macbook pro or not?

[bergman]

right now i have a gateway with a 2ghz dual core, 3 gb of ram and like a 320gb hard drive. i really like the overall flow of osx, and my step brother just got one and damn, they are sleek. what are your thoughts, do you think it would be worth the upgrade or just save the money. this money is also going to use up about half of my summer paycheck.

[underOATH]

I've had my MBP for about 4 months now and I absolutely love it. Many other people will tell you fuck Apple and they suck and blahblah but they make good merchandise. Granted, you can probably get a different laptop for way cheaper that'll run the same specs as a new MBP; keep that in mind if finances are iffy for you. If you can afford it though, I'd say go for it.

I'm a student so I take my laptop with me all over the place. The battery life is very good, which is super important for me. Wifi is easy to set up (way easier than everything I've had to go through in the past using Windows). In fact, most of the setup process is quite simple.

A lot of people will also tell you that you can't get as many or as high quality programs on OSX than you can on Windows, but this isn't necessarily true. Firstly, I think most of the time they're referring to computer games. While it might be more difficult to find games for OSX, it's entirely possible (if necessary, you can download a certain program that lets you run something like Windows while OSX is up so you can boot Windows-only games. I forgot the name or how it really works though). Valve's Steam is also about to be released for OSX.

Something that a lot of people brush off but I find EXTREMELY useful is the backlit keyboard. I do a lot of working and typing in the dark (if I'm in bed or can't sleep or what have you) and the keyboard is a savior. Some of my friends have other non-Apple laptops and some have regular Macbooks without backlit keyboards and I enjoy watching them not being able to type in a darker environment when I have absolutely no difficulty

So again, it can be somewhat expensive but if you can afford it and want one, definitely go for it. It's a great running machine.

Disclaimer: I have had ZERO experience with Windows7. Snow Leopard all the way

[Biggie Smalls]

Depends if you want to be spoon fed (Apple), or you can make your computer your bitch without much difficulty (Microsoft).

[Jesus of Nazareth]

Originally Posted by Biggie Smalls

Depends if you want to be spoon fed (Apple), or you can make your computer your bitch without much difficulty (Microsoft).

This, its like comparing a $40,00 tricycle to a BMW M5. At least with the trike you can be a hipster and not be so scared of the web.

[Pooka]

Originally Posted by underOATH

I've had my MBP for about 4 months now and I absolutely love it. Many other people will tell you fuck Apple and they suck and blahblah but they make good merchandise. Granted, you can probably get a different laptop for way cheaper that'll run the same specs as a new MBP; keep that in mind if finances are iffy for you. If you can afford it though, I'd say go for it.

If you can afford a mbp, you can afford a better windows computer. Then you can make a hackintosh in you are so inclined.

Originally Posted by underOATH

I'm a student so I take my laptop with me all over the place. The battery life is very good, which is super important for me. Wifi is easy to set up (way easier than everything I've had to go through in the past using Windows). In fact, most of the setup process is quite simple.

If battery life is an issue, you can buy those computers with 9 cell batteries. Also, wifi is easy as shit in windows 7. Its just clicking the network and typing in the password if applicable.

Originally Posted by underOATH

A lot of people will also tell you that you can't get as many or as high quality programs on OSX than you can on Windows, but this isn't necessarily true. Firstly, I think most of the time they're referring to computer games. While it might be more difficult to find games for OSX, it's entirely possible (if necessary, you can download a certain program that lets you run something like Windows while OSX is up so you can boot Windows-only games. I forgot the name or how it really works though). Valve's Steam is also about to be released for OSX.

Apps might be the only place where OSX wins. There are lots of cool apps I wish I had in Windows. However, running windows apps in crossover sucks shit. Additionally, if you are going to be running windows on your mac, you should have just bought a windows.

Originally Posted by underOATH

Something that a lot of people brush off but I find EXTREMELY useful is the backlit keyboard. I do a lot of working and typing in the dark (if I'm in bed or can't sleep or what have you) and the keyboard is a savior. Some of my friends have other non-Apple laptops and some have regular Macbooks without backlit keyboards and I enjoy watching them not being able to type in a darker environment when I have absolutely no difficulty

Many normal computers also have backlit keyboards, so this is a moot point.

Originally Posted by underOATH

So again, it can be somewhat expensive but if you can afford it and need one, definitely go for it. It's a great running machine.

Corrected.

The only time I can think of when you would need a Mac would be if you developed iPhone/iPod/iPad apps.

