NEW Mac user! Question about purchasing a Macbook. Help and opinions?

[lilskaterpunk]

Im looking into purchasing my first Mac, a Macbook or Macbook Pro.

Im an PC guy and have been using an ASUS Laptop for years. Currently own N81Vp-D1.

One thing I notice about Apple and there Macs are a difference in specs for a big price jump but very sexy!

 

So I have a few questions that if anyone can help me out, that would be awesome!

 

I want to buy Macbook or Macbook Pro.

 

1. Looking into a 13.3'' screen or would it be better for a 15''? Yes I now its personal preference and what u plan to do with it but as for specs wise. Invest a bit more for more power?

 

2. Are the new Macbook and Macbook Pro models worth buying? or look into an older used model?

 

3. Im looking at buying Apple MacBook Pro 13" Intel Core 2 Duo Laptop.

Processor Type Intel Core 2 Duo Screen Size 13.3 Inches RAM (Preloaded / Maximum) 4GB DDR3 Hard Drive 320 GB 5400 RPM Optical Drives 8x Slot-Load SuperDrive Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9400M Average Battery Life Up To 7 Hours Product Weight 2.04 kg Audio Type Apple Battery Type Lithium-Polymer Cache 3MB L2 Fax/Modem No I/O Ports FireWire 800; Mini DisplayPort; USB 2.0 Included In Box 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, Manual Network Card 10/100/1000 Other Software Time Machine, Quick Look, Spotlight PC Card Slots No Pointing Device Multi-Touch Trackpad Preloaded Operating System Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard Processor Speed 2.26 GHz Product Dimensions 32.50(W) x 2.41(H) x 22.70(D) cm Removable Storage No Screen Type LED Backlight Speakers Yes System Bus 1066 MHz Warranty 1 Year Parts & Labour

With this model, is it possible to Dual Boot Windows 7? As long as I get proper drivers? or is it even worth doing? I heard Windows 7 works fine...

I have tried iATKOS on my laptop but ya, I come across many problems lol

 

4. Nvidia GeForce 9400M I noticed is in all 13.3'' Macbook and Pro until you jump into the 15''. Are these video cards any good?

I know its going to be a big change from my current video card ATI Mobility HD4650 VRAM 1GB but really, I dont even play games on my laptop lol I bought it for a smaller 14'' laptop and well it just has some power behind it if I wanted too.

Im more into browsing internet, chatting, pictures, videos, and some other stuff...

 

So whats ur opinions on the MacBook Pro model? Version with 4GB and larger HDD. Worth the extra cash? I see it still has SD card and LED keyboard which the Macbook models do not have!

 

If there is anything that I should be aware of on the Macbook or Macbook Pro which is an advantage or disadvantage from other models, please let me know!

 

Well I hope I know what im getting into... lol

 

Thanks!

[Swhay]

I just bought my wife a 13.3" MacBook Pro, and she loves it. Remember as for screen size you can always hook up an external monitor to it with an adapter.

 

I think they are worth buying for a few reasons.

 

1. Value. It has an aluminum enclosure, lost of features, probably closest to the strongest in the consumer laptop segment.

2. OS X does not need super fast hardware (unlike most new versions of windows). the OS is very efficient, stable and easy to use.

3. Longevity, the MacBook will last a lot longer than a PC laptop because Apple does not seem to alienate their older hardware like Microsoft does (see reason #2). With the exception of Snow Leopard not supporting PowerPC.

4. Resale value. This may not seem like much, but look at most 2 to 3 year old laptops and how much used ones are selling for. Then look at MacBooks, iMacs, etc 2 or three years old and what they are selling for. Usually at lest half, maybe a little less of what the original price was.

 

I think if your not a heavy gamer, the 9400 will be fine. I would not imagine that Apple would stake it's premium reputation on a graphics card that is worse than say the Intel integrated graphics. Like I said above, OS X does NOT use tons of resources like Windows does.

 

As for dual booting see this link (I know the article says MacBook Pro, but using Bootcamp, it should work on all recent Intel Macs). If you search around the web some more, I am sure you will find more info on the subject.

 

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10301015-1.html

 

If you feel you need more memory (Remember: OS X Does not use tons of resources), I would suggest that you buy your memory from say Newegg.com and save some money, same goes for the hard drive.

 

I think the only disadvantage is price, but if you like so many other people only use price as a guideline, then you will probably feel they are too expensive for what you get. You have to look at the whole package.

 

I don't (and think most people who buy Macs) use just price, the MacBook Pro like most of Apple's products are designed well, built well are of higher quality than most and everything fits and works together seamlessly the products have high resale value so that makes up for the initial higher price plus it will last i would say at lest double the average PC computer. There a people that still use PowerBooks and G5 Macs that have NO problems. The operating system is VERY GOOD and has A LOT LESS problems than any version of Windows. It's fast, stable and packed full of features that I find is very easy and pleasing to use. Since I switched to using OS X about 1.5 Years ago (started with a Hackintosh), I have not enjoyed using a computer more, EVER and unless something drastic happens to Apple, I don't see myself ever switching back to Windows.

 

I would not take my word for it, do the research, go to an Apple store and play with the computers for a while. All the research I have done over the past year or so, tells me that 99% of people who switch to a Mac are very happy and now can't stand Windows and all it's problems.

 

A very close friend of mine wanted to try OS X, so I installed it on a usb hard drive, and he is running it on his Dell XPS m1730 laptop. He loves it. It is much faster that Windows XP on the same laptop. He said using it was like "a breath of fresh air" compared to using Windows.

 

Good Luck with whatever you decide to buy.

[geiman]

I was in your same position a while ago, and I ended up purchasing the 17" MacBook Pro in August. I've have to say it was the best purchase I've ever made. I have never loved using a computer as much as I do my MacBook. If it was me, I'd go with at least the 15" MacBook Pro so that you could get the dual GPU's. The 9400 certainly isn't a bad card, but its nice to have that extra power when you want it.

 

But with that said, if you decide to go the 13" route I don't think you will be disappointed. My girlfriend got the 13" MacBook Pro at the same time I got mine and she loves it. They are all very nice machines, I'm very impressed with the quality. And I know it sounds like a broken record, but again I'd go with the one that includes the specs that help you the most. I do quite a bit of programming, so I went with the 17" model just so I'm not doing as much side-to-side scrolling when I'm not at home working with my dual monitors.