v6va vs. macbook pro

it's come down to one of these two for me. with the student discount, prices are about the same. curious what others think about this comparison.

 

IMO, you don't get much for your money with the MacBook.

Maybe in another year or so when the MacBooks are on 64-bit chips and Windows Vista is out so you can truly dual boot, then it'll be worth.

But ultimately, right now, you're comparing apples and oranges. Different architectures, different OS's. What do you prefer more, Windows XP or Mac OS X?

I haven't seen a MacBook yet, but I just got my V6Va, and I love it. The screen on this thing easily out performs my 19" Samsung CRT. You won't find a better screen on a laptop than the V6Va, and you won't find one like it for a long time probably (the IPS screens are in extreme limited supply atm).

Maybe you should fill out the FAQ in the what to buy category so we know more about what you're looking for and can give you more tailored advice?

 

Down to two or not...... the difference between a mac and a pc still comes down to software.... if you're at this point in life and don't already have a preference (or a need) for one over the other...... this honestly must be your first computer.. That's not in insult or anything, but to change teams is honestly like "changing teams" ..... you're really born one way or the other.

 

hahaha... well put!

 

Nothing wrong with changing teams and staying fresh. Besides, many people use both OSX and Windows. Switch-hitters, I guess.

Oh, yeah, Barry Bonds changed teams mid-career - worked for him.

mizrachi, you didn't mention why these machines are your final choices. jleyba is probably correct when he suggests you complete the FAQ. Some very knowledgable folks here would be able to give you better advice if they had more info about your needs.

 

Yeah... well changing sports might be a better analogy... We're talking about buying all new software...... getting used to all new software...... hoping all the software you use is available for a mac....... and just getting used to the OS..... honestly unless you're 5-10 years old.... changing or starting to use both are very difficult....... Maybe I could compare it to learning a second language...... little kids absorb that stuff easily...... Then if this will be your main system.... I could compare it to being an adult and moving half way around the world and being force to learn a new language as your first or everyday language......

..... is that better?

 

Sure, it's fine - so was your first effort. I wasn't trying to give you a hard time, just giving a "second opinion" with a little humor. That is a baseball cap in my avatar.

So, about "switching," as going from Windows to OSX seems to be known, I disagree on the level of difficulty. The change really isn't very hard at all, but, admittedly, that's just my opinion, FWIW.

 

Everyone gets to a point in their life when they wonder what the other side is like, and experiment with playing for the other team...

 

No no... I know.. but it depends on what you do in life..... if you're a loner who's a casual computer user..... honestly their may not be much difference at all.... but if you job depends on it or you're a hardcore computer user....... I think the jolt to your system is a lot more than you think..... if you're just an internet, email, word type of user that somehow doesn't have to have much of a connection with computers at work..... I think you could use anything with a little getting used to it........

 

if u game or plan to play any game...get the v6va

 

Are we still talking about the PC to Mac switch here? Because I thought we had moved on to something quite different...

 

I disagree entirely. Switching from mac to pc needn't be a competitive born-one-way-or-the-other kind of thing. i've owned both mac and pc's and see the value in each.

 

seems to me most casual computer users are less likely to be "loners" than heavy users.

 

whichever option i go for i'm certain i wont be using my computer to its fullest potential. i'm sure thats likely the case with most folks. anyway, my needs are basic: i'm a writer and a teacher and will be using this computer for not much more than hours of writing with msword, responding to student papers and homework assignments, some office uses and email, web browsing, potentially some of my own music and other light weight apps. a comfortable keyboard and screen is vital.

in my view, the macbook and v6va are beautiful and reliable and, from what i hear, comfortable. but, yes, both are way more computer than i need and i'd love to hear what other more affordable options are out there.

mizrachi

 

By that I mean computing in an unattached environment...... one that you already have a need for one over the other... It's no big deal if you want to choose either - but when you just make a post and say it's either this or this....... preface it with the fact that the obvious differences don't make a difference in your situation......... because without getting past that, it's impossible to compare them.

