Miscellaneous laptop discussions : In need of a new laptop, considering an Apple
In need of a new laptop, considering an Apple
by tech_fantatic - 1/14/07 7:58 AMI'm really needing a laptop. I have three, but my main laptop is getting a little older so I would like to replace it. Currently I have the Compaq R3140. So far, it has been a pretty good computer.
I had a blue iMac back in high school and college and I loved it. So, I was thinking of going back. I would like to have some more of the "creative" options that an Apple offers. But, I'm not certain if it is going to be the best option for me.
I use my laptop a lot, so most of the time it is on all day. I'm not really certain if the Apple will be able to handle this, or if this is really good for any laptop. I'm probably going to get an iBook, I was thinking of going with a MacBook pro, but didn't realize quite how costly they were.
Is the iBook going to be able to handle that much work? My laptop now handles it pretty well, but can start to run warm if I am using something like Photoshop elements and keep it up for a while. I mostly do basic computing, i.e. word processing and internet, but do some work with photos, music, etc.
My main concern right now with laptops is the screen. My laptop has the old screen with the matte type finish, which works pefectly for me. I love the new screens, they are great. But, my work space has a large picture window directly behind it, and, unfortunately there is no where else for me to go. On ocassion I do move around, but not much. Is this screen going to be a big problem for me?
As far as purchasing the computer, I would like to use one in person before buying it. But, the Apple store is quite a ways a way. Is going through a reseller OK, or would I be better off ordering online?
Finally. I have 6 computers that I have networked, they are all HP or Compaq. Am I going to have problems if I go with a Mac? I.e. networking, getting online, etc. Is there any main difference I have to consider before jumping into Apple.
All I know is I loved my old Mac and would love to have it back, but that was quite some time ago and I'm not sure if there is anything else I need to consider.
Thanks so much!
Reconsidering the MacBook Pro
by tech_fantatic - 1/14/07 11:26 AM In reply to: In need of a new laptop, considering an Apple by tech_fantaticI am thinking that maybe I would like to go with the MacBook Pro. I don't like the case on the iBook, I'm worried that it will scratch way too easy and not be very durable. I've never dropped a laptop or anything like that and I am very careful with them, but I just don't trust it. Also, I noticed that the Pro offers the non-glossy screen.
It's not like the Pro doesn't offer more for the money. So I think it would be a good option. I'm still going between the too.
But, my question is about the processor on my current computer. I have an AMD Athlon 64 processor 3000+, what would the speed be approximately for that? I'm used to Intel, this was my first AMD, so I was trying to compare the two.
Thanks again.
Here are things to look for.
by PudgyOne - 1/14/07 12:51 PM In reply to: In need of a new laptop, considering an Apple by tech_fantaticI remember when I tried to use Linux, I could not print. The printer I have did not have any drivers for Linux.
Since you had a Mac before, you know how to install and program it. I could NOT get the hang of things.
Most laptops do get warm. I have a Dell, HP and Compaq and the Dell stays a little cooler, after the battery is charged. HP and Compaq still remain warm.
Memory would be your issue and the hard drive. I don't know what the Photoshop requirements are but would consider them and bump them up so it runs without struggling.
Remember the biggest issue is the printer
Hope this helps.
Rick
I was thinking that most of the compatibility issue were...
by tech_fantatic - 1/14/07 2:46 PM In reply to: Here are things to look for. by PudgyOnefixed. I thought this was more of a problem in the past. Is this still an issue now? I have an HP photosmart 3210, does anyone use this with an Apple?
To be honest, I really don't remember much about my Mac. It has been some years now and I really didn't take care of those type things.
Is memory still going to be a problem with the Mac Book pro. I have 512mb of ram now. And I have a 60gb hard drive. I think that Photoshop works pretty good on here, not the best, but overall it is quite good. The only problem is when I open the program, it tends to take a while, but I am assuming that may be a problem with most.
Thanks for your info.
