got so frustrated with endless security prompts and went back to XP/

 

FYI, those endless security prompts can be turned off by disabling UAC(read more about how to do that and tweak vista in this thread(NBR Vista Tips and Tweaks Guide)

 

Don't you know that the prompts can easily be disabled?

 

I read a review which said IPS and seen pics with very wide viewing angles just like an IPS... There are plenty of IPS's made e.g. all apples desktop monitors, Planar PX2611W, DoubleSight DS-263N, NEC MultiSync LCD2490WUXi, NEC MultiSync LCD2690WUXi, Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC and so on...

 

Hackintoshing (OSx86) is running OS X on PC hardware I'm looking to run XP on mac hardware... aka blasphemy.

 

Some but not all - good luck turning off "Open File Security Warning " when sharing between volumes or even transfering all your files between upgrades.

 

Those are all desktop monitors... I meant laptop displays.

 

running xp thru bootcamp just isn't the same becuz the drivers are just awful on bootcamp. For instance, the trackpad's double tap/right click does not work and the double finger scroll is so sensitive that its broken. I think you are going to be disappointed if you are just oging to get it as a xp machine. just my 2cent

 

doesn't have Dvi out, lit keyboard, slot load, a lb heaver, 1 bg ram, etc - Basically it's like other pc notebooks - not quite there. If I were to buy a pc notebook it would either be alienware m15x or t61 thinkpad. at least the alienware has lit keyboard and decent features problem is it's a flimsy pos. The thinkpads are built like tanks, have thinklight but a little dated/conservative - screen looks poor as well. Trust me I've looked at tons of notebooks and mbp blows the rest away.

 

As far as I can tell, you don't need anyone to convince you to buy the MBP, you've already convinced yourself to do so.

Most of the users here, Mac and Windows users have told you that they wouldn't recommend it, but you seem set on your course. In that case, do it. It's your wallet.

 

I bought a Mac to use OS X. Found myself booting into Windows more than OS X.

Theres just too much you can't do in OS X and you'll need Windows. Even for basic things such as burning discs using good software (Toast is a joke, Apple's built-in burning software doesn't cut it) or watching a DVD at decent quality (DVD Player in Tiger is a crime against humanity, Leopard is still generations behind Windows DVD players).

 

HDMI out IS DVI out. You just need an adapter. Plus the HDMI output on the HPs has 2 advantages. 1) digital audio and video over 1 cable. 2) HDCP certified for high definition movies like blu-ray disc. You'll need an adapter to switch from the HDMI connection to DVI-D though.

The back-lit keyboard is more of a gimmick than a truly useful tool.

Slot loading DVD? Good luck when it dies. And let me tell you, DVD drives in Macs DO DIE fast. That will cost you hundreds of dollars to replace and get installed, even if you install it yourself. The HP? $50.

The HP is heavier. But the MBP doesn't have a proper cooling system so it gets extremely hot. The case is soft too. So you bump into something or anything like that and it will dent and scratch. Plus the HP is built better.

The HP comes with more than 1GB of RAM. An HP with a blu-ray drive, dedicated GPU, 3GB of RAM, 2.4GHz C2D etc. will cost about the same as the middle white MacBook.

Overall, PCs are a much better deal. The MacBook Pro has a terrible cooling system, poor build quality, and Apple's warranty doesn't fully backup the product.

 

Just upgrade the User group's permissions from read only to Full Control.

@OP

If you want to get the MBP to run Windows, I say go for it. Although IMO $1800 will buy you a nice xps1530. Or a really nice Asus.

You have been granted choices in this life. Use em.

edit: double post FTL.

 

According to this review on Anandtech, the current Macbook Pros use IPS panels: http://www.anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=3246&p=8

 

Yeah, currently the Macbook Pros have an I-IPS LED backlit display. They are very good screens.

 

apple macbook pro does NOT have IPS panel and has very POOR viewing angles, especially from the top(looks yellowish)

 

I believe Apple only updated to S-IPS panels in their latest Peryn MBPs. Could have been earlier, but I don't remember.

 

no, all new laptop lcds are TN, including the latest MBPs, anandtech made a stupid mistake(just now i researched)

 

Windows runs better on hardware specifically designed to run it. You are better off getting a PC in all honesty. Consider your options seriously and don't go mac for the gimmicks, which you currently are doing...

 

There are only 2 programs I need Windows for now.....MS Money and Video ReDo. To say "there's just too much you can't do in OS X and you'll need Windows" is just plain rubbish!!

Please elaborate why Toast is a joke? Coming from using Nero on Windows for many years, I've actually found Toast to be very comparable.

I also have no problems watching DVD's so I'm not sure exactly why you're having so many problems. Perhaps PBKAC or a idTENt error?

 

im also buying a macbook pro next month...i want to add a question: can i run games such as cod 4, crysis, hl3, orange box on vmware fusion/ parallels or do i need to install bootcamp?..i will only use windows for programming and gaming...i will stick to mac os x for other tasks such as surfing the net, watching movies, burning cds etc...

