Talk to me about MacBooks

[hoofbeats95]

I''m shopping for a new laptop and for some reason unknown to me I started to think I wanted a Mac. I have NEVER paid any attention to Macs prior to this. I don''t even know if I like them. I have spent maybe 5 mins on them and hated it cause I didn''t know what I was doing. I hear wonderful things about them. I''m sick of fighting viruses on my PC at home. But. . . they are pricey! And what''s up with the basic MacBook being only 13"?? Can you even do much on that size? I am a programmer and so I worry about compatibility. I know there is no version of Visual Studio for Mac. I know I can run Windows on it. . .but that seems lame. I don''t know that I would even need to use it for work. I don''t work at home currently, but the option would be nice. *shrug* I''m so undecided! I think there are Mac users on here right? Enlighten me!

 

[sba771]

I have had 2 in the last 3 years- they have each lasted 1.5 years and died. Ok I am bitter since this happened to my second one 3 weeks ago and I am in limbo and now have to buy a new computer. When it worked I did love it since it was so light and was very user firendly. What I don''t love is that you have to then buy into the mac monopoly- the power cords alone are about $90 each and they don''t have a long shelf life sadly. Ah I shouldn''t comment since I can''t say too much nice about them right now, I am really disappointed in the quality at the moment.

 

[hoofbeats95]

I want to hear the good, bad and UGLY! The user group is so small. I can count on one hand the number of Mac users I know. And most I don''t know very well (not close friends). I don''t like it when you must buy all brand name accessories - that''s for sure. Again all comments are welcome!

 

[lyra]

We just bought one for our daughter who is going into graphic design at college this year. It''s a macbook-pro, and I have to say it is so easy to use. We recently had to change our wireless router and had to reprogram the network for all of our laptops, and hers was the only one that basically said "Okay. Done". Just like that. So intuitive. She can have a bunch of windows open at once doing different things and it is fast! Mind you, it cost $4000. It should get good gas mileage and seat 5 for that price.

 

[Haven]

I''ve used Macs most of my life because my mother is a technology nerd and she''s a big evangelist for the brand.

I''ve loved all my Macs, and I converted DH from his Dell to a MacBook a few years ago. He loves his Mac now, too.

I''ve always found them easy to use, I''ve never had a virus, and if I ever have a question I just run over to the Apple store and ask a question at the "Genius Bar."

People seem to fall in love with their Macs once they convert. Check out all the people who have Apple tattoos--that''s devotion!

 

[musey]

Date: 7/21/2009 1:49:20 PM
Author: sba771
I have had 2 in the last 3 years- they have each lasted 1.5 years and died. Ok I am bitter since this happened to my second one 3 weeks ago and I am in limbo and now have to buy a new computer. When it worked I did love it since it was so light and was very user firendly. What I don't love is that you have to then buy into the mac monopoly- the power cords alone are about $90 each and they don't have a long shelf life sadly. Ah I shouldn't comment since I can't say too much nice about them right now, I am really disappointed in the quality at the moment.

OH my! You've had really bad luck

I'm sorry to hear that.

I've had my macbook pro since version 1 release in Feb. 2006 (so 3.5 years now), and it's still going strong. The battery life has decreased quite a bit, but that's to be expected over such a long period, and I haven't taken the best care of my battery. My original power cord fried after 2 years, apparently it was defective (not just "old"), so I walked in to an apple store and had it replaced for free within 2 minutes.

My husband also has a 5 year old powerbook that's also doing great, short of the tired battery, and an almost 3-year-old iMac that's running as well as day 1.

We've had a number of iPods and iPhones over the years, not a problem with a single one.

So, no macbooks specifically, but good luck overall with the company and their products, computers and otherwise.

 

[butterfly 17]

I am interested in getting a macbook. Actually I have been thinking about it since January, but still haven''t done it. In the time I was thinking about it, a newer model of the basice macbook came out with more memory, speed, etc., and I am still undecided.

Now I am thinking of just getting a netbook. It''s a lot cheaper and easier to move around/carry, etc. Still undecided....

