Are macbooks any good?

[Cybertronic]

And it always comes down to "the experience" with fanboys. Computers are a tool. More often than not, using OSX is an inconvenience. Most OSX users I know dualboot or run Parallells, and struggle to find good native applications that they used to run on Windows. Therefore, OSX fails it as a tool.

Not in my case though, I need a Macbook to run OSX 'legitimately' to have my iPhone applications signed.

Saying computers are a tool is a bit of a vague statement, although not as bad as the other analogies you have stated in previous Mac vs PC threads. If you want to use that word, then you can say that there are different kinds of tools that perform the same job but differently. One of the tools can potentially be more productive than the other however, with a compromise of it being operated in a different way.

What are these applications that the users you know of are unable to find a good native alternative?

Saying OS X fails as a tool is pretty much vague again since you are only speaking on behalf of a minority of users.

 

[RoleyBirkin]

And it always comes down to "the experience" with fanboys. Computers are a tool. More often than not, using OSX is an inconvenience. Most OSX users I know dualboot or run Parallells, and struggle to find good native applications that they used to run on Windows. Therefore, OSX fails it as a tool.

Well I wouldn't much know about that, I'm not a fanboy (or perhaps compared to most, fanman!)
Computers ARE a tool agreed, but you still interact with it, and ergo have experiences with that tool.
As a switcher that was sceptical, I've matched almost 100% of my windows apps in OSX, and I seldom boot into windows.
As I've always said, this classic debate is a very opinion orientated one.

 

[FreeStream]

And it always comes down to "the experience" with fanboys. Computers are a tool. More often than not, using OSX is an inconvenience. Most OSX users I know dualboot or run Parallells, and struggle to find good native applications that they used to run on Windows. Therefore, OSX fails it as a tool.

Not in my case though, I need a Macbook to run OSX 'legitimately' to have my iPhone applications signed.

OS X is my tool.

I have always found OS X versions of windows apps, and in some cases the OS X version is better, so I don't see why this is an issue .

Ok I might be a fan boy, but then again I have been using both systems, side by side for nearly 15 years.

I've got a MacBook Pro. Im a photographer and a training aeronautical engineer, Im still looking to by a Mac Pro instead of a cheaper PC equiv.

There are reasons why people are swapping, and reasons why people don't swap the other way.

As I say, side by side usage for 15 years. The mac has *always* come out on top.

Three points i'd like to make, at some film awards there was a camera pan of the photographers, ALL I saw were Macbook Pros hanging from the Pros shoulders, with a Macbook interspersed in that. Recently a pretty dam quality photographer (Vincent Floret IIRC - took 7 bags of lenses/cameras worth upwards of £100k) who went to Beijing took a 17" MBP. I also know someone who has been running a DTP company since the start, 1980sish, he used to work with typesetters, etc everything. He bought the first mac, then the 2nd and then the 3rd. He also bought a PC, which after about 2 months of using was chucked and he refused to do any work involving Windows software. Recently I asked him if he would get a PC now, and he still wouldn't due to the issues he has to deal with with his family PC at home. That, IMO sums up why apple has a following.

Get a Macbook.

 

[Willbo]

Very very tempted...good comments Concorde_Rules..especially involving photography, I dont mind using Photoshop on my main PC as it has a 24" display, but it would be so nice to be able to get a laptop to take out and about with me for viewing photos once taken, editing etc, using my ipod too etc

With regards to apps, do you need to buy/download Apple versions or will windows versions work? For example....Office, Photoshop etc

 

[LordSplodge]

I'm a Mac owner and I'm sorry to say I'm always running into situations where I need to use Windows. From things ranging from updating the firmware on a mobile phone to logging in to my works VPN.

The only issue I have is with stupid Software/Media companies like Channel Four for example. Oh no I don't have Windows Media Play so I cannot watch their content. No big loss.

No problems doing work on my MacBook without even needing to go near windows.

 

[Ross1234]

Surely having one mouse button is simpler.

Over simplified!

You are perfectly capable of holding shift for a capital letter. Thats not complicated or a weird hand movement.

Why not just have a working delete button?

I would definitely recommend getting a MacBook. Its worth it for OSX alone. All you people seem to only be concerned with specs. For me its about the whole experience, and imo macs/apple provide the best computing experience, even opening the box is pleasurable!