[FireStarter]

You could probably buy a laptop for half the price of a Macbook with the same specs. They charge far too much for what it is. The components that go into Macbooks aren't worth anywhere near what they charge.

Over priced hipster garbage in my opinion.

[bergman]

okay so i went to bestbuy today for some shit and was looking at a mbp, and i decided to start messing with the ipad. damn are those things fun to play with, i am now torn between 2 things. 1 buying a macbook pro, and using my laptop(vista) when needed or loaning to friends when we play aoe or something.
2, buying ipad and putting windows 7 on my laptop.

[FireStarter]

Just avoid Mac products altogether. They are vastly overpriced.

If you really, genuinely like OSX, there are ways of running it on a normal laptop, saving you half the price. Please don't be another moron who pays $2000+ for a laptop because its the trendy thing to do. I'd say upgrade your laptop to 7, and look into dual-booting OSX. Best of both worlds and costs you tons less.

[bergman]

macs are so much better built. i love the aluminum enclosures and the overall sleekness

[FireStarter]

If thats worth paying twice as much for a laptop with lesser specs to you, have at it I suppose... Wouldn't catch me paying more than the components are worth for something.

[RDProgrammer]

you are exactly what is wrong with people these days. "This looks cool, its a giant iPod touch, I'm gonna get it" Nevermind you're being (to quote earlier) spoonfed Apple's stuff. If you want the look of OSX there are easy to set up interfaces for windows or even better for Linux. This thread needs to be over before I loose any more faith in humanity.

RDP

[v0x]

People who buy Macs have no sense of value. Why are you paying for waaaay overpriced hardware, a freeware OS, and a mouse with one button? You do know that you can just install Unix on your laptop and get the same thing, right? Right? ...please say yes.

[uncutdiamond]

Mac is overrated.

[BaconPie]

Originally Posted by v0x

...a mouse with one button?

Mac's support up to, or more than, 5 mouse buttons. There are three people in this thread who have used OSX and these are the people who haven't are telling you to avoid it like the plague. Wtf.

OSX is a great operating system, it wins were Windows fails - Unix support and decent shell support and it also wins were linux fails - Closed source software support. Photoshop and bash both work great. TOGETHER. It's utilities are also far better - Activity Monitor is x1000000 better than Task Manager or even top *shudder*. Spotlight search is almost too fast. Workspaces, such a basic function that isn't put into Windows for some bizarre reason. Applications stay in memory when you close them so when you need them again, they open instantly. It does this and still manages to use less memory that Windows. Everything is just less of a chore now. It feels like linux but without all the setting up crap and support for pro software. In fact, things are so much easier that even my mum could use this; the UI design is top notch.

While on the subject of software, compatibility isn't needed when your basic functions come built in. Sure you can download about 300 workspace managers for Windows but OSX does it anyway. Sure you have more than 4 programs to mount an .iso image but OSX does it anyway.

However, OSX isn't £1000 better. I miss some hardware functions and if someone told me I had to pay £2000 for my what I have right now I'd tell them to shove it. I've built a MacPro for about £700.

[Irukanji]

I bought an Acer Aspire 5740G for about $820(on special, plus cashback). To put it simply, if you need anything more powerful just make a cheap PC to your specs. This is 2.13GHz i3, 4gb ram, 500gb hdd(overkill), ATI mobility radeon HD 5650 w/ 1gb, etc.

Just find a cheaper laptop with the same specs or similar as a macbook pro and buy that. TBH, windows products are better, because im biased and because they dont look as gay as that OSx system with the shit all down the bottom.

[Auschwitz Nazi Disneyland]

Once I get my money sorted out, I am buying an ASUS G73. That is all.

[Irukanji]

Originally Posted by underOATH

I'm a student so I take my laptop with me all over the place. The battery life is very good, which is super important for me. Wifi is easy to set up (way easier than everything I've had to go through in the past using Windows). In fact, most of the setup process is quite simple.

ALL schools have power points, either in libraries or in classrooms.

A lot of people will also tell you that you can't get as many or as high quality programs on OSX than you can on Windows, but this isn't necessarily true. Firstly, I think most of the time they're referring to computer games. While it might be more difficult to find games for OSX, it's entirely possible (if necessary, you can download a certain program that lets you run something like Windows while OSX is up so you can boot Windows-only games. I forgot the name or how it really works though). Valve's Steam is also about to be released for OSX.

