MacBook questions

Phaser

Phaser

Phaser

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Joined
17 Mar 2004
Posts
1,562
Right, instead of dropping questions in everyones threads I thought i'd create one of my own. :p

I'm hoping to join the Mac club with the purchase of a new 2.2GHz MacBook.

The main reasons are as follows:

- I like the way it just "works" - i'm sick of tweaking/virus scans/defragmenting etc
- I've been running a 3200+ with 1GB RAM for the last 2 or 3 years, this will feel nice and quick compared to it and will hopefully last me another 2 or 3 years
- The Front Row will work really well for me
- I want to get experience with OSX in general
- It's not that much more expensive than a similar specced Windows laptop and it will hold its value better
- I feel like I deserve a new toy!
- It looks cool!


Questions:

- Will video playback look OK at on my MIRAI DTL-527V200 - 27" LCD TV? (1366 x 768)
- How short is the mini-DVI to VGA adaptor? It looks tiny from the photos, not sure if it'd even reach my tele if it was on the same desk?!
- Can you get HE discount in the Apple stores? My GF is at uni, will she be able to order it in her name but still set it all up in my name?
- Chances of blagging a free adaptor/case?
- I'l be using it as a desktop (treating myself to a new Samsung 24" monitor too) but I like the fact that I have the option of using it anyway around the house/taking it to work occassionally etc. Anyone else do that?
- Would it be OK to play films off a 500GB external hard drive or would it be best to copy them on to the HDD first?

Secondly if you could post a pic of your MacBook up to persuade me even more that'd be great! :D
 
Phaser said:
Right, instead of dropping questions in everyones threads I thought i'd create one of my own. :p

I'm hoping to join the Mac club with the purchase of a new 2.2GHz MacBook.

The main reasons are as follows:

- I like the way it just "works" - i'm sick of tweaking/virus scans/defragmenting etc
- I've been running a 3200+ with 1GB RAM for the last 2 or 3 years, this will feel nice and quick compared to it and will hopefully last me another 2 or 3 years
- The Front Row will work really well for me
- I want to get experience with OSX in general
- It's not that much more expensive than a similar specced Windows laptop and it will hold its value better
- I feel like I deserve a new toy!
- It looks cool!


Questions:

- Will video playback look OK at on my MIRAI DTL-527V200 - 27" LCD TV? (1366 x 768)
- How short is the mini-DVI to VGA adaptor? It looks tiny from the photos, not sure if it'd even reach my tele if it was on the same desk?!
- Can you get HE discount in the Apple stores? My GF is at uni, will she be able to order it in her name but still set it all up in my name?
- Chances of blagging a free adaptor/case?
- I'l be using it as a desktop (treating myself to a new Samsung 24" monitor too) but I like the fact that I have the option of using it anyway around the house/taking it to work occassionally etc. Anyone else do that?
- Would it be OK to play films off a 500GB external hard drive or would it be best to copy them on to the HDD first?

Secondly if you could post a pic of your MacBook up to persuade me even more that'd be great! :D
Click to expand...

Video playback will be fine, via a monitor or TV.

The adaptor is literally an interface converter. You'd need a VGA cable to extend the length of the connector for use with a TV.

You can ring up and blag the discount via the phone, or order on a university campus (or via a VPN to their network). It's easier to blag it or take proof instore.

You are unlikely to get a free case, especially online. It might work in store, but I've never heard of anyone having success at Apple stores; Apple resellers.. but not Apple stores.

Many users from the forums like to connect a MacBook via a monitor. I'm sure Mohinder/Justin will be along to post a picture of their setups.

Playing films / videos off an external HDD will work.. just be sure you're using the faster interface available (FireWire), and you'll be ok.
Otherwise, I'd be tempted to copy them over if you're interested in doing it regularly.

Check out the sticky in the software forum, it's packed with tips :)
 
EVH said:
I knew you had a MBP, I just always assumed you had an external monitor too? Don't you have a keyboard?
Click to expand...

I have a keyboard when I use it with my HDTV, but I've only ever used it a couple of times.

Hurts my eyes :(

Edit: Lets not derail this thread too...
 
I play videos off my external hard drive all the time, even use the Network (wireless G) and its fine.

Also have a monitor and keyboard which I use most of the time. Very rarely actually use it as a laptop :)
 
Thanks all.

The external HDD does have Firewire. It'd be really handy if I could keep the majority of movies etc on there as i'd only be getting a 120GB HDD with the MacBook.

Is the warrenty void if you open it to upgrade to 2GB?
 
Another question, would I be able to select the movies off an external HDD via Front Row? Kind of defeats the object if I have to copy them all across before I can see them in FV.
 
Nice, this just gets better and better.

Nearly pressing the buy button now, but think I ought to at least pop into the Apple store and have a play around with it first. :o
 
theheyes said:
If you're still undecided have a play around with one in the store. Its a big investment at the end of the day.
Click to expand...

I'd recommend the local Toys R Us store if there's no Apple store around. There's no one in my local Toys R Us; no "techie" hovering around, hawking you to buying from them or talk rubbish info to get you to buy a Dell instead (abit of an exaggeration of scenario FYI)

I played with the MacBook there for a good hour or so before buying mine last year. Possibly one of my best buy in a long while, very satisfied with it*

*depends on your needs.
 
Toys r Us stock MacBooks?! Might have to give mine a ring and see if they've got any in, saves taking a day off work and going all the way to Meadowhall.

Will the MacBook work with any USB mouse/keyboard? Wanted the Apple set but i'm not paying £100.

Also can you still use the external monitor if the lid of the MacBook is open?

Cheers.
 
Also regarding the discounts...

The further education discount will get me the white 2.2 MacBook for £779.

Will a normal uni student be able to apply for higher education discount? If so how much will that save me?

Thanks!
 
Normal uni student saves 14% off Apple site's pricing. (opps:p)

Toys R Us did have MacBooks in mine - my nephew's Toys R Us in Stockton-on-Tee however, only had an iMac there, so I'm only guessing it's a hit or miss...

All USB Mouse/Keyboard should work, as it's USB; unless it's wireless and require software to run, e.g. certain Logitech Wireless set. Give it a check.

The MacBook can run off a monitor with lid open - I tried running it off my HDTV.

Also, check the bay for btter pricing of Apple Bluetooth Wireless Kit, should be cheaper than off official site.
 
Last edited:
Is that actually £14 or did you mean a %?

Yeah, just had a look on the bay after I posted that and found I could save myself a few quid. Not sure if i'l bother to start with, already costing me enough for the addons - extra RAM, case, mini video adaptor etc!

Rang my local Toys R Us but they dont have any in, looks like im off to the Apple store!

I think my questions have pretty much been answered, thanks! :)
 
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