 

Those games that you mentioned are graphic intensive, you'll have to use bootcamp. Virtual Machines are only good for old games like warcraft III or GTA... etc...

 

I would agree on this post. For a home or student user, OSX software will more than suffice. While, IMO Nero blows the socks off Toast, it isn't because Toast is gimp. It is just more like Nero IS the kitchen sink.

 

Well mine looks like a TN. Do any manufacturers currently uses S-IPS displays? I don't believe there has evern been a 16:10 notebooks S-IPS display ever produced. It's a shame really

@ the OP, as for getting around bootcamp, it is impossible. The OS in PC's boot off of BIOS while OSX in Mac's boot of of EFI. Bootcamp provides a necessary interface for Windows to boot off of.

 

There are some Lenovo's with S-IPS displays. I thought Apple upgraded with the update to Peryn on the MBPs, but I'm not certain. Still, the MBP has a very nice screen, especially when compared to a MB.

 

LED glossy screen - yes, I'll give that one to you. Check out the M1330 though...it has LED as well, but I don't know if that is the size you want.

Tougy - IDK about that. Yes, quality...but not beat-it-up tough.

RAM - Anyone can upgrade RAM, and it is very cheap when you buy/install yourself.

Intel chips - They all have the latest Intel chips.

GPU for 3d - The 8600GT is pretty powerful, best you'll get in 15.4" really. But other notebooks have it as well.

Thin - Definitely agree there, make sure it doesn't run too hot.

Aluminum construction - Hey, you'll get the warm and fuzzy feeling later when you realize you can recycle part of your notebook! ( )

Anyway, if that is what you want than it very well could be the best thing for you. I just wanted to point out a few things to at least think about, since usually OSX is the main reason to buy Apple.

 

yes, but that was a long time ago, some T60 and T60p(with flexview) had IPS technology(4:3 only)
LG LM70 also had that option, but I according to what I know from many users online, MBP's still TN. Where did you heard of this update? Anandtech again?

 

no you can't. no 3d accleration is available in vmware/parallels
why watch movies in OSX, GPU decoding is available in windows

 

question 1)

so would anybody suggest purchasing a mbp to load vista on it only b/c a college student might need it?

question 2)

can anyone list the current driver problems with vista under bootcamp?

 

Yes it does. Have a read in Sam's sticky.
Granted it will be slower, but it is available.

 

Toast is a joke because it costs more than Nero and can't do as much as Nero can. One good example is the video encoding. On Toast it is slow and terrible quality. Nero uses high quality encoders for all 3 formats it is capable of encoding and its much faster. Much. You can get a DVD done in Nero in mere minutes. The interface in Toast is all about eye candy, no real functionality. You're extremely limited in what you can do in many ways.

DVD Playback? Well, I didn't say PROBLEMS. I said QUALITY. DVD Player in Tiger was literally a crime against humanity because of the awful image quality. Leopard is significantly better, but it is still not even up to the same level as WinDVD 2.3 from nearly a decade ago. WinDVD actually took advantage of hardware features (DVD Player and OS X do not). WinDVD 2.3 also had proper sound decoding, unlike DVD Player in Leopard. Meaning it decoded the LFE (.1 in 5.1) channel and pushed it out to stereo speakers or headphones. It also offered DTS decoding! It also allowed you to take screenshots of movies.

Now with WinDVD 8, PowerDVD 8, Theatertek, Vista Media Center/WMP11 (Vista) you get full hardware decoding, deblocking, deinterlacing, upscaling, etc. One thing you'll notice about DVD playback in OS X thats different from Windows is the CPU use is much higher. Thats because OS X and DVD Player are not taking advantage of any hardware features. However, in Windows, the CPU gets to kick back and decode the audio stream while the GPU does the rest. Which brings up another point. Aside from Windows DVD players properly decoding audio, they also offer other advanced features. Such as Dolby Headphone or their own proprietary headphone sound modes. They can even do simple things such as boost the volume significantly just in case you're using notebook speakers or non-noise canceling headphones on an airplane.

They have advanced power features that will do things like cache the DVD to RAM and shut down the optical drive to increase battery life.

If you go with entirely software based video processing, PowerDVD and WinDVD have other features that can smooth out the video playback or sharpen it in a way that rivals HD content.

But even without all of that, Vista offers built-in decoders that take full advantage of the hardware present. DVD Player does not.

One could argue that WinDVD/PowerDVD cost more. And they do. But when you consider you just spent half as much money on a PC as you would have one a Mac and got much better hardware, what's another few dollars to get the ultimate DVD player?

And using the "DVD Player is free!" argument is baseless and weak anyway. Why? Well, because all DVD drives for PCs ship with PowerDVD or WinDVD so you're getting it "Free" anyway. It might only offer 2 channel audio, like DVD Player, but you still get full hardware support and LFE decoding. Vista's built-in decoders offer full hardware support as well.

Even if your DVD drive ships with Nero, you still get a DVD player that takes full advantage of the hardware. Nero even supports blu-ray and HD DVD playback!