Or just use windows. There is nothing wrong with windows. I had a WinXP SP3 which never crashed, and the only time it did was because the hdd was busted(too me some time to figure that out/afford a new one/get time to get to the shop to buy it). And the last time the winxp crashed, was when a maglite dropped onto the laptop and destroyed something inside ;p

Something that a lot of people brush off but I find EXTREMELY useful is the backlit keyboard. I do a lot of working and typing in the dark (if I'm in bed or can't sleep or what have you) and the keyboard is a savior. Some of my friends have other non-Apple laptops and some have regular Macbooks without backlit keyboards and I enjoy watching them not being able to type in a darker environment when I have absolutely no difficulty

After 11 years typing, i can say the majority of the people with the same or even less time typing dont look at the keys to tell them what they are writing. Even now im not looking at the keys. My fingers are pre-programmed to know where all the keys are, which is why when you get a new keyboard it take a little while to get used to.

So again, it can be somewhat expensive but if you can afford it and want one, definitely go for it. It's a great running machine.

From what i have heard they are good, but they are 1. apple, 2. expensive(2.5k for a laptop with almost the same specs as this $800 one)

Disclaimer: I have had ZERO experience with Windows7. Snow Leopard all the way

Win7 is a strange beast. Comming straight from WinXP, i can say they fucked everything, changed some words, etc. But once you figure out how to change everything, it is sweet.

[Room_101]

For anyone looking into the possibility of purchasing a Macbook Pro, you might want to take a look at this comparison. I was quite taken aback by this, I'm looking at a notebook upgrade sometime in the not-too-distant future and now there is NO way I can justify buying a MBP.

Macbook Pro i7:
Intel Core i7
4 GB RAM
500 GB 5200 RPM HDD
SD card reader
NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 512MB
15 inch display
and that's all for $2200.

Now an alternative, the Asus G73JH-A1. It's got a lot of the same features of the MBP, I'll go over them...
It's got an Intel Core i7, but has 8GB of RAM, 2x500GB 7200 RPM drives, 17 inch display (I know some may prefer 15 inch, I would, but it's only available with 17), BLU-RAY drive!, top of the line graphics: ATI Radeon HD5870 with 1GB GDDR3 VRAM, a multi-card reader, backlit keyboard, HDMI port and 4 USB ports, (more ports than MBP), LED-backlit display, decent battery life with included 8-cell battery, also very capable built-in speakers and audio processor. AND it comes with a Razer gaming mouse and a backpack!

And that's for $1700. The one without Blu-Ray is 100 less. Also, it's supposed to run really quiet and have excellent heat dissipation, the Macbook Pro brings up some concerns in this department...

So, I think, there's really no comparison here. How could anyone throw down an extra 500-600 when you're getting so much less. The way I see it, the ONLY advantage the Macbook Pro has is its design, I think the unibody enclosure looks quite slick. But the design of the Asus is excellent too, I really like the matte black finish and minimalist design.

Oh, and I might add, if you REALLY want to own face in the speed department, with the Asus you could swap out one of the hard drives with a lower-capacity SSD drive. Put the OS and your apps on there, use the other drive for storage. And even though SSD drives are pretty expensive, you could STILL spend less than you would have on a MBP.

[FireStarter]

Originally Posted by Room_101

(Windows Laptop vs. MBP comparison)

I think you hit the nail right on the head there. Certainly demonstrates how little you are getting for your money.

Where is that huge difference in price going? Oh yeah... People who buy Apple products are buying a brand name... A steep price to pay so you can call yourself a hipster faggot.

[blip]

It took me an hour or so to make Ubuntu 9.10 look like a Mac, complete with the dock, global menu, and apple icons. I did it so I could show someone that it is easily done and also I booted it off my flash drive on an actual Mac with the help of the PLoP boot CD to blend in with the others in the room. Look for guides. http://sourceforge.net/projects/mac4lin/

[A$AP Weed Smoker]

hahah yeah buy that bootleg computer to save a couple hundred

who cares if it comes with a shit load of spyware and won't work very well in one year

[Curb Stomp]

My friend got a MBP as a gift and regrets it. Sure it's nice if you want a virtually idiot proof computer but then again you shouldn't be using a computer if you're that big of an idiot.

[InToXiCoLoGisT]

Originally Posted by Weed Smoker

hahah yeah buy that bootleg computer to save a couple hundred

who cares if it comes with a shit load of spyware and won't work very well in one year

Format with ubuntu and your choice of windows. Hell, throw in OSX or what ever you want. People get spyware because they don't know how to use a computer/internet safely.

