quagmire Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 I had about 5 minutes to spare before an event last night and luckily for me there was an apple store about 2 shops down from where my event was so i decided to run in and check out the new macbook. My initial impression was "wow... this thing just looks like a shruncated macbook pro," but then again, i guess that's what it's supposed to be. I was fairly excited to get to see the new "glossy" screen but I wasn't really that impressed. Maybe it was just a combination of the lighting and a bad screen calibration but the new macbook screen (this was a black macbook that i was looking at btw) seemed way blown out and faded, no rich deep colors. Another thing that sorta freaked me out initially was the screens ability to flex. The new polycarbonate shells they're putting on these things are quite "flexy." It sorta felt like I was handling a thin sheet of plexyglass. The screen did not suffer any sort of discoloration or the typical "pixel ripple" that you get when you apply pressure to a normal lcd screen, so I don't think it's a bad thing, in fact this new found flexibility may add to the overall duribility of the laptop. As I was only there for 5 minutes i was only able to open one program briefly. Safari opened with a snap and the two pages that I browsed to didn't suffer from the typical "mac lag" and were even very (dare I say it) windows like in their loading speed. I walked away with a mixed -yet ultimately positive- impression of the new macbook. I'm going to go back in sometime soon and mess around with the screen settings to see if that blown out screen was just a one off deal. has anyone else had a chance to look at them yet? Anyone notice any of the same thigns i did? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-114560 Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacSpaces Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 will not buy one saved money for apple but on all honesty theres better computers with similar specs out there cheaper then mac that can run both operating systems just fine i dont do intensive editing or {censored} like that-so an osx86 box is fine with me.....as long as it can run the simple apps im fine...sorry apple your attemtp to gain new customers have failed with me...windows will retain my money for the next 4 years toshiba here i come Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-114620 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kernalzero Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 I'm seriously considering selling my Dell D600 Laptop (running 10.4.6 right now) on eBay. I've enjoyed and gotten used to the OSX environment for the past 6 months and I love it. Once I find out the average price for my laptop selling on ebay i'm going to post it and use the money towards a new macbook (looks like ~$550 is the going price). For a laptop it fits everything I need out of a laptop and I'm tired of my dell (I haven't run windows on it in almost 4 months now, just running osx86 as my primary OS). If I need more graphics power I have 2 desktops with plenty of graphics power to handle those tasks (a windows xp x64 and another OSx86 desktop). the only thing I'm really interested in learning more about if the GMA950 memory size goes up if you add more DDR2. Does anyone know about this?!? Thanks Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-114660 Share on other sites More sharing options...
quagmire Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 ok... I went back and spent some quality time with the MB, view results here. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-115934 Share on other sites More sharing options...
u1m2 Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 Where I live, IBM/Lenovo support is said to be much better than Apple's and Apple does not offer accidental damage protection like Lenovo does. When I buy a product, I would like to see a good deal of support being offered even if it costs me extra so I can go about doing my daily business in peace without much worries... I think that's a fair reason not to buy Apple. Apple has a very good product at hand in Macbook and they perhaps offer most comprehensive software package with their notebooks compared to other vendors but that does not mean everybody wants to buy a Mac so they have 100% functioning OS X, people have valid reasons in buying other notebooks... Come to think of it, it is a crime they offer 512MB memory in pairs, that is an outright pathetic attempt to sell people their expensive memory. 512MB for 100 bucks, that is double the regular price... Don't other vendors do it ? Yes some of them do but for instance Lenovo doesn't, they offer single 512MB memory stick and you can stick a gig later if you wanted to... Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116004 Share on other sites More sharing options...
quagmire Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 Come to think of it, it is a crime they offer 512MB memory in pairs I believe they have a valid performance reason for doing so. Correct me if i'm wrong, but isn't it better to have a matched pair of smaller ram sticks over a single larger ram stick? Though I agree it would be nice to have a custom configuration option for those of us who would like to make use of the amount of ram that we buy with the computer but immediatly intend to buy a matched stick elsewhere. I do agree that there is probably a $$$$ sign motivating apple towards they're current strategy, however, I think you're being a little harsh calling it a crime. When I buy a product, I would like to see a good deal of support being offered even if it costs me extra so I can go about doing my daily business in peace without much worries... I think that's a fair reason not to buy Apple. ever heard of applecare? my buddy had a 3 year old titanium powerbook that he "accidentally" stepped on and smashed the entire keyboard/logic board. he had 2 weeks left on his applecare and apple replaced everything free of charge. Apple has a very good product at hand in Macbook and they perhaps offer most comprehensive software package with their notebooks compared to other vendors but that does not mean everybody wants to buy a Mac so they have 100% functioning OS X, people have valid reasons in buying other notebooks. other than perhaps being less expensive or having a slightly better components setup for the price than apple hardware, there is no overpowering reason to go non-apple as their hardware now runs windows. In my oppinion there is no better combination of asthetics and performance hardware than apple's anywhere. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116040 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icebreaker Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.php?t=295925 Who wouldn´t want such high quality engineering product? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116048 Share on other sites More sharing options...
