First MAC

J273 · 14 Oct 2007 at 22:39

Since getting my iphone not so long back and loving the thing....Im thinking of getting a mac :eek:

never had/used a mac in my life.

i was going to go with a MAC mini but ive decided to go for the better spec macbook basic spec model.

i dont actually plan on using it as a lappy at all ...i only plan on using it as a desktop connected to external /tft/mouse/keyboard

Is the macbook ok at outputting to a dell 24''?

also is it ok to run the mac from the mains at all times with me using as effectively a desktop?

Last thing.....which would you guys go for the cheaper mac mini or the macbook basic spec model?

thanks

J1234 · 14 Oct 2007 at 22:50

Go for the basic MacBook. When you need the portability, it's a great size, and offers a great battery life and performance.

Yes, it's fine to have it plugged in all the time, that's what I do with my MacBook Pro. It will run fine on a Dell 24" monitor.

When you say use it as a desktop, are you planning on never using it as a laptop? If that's the case then a Mac Mini will probably be better for money.

Lastly, wait until the end of October before/if you purchase a Mac as Mac OS X 10.5 is being released (around the 26th ish). I guarantee you will love your new Mac, there are very easy to get used even if you've never used one before.

J273 · 14 Oct 2007 at 22:55

Great thanks....yeah heard leopards due out soon which is what ill hold out for.

I may use it as a lappy on the odd occasion....one thing that put me off the mini is ive heard it may struggle with a 24'' monitor....not sure if that's true or not though?

mattyrigby00 · 14 Oct 2007 at 22:59

the mac mini and macbook have basically the exact same hardware so they would handle it equally well

J1234 · 14 Oct 2007 at 23:01

Should be fine with a 24".

apple_store_-_u.k._-_mac_mini-20071014-230036.jpg

It can support high resolutions.

Spyhop · 14 Oct 2007 at 23:09

Just to throw in my opinion that the Mac laptops work superbly in so-called clamshell mode. No different to a desktop

Remember that the MacBook would require the optional mini-DVI to DVI adaptor to connect to the external screen. It's £10-15.

theheyes · 14 Oct 2007 at 23:52

wush said:
Just to throw in my opinion that the Mac laptops work superbly in so-called clamshell mode. No different to a desktop

Do they get hot enough for the fans to kick in when theyre in clamshell mode for extended periods?

Spyhop · 15 Oct 2007 at 00:23

Not through being in clamshell mode alone, but either way, you will hear the fans when the processor is getting hammered.