[Agathokakological]

I have a macbook (regular, not pro), and have no regrets with it. I paid about $1000, and most laptops I saw of about the same specs were $650-$700. I love OS x, it's simple and does what I want. I have used linux and windows in the past, but OS x works just as well in my opinion.

I didn't buy it to be trendy, though lots of people do. Lots of people use linux because people on the internet claim it to be better, and are actually following this internet trend.

I've never had a problem with any programs, though I play games on a console (which I prefer anyway). The battery life is a huge plus, I easily get 6-7 hours out of it.

[sketchy]

So would most people say to just check the specs and then check the price tag? Or does anyone have any specific suggestions as to certain models? I'm looking into buying a laptop and Mac seems to be way overpriced compared to similar laptops. The only justification people give is when doing video/music editing they're "the bomb." If I was looking for a laptop for school: quick internet use, essays and research, what would be a less ridiculously priced "bomb?"

[InToXiCoLoGisT]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...744-_-08052010

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...d_17_T78-15631

look at specs

[Jerry]

Buy a non-apple system and if you must just run OSX on it. ...?

[Agathokakological]

Originally Posted by Jerry

Buy a non-apple system and if you must just run OSX on it. ...?

Last time I checked; that doesn't work very well.

[FireStarter]

Originally Posted by Agathokakological

Last time I checked; that doesn't work very well.

You're absolutely right, but it depends on the hardware. Some hardware it takes to much better than other hardware. Keep in mind, OSX is designed for a limited range of hardware that Apple uses, so it doesn't natively support most "off the shelf" parts. I'd assume there are listings of components it works best with out there.

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by Agathokakological

Last time I checked; that doesn't work very well.

Oh right. I've never tried. But say you bought the same hardware apple uses....you'd still save a fortune

[Eridani]

Never even looked at a Mac screen, have no idea what OSX even looks like but is it worth it to have to put up with anything to do with Apple? Incompatibilities etc. Just get Windows 7.

[Agathokakological]

Originally Posted by Gith

Never even looked at a Mac screen, have no idea what OSX even looks like but is it worth it to have to put up with anything to do with Apple? Incompatibilities etc. Just get Windows 7.

I've never had real issues with compatibilities. Sometimes I use an alternative program; but I prefer them in most cases anyway.

[Lanny]

Originally Posted by FireStarter

You're absolutely right, but it depends on the hardware. Some hardware it takes to much better than other hardware. Keep in mind, OSX is designed for a limited range of hardware that Apple uses, so it doesn't natively support most "off the shelf" parts. I'd assume there are listings of components it works best with out there.

A lot of people blame hardware incompatibilities for mac on non-mac failure. I find it's a lie, the reality is that OSX just so damn much overhead that a computer that would run X+KDE/Gnome or Win7 well can't handle the heavy load of OSX. Half the reason Mac computers are so expensive is that they require high end hardware to manage the hefty requirements imposed by the OS/Userland.

[FireStarter]

Originally Posted by lanny

A lot of people blame hardware incompatibilities for mac on non-mac failure. I find it's a lie, the reality is that OSX just so damn much overhead that a computer that would run X+KDE/Gnome or Win7 well can't handle the heavy load of OSX. Half the reason Mac computers are so expensive is that they require high end hardware to manage the hefty requirements imposed by the OS/Userland.

I've always found the opposite... Apple charges more, but their hardware is lesser than the current "average" PC hardware.

[Lanny]

Originally Posted by FireStarter

I've always found the opposite... Apple charges more, but their hardware is lesser than the current "average" PC hardware.

When comparing the commonly printed stats that's true to a point, but when you look at a full spec sheet you can tell it's nice hardware plus like a dozen little extras which add 20-100 bucks a pop. I point your attention to exhibit A:
http://www.apple.com/macmini/specs.html
On apple's cheapest computer notice the HDMI port, the wireless LAN on a desktop computer, the Bluetooth plus the restrictive (from an engineering point of view) size requires custom made parts instead of the much more economical PCI expansion/replaceable power unit model used in non-mac desktops.

[cense]

Originally Posted by v0x

People who buy Macs have no sense of value. Why are you paying for waaaay overpriced hardware, a freeware OS, and a mouse with one button? You do know that you can just install Unix on your laptop and get the same thing, right? Right? ...please say yes.

