Advice on buying a macbook needed...

[faith_rider]

Hi Guys,

I have decided to get serious about buying a new laptop. I am also now seriously considering taking the HUGE leap and buying a Macbook...yes...an Apple

I have heard nothing but good things about them and from what I have been reading, it will suit my needs. Originally I hadn't seriously considered the idea due to the cost...but now thanks to a deal I have access to (Woolworths being generous...Shocked) I should be able to pick up an entry level for a touch over $1200 which I will stretch my price range to include.

It is a huge step for me since I have been on Windows since I was about 8 or 9 years old... Some of the pro's I see so far are:

-Mac OSX apparently shits all over Windows and particularly Vista
-Ability to run Windows as well if I really need it
-Good battery and portability
-Great for multimedia? Has iMovie and able to run Final Cut Pro

I have a few questions however....

-How am I going to be for using my old files? Mainly documents.
-How am I going to be trying to use digital cameras and printers? (relatively new)
-How are things such as Firefox and MSN messenger for Mac?

-Most importantly, I am concerned about networking and internet access. Currently, I run my laptop from a fixed LAN cable coming directly from a XP PC through a cross over cable (without router). I am gonna guess that will be a problem with a Mac. I do however, want to make the upgrade to wireless at home (with just one of those standard D-Link Routers I think)...how am I going to be attaching a standard wireless router to an XP PC and trying to access the net via a Macbook running OSX???
-This is really important and could be a deal maker or breaker for me....

Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appareciated

Just for reference: http://www.apple.com/au/macbook/macbook.html I am looking at the base level, 1.83 White MacBook. Cheers.

Thank you very much in advance

Andrew. :D

[leitch]

i just got a MacBook for uni - soooo much better than my desktop PC - the PC just sits there doing nothing now. the mac takes a little bit of getting used to, but you get the hang of it quickly, and they're so easy to use.


-How am I going to be for using my old files? Mainly documents.
fine. i burned most of mine to disk, not a problem just bringing them over

-How am I going to be trying to use digital cameras and printers? (relatively new)
not a problem. plug in the printer and it is immediately recognised - no need for drivers or anything. plug in a digital camera and iPhoto immediately opens, prompting you to import any photos on the memory card - couldnt be simpler

-How are things such as Firefox and MSN messenger for Mac?
again, not a problem. see if you can get a hold of microsoft office 2004 for mac - all the office programs and MSN are on there. load and run easily. as for firefox, just download it and go.

-Most importantly, I am concerned about networking and internet access. Currently, I run my laptop from a fixed LAN cable coming directly from a XP PC through a cross over cable (without router). I am gonna guess that will be a problem with a Mac. I do however, want to make the upgrade to wireless at home (with just one of those standard D-Link Routers I think)...how am I going to be attaching a standard wireless router to an XP PC and trying to access the net via a Macbook running OSX???

Running wireless, you wont have a problem - one of the first things you are asked when setting up your laptop is whether you would like to connect to a wireless network - enter the network name and you are done (built in wireless is great!). this isnt a problem even with a PC-based network - my MacBook is running on the wireless net with 3 other PCs. the only thing it wont do is print on the network, as the printer is connected to a PC, not the router. as for wired, im unsure - someone else could no doubt better answer that question.

if you can, go for the middle range one - faster, bigger hardrive (and i cant remember what else) - go for that one if you can afford it. i love my mac, and im so glad i made the swap!

[tu plang]

ok lets begin.

get a copy of office for mac and all your PC office files will work with minimal issue. only issues you get are formatting descrepencies that you get going from any one computer to another due to varying fonts etc.

digital cameras and printers are pretty much plug and play. digital cameras absolutely, printers will generally need a driver but its all super easy. any USB printer will be compatible.

firefox on mac is good, i am used to safari so i stick with it but either way works nicely. msn for mac used to suck balls, now it only suck a little. doesnt have all the features (god only knows why, every other client has the equivalent features) but is reliable and stable.

not sure of the specifics of your network setup but as long as your PC/router is acting as a DHCP server you will have no issues hooking up a mac to the network. macs will run on pretty much any PC network one way or another anyway and vice versa, all about filling in correct settings. once you get a router you will be set. im currently running a powermac and an imac on a netgear wifi router (both wired mind you ;) )

[faith_rider]

Thanks for the quick reply guys. Appreciate the advice.