 

[D&T]

DH has a MAC book pro - he loves it, wants to convert me, I'm still on PC mindset, There are certain functions that I"m not used to but thats with everything. We researched quite a bit for a few months back and forth between a Dell and MAC, in the end DH bought a MAC, when you run the windows version on it, it gets pretty hot quite fast that was only until DH was able to buy the Office version for MAC. We bought ours through http://www.macconnection.com/ we first tried to go through MAC Mall, but it was a pain with verifying credit card and call back like three times. Macconnection was the cheapest for us no sales tax, and shipping was free for us back then, also got a rebate for it as well. its been almost 10 months, and DH still loves it! He is also a gamer, which he is thrilled with the quality of his resolution and video card it came with.

ETA: nice thing that I have to admit, is he hasn't had any virus. Most virus are taylored to hit PC right now and so MAC so far has been trouble free

 

[CNOS128]

I love my MacBook! I was a PC person and then about 6 years ago worked somewhere where they used Macs, and I never went back!

That they''re a small percentage of the market share means fewer viruses are written for macs, so (for now) it''s easier to avoid that kind of problem. I find them really user friendly! The only problem that I''ve had is my face plate thingy cracking, and they replaced that free of charge. My white MacBook also gets dirty, but it''s easy to clean.

Like Haven said, you can pop over to the genius bar anytime you have a problem! There''s even one open 24/7 where I live (but I think that''s rare?). I had new memory installed at midnight!

 

[hoofbeats95]

D&T - it runs hot with the windows version of what installed? Office?

The Apple stores near me are not at all convenient. So running to the genius bar would take some effort for sure!

A 4K laptop? My Dell cost me that back in 01!! What the heck is on that thing?

 

[D&T]

Date: 7/21/2009 2:34:06 PM
Author: hoofbeats95
D&T - it runs hot with the windows version of what installed? Office?

The Apple stores near me are not at all convenient. So running to the genius bar would take some effort for sure!

A 4K laptop? My Dell cost me that back in 01!! What the heck is on that thing?

Its a duo, which means, when DH turns on his MAC, he can either run Window (PC version) or go straight to MAC. You can buy the software Parallel for MAC, which you then can run Windows on a MAC without rebooting switching between Mac and Windows, but my IT guy recommend me against it, it takes too much space on your drive and run slower. So the better alternative if just for a short period just to boot up into your Window side when you first log on (disadvantage is not being able to access the MAC side, thus rebooting. Not sure if that helps.

ETA: when I mean better alternative, is just to buy the office for MAC if the only thing you use windows for is for the office suites. if that makes sense.

 

[ficklefaye]

my whole family has macbooks, i''ve had mine for almost a year and it did take me awhile to get used to it, but i was getting sick and tired of my pc and its viruses, so i''m happy

 

[AsscherGirl]

I have an imac, not a macbook, but I can at least comment on my apple experience.

I got my imac in 2005 right before they came out with the intel versions, so it''s an old powerpc. I dont'' have any problems with it as my hubby is a computer guy and keeps all of our computers running perfectly & virus free. Personally I''ve never had a virus on either my mac or my PC, so maybe I am lucky. I bought the imac b/c I specifically wanted an all in one computer & they were the only one on the market at the time!

I don''t love my mac. I find it to be slow (and it was slow when it was new - hello permanent beachball); it annoys me that Office is different than the Windows version; I find myself always switching between browsers for certain websites b/c either Safari looks funny or Firefox is going slow; I don''t feel like it''s intuitive b/c I grew up on a windows machine and use a windows machine at work. And it took me YEARS to figure out how to really use my ipod, hahaha (which my first one basically lost battery capacity after 3 years - could have had the battery replaced for $90! but decided to get a new one so I could have Nike + & have it be lighter). I don''t have to deal with networking issues or updating software as that''s hubby''s department. I have problems with iphoto loading all my pictures & videos directly from the card reader so I have to do a work around every time. I WISH I could have Picasa for Mac (available on Intel Macs). Everytime I put the card into the card reader, about 4 programs open wanting to transfer the photos - just annoying. I don''t particularly care for the keyboard as I feel it''s not sensitive enough and skips letters a lot when I type (I type pretty fast). I have the mighty mouse (which I had to buy aftermarket as it came out after I bought my computer) and the scroll wheel stops working randomly. The genius bar people are helpful, but not that useful to me as I have my own genius at home! It''s little things, but they add up and make the whole experience a little disappointing.