I've had my original Macbook for about 4.25 years. It still runs great and does everything I need. How is that bad value? The laptop I had before that was a Toshiba Satellite that I had for two years and it was a piece of junk that broke numerous times and had terrible battery life. Of course, not all Toshibas nor all Satellites are crap either. But some certainly are. Both laptops cost the same amount of money to buy on their respective purchase dates.

I've used Linux for a long time now and the Linux desktop is not as efficient, integrated or consistent as OS X in my opinion but I certainly don't care if some people think differently.

I love Linux, I love working on computers, I love getting deals. But I also love consistency, knowing something will just be there and work when I need to use it as a tool to get something done. I used to love tweaking and modifying Windows and Linux installs on budget hardware but now I love a computer that just keeps working and that's exactly what my Macbook has been. My personal desktop/server/laptop systems are no longer my "fun" systems, I use work for that (and they can buy much better toys anyways!).

Of course, I say none of that to put down PCs, Windows, Microsoft, Linux, FOSS nerds or any of that. Find what works for you and use it.

[Amie]

Originally Posted by cense

...the Linux desktop is not as efficient, integrated or consistent as OS X in my opinion...

You do realise there is no such thing as "the Linux desktop", right? Each distribution has it's standard desktop for the supported desktop environments, but you can tweak any (well, most) of them to whatever you want it to be. You can make it look like any version of OSX or Windows or like a spaceshuttle terminal if that floats your boat.

Originally Posted by cense

...knowing something will just be there and work when I need to use it as a tool to get something done...

In that case, either use Windows 7 (if you don't want to bother with the compatibility problems Mac users undoubtedly experience in this Windows-ridden world) or BSD if you really want stability and security first.

Originally Posted by cense

Find what works for you and use it.

True, true. Not trying to convince you to quit using Macs, just trying to point out why I think a mac may not be the worst option but is seldom the best option.

[Lanny]

Originally Posted by Amie

In that case, either use Windows 7 (if you don't want to bother with the compatibility problems Mac users undoubtedly experience in this Windows-ridden world) or BSD if you really want stability and security first.

I agree with most of your post but keep in mind that OSX is basically an X replacement + desktop environment + widow manager + userland for BSD. That's oversimplified but major parts of the Mac kernel are borrowed from BSD, enough so to call it a derived work IMO.

[Amie]

Originally Posted by lanny

I agree with most of your post but keep in mind that OSX is basically an X replacement + desktop environment + widow manager + userland for BSD. That's oversimplified but major parts of the Mac kernel are borrowed from BSD, enough so to call it a derived work IMO.

Mac OSX is a BSD derative. That's a fact, AFAIK. But it's made to fit Apple hardware and nothing else, and without the ability to acces the root account / do any advanced configuration (without some hacking).

I'm not saying OSX is less stable than a BSD desktop system, but you have no control over your system, wether you want it or not. BSD can give you stability and total control.

[cense]

Originally Posted by Amie

You do realise there is no such thing as "the Linux desktop", right? Each distribution has it's standard desktop for the supported desktop environments, but you can tweak any (well, most) of them to whatever you want it to be. You can make it look like any version of OSX or Windows or like a spaceshuttle terminal if that floats your boat.

Yes, I realize that. When I say "Linux desktop" I mean, GNOME, KDE, fluxbox, XFCE, LDE, enlightenment, all that jazz. And my statement of opinion applies to all of it. You can make GNOME "look like" OS X, but it still isn't as consistent or integrated in my opinion. Skins are just that, skins. The actual rules that govern how a UI work through and through can't be skinned.

Originally Posted by Amie

In that case, either use Windows 7 (if you don't want to bother with the compatibility problems Mac users undoubtedly experience in this Windows-ridden world) or BSD if you really want stability and security first.

Why would I stop using what works for me? My friend runs Windows 7 and OS X all the time, Windows 7 fine I don't have much against it. But OS X works for me and it's both our preference. Also, I don't experience any compatibility issues. I tend to run a lot of UNIX software and OS X is infinitely better at doing this than Windows.

Originally Posted by Amie

True, true. Not trying to convince you to quit using Macs, just trying to point out why I think a mac may not be the worst option but is seldom the best option.

That's fine. We all have our opinions. OS X and this Macbook have worked well for me for more than 4 years. I'm going to stick with it for now since the machine just keeps working. If I get a non-Mac system after this one though, it'll certainly run Linux and not Windows. I just gotta have my *NIX fix.