 

Ok, here's the preface:

The obvious differences between the macbook and v6va don't make a difference in my situation.

There.

Now can you share your opinion comparing these two?

 

Wow, you're a smartass.... um.... no. Compare the specs and compare the looks I guess.... but you're still not close to comparing apples to apples..... if you want to do that, compare the V6j, it's a core duo.

 

You're doing a great job coming across as snotty and arrogant. Look at your posts, man. In so many words, you've told me that I must be a child to ask this question, that this must be my first computer, all the while never addressing the question at hand. I'm not looking for a fight, just some answers. You needn't have presumed a thing about me.

 

mizrachi, you can't really go wrong with either of the two machines you've mentioned, really. I have always been a PC user but about 2 years ago bought my first ever Apple PB and have now decided that i will always have An Apple mainly because it's OS is so reliable and far less prone to bugs than Windows, although XP is a pretty reliable OS too but still the ease of use and the fact that it just works i have to give the edge to OS-X. I found myself using the Apple PB more than my Windows equipped Uber gaming rig!! lol

Like i said if you want to experience a hassle free OS then you'll be happily surprised with the Apple. I've never owned an Asus but it seems the quality, design and build is just as good as the Apple since Asus builds PB line for Apple IIRC. So bottom line is, both machines are really reliable and it comes down to the choice of OS, and i have never found switching to the OS X to be any problem whatsoever.

 

Thank you for your response, Firestarter. I know either system is a bit of an overkill for my needs, but still. Anyway, I appreciate your input.

 

And get this: the guy is an ASUS reseller that supposedly deals with customers

To answer your question, I don't think it will really matter which model you laptop you get. Since you aren't going to be gaming though, I would have to suggest the macbook, since it does have a widescreen versus the 4:3 ratio screen on the v6va. The widescreen is nice to have when you want to open documents side by side. Both of them are comparable in build quality, since I believe ASUS still builds apple's laptops for them. I think the mac may come "pre-setup" better than the windows computer, since it pretty much has all of the software that you need pre-installed.

I really do think the mac may fit you better in this situation due to the OS. OSX just seems to feel more refined than windows. Also I've noticed in my little experience in using a mac, it does not seem to get the crappy slowdowns windows gets a lot. I've managed to tweak my windows install to run quite a bit "snappier" than normal, but I would have to say that a stock windows install feels kind of unrefined and clunky.

Personally, I prefer windows since I have been using it since 95 first came out, and because I play games, it is really the only viable platform, and there are some CAD programs that I will need to use for my major.

Also, with either choice, I would recommend getting OpenOffice.org. It is an alternative to Microsoft Office, but it is opensource and completely free.

 

Personally, if I were to pick, and if both machines are similiarly priced, I'd give the MacBook a go. I always liked osX, and the MacBook's style is impeccable. If OSX can do everything you need done, then I'd go with the mac.

cheers,

yass

 

I am much more dexterious on a PC, but at work I also have a dual 1.25 mac on my desk which I use once in a while. It's easy to set up as a web server and I do like the native terminal, although it's probably easier just to use VMware. Often though I just need some reliable software and that's usually found on the PC. I just feel locked into a small software selection when on a mac.

 

I agree with pyro and yassarian about going with an Apple if it can do everything you need - however, a few things to point out:

1. The jury is still out on the MacBook. Some people are even starting to think Apple should have waited for the Intel 64-bit chips before switching.

2. As for pyro's argument about screen sizes, yes the MacBook is widescreen and the V6Va is normal, but he seems to have missed the boat on the usefulness of the two. Widescreens sacrifice vertical space for the width, so if you do a lot of word processing, you might actually find standard ratio better (can see more of a single document at once).

Another thing I would be remiss to say, and forgive me if this has been said before, but you cannot, I repeat, can NOT beat the screen on the V6Va. This thing is simply amazing. I have a 19" CRT for my desktop and I have a hard time looking at it now that I have my V6Va.