I could never own a mac book mainly b/c of the mouse. I am not crazy about the multi touch pad and I NEED a right click button. I also don''t like the keyboards on mac books either. Macbooks are certainly the nicest LOOKING laptops and are lightweight, but meh. I recently bought a refurbished Dell laptop for school (13" screen - you can do a lot on it, but spreadsheets are annoying when you''re used to a 20" screen), it was $500 and Windows Vista is honestly set up almost identically to OSX. I am extremely happy with my laptop and definitely feel more "at home" with it. If I were going to have a laptop for my primary computer, I''d probably go with a 15" screen as I''d always want portability. That was not a concern for me b/c this laptop was a travel laptop (and I think we have something like 7 computers at home, hahahh).

I always feel like a weirdo b/c I''m prob. one of the only people who got a mac and isn''t a total convert. I just don''t get it I guess - but to me PC & Mac are SO similar now; I just wouldn''t pay the price in the future for a Mac over a PC.

Hope that helps!

 

[Inanna]

I''ve also used Macs most of my life. I had a 15" Powerbook (what Mac laptops were previously called) purchased back in 1998 and I used it for 8 years. It got stolen in 2006 and it was definitely time for an upgrade anyway. So I had to get a new laptop - a 13" Macbook. Adjusting to the size was a bit difficult for me at first, but now I prefer it. I''m thinking about buying the new Macbook Pro and will probably choose the 13" size again.

In the past I have run Windows (through a program called Parallels) and the Mac operating system simultaneously. Currently I have no need to run Windows at home.

I''ve also had several iPods and am on my first iPhone - also no problems whatsoever. Perhaps I''ve just had great luck, but their hardware seems virtually unbreakable to me.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I love my MacBook. I had a lemon but realized that it was the after market RAM I had them put in so be careful with that. They said it was quite common if you don''t buy good quality. They were so nice about it he actually gave me a free power cord for my 5 year old ibook that my daughter broke. Wonderful customer service.

 

[hoofbeats95]

I don''t suppose anyone on here is looking to sell a used one, eh? I have been looking on Craigslist. Not having much luck though. People aren''t even replying!

 

[mrssalvo]

I grew up on macs, always had one. my ibook lasted 6 years and I just recently passed it down to my kids to use and got a MacBook. I love it. I would recommend getting the AppleCare though. My hubby who never buys extended warranties etc. always gets the AppleCare on the laptops b/c you are moving them around all the time. I''ve never had to replace a power cord either. the one I had with my ibook still works fine. Depending on what you need it for there are cheaper computers out there, but most folks don''t buy macs b/c of their price point. they meet the specific needs of the buyer.

 

[rainwood]

I switched to Mac from a PC in 2007, but it''s the iMac rather than the laptops. I''d never worked on a Mac before that but really liked my various iPods so took the plunge. To me, a Mac is more intuitive and set up more like the way I think. Windows always seemed to have too many drop down menus, and functions hidden in places I''d never expect, but I''ve never made the switch to Vista so can''t compare the two. There is a certain frustration of having to learn a different operating system, and that is probably even more true if you are a power Windows user. I bought "Switching to the Mac" by David Pogue, the technology reporter for the New York Times, and thought it was quite helpful. I did find it easier to use Word in the Office for Mac program than Pages in the Apple iWork package but probably because Word is the one place where I am a power user.

