Convince me to buy a Mac

[RoJoHen]

Well, you don't really have to convince me. I've already decided that my next computer will be a Mac, but I don't know which one! I want a laptop, and I'm trying to decide between the current MacBook and the MacBook Pro. I know the Pro has the new multi-touch trackpad, but I can't really decide if that's worth the extra cost. I noticed they're also still selling the MacBook White, which doesn't seem to have a lot of major differences...except that it's not as pretty.

There's no real rush. My current computer (Sony Vaio) works all right, but it's 4 years old and starting to show signs of its PC age. However, since it's Tax Refund season, and since my birthday is at the end of the month, I figured it would be a good time to treat myself.

So...what can you tell me? Keep in mind that I have very little knowledge about computer hardware, so if you tell me it has a Dual Core Processor or a Lithium battery, I have no idea what that means!

 

[Hermiod]

The screen, battery life and eventual recyclability (if that matters to you) of the new MacBooks are better than the old white plastic ones.

The most basic reason I can give you for switching is that Mac OS just doesn't nag you as much as Windows does. I never find myself typing away only for a dialogue box from another application to pop up and steal focus. I genuinely find doing what I want to do easier on my Mac. It often feels like my Windows PC is fighting me and constantly demanding attention.

If you're trying to choose between a MacBook or a MacBook Pro, the gap closed quite a bit with the new Unibody models. MacBook Pros have a better, larger screen, more expandability and better graphics hardware. However, you sacrifice portability somewhat as they're larger and weigh more.

 

[spinnerlys]

The new MacBook (Unibody, Aluminum) has multi-touch capabilities too, but a worse screen than the MBP, no FireWire (important if you have devices that only function with FW) and "only" an integrated graphics card (which is quite good).

So what it comes down to, is what you want to use the notebook for.

Btw, the 15" MBP is not that heavy to lug around. I carry mine daily in a backpack and sometimes I wonder, if I even packed it.
It's just more expensive.

 

[Guartho]

Easy. Mac ownership is the only cure for this.

 

[John Picard]

Ever since I went to a Mac mini, I couldn't be happier. It is one of the bestest birthday presents I ever bought myself.

Based on what you posted, I'd say the MacBook is plenty for what you need.

 

[Locutus of Bored]

Easy. Mac ownership is the only cure for this.

Being hot?

 

[Hermiod]

Easy. Mac ownership is the only cure for this.

Being hot?

Well, there's that, but one article I read on the subject of this ad is that she's bought a really bad laptop. The spirit of the ad is one thing, yes Macs can be expensive, but the message they've actually managed to send is that Microsoft will allow their operating systems to be run on underpowered hardware that's incapable of running the OS properly. The laptop in question has the sort of specification that has sparked lawsuits over their claims to be "Vista Ready".

Another article suggests that the ad is misleading since the $699 price she pays gets her Vista Home Basic which leaves her with a computer that is not effectively comperable to even the lowest end Mac. Vista Home Premium would be $850.

So, while the idea is okay - you can buy a cheap laptop that will do what you want, it's not presented very well if you look more closely.

 

[Locutus of Bored]

You put way more thought into that than I did. I just thought she was cute in a Lisa Loeb meets Agent Red from '24' kind of way. I wasn't even aware there was a computer in the video.

 

[Hermiod]

You out way more thought into that than I did. I just thought she was cute in a Lisa Loeb meets Agent Red from '24' kind of way. I wasn't even aware there was a computer in the video.

Oh, I definitely noticed the hot part first.

Joy of Tech isn't too impressed with her - here or here.

Besides, now I know Agent Freckles was in Enterprise she's a lot less attractive.

 

[TheBrew]

I remember coming across an article at a tech site that tried to build their own Mac Notebook and found that the cost was the same... it only became redic once you started getting the all the extra options (NEVER buy memory from Apple). I've had a MBPro for the last three years and I love it. Try for a refurbished one from the apple store, could save you some money. And get a student discount.

 

[CorporalClegg]

I think I'm in love....


The chick was nice too.

 

[Jadzia]

The most basic reason I can give you for switching is that Mac OS just doesn't nag you as much as Windows does. I never find myself typing away only for a dialogue box from another application to pop up and steal focus. I genuinely find doing what I want to do easier on my Mac. It often feels like my Windows PC is fighting me and constantly demanding attention.

While I agree with Hermiod on this, I've found my osx machine to be a constant disappointment. But I do like the fact that it starts up quickly. I use both machines a lot, and my end vote has to be with windows.

I'm not for or against either organization. I'm unbiased in my judgement. I'm purely going on my own productivity and comfort and satisfaction with each of the machines.

But important to note: Vista (and what I anticipate of Windows 7) deters me away from windows platform. I'll stick with older versions of the windows operating system.

 

[Hermiod]

^If they let you.

 

[Small White Car]

I want a laptop, and I'm trying to decide between the current MacBook and the MacBook Pro.

2 Questions:
Are you doing anything processor intensive? (Video rendering?)
Do you need firewire?

I'm going to jump ahead and assume you've said 'no' to both of those. That leaves you one question:

- What size screen do you really want?

(I could turn this into an hour long conversation, but I think that's the short way of doing it. Just focus on the physical size and then go from there. Is there an Apple store or Best Buy near you where you can get your hands on them both?)

(NEVER buy memory from Apple)

This is true 95% of the time, but every now and then the stars aline and it works out better to buy from Apple. The O.P. should check www.crucial.com and see which is cheaper: maxing the RAM with them or maxing the RAM having Apple do it. Usually Crucial will win, but it's worth checking both just to be sure!

 

[Mr. B]

Your current VAIO and Windows assumes you know a little bit about computing. With OSX, the user is presumed to be a complete moron which means everything is "easier."

 

[Small White Car]

Your current VAIO and Windows assumes you know a little bit about computing. With OSX, the user is presumed to be a complete moron which means everything is "easier."

Examples?

 

[Crusher Disciple]

My reason for the Macbook Vs the MBP was the fact that my arms are so short. I found that the trackpad and keys were set out too far from the edge of the laptop on the MBP for me to feel comfortable.

And now I love my macbook. It's like my new best friend.

 

[Warp Coil]

I'm a current mac user, so I don't need any convincing to buy one. However, I'm stuck trying to decide between the 15" and 17" MacBook Pro. I've got a four-year-old PowerBook that I'm used to, so I think I should stick with a laptop instead of buying an iMac. I like having portability. I'm really attracted to the 17" MacBook Pro due to the size of the display and the 8-hour, built-in battery. However, it is ridiculously expensive and I wonder if the larger laptop would really impair portability.

 

[Small White Car]

I'm a current mac user, so I don't need any convincing to buy one. However, I'm stuck trying to decide between the 15" and 17" MacBook Pro.

When you're at home, do you use your laptop mostly on the sofa or mostly at a desk?

Because for me, I'm usually at a desk anyway. So my next laptop will probably be a 13" version with a 24" DVI monitor and full-sized keyboard at home.

That's the best of both...full sized at home, but small on the road.

 

[CorporalClegg]

My reason for the Macbook Vs the MBP was the fact that my arms are so short. I found that the trackpad and keys were set out too far from the edge of the laptop on the MBP for me to feel comfortable.

And now I love my macbook. It's like my new best friend.

Does it accompany you to dance class?