MBP running Windows 7

From my experiences of running Windows I've found the integration excellent. Especially as now when you install Bootcamp for Windows it will go online and download the latest version for you as well.

Haven't had any issues with devices connected to the TB port either. I have to agree on the battery life issue as well, from what I understand Windows can't switch between the GPUs in these units (or at least not very well anyway) and for the most part its this that helps with the battery life, might be an app to help with something like that but honestly I haven't looked into it as I only use the Windows side for gaming as a rule =D
 
I tried this with a MBP 15" on paper it was slightly faster then my Dell Vostro, and I needed a Mac for iOS development, so I thought I would combine the two.

The keyboard is annoying under Windows, I know you can remap the keys but it was not ideal.

With the 15" the graphics drivers did not support switching between the dedicated and on CPU. (not an issue with the 13" though)

The Macbook Pro was noisier then any Dell I have owned.

No HDMI port or USB 3.0 or eSATA was annoying also. (I'm aware it supports other connectors but most of them require more expensive hardware or dongles)

I'm still lusting after a Macbook Air 11" as it will hold its value well, but I'm not convinced the Macbook Pro is worth the premium when running windows.
 
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That's odd, on my Mac the Bootcamp drivers update everything so the keys are mapped properly and all the symbols do what they're supposed to.. unless you use a PC keyboard on it in which case it doesn't help =]
 
Is the @ key and £ not it Apple places though? Also I think the # key is possibly missing.
 
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seldNofSparta said:
Disadvantages - windows is extremely ugly compared to mac os, and although you will have access to your steam games or w/e, you will be longing to get back to mac os.
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That's completely subjective. I have a MacBook Pro and a PC and I use my PC more often as I prefer Windows 7 to Mac OS.
 
POB said:
Is the @ key and £ not it Apple places though? Also I think the # key is possibly missing.
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@ and " are swapped from the Windows layout on UK Macs. There is no dedicated # key but Alt+3 works, it's just not drawn not the keycap.

I wouldn't buy an MBP for purely running Windows. Try a Lenovo T420 with a screen upgrade (as the 1366x768 one is bobbins).

(MBP 15" user @home, T420 user @work).
 
i still don't understand, if u need windows, don't get a mac... and anyway what can windows do that osx can't for you?
 
I find the trackpad sucks under win 7. Sure it's fine for pointing and clicking, but the multitouch sucks, when moving e.g. scroll bars you have to make sure and hit only the bottom bit of the pad (button only) and drag with the top bit. The two finger scroll is jerky, and runs on way too much.

As much as I rate mbps, for the OP, surely the answer is get the dell.
 
IT are getting prices on Lenovo X1 and Lenovo X220. still not entirely convinced.... the MBA13 and MBP13 keep drawing me in!
 
mikeh501 said:
Always helps to read the op. virtualise ain't good enough.
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I was just challening your OP as I don't see why virtualisation couldn't be suitable, although you've not said what software you are going to use so it's hard to say.

I never understand these posts where people know enough to be very specific about their requirements, and yet seem to through out most ideas...
 
arcamalpha said:
I was just challening your OP as I don't see why virtualisation couldn't be suitable, although you've not said what software you are going to use so it's hard to say.

I never understand these posts where people know enough to be very specific about their requirements, and yet seem to through out most ideas...
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Simply because the software I need to run completely canes the machine, so running it inside a vm just makes it soo much slower. It's graphical analytics software which is multi threaded and also requires SQL server 2008 etc. we make this software so I know what it will well on.

The point of my post is simply that the MacBook gives good power in a decent looking chassis. My questions surround whether it would make sense as a windows box; which I think it would. I'm currently getting our it guys to get me prices on some Lenovo kit. I'd still like a mbp though lol. FYI I own a 2008 per unibody MacBook pro with 17" display.
 
To be fair, if you want a MBP then get one, nothing else will come close. True another laptop might run as good and could be cheaper, but it wont have the sleek looks or (IMO) build quality. Nothing wrong with making a wee partition for windows. Boot into that at work, then osx for home. To me, you've already made up your mind :)
 
I think im going to get a Lenovo X220 with i7, 8gb RAM, 120GB mSATA-SSD and a second 256Gb SSD. Should provide excellent power, mobility and battery life; better than a 13"MBP just without the cool looks :)

Just couldnt trust the MBP would work without problems on W7.

Thanks for all the help and advice!
 
Nice choice. You get a great machine with no compromises.

I have a Dell Vostro 13" and it is also the i7 with SSD and second hard disk.

Makes for a very quick machine.

I still want a MBA. I'm getting to a stage where I don't need the laptop on daily basis so will spec a new desktop and grab a new Air when they are refreshed.

As I think the Air is one of the better value products compared to the competition.
 
mikeh501 said:
Just couldnt trust the MBP would work without problems on W7.
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Wll there is no reason it wouldn't work without problems. They use the same CPUs, GPUs, memory, hard disks, SSDs, and chipsets as is available to every other OEM.

But I think you made the right decision in going with the Lenovo if you're more interested in running Windows as it is a faster machine.
 
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