I really like the look and feel of the Mac hardware - whether it be computer, iPod or even an Apple HiFi I use as a portable stereo. I''ve been looking at getting a MacBook Pro recently, and have read that they can have issues with the logic board (the Apple equivalent of a motherboard), but that they get repaired easily if under warranty or the extended Apple Care.

After 2 years, I am a total Mac convert and wouldn''t look back. My husband even decided to make the switch after his Dell hard drive crashed unexpectedly. To me, Macs are better in every category except price and software availability.

 

[ksluice]

Date: 7/21/2009 4:18:52 PM
Author: hoofbeats95
I don''t suppose anyone on here is looking to sell a used one, eh? I have been looking on Craigslist. Not having much luck though. People aren''t even replying!

I actually think I have a friend who might be...should i find out?

 

[ms.halo]

I switched from a Dell laptop to a MacBook Pro 15" about four months ago. It took me about a month to get used to the new set up, but now I can''t imagine going back to the PC. Programs run faster, the screen is much better, organization makes more sense, etc.

 

[Selkie]

I have used both Macs and PCs for work, but will probably only ever buy Macs for personal use. I need a PC (or at least a Mac with a virtual Windows program like Parallels, which is my next major purchase) for work, or else I''d be all Mac. DH has a 2 year old MacBook Pro with Intel, and I have an older 17" Titanium Powerbook G4 which is out of commission temporarily with a short in the display. They aren''t perfect, and they are pricy, but compared to the headaches my work PC gives me, they are a joy to use and are pretty long-lived, as computers go.

Issues I''ve had: the display on the 17" fritzed out, but only after about four years of solid use. Power cords seem to be a bugbear for Apple. I''ve had a couple fry on me, and I hate hate hate the new magnetic ones because they''re always pulling out. Seconding the AppleCare program, as it will cover most of those types of issues. As for adapting, yes, it''s a BIG switch from windows, but not insurmountable, and you can use a mouse with a right button. Actually, I think there''s a way to set the touchpad to have both a left and a right "button."

Things I love: Ease of use for things like photos, videos, email, networking, and lack of viruses. I also generally like the streamlined look and feel. I have a 17" Dell laptop for work which is literally three times as thick and heavy as my Mac, and man, do I hate traveling with it.

 

[vip0802]

i have an iMac so i can''t comment on the MacBooks, but i do love Apple products!

BF and i have always had a range of different generations of iPods until we got our iPhones. i do love my iMac the most though...i''ve never had a virus but then again, i''ve only had it for a year and a half. i got the 24-inch screen and it''s incredibly vibrant and clear. some of my buddies that have MacBooks and MacBook pros say the same thing about theirs. some of them have to use Windows for work, and they love the fact that Apple allows you to run it. it''s very user friendly but the downside is that they are more costly than PC''s.

also, the transition of going from PC to Mac is very easy. i spent one night playing around on my iMac and i got used to it quickly.

 

[zoebartlett]

My sister, her husband, and my mom all have Macbooks. I think my brother in law has a Macbook Pro. They love their laptops and they wouldn''t trade them for anything. My mom and my sister have the regualr 13" Macbooks, and the small screen size doesn''t bother them at all. They''re really lightweight, and since they all travel often with their laptops, the weight was something they really considered important.

My husband and I briefly looked at Macbooks a few months ago when we needed a new laptop. We kept going back to the Mac store and we asked a lot of questions. We came so clsoe to getting one but ultimately, we decided to get a 16 or 17" widescreen Sony Vaio instead. My husband built it online, so I think the final price ended up being more expensive than what you''d pay for a basic Macbook. My husband is a computer guy and he finds it easier to work with PCs because that''s all he really knows and it''s what he''s comfortable with. He''s a database admin./developer/analyst. One main reason we decided against a Mac is that we knew we wanted Microsoft Access and Macs don''t have that. My husband creates databases using Access, and he needed a computer to have that capability.

When I get around to buying my own laptop, I may look at Macbooks again. I''ll probably end up with a Sony Vaio though, in all honesty, because I''m familiar with it. I''m not against Macs at all though. Some people are definitely drawn to one or the other I guess.

