Time to come back to Mac?

3554 Views 24 Replies 14 Participants Last post by Kosh, Jun 25, 2007

neema

Discussion Starter · Jun 11, 2007

Hey everyone,

So as many of you know, about 18 months ago, I was a pretty avid Mac user. I had been using a Mac for about 5 years at that point in time. Then, with the selling of my iBook G4 and my PowerMac G4, I picked up a PC laptop, and that's where it all started.

I'm currently using a Toshiba M200 tablet, which is a great system, but I have started to realize that I am not using the tablet functionality much (used it in classes a lot last year) and it's become more of an anti-productive measure (ie: people always asking to see it and want to play with it and junk)

So, i'm ready to come back to Mac. With Parallels and being able to run Windows apps in OS X, that's all I needed. I'm thinking about going with the 2.16Ghz MacBook, but my only issue is getting used to the 13.3". I'm so accustomed to 12" laptops, (my past 4 have been) that I feel like the extra inch is really going to make a difference.

SO, i'm hoping for some insight here. Switch me back everyone, I think it's time

Thanks!

1 - 20 of 25 Posts

FeXL

· #2 · Jun 11, 2007

If you have to ask, you're not ready...

neema

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jun 11, 2007

Hey now,

I've been a Mac user for such a long time... never really stopped either since I'm around then at work most days.

I'm just really concerned about the shear size of the MacBook. Does it have the same sense of ultra-portablity that the older iBooks, and moreso the PowerBook G4s had?

guytoronto

· #4 · Jun 11, 2007

Go down to your local Mac dealer, and play around with the machines. You can't get a feel for them based on other user opinions.

If your main goal is to load Windows onto it, and use it primarily as a Windows machine, stick with an actual PC.

MACinist

· #5 · Jun 11, 2007

Easy solution: got to an Apple authorized seller in Vancouver to test drive. Best Buy / Future Shop / Simply Computing all should have Macbooks on display.

marrmoo

· #6 · Jun 11, 2007

I have had my Macbook since Jan and do a fair bit of travelling with it. I don't find the size is an issue at all. While at work it sits on my desk in clamshell mode while hooked up to a bluetooth KB and mouse and a 20" Dell monitor.

On the road the screen provides me with ample space for limited times.

Other than having to replace the battery two month in this baby has been great.

Considering replacing my wife's Pismo with a Macbook.

PSSST! Don't tell her that though.

Mississauga

· #7 · Jun 11, 2007

neema said:
Does it have the same sense of ultra-portablity that the older iBooks, and moreso the PowerBook G4s had?

More so.

neema

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jun 11, 2007

Wow, well sounds like I should do it!

The only reasons I would want Windows are for:
1) Windows Live Messenger. As stupid as it is, I just cannot deal with the rather feature-less Mac version.
2) Work. Unfortunately, some applications only work with IE6 on XP.

So, I think I'm going with the 2.16Ghz Macbook with iPod and Printer to use the education and the printer deal. Any other things I should be aware of? Is it worth it to go for the 2.16 as opposed to the 2?

Mississauga

· #9 · Jun 11, 2007

neema said:
Any other things I should be aware of? Is it worth it to go for the 2.16 as opposed to the 2?

Max RAM to 2 GB - you'll have to buy 2 x 1 GB modules - RAM is very cheap, at the moment. Buy from a reputable third party supplier, such as CanadaRAM. Opting for the 2.16GHz model is a good choice - bigger hard drive and ability to write to dual-layer DVD.

mr.steevo

· #10 · Jun 11, 2007

Hi

I have a 12" ibook and my sister has a macbook. It might be just me but when I use hers I quickly forget that I am using a different computer. The macbook is an easy transision except for the fatal flaw.

It bugs me enough to consider a macbook pro over the macbook, but your experience may differ.

s.

Mississauga

· #11 · Jun 11, 2007

French cuffs.

mr.steevo

· #12 · Jun 11, 2007

Touché.

s.

pandora.sugar

· #13 · Jun 12, 2007

Just my two bits. Your mileage may vary.

neema said:
The only reasons I would want Windows are for:
1) Windows Live Messenger.
2) Work.