I am now pretty set to buy a Mac. leitch, I would go for the mid range model if I am able to buy one... Pretty much in short, I am being given 30% off the Macbook range for one night...but I do not know if they will have the 2.0 or not...hopefully, and if so, I will probably shell out the extra $.

Just one other quick question I forgot to mention...mainly aimed at leitch...what is the battery life like on your MacBook? I want it for uni as well so it is a big thing for me.

Thanks once again guys...much appreciated :D

[leitch]

Just one other quick question I forgot to mention...mainly aimed at leitch...what is the battery life like on your MacBook? I want it for uni as well so it is a big thing for me.

Thanks once again guys...much appreciated :D

mate i havent really noticed too much - i basically use it as a desktop now (so its usually plugged in), but when i have it unplugged, it seems to have pretty decent life. the AC plug dealio is great, too - either have it like an iPod charger (so nice and small and portable) or attach a bigger cable for extra length. the times i have taken it to uni, i've just taken the small plug, so its easy to plug in when you need some more juice.

speaking of plugs and powerpacks - the magnetic plug rocks!

EDIT: just unplugged it and it is saying i have about 4 hours battery life left. thats with the screen up pretty bright, and the volume as loud as it goes..

[faith_rider]

That's great...exactly what I need...I think I am pretty sold now.

Now I just need to be able to get one....

Thanks for your help mate...has been great.

[demo man]

I'll just add to the battery.

I run a battery flat in about two and a half hours if I'm watching a DVD (in the car, for example).

At school, I can use it on and off for a whole day (on for about 3-4 hours all up I spose) and there will still be a fair bit left.

It's also super easy to use the power adapter - the Mac adapter is was neater and less fidlly than normal power adapters - you'll see what I mean when you get one. It may be possible to plug in more often than you think anyway.

Worst comes to worst - extra batteries aren't too expensive.

everything else - been answered really. You won't regret it. If you have a problem, ask, and there's almost certainly a solution.

As for firefox - once you start using Safari you'll probably want to use it all the time. great browser. same with Mail - really good client.


Enjoy.

[Richo 18]

There is only ONE problem with macs

and it dosnt concern 95% of the population

It dosnt concern me, but iv got a mac, :D iMac 2005-6
and iv always had macs, but some of my mates are like,

"oh but I would never buy a mac, you cant play (insert uber nerdish windows game here)

If your into nerdish gaming... no mac for u buddy

but otherwise, they are so much simpler yet sophisticated, and everything is designed to work together with eachother so u never have compatibillty problems :D

$0.02

EDIT: yeh use the D-link, works a charm, enough said, u shouldnt have any probelms with having windows and mac on the same router because, well interenet is internet (put basically) u dont buy internet for windows and internet for mac!, and with the printer, you just have to buy an air port extreme, and hook it up to the printer, then all comps can access it. Theyr also great for wireless speakers =D

[faith_rider]

Hehe...thanks for the input Richo :)

It doesn't really bother me too much...it is mainly for uni/the net/multimedia stuff.

Apparently you can run those games if you simply use bootcamp to enable windows xp to boot and yer...you pretty much have a Windows PC except on a mac...apparently that is...doesn't bother me if that doesn't work though :)

Thanks again for the advice! :D

[tu plang]

Hehe...thanks for the input Richo :)

It doesn't really bother me too much...it is mainly for uni/the net/multimedia stuff.

Apparently you can run those games if you simply use bootcamp to enable windows xp to boot and yer...you pretty much have a Windows PC except on a mac...apparently that is...doesn't bother me if that doesn't work though :)

Thanks again for the advice! :D

for the record it works flawlessly.