In the end, if all you're looking for is email/word processing/internet, you need to ask yourself one question: which one looks better?

As superficial as that sounds, for what you're looking for, that is the only "real" difference between the V6Va and a MacBook.

I hope we've been helpful in your search for a new notebook.

-j

 

thanks pyro, yassarian, et al

i'm glad this thread has moved beyond the b/s from earlier posts. but it's not the first time i've seen it from him. anyway, sorry to have contributed to that.

i'm certain either laptop will be great but what concerns me is this: i'd sooner spend a lot less but have yet to find a laptop with the weight and keyboard i need that doesn't have some kind of quality/build issues. thinkpads were first on my list yet i keep hearing about quality control issues. obviously, i'd like to spend less but, the question is, do we truly get what we pay for?

mizrachi

 

... You're not understanding a thing I've said..... and therefore you're taking it all wrong.... but you're interested in a mac and that's honestly enough to know your wires are crossed somewhere so it's no wonder you don't understand. But since you "have seen it all before" there's no point in me trying to help you...... don't take offense to my comparing your being on the fence between a pc and a mac... if you took it as me questioning your position on anything else - you've taken it too far. Likewise, I did not call you a child...... but you very well may be since you could grasp what I was saying. REread the posts buddy.

 

Having owned various laptops though the years, from Dells, to IBMs, to an iBook, to a Toshiba, truthfully, I usually outlast the laptop before quality even becomes an issue. My first dell -- a pentium 1 233mhz machine, is still perfectly functional. My ibm's battery crapped out on me after about 2 years of usage. Currently I have a dell 9300, it's ugly and not "slick", but hey, it gets the job done, it's FAST, and I got a great deal on it. Would I like to get an Asus? sure, they are a lot better looking. But 1) they are not as fast (none of them have a powerful enough GPU to my liking), and 2) they are not cheap (for the same price I'd buy an IBM).

The only reasons for going Mac is 1) you like their OS, and there are specific softwares on the Mac that you need to use, and/or 2) you like their style. Both are perfectly valid. In terms of workmanship, they are very good.

I don't understand the mentality of those ppl who are DEADSET on a particular brand -- get over it, it's a computer, i.e. a TOOL. And guess what, whatever you get, will be outdated in a year. There's also nothing wrong with wanting to get a Mac -- to slight someone because of that simply proves you your own ignorance. There are softwares on the Mac that runs far better than on Windows platform, and there are softwares on the Mac that doesn't even have equivalents. Anyway I find it pretty surprising that a reseller who claims to be one of the "largest" in their particular niche market have to resort to these sort of personal slander -- not to mention they are wholly uninformed opinions...

My advice: buy whatever strikes your fancy, I'm sure the Asus or the MacBook will handle what you throw at it adaquately, but I would suggest against going to ProPortable to get your Asus... lol

cheers,

yass

 

... well, you can shove that up your yass... (just had too say that) Don't take anything personally..... every thing I said is in the context of a comparison to "help" this poor soul stuck in the purgatory of the computer universe. Oh and by the way... I don't need claim a single thing, so when you "quote" me, please reference where you think you've heard it.

1. There isn't a single thing "wrong" with a mac..... but most people would find it hard to switch from one to another due to years of experience with one as well as accumulation of software.... you're essentially starting over and that is a lot to overcome for many people.
2. It's a software issue, plain and simple.... if you don't care about that, you just eliminated 95% of what seperates a mac from a pc.
3. Considering the build quality of both (and the company that makes them)........ if want to compare the V7j to the MacBook...... you can basically go on looks because quality will be similiar and specs will be very much a like.

 

I think both laptops are great choices. I am am a PC user but ive had alot of experience with mac as well. Windows will be fine as long as you have a good anty spyware and virus software and use Firefox instead of IE? i have delt with everything from cheap toshibas to IBM thinkpads to now ASUS. I can tell you the V6Va has the best screen ive ever seen. The build quality is easily as good as any thinkpad and the keyboad is right up there with the thinkpads. I really think its one of the best laptops ever made period. The apple is great also so it really comes down to personal preference. But if you go with the asus i dont think you will have any regrets at all.