quagmire Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 Who wouldn´t want such high quality engineering product? that is quite funny, however i don't think it has anything to do with the engineering of the product. From what I've heard, apple actually goes too sparingly on their thermal paste. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116051 Share on other sites More sharing options...
u1m2 Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 @quagmire 1- I called it a crime not just because Apple does it but because many vendors do it and it is such a lame way to "extort" (again, exaggerating) money from people who want to buy their mid-range products. Upgrading from 512MB to 1GB should not cost 100$/€ when memory modules of the same type go for 40-50$ retail. And I'm afraid you are quite wrong on the 2 module thingy... Dual channel ram is supported by 945PM but the FSB of yonah is only 667MHz that using dual channel 667MHz Memory will hardly make a difference except for integrated graphics performance (considering such a thing does not exist in Macbooks, no harm is done, i.e. GMA is so weak to "need" 10.4 GBps, reduced bandwidth won't be noticed). Besides I think one would be fooling themselves thinking that anyone (I mean any single person) who will buy a Macbook or has bought one already is going to be using it with 512MB memory only... Everyone will be using 2x512MB memory as a minimum configuration and that is a fact. Why would you pay for dual-core processors if all you do is to watch movies and surf the intraweb. You pay so that you will be using pro apps (any demanding app) with your Macbook and you will be forced to upgrade to a minimum of 1GB memory so Apple should have at least offered 512MB single stick (to allow for easy upgrades) if not 1GB as standard. That is not to berate Apple but to express my expectations of any high-end pc company, that is it! 2- Applecare doesn't cover accidental damage (unlike dell latitudes and IBM thinkpads) and they say it clearly on their website. Maybe it is YOU who hasn't heard of what Applecare really is. They also don't cover things like theft etc... and I might be wrong on this but I think they also don't have on-site service for notebooks.... 3- Reasons not to buy Macbook a- GMA950 b- small screen (14.1" is the least I settle for in screen estate) it is also glossy (not favored by ME) c- there is no fingerprint reader d- I don't really like white and don't ever intend to pay 150$ for plastic which happens to be black naturally... e- as I stated before Applecare as it stands is not my favorite protection plan, if they were to support accidental damage I could easily change my mind for my next laptop which will most possibly be Lenovo.. f- Merom is around the corner, Turion64 X2 is released, and although you might not need 64-bit instruciton set for OS X you will need it for Vista (if you want the real thing that is) and I would hesitate to buy anything right now, not just to buy a Mac... I hope you see now, how some people might think differently and can be more cautious when spending 1500$+ (with Applecare) even on a decent piece of machinery such as Macbook. edit : spelling Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116120 Share on other sites More sharing options...
quagmire Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 @u1m2 i stand corrected on the ram. yes I suppose if you are looking for a bigger screen, no gloss, fingerprint reader and a 64 bit processor to run vista and you don't like white OR plastic then the MB isn't really your cup of tea. For those who favor OSX as their OS of choice and only need to have windows to fulfill certain compatibility issues I think the MB is a prime choice. I don't wish to start a debate about the applecare issue, I was only speaking from personal experience as to the excellence of the protection. If stepping on your laptop and shattering the keyboard/logic board doesn't qualify for "accidental damage" then i don't know what does. Apple didn't have any problem with it whatsoever and he had his computer back in a week. so anyways... we're a diverse world with a whole load of different interests, it can therefore be concluded that what works amazingly for one person will be equally as disasterous for another... to each his own. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116237 Share on other sites More sharing options...
u1m2 Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 don't get me wrong, I really really like the Macbook (especially the clean design); compared to other notebooks in this price range it is aggressively priced, well engineered and as I stated before comes with an excellent software suite. Most of the pcs you can buy for 1200$ will come with T2300s while macbook supports a T2500 which is really cool in itself. So I consider it a succesful product but I stated that in my first post anyway... Just wanted to point how somethings can really be dealbrakers as an example. To be completely honest if I could trust Applecare like you do, I could easily overlook the screensize, lack of fp reader, and existance of GMA950 and the upcoming processors issues since Macbook is one of the best notebooks in this price range. I also checked a Macbook review and the widescreen seems to make up for small screen estate so one can possiblye enjoy movies and surfing with the Macbook contrary to my initial reaction. In my opinion I can learn to live with these shortcomings but I want some sort of protection plan to cover accidents because I will be buying my notebook from Germany and using it in Turkey. It is important for me to be 100% assured by my protection plan and IBM just seems to cover that area better. Why Apple wouldn't offer an extended coverage, let's say for another 200$ for 4 years support with accident protection, is beyond me but I think Apple users take care of their products as well as any other notebook user so I can't see the huge risk involved in extended protection plans... Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116318 Share on other sites More sharing options...
quagmire Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 that does seem odd that apple wouldn't give you the option to extend past 3 years. I guess they just figure that people will want a new computer after those 3 years are up (they're definately helping them along with that descision ) I guess i can't blame apple for that... as they are a company in business to make money, it's probably what I would do. Plus, by not covering past the 3 year limit, they're reducing their liability and potential losses which might stem from covering out dated hardware. All i've ever heard from anyone who's ever had it is that they couldn't be happier with the service and support. Now, it is concievable that apple's service/warranty policies might be different between the USA and Germany, but i can't imagine why they would be. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116687 Share on other sites More sharing options...