[faith_rider]

That's awesome to hear! :D

Talk about practicality... you couldn't ask for more than IMO.

Cheers!

[faith_rider]

Hey guys...just thought I would post an update.

I brought my new MacBook (2.0ghz white) yesterday for $1350...thats a saving of $750 which I am utterly stoked on!!!

So far I am really liking the experience. Highlights include:
-Great battery
-Sexy computer and a bloody nice screen..never seen better
-Networking was brilliant...at first I plugged my wired connection in expecting problems but I was blown away when it connected to the net...no questions asked...no set up...no worries... Wireless was just as simple... I am stoked on that!
-Mac OS X has some great features!
-Garage Band rocks...I love it already!
-Many other great programs!
-Small little things like the Magsafe adapter, built in cam, latchless lock...just nice little touches.

Few minor gripes I am having:
-Coming from a 15.4" I am finding adjustment to a 13.3" a little hard.
-Not a massive fan of the trackpad or the speaker quality.
-Was shocked to see how much of the HD all the pre-installed stuff took up. The comp has a 80gig and its telling me I have 56.7 free out of the box!
-Mac OS X is a learning curve...I like it...but its different and takes some getting used to.
-As I read in some reviews...the edge of the laptop near the trackpad and where your arms rest is kinda sharp...shocked me at first but I think I am slowly getting used to it...stupid mistake by Apple though!

Anyway...that's just my quick little update...so far I am one happy customer and think I am well on my way to becoming Mac convertee...

Thanks once again for the previous help guys...cheers.

Andrew.

[Jeebus]

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/05/15macbook.html

they have just been all updated to 2.16 process and 1 gig of ram, sorry to pop the bubble.. also use aduim for msn, the best IM client for mac.

[faith_rider]

Yup...knew that was going to happen...the Apple rep told me when I brought this one...hence part of the reason the price I got it for was so cheap!

I really don't mind..I am happy with this and the features of the new ones really aren't that different...

[W2ttsy]

Yup...knew that was going to happen...the Apple rep told me when I brought this one...hence part of the reason the price I got it for was so cheap!

I really don't mind..I am happy with this and the features of the new ones really aren't that different...

you are actually entitled to a product return if the machine you have was outspec'd within 14 days of purchase. whether the dealer voided this cos it was a run out deal or not is another story...

http://www.apple.com/au/support/store/postpurchase.html

cheers on the purchase tho...

W2ttsy

[faith_rider]

I'd say that is the case.

This is how my deal went down:

-They were $2100 before I brought it.
-I get to the Staff sale thingo...and the Apple rep tells me that they are now about $1700 because a new model is expected to come out.
-I then get another 20% off that price for the staff sale.
-I pay around $1350 in the end.

I'd say that means that the return for an outdated model will be void because of that. Not a huge deal...I am happy with this one and the price I paid for it. If I would have paid full price it might be a different story...

Cheers :D

[ilostmypassword]

Congrats on the right choice *thumbs up* :D The Macbooks are a sweet machine. I'd max out the RAM though.. you will notice a HUGE difference in performance.

For usability of OSX you must use Expose. *F12* then you will be cooking. Joining the Australian Mactalk (http://forums.mactalk.com.au/) forum is a good place to hang & pickup some tips.

Enjoy!

[Jeebus]

Hey guys...just thought I would post an update.

I Few minor gripes I am having:
-Mac OS X is a learning curve...I like it...but its different and takes some getting used to.

Andrew.