 

[jcrow]

i'm a huge mac fan. my last powerbook [equivalent to the macbook pro] lasted about 6 years. the screen went out. i bought a 17" mac book pro and have been very pleased. they are easy to use + have barely any virus issues - if any! at my last job, i actually got them to buy a 24" imac [i was on a pc there before] and i loved, loved the imac as well.

 

[mrscushion]

FI and I converted to Macs this year. He has a MacBook Pro and I have a MacBook Air. We love ours. They start up so much faster than PCs and aren''t bogged down by the threat of viruses, and everything seems easier in OSX. Previously I had a PC with Vista and it was the heaviest, clunkiest operating system ever.

I''m actually surprised to hear you''re a programmer on PC. All the developers I know are total Mac-a-holics!

 

[hoofbeats95]

TopoDazzle please do find out.

I don''t know any developers that use Macs! Go figure! Do they install Windows to do it? Cause my stuff isn''t available otherwise.

 

[audball]

I LOVE my Mac. I have a 15" Macbook Pro (bought in ''07 for just under 2k with my student discount, got a free iPod too!).

I had never used one before. I was sick of viruses on my Dell and decided to go for it. It was a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it''s GREAT! My BF has even fallen for them and prefers mine for surfing the internet, etc to his 12 pound 17" dell.

I will never buy a PC again. If you''re concerned about compatability issues, there is Microsoft for Mac to help with Word, excel, powerpoint, and PARALLELS to run the Windows based programs that you still require (getting used to this, my new computer at work is the iMac desktop and it runs both systems, pretty neat.

 

[hoofbeats95]

This might be a dumb question - but if you put Windows on a Mac and happen to be using the windows partition does that open you up to viruses the same as a PC? I presume yes, but I gotta say I have not intsalled to operating systems for dual booting purposes before.

 

[audball]

Date: 7/23/2009 10:11:33 AM
Author: hoofbeats95
This might be a dumb question - but if you put Windows on a Mac and happen to be using the windows partition does that open you up to viruses the same as a PC? I presume yes, but I gotta say I have not intsalled to operating systems for dual booting purposes before.

Not a dumb question at all, I wondered this myself at first, but yes, in this instance you're computer is vulnerable. My laptop (personal, home, etc) doesn't have Parallels. My work iMac does because one of the reporting softwares my job requires is windows based and it has to be that way. I only ever launch the windows portion when I need the program and then I shut it off. You still have to have virus protection for it (which sucks) but if you absolutely only need Windows for one thing or two every now and then, it's a great option, much less maintenance, IMO.

 

[elation]

Hello,
I''m a recent Mac user and switched late last year when I got my hands on a used fully upgraded 13" MacBook white for a decent price. I really love the speed at which it runs, the aesthetic is SO GOOD, but the price of a new one hits hard. I have a dual boot option on it (using BootCamp to run Windows native) so I can play all my Windows games on it. Gotta say, graphics card on a MacBook is definitely not one of its selling points.. but the new unibody ones have much much better cards. Really only need that for playing games though. Mine is about 2 years old now, never met a virus and the battery can still carry for about 4-5 hours with wireless on and a dimmed screen.

I like the 13" size because I''m a student, and that makes it very portable. I just take it to class with a smile. At home, I hook it up to a 22".

What I didn''t like about it is the lack of compatibility with Windows programs (like Office). There are a toooon of gimmicky things in a Mac that make it a real smooth pleasure to use, but I find the Mac versions of Office are hurting. I don''t use my personal laptop for development (only basic HTML, Java, but at work it''s VIM for C++) so if you''re going to run Visual Studio I would definitely recommend increasing your RAM and installing Parallels (to run Windows within Mac OS). On one of the latest unibody Macs this won''t even cause a hiccup in performance!
Last complaint: the prices on everything Apple related! Gotta get those HDMI/DVI cables for the external monitor, extra RAM, I so love the Apple remote...

But even for all that, I love my Mac. I would trade up for a new 08/09 unibody in a heartbeat though.