munky Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 guys.. there IS a valid reason for the matched pair ram. on modern 945-based machines, two DDR sticks of RAM which are the same spec will enable what is called 'Dual Channel Mode': http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-channel and its been shown that the new intel macs do indeed support dual channel operation. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116708 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kernalzero Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 Munky - thanks for posting the wiki link. the paired DDR2 makes more sense now but at the same time it really forces you to upgrade now or buy 2 sticks later on to keep the pairing the same. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116718 Share on other sites More sharing options...
aqualeviathan Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 The benefit of dual-channel RAM is little to none. How much it affects system performance depends on the system and, in the case of the Macbook, it doesn't do much at all. http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=2740&p=4 Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116723 Share on other sites More sharing options...
myzar Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 don't get me wrong, I really really like the Macbook (especially the clean design); compared to other notebooks in this price range it is aggressively priced, well engineered and as I stated before comes with an excellent software suite. Most of the pcs you can buy for 1200$ will come with T2300s while macbook supports a T2500 which is really cool in itself. So I consider it a succesful product but I stated that in my first post anyway...Just wanted to point how somethings can really be dealbrakers as an example. To be completely honest if I could trust Applecare like you do, I could easily overlook the screensize, lack of fp reader, and existance of GMA950 and the upcoming processors issues since Macbook is one of the best notebooks in this price range. I also checked a Macbook review and the widescreen seems to make up for small screen estate so one can possiblye enjoy movies and surfing with the Macbook contrary to my initial reaction. In my opinion I can learn to live with these shortcomings but I want some sort of protection plan to cover accidents because I will be buying my notebook from Germany and using it in Turkey. It is important for me to be 100% assured by my protection plan and IBM just seems to cover that area better. Why Apple wouldn't offer an extended coverage, let's say for another 200$ for 4 years support with accident protection, is beyond me but I think Apple users take care of their products as well as any other notebook user so I can't see the huge risk involved in extended protection plans... 4 years you must be nuts after 1 year or more like 2 years your hardware is considered junk anyway about the widescreen it's totally retarded and i can only laugh at people buying a laptop with a widescreen huh watching a dvd sure on some sucking laptop screen Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116728 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigboss Posted May 21, 2006 Share Posted May 21, 2006 4 years you must be nuts after 1 year or more like 2 years your hardware is considered junk anyway about the widescreen it's totally retarded and i can only laugh at people buying a laptop with a widescreen huh watching a dvd sure on some sucking laptop screen no offence but thats probably the worst piece of advice ive seen someone give... the reason you are charged an exorbitant amount of money for apple care protection is because of what it offers. if your laptop is damaged beyond repair and apple cannot fix it, they'll just send you a new one. chances are that the laptop you bought 3 years ago is no longer sold so they'll just send you a current model. i know someone who bought a g3 ibook and his logic board completely failed.. so, they gave him a g4 1.42ghz w/ 1gb of ram (he had 256) and an 80 gb hard drive (he had 40) at NO COST. im sure that other manufacturers probably have similar warranty coverage (i.e. dell's complete care etc) but choosing not to get applecare for a laptop seems like a big mistake to me. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116867 Share on other sites More sharing options...
u1m2 Posted May 21, 2006 Share Posted May 21, 2006 I was gonna say the same thing but you beat me to it bigboss . Some people can't really see the point of having your hardware covered for longer than usual or more extensively than usual. As for guagmire's/Myzar's comment on 4 years support, I think I made it pretty clear it is not exactly the length of time that is important, but it never hurts to have more of it, 3 years and/or beyond is fine by me but more so important is the content of the care package. Sorry if I was unclear on this before and I hope this time it's C L E A R. I travel quite often and it just seems weird how people can't understand that things like accidental damage protection really make a difference in a "travelling man's" (so to speak) notebook PC compared to some notebook PC that you will occasionally take to school with you. Anyway if people don't want extra care packages, it's their choice. I will not risk my 2000$ by not paying an additional 250-300, for me it's the obvious choice to make. @Myzar : I owned an Inspiron 8200 with 3 year international warranty and it broke down on me 4 times during those years (twice in the third), I suddenly did not feel so "nuts" the last time when dell people showed up at my door, kindly checked my notebook, told me they'll have it ready in 6 days, pulled the hard-drive out and took out my valuable documents, files etc... transferred it to my desktop PC and left. Also you must be laughing at a lot of people these days as wide-screen displays are more popular than standard 4:3 ratio displays on notebook screens as well as desktop TFT LCD Monitors. Apple did the right thing IMHO by keeping a 16:9 ratio, which doesn't show the screen as miniscule and still maintains portability, which is something I thought a programmer like yourself would appreciate. A 13.3" WXGA screen is just as good enough to watch dvds as a 14.1" XGA which one can tell from this picture as well... Image taken from www.notebookreview.com Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/17605-macbook-out-would-you-consider-one/page/2/#findComment-116937 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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