At a price, and Im not sure the extra money is worth it unless your rich and dont care, and in that case i would just buy an amazing pc for the money.

 

[FishFluff]

Over simplified!

Why do you believe it to be "over simplified"? Unlike Windows, Mac OS has always been designed around a single button. It's just the way it is. Why complicate things by changing the way it works simply because more buttons is perceived as being "better" in some way?

I ordered a Macbook because I quite like OS X from the little I've tried it. The main reason though is because I just really liked the look and feel of the new Macbook. Yes, I could probably have got something of a comparable spec from the likes of Dell or Asus, but it wouldn't look as nice. The price difference doesn't concern me because quite frankly I don't mind paying extra for good design and looks. It's as simple as that.

i would just buy an amazing pc for the money.

Howe about you do that then and quit trolling a Mac thread?

 

[LordSplodge]

Over simplified!


Why not just have a working delete button?



At a price, and Im not sure the extra money is worth it unless your rich and dont care, and in that case i would just buy an amazing pc for the money.

1. OS X is designed so that a lot of the time you don't need right click and if you do then how hard is it to tap two fingers on the trackpad? You do know that the new MacBook/MB Pro have no mouse buttons?

2. Again, how often do you need delete? Backspace is need far more and that allows for the keys to be larger (as there are less of them)? It's not like Apple just make this up, they do masses of User Interface research before doing anything. Go download a copy of the User Interface guidelines if you want to see how comprehensive they are.

3. Troll. Whilst far from poor I care about my money and my wallet votes Apple every time. Far from being blind fanboism it is becuase it does the job I need with the minium of fuss or upkeep and looks damn good as a bonus.

 

[aayzof]

..

 

[Rebelius]

I've had a macbook since sunday and I've set up the bottom right corner of the trackpad to be my right click, it's really handy for the few times I want to right click - I haven't needed it much.

I was wondering about the delete key, because shift and backspace was working in maple, but not anywhere else. The other thing that got me was where on earth was #-key??? how can people comment with no # key? but a quick google told me it's a simple alt+3

 

[Ross1234]

Troll.

Im just giving my views, how does that make me a troll? Just because its in an apple forum doesnt mean everyone in it has to be a mac fanboy. He wants to know how it would compare to a regular laptop. Therefore he needs both sides of the argument.

So..........

 

[FreeStream]

Very very tempted...good comments Concorde_Rules..especially involving photography, I dont mind using Photoshop on my main PC as it has a 24" display, but it would be so nice to be able to get a laptop to take out and about with me for viewing photos once taken, editing etc, using my ipod too etc

With regards to apps, do you need to buy/download Apple versions or will windows versions work? For example....Office, Photoshop etc

Office I bought the apple version, iWork but for some reason its slow and at times annoying , but "Neo-office" will do everything you need for free.

Photoshop etc, yes just the mac version.

I use my 24" TFT with my MBP display in Lightroom 2, and actually in general use as well (Has iTunes window etc open on it).

Don't like the way I have to buy a display port to DVI adapter, DVI cables are hefty things and after abit of movement I recon it would break currently screws in firmly to my MBPs casing which is nice.

Instead im buying a MacPro instead of a new Macbook Pro.

At a price, and Im not sure the extra money is worth it unless your rich and dont care, and in that case i would just buy an amazing pc for the money.

Utter bull***!

£300 was the difference between my MBP and the equiv dell.

Would I do it again? Yes.

And im a Uni student btw, im not flushed with cash.

Im just giving my views, how does that make me a troll? Just because its in an apple forum doesnt mean everyone in it has to be a mac fanboy. He wants to know how it would compare to a regular laptop. Therefore he needs both sides of the argument.

So..........

Yes, he is getting both sides of the arguement. From people who have used both consistantly for more than 30 seconds.

Using a mates, or using one in the apple store for 10 mins really doesn't count either. It really is your views that have no impact, the simple fact he has asked the question means he is got his head screwed on and just doesn't buy without researching.

 

[Irish_Tom]

I put this in the other thread with similar themes but just in case people missed it in there:

I don't normally get involved with these discussions because I think it's petty. Both systems will do pretty much the same thing (bar games) equally. Some pieces of software might run better on OSX, some on Windows - I'm pretty sure it balances out in the long run.