 

Proportable,

What I’ve seen before is your compulsion to behave like an aggressive child on these boards. Time and again, I’ve read your moody and obnoxious commentary. however guised it may be, your insinuations -- particularly your truly boneheaded comments above -- comes across less as the understanding, considerate and helpful business owner you imagine yourself to be and more like a kind of parody of the hostile know-it-all you seem to inhabit.

i came here with a simple question and no axe to grind. Presumably, a helpful and level headed response would have served you and your business well. But you acted stupidly and with anger.

Do know that hostile know-it-alls are a dime a dozen on boards like these.

 

Cmon guys, lets discuss the topic with cooler heads. To be fair to Proportable i think he really meant to help but was misunderstood . Again, lets not get into a flame war and try to get along. Group hug everyone!!

 

ehh, not quite. At the same "equivalent ratings" the widescreen offers more pixels.

ie:
wxga = 1280x768 xga = 1024x768
wsxga+ = 1680x1050, sxga+ = 1400x1050
wuxga = 1920x1200 uxga = 1600x1200
So at the same resolution rating, widescreen does not sacrifice any vertical spacing for horizontal. It just adds some extra room to the "horizontal" axis.

However, with the macbook has a wxga+ resolution of 1440x 9XX (I think it's 900 but not 100%) while the v6va has a SXGA+ resolution of 1400x1050. So yes, in this case, there is a tradeoff between horizontal and vertical space.

But with that said, I suggest that mizrachi actually go into an apple store and test drive the macbook to see if he likes how OSX functions. From the info that miz gave us, I am guessing that he is more of a casual computer user who would not find it quite as difficult to adapt to either windows or a mac. I definitely can see the argument about power users of either systems finding difficulties in using one OS over the other, but this may not be the case with mizrachi.

 

If you still want the quality and save some money then the older IBM T series are a good option. Why pay premium price for the latest Core Duo when you're not even going to use half of its potential? The T series would be more than sufficient for your day to day needs and im sure you can find a good deal on those. Best of all you still get the legendary IBM build design with the older T series (T-42,T-43). Something to think about.

 

At this point who would blame him for that? Not sure it's reasonable to insult a person and still expect him to listen carefully to advice you may offer, especially knowing that you're a reseller and the discussion includes your competition.

 

thank you bmwrob. i should have quoted him but this whole episode is getting old. i suppose i could have lived with the insults had there been some advice. but there wasn't.

firestarter, very true. and, essentially, is exactly what i am grappling with. are all t 42/43 models built well? i think i am unsure about this. and, if not, how does one find an older model? and, is it prudent to save a couple hundred bucks on a perfectly suitable product or go with the macbook that promises high quality and advanced features and perhaps more of a future .

 

The only issue i've heard about the T-43's are the fan noise although there is now a fix for that, while 99% of the T-42 users seem to be very happy if you check out the thinkpads.com forum. You can still purchase the older T series on IBM/Lenovo site as well as online resellers. If future is a concern then save money now and wait for the upcoming 64bit Merom chip due to arrive at the end of this year. Ahhh the good ol wait. lol

 

Im going to guess you will most likely never use the advanced features the macbook pro offers. Most of us wouldnt. But honestly i would not compare an older T series IBM to either of these newer pcs the Asus and mac. Ibm thinkpads are well built but honestly their screen quality is lacking especially when compared to these 2. Remember the screen is one of the most important things its what you will be staring at the most. I can assure you the asus is just as well built as any ibm as well as the macbook pro. I have been around some many computers that most are just another one to me. But when i put the V6Va in my hands it really gave me a sence of quailty I really think its one of the best.

 

I think IBMs Flexview is comparable to ASUS although i could be wrong. Maybe someone who has seen both can answer that.

 

OK Mr. "Pro"Portable, since you insist on me "quoting"...