VMware Fusion is in Beta 4. I've been using it since Beta 1. Rock solid so far. It keeps those pesky little Windows programs sequestered in their own jail. Hunt down a (real) WinXP license. Parallels has its points, but VMware's been doing virtualization forever, and know what they're doing. They also don't use their users as beta testers unless it's actually marked Beta. (Got bitten by that. Thanks for nothing, Parallels.)

You can give each a whirl if you like.

Just be aware that you'll want extra RAM for either Fusion or Parallels. Don't go for the minimum suggested RAM. If you can do 1GB, go for it. I have 2GB and can weight down the machine pretty hard before it starts swapping.

neema said:
Any other things I should be aware of? Is it worth it to go for the 2.16 as opposed to the 2?

I'd opt for more RAM rather than a measly 8% speed increase. RAM is your friend, and OS X uses it well. The more the merrier.

neema

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jun 13, 2007

alright, well thanks for the advice everyone.

i've ordered the macbook 2.16 and I'm going to upgrade the ram to 2gb within the next couple of weeks for sure.

I think for windows the best solution will be to have a small windows partition and use it in Boot Camp and also possibly through Parallels.

I have a feeling that I really won't need Windows all that much once I get settled back on OS X.

Andrew Pratt

· #15 · Jun 13, 2007

I relied on Parallels to hold me over while I switched over to OSX but now there's very little I need XP for as I've found apple alternatives that are as good or better.

cramar

· #16 · Jun 13, 2007

mr.steevo said:
Hi

I have a 12" ibook and my sister has a macbook. It might be just me but when I use hers I quickly forget that I am using a different computer. The macbook is an easy transision except for the fatal flaw.

It bugs me enough to consider a macbook pro over the macbook, but your experience may differ.

s.

What fatal flaw? Has anyone actually used a new MacBook within the last couple of months? Mine is less than 2 months old and it does not have sharp edges. The top piece where the keyboard sits has a slight rounding and sits a fraction of a millimeter above the bottom case. There is no sharp edge to touch your wrist.

HowEver

· #17 · Jun 13, 2007

Thanks, funny thread reference!

If that's what it takes to convince yourself to get a MacBook Pro, then by all means: the MacBook edges are like razors! I've been in and out of the hospital, and they don't believe I'm not suicidal, cutting my wrists like that...

Then again, I have some clamshells that will baby your wrists.

mr.steevo said:
Hi

I have a 12" ibook and my sister has a macbook. It might be just me but when I use hers I quickly forget that I am using a different computer. The macbook is an easy transision except for the fatal flaw.

It bugs me enough to consider a macbook pro over the macbook, but your experience may differ.

s.

Configuration

· #18 · Jun 14, 2007

Off topic but.. I was curious as to how a tablet PC could be used for classes. Is the handwriting feature effective and accurate?

mr.steevo

· #19 · Jun 14, 2007

HowEver said:
Thanks, funny thread reference!

If that's what it takes to convince yourself to get a MacBook Pro, then by all means: the MacBook edges are like razors! I've been in and out of the hospital, and they don't believe I'm not suicidal, cutting my wrists like that...

Then again, I have some clamshells that will baby your wrists.

Hi,

I guess my secret is out.

I'm a delicate flower. I am the princess and the Macbook edges is the proverbial pea.

s.

PS. Did you notice "fatal" and "flaw" are two separate links?

neema

Discussion Starter · #20 · Jun 14, 2007

Configuration said:
Off topic but.. I was curious as to how a tablet PC could be used for classes. Is the handwriting feature effective and accurate?

It kicked ass. But you really have to weigh the factors... for me, I had 3 back-to-back lectures on MWF that were 5 or 6 pages of notes each, so having the tablet was a lifesaver... Good for the environment too.

And after playing with all the apps, Windows Journal turned out to be the easiest to use and the best IMHO.

1 - 20 of 25 Posts

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