My 7 year old brother picked it up it 1-2 days..
Cant wait for leopard (new os) but is now due out in October :mad:

Have fun with it

[leitch]

Few minor gripes I am having:
-Coming from a 15.4" I am finding adjustment to a 13.3" a little hard.
get some glasses ;)
-Not a massive fan of the trackpad or the speaker quality.
what is your gripe with the trackpad? i've never noticed the problem with the speakers - mine is plugged into my Panasonic Mini Hi-Fi - speakers sound great ;)
-Was shocked to see how much of the HD all the pre-installed stuff took up. The comp has a 80gig and its telling me I have 56.7 free out of the box!
yeah this one got me, too... i only have 5.47 gig of space left after loading my music on and after about 5gb worth of photos (none loaded from previous computer - just photos taken in the last 4 months or so since i got the computer) - im just going to need to buy an external drive.. no biggie, i should probably have one to back everything up anyway
-Mac OS X is a learning curve...I like it...but its different and takes some getting used to.
agreed with this one, too - but you get used to it pretty quickly, and i far prefer it, now - i get onto a PC and can never close any windows down because i keep clicking in the wrong corner :o
-As I read in some reviews...the edge of the laptop near the trackpad and where your arms rest is kinda sharp...shocked me at first but I think I am slowly getting used to it...stupid mistake by Apple though!
yeah it is a bit sharp - i think it was a move by apple to make the thing look as smooth as possible when closed - doesnt help much when its open, though. again, its just something you get used to.

enjoy the new computer!

................

[faith_rider]

Hey leith,

Looking back I guess you could kinda call that a first impressions report. Another update...hehe:

-The 13.3" is fine now I have gone through and changed the text and icon sizes. The size is prefect for portability I think.
-I think my trackpad gripe was a trackpad in general gripe...I used to only use a mouse on my old laptop coz it used to just sit at a desk..and now it's being used everywhere I am using the trackpad nearly non-stop it was a change...I am getting used to it now I think!
-Speakers are ok actually...now I have figured out the volume..hehe..as I said..learning curve. Definitely less tinny than my old Acer.

I am definitely getting happier and happier with the switch. Just those tiny things that all add up to make it enjoyable. I love F9, F10, F11 and F12 especially...all great features!

I am bringing the bulk of my old files over now and am yet to have a single compatibility issue which I am happy with. Equivalent Mac OS X programs shit all over the Windows ones IMO so far...

Thanks once again!

Andrew :D

[tu plang]

one hot tip re: the F9 -12 keys is that you can assign those features to 'hot corners'

for instance, i have it set up so that if i flick the mouse to the top right corner it will show the desktop and the top left shows all windows, makes using multiple apps sooo easy.

[faith_rider]

Oh nice! Even easier!

Thanks for the tip! :D

[Elbo]

Congratulations on your purchase mate. I own a Macbook Pro and it is a great computer. Really the only reasons I went for the Pro model over the Macbook were the size of the screen (after owning a 12" iBook, i wanted something bigger with a higher resolution), the keyboard (didn't really like the Macbook keyboard) and the sharp edges of the Macbook on your hands and wrists. The performance is almost overkill for me, but those little things about the Pro model made my decision. Plus I could actually get a better deal buying a Pro model than a Macbook, through my Dad's business, and Apple's family/staff discount.

If you're after any tips for Mac OS X, feel free to PM me and I'll do my best to help you out.

One tip: Learn to use your keyboard shortcuts. Very useful, and there are a lot more, and a lot more useful ones than with windows. Hot Corners, Smart Folders, Spotlight and Labels are very useful is organising and sorting through information and files.

Automator is also very good for repetitive tasks. I've created Automator workflows for converting pictures to JPG and creating an icon, using the picture as the icon. These actions can be put in Mac HD > 'username' > Library > Workflows > Applications > Finder. This will mean that if you select a file and right click, or control-click, then you will see a pop up menu, and under 'automator' you can quickly select the workflow that you want to run on that file.

[Nic_stp]

mate, i own the blackbook, and i have had no problems at all, i run msn and firefox and regularly use a digital camera and digital video camera, the macbook immediatley recognises them.

Perform regular software updates to keep youself out of trouble

[sockman]

nice choice. im using an ibook g4 as we speak, battery life is great, i can easily get 3-4 hours out of it. sometimes up to 5 hours if im only using msn and safari... cant complain about speakers etc... all up i rekon theyre great computers for the price!

[Jeebus]

i got an old ibook g3 that works pretty well but only gettting 20 minutes or less out of the battery