I didn't know that being interested in a Mac meant that my "wires are crossed somewhere", but thank you for pointing it out so succinctly.

At any rate, insulting the intelligence of your potential customers really isn't a good way to do business, I have contemplated on purchasing an Asus in the past, in fact, I have even called your business and spoke with you on the phone regarding the availability of a particular model. You can be sure that this individual will never make the same mistake again, nor will your shop be recommended to any of my friends/customers.

cheers,

yass

 

Bunch of IBM laptops on sale here (lenovo now does thinkpad distribution):
http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/s...168&storeId=10000001&catalogId=-840&langId=-1

As for your question on advanced features and more of a future, for your needs, a dual-core processor and single core probably won't make much of a differance. Dual core will probably take at least another year or two for programmers to start taking full advantage of the two cores. Right now, the biggest advantage of dual-core lies in encoding and ripping dvd's and cd's, rendering, floating point calculations, etc.

 

(tear).... It doesn't take intelligence to pick up the phone and call someone.... and people usually call those they think the have an answer... so it doesn't surprise me you called us. I could really care less if some yass doesn't suggest us to their friends...... especially if their anything like you, we'd be better off.

 

I have seen IBM flex view it is good. But it is nowhere in the league of a V6Va IPS screen no laptop is close thats not even an exaduration. It different technology that is rarely ever in a laptop. i would say it is the best laptop screen on the market at this point in time.

 

Heh, you know I like your company's style. Very "pro"... I called to ask you whether you carry a particular Asus, I would expect you to at least know your own inventory -- read as much, or as little into that as your self-effacing mind would allow -- I do not care.

But apparently my money is no good, and apparently, you have already made your pre-conceived notion of who am I, and what I am about, based on a screen name that you wholly do not understand (hint: go read some books and get edumacated)...

At any rate, your 4th tier cut-rate niche market reseller really doesn't interest me anyway, good luck with your future endeavers -- with attitudes like that, you'll need it.

Back to the original topic that Mr. "PRO" rudely crashed: Miz if you want to get a cheaper unit, maybe looking at some other brands? There are plenty of decent machines out there, that will easily fulfill your needs...

cheers,

yass

 

IBM's flexview also uses IPS panels.

 

OK guys lets stop acting like kids. Not going to try and put blame on any of this but im sure this thread will be on the verge of being shut down. Yes there are many other decent notebooks but that will just take forever to list every choice. This person obviously has high tastes to list the macbook pro and v6va they are very stylish high end notebooks. so its best i think just to compare these two for the user before we confuse the hell out of them, on all the other decent brands and models and features.

The flex view also uses IPS? really i didnt know that hmmm, i saw them in person and they did look good but i really did think asus looked much better. But if i recall it wasnt glossy so maybe thats why the asus to my eyes looked better. but i dont have a preference of the two glossy or non but i do think glossy brings out the colors more.

 

Ahh another point about the screen surface. Personally i really dont care about the glossy screens as they'd be more of a distraction than anything else and yes the FlexView uses IPS.

 

I wouldnt get into an arguement about which is a better surface glossy or matte. I personaly think they both look good. I dont find the glossy a distraction and find its better to use when its bright or outside because the colors dont fade as much as a matte screen. some will argue is its just a coating but whatever it is a UV coating or not it does bring out the colors more. I think it replicates a CRT screen more so than a matte and CRT screens are still by far the best pictures quality. I use my glossy in every kind of lighting and i have never found a reflection that distracts me.

 

Hehe... SRD, what is an "exaduration"?

 

Oh come on. With all the yelling and kids fighting in this thread you find my spelling error, And want to focus on that?
exaggerate is that better? Yeah i know my spelling and grammar sucks. Oh well at least im good at other things thanks for pointing that out AuroraS

 

Im sure the glossy has better colors but again both have their pros and cons but for someone thats not going to use the screen for gaming or movies the matte still seems to be a better solution especially if you're using the laptop outside in bright conditions.