I found this
by PudgyOne - 1/14/07 2:56 PM In reply to: I was thinking that most of the compatibility issue were... by tech_fantatichttps://www.softwareplusonline.com/catalog/productDetail.aspx?productid=pSpeijKULcQ%3D
Your printer should be no problem. The choice now is RAM, HD and your preferences.
Rick
(NT) Great, sounds good (NT)
by tech_fantatic - 1/14/07 6:02 PM In reply to: I found this by PudgyOneI'd go for the Apple
by joshuaren - 1/15/07 1:24 AM In reply to: In need of a new laptop, considering an Apple by tech_fantaticI am a student in highschool, and I just got a Macbook a week ago. This is the first Mac I've ever owned, and i think it's just about perfect. For one, you can run windows on it if you need to, it boots up incredibly fast (around 25 seconds) and the wireless networking is better than any PC I've ever used. One thing you'll notice right away is how everything actually WORKS, and you should have few/no problems that require you to reboot. I have not had any yet. As I read somewhere, the problem with windows is that it gives you a million messages when things aren't working right, and it gives you a million more when they actually do. I find macs much more efficient. But do you want a refurbished ibook or a macbook? the intel macbook is really worth it because it will run windows. And by the way, I have had my macbook in my backback during school, which has notebooks with metal wires in it, and no scratches at all. Of course I have the black one, so I'm not sure if the white material will hold up differently. I use my macbook every day, of course I've only had it for a week, but my school bought the new macbooks for several of the mobile computer labs, and they've been holding up well there. I have not had problems with the glossy screen, I don't think it will be a problem if you position it properly.
Another thing that I read, going from OS X to windows is like having half your brain chopped off, I definitely experienced that feeling when using my HP pavilion laptop....
If you want to do things like photoshop, you'll be better with 2 gb of ram.
One more thing about the networking, if you get another apple computer, you can network with the Bonjour software..I have not used it and I'm not completely sure how it works, but I believe it allows you to be connected to other apple computers on your network.
After two days of using my mac, I don't think i can ever go back....so, i say get a mac, you'll enjoy it.
Thanks for your review
by tech_fantatic - 1/15/07 12:21 PM In reply to: I'd go for the Apple by joshuarenI had a Mac many years ago and I loved it. So I really want to go back, but it is hard to mak that. switch.
I was talking to some other people and they said don't go for a Mac unless you are wanting to do things like graphic design, that PCs are better. And I just don't believe that anymore. I liked my Mac and only used it for school (mostly) so I will see what happens.
Do Macs have a higher resale value than a PC? (Just curious in case I wouldn't want to keep it)
well
by joshuaren - 1/15/07 11:49 PM In reply to: Thanks for your review by tech_fantaticI will admit, PCs trump macs for gaming, but a Mac will do the job of a PC, and almost always it will do it better and faster. In fact I used to say the same things as your friends do, "Macs are for only graphic design, audio editing, and things like that, but Windows is better for everything else". I slowly got convinced otherwise, and my friends' claims turned out to be true. Think about it though, the switch may seem hard, but once you are really facing it, it seems less difficult. If that makes any sense whatsoever (I had some final exams today..nuff said...)
I just asked one of my die hard mac friends and he said that for sure the mac resale values will be higher. I believe that's true too, because there is a high demand for the refurbished macs....but I'll keep my eye out and compare prices.
But honestly, I don't think you'll go back. I know I keep repeating stuff like this, but I wouldn't saying all those things over and over again if I wasn't sure you'd love Macs...if you're really not sure though, try to find a friend or someone who has an intel mac, and try it out....
You should go to Apple.com and read about the macbooks and mac OS X, maybe that will help convince you 
Thanks again
by tech_fantatic - 1/16/07 7:06 AM In reply to: well by joshuarenI'm not really into gaming so that isn't a problem, if I do play a game it is really basic. I just use my PC for the basics and then some basic photo editing. So I think I should be fine there. I know my Mac worked great for school.
I thought I had read Macs have a higher resale value. I won't sell unless for some reason I absolutely have to, but I don't plan to.
I'm already convinced I want one. I just have to decide that it will be my best option and decide which way to go.
Thanks for all your help! Good luck with your exams
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