The thing that I find funny (coincidence? ) is that the Apple section of the forum is full of people recommending Apple based on positive experiences using Apple products.

Who would have thought that? People use a product, they like it and so they recommend it to others... It's a crazy, crazy world we live in.

What's more crazy is that there are people who come in here and try to negate the views of others based on... I'm not quite sure.

It seems there are a small group of people who dislike Apple just for the sake of it. They might say they have used it and found that they don't like it but I have a feeling that they won't have given it much of a chance before coming to this conclusion. I have a feeling that their strong preconceptions will have clouded their judgment.

This is where I see a big difference. The people that recommend Apple in here have usually had extensive experience with Windows (I know I did before switching) yet they choose to use Apple. This choice is based on experience.

The people that slate Apple usually base their argument on preconceptions rather than experience and any experience they do have has been short and affected by said preconceptions. Perhaps it really wasn't good enough to meet there needs - that's fine, each to their own. It just surprises me how forcefully they try and pass on this message to others.

Panzer

 

[droog]

Well I'm more than pleased with mine.

 

[John-h]

I bought a MBP and it's really nice, very sturdy unibody and really fast graphics.
I'd say get the 2.0GHz MacBook, powerful enough for your photoshopping. (with cs4)

Get. it. now.

 

[ace2109]

Does a Bear **** in the woods????

No words can describe how good they are over a pc, however everyone has different opinions but i firmly believe that when someone uses a mac for any amount of time, be it 15 minutes or a full day they will end up switching.

 

[Caged]

I have a (2 year old) MacBook which I quite like, but £950 to replace it is far too much, so I'll be back on Vista in the next few months.

Always had PC desktops since Apple don't make anything that matches my requirements.

 

[JeremyW]

I have a (2 year old) MacBook which I quite like, but £950 to replace it is far too much, so I'll be back on Vista in the next few months.

Always had PC desktops since Apple don't make anything that matches my requirements.

I'm still using my 2 and a half year old MacBook and haven't felt the need to replace it. I have upgraded the RAM to 2GB and that made a real difference. It still feels quite quick. What is causing you to want to upgrade?

 

[fanger]

I've never really used any kind of Apple desktop or laptop before so relatively a newbie when it comes down to it.

Just wondered are the macbooks any good? Was looking at the ones with the 13" or 15" screen. I'm only really looking at laptops as a backup to my main machine, internet access, photo work/editing, mp3 use. Do the 13"/15" have much power?
Whats the difference between a macbook and a normal laptop with windows for this kind of use?

I used PC's for nearly twenty years.
Started on Windows 3.1, finished on Vista.
MacBooks are VERY good.


Just do the change.
You won't regret it.
Don't try and run Windows on it either.
Just forget windows forever and don't ever look back.

Enjoy the change.

 

[fanger]

OS X is my tool.

I have always found OS X versions of windows apps, and in some cases the OS X version is better, so I don't see why this is an issue .

Ok I might be a fan boy, but then again I have been using both systems, side by side for nearly 15 years.

I've got a MacBook Pro. Im a photographer and a training aeronautical engineer, Im still looking to by a Mac Pro instead of a cheaper PC equiv.

There are reasons why people are swapping, and reasons why people don't swap the other way.

As I say, side by side usage for 15 years. The mac has *always* come out on top.

Three points i'd like to make, at some film awards there was a camera pan of the photographers, ALL I saw were Macbook Pros hanging from the Pros shoulders, with a Macbook interspersed in that. Recently a pretty dam quality photographer (Vincent Floret IIRC - took 7 bags of lenses/cameras worth upwards of £100k) who went to Beijing took a 17" MBP. I also know someone who has been running a DTP company since the start, 1980sish, he used to work with typesetters, etc everything. He bought the first mac, then the 2nd and then the 3rd. He also bought a PC, which after about 2 months of using was chucked and he refused to do any work involving Windows software. Recently I asked him if he would get a PC now, and he still wouldn't due to the issues he has to deal with with his family PC at home. That, IMO sums up why apple has a following.

Get a Macbook.

OK, Big Guy, we hear you. You Like the Mac.