Considering getting a Mac

Ri_Nollaig

After been on PC's for a long time I thought id finally give a Mac ago, have only ever used different Macs for a total 30mins id say.
Just a few quick questions; I was planning on going for the 13" 1200eur MacBook.

-The glossy screen? great or sh.ite?? It certainly does look nice but do the reflections cause any problems?
-DRM/HDCP and all that jazz, is it any worse then vista? It couldn't prevent me from playing my nice video collection on my LCD tv could it? or is it only with DRM riddled crap you get on itunes as I would have assumed.
-Upgrading, was planning on getting 2gigs of ram when I buy it but how hard it is to upgrade? Is It just just remove a panel and slot it in?
-External HDDs all my external hdds are in NTFS this wouldnt cause any problems with MacOSX, I would have assumed not but just making sure.

I have a gaming PC so that will still be used for the gaming needs and the like so im really only getting this for something new and shiney :cool:
But I guess the main use will be web browsing, music/videos and some other stuff.
But the real reason, is like I said, Ive never used a mac properly and these days I only hear great things.
Plus my previous laptop, a dell inspiron 6400, while it was pretty good... it is kinda falling apart now. So are the build qauilty much better on Macs? Like the screen doesnt wobble, keys dont get loose, buzzing sound when using headphones, etc etc

or am I just buying into the hype and would one of those 13" dell xps better option?

J-blk

Ri_Nollaig wrote: »

-The glossy screen? great or sh.ite?? It certainly does look nice but do the reflections cause any problems?
-DRM/HDCP and all that jazz, is it any worse then vista? It couldn't prevent me from playing my nice video collection on my LCD tv could it? or is it only with DRM riddled crap you get on itunes as I would have assumed.
-Upgrading, was planning on getting 2gigs of ram when I buy it but how hard it is to upgrade? Is It just just remove a panel and slot it in?
-External HDDs all my external hdds are in NTFS this wouldnt cause any problems with MacOSX, I would have assumed not but just making sure.

- The glossy screen is a personal preference I think... It can be very reflective in direct light/sunlight though so far I've had no problems, especially with the brightness cranked up. Regardless of what anyone says though, this is the one thing you should probably see for yourself in a store or with someone else's laptop before you make up your mind...

- DRM/HDCP only applies to DRMed crap. Your own non-protected videos, etc won't have any issues. There have been issues with HDCP though with content rented from iTunes and the new MB/MBPs - not really an issue since rentals are not officially available in Ireland, but something to keep in mind. You also can't play any Bluray discs (if you care about that) on the Mac OS X side, even with an external drive but you can always boot into Windows for that if you really want to.

- HDD replacement on the new MB is extremely easy and RAM is not that far off. You do need to get a panel off that's screwed on, but it's really easy to upgrade both RAM and HDD yourself down the line.

- NTFS can only be read in Mac OS X "out of the box", not written to. You can get write support though and for free, just install Mac-Fuse and NTFS-3G (thanks goes to K.O. Kiki for that one - I would have suggested a commercial solution instead in the past ).

I think you'll love it - I've had my new MB for a few weeks now and don't regret the purchase one bit. And it's very easy to get used to Mac OS X, plus there are plenty of helpful people here if you get stuck...

Build quality on the new MB/MBP is pretty amazing, much better than my previous gen. MBP though remember this is revision A hardware and you could always get stung - in which case, make sure you use your warranty to its' full extent .

Passenger

Ri_Nollaig wrote: »

or am I just buying into the hype and would one of those 13" dell xps better option?

What hype, they are a superior machine compared to your average PC pile.:p

The most important thing you need to know is the Operating System, Mac OS, and how it compares to Windows.

Ri_Nollaig

thanks all

yeah I considering them on their build quality alone, especially after the dell i previously had. I was gonna wait till January but could get one abit sooner yet Just want to see this glossy screen for myself first. Any shops in Cork or Dublin that have them on display?

J-blk

In Dublin, I'd imagine the Spectra store on Grafton street might have them on display but I haven't been in there since the new models launched. You could always give them a call on 01 677 4472.

Ri_Nollaig

Thanks for all the replies lads

just one more quick question not directly related to MacBooks but more of the purchasing and purchasing from the EDP (Employee Discount Program) inparticular.
Anyway have a friend whos aunt works in Apple in Cork and is also planning on getting one, so wondering what the discount is (think its 25%) and is there a limit on the number of purchases?

dubmick

PC World in Airside have them. I found out last night that only the top spec macbook has a back lit keyboard. Sneaky by Apple imo.

whiterebel

Ri_Nollaig wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies lads

just one more quick question not directly related to MacBooks but more of the purchasing and purchasing from the EDP (Employee Discount Program) inparticular.
Anyway have a friend whos aunt works in Apple in Cork and is also planning on getting one, so wondering what the discount is (think its 25%) and is there a limit on the number of purchases?

27% for employees, one per calendar year.

J-blk

Ri_Nollaig wrote: »

just one more quick question not directly related to MacBooks but more of the purchasing and purchasing from the EDP (Employee Discount Program) inparticular.
Anyway have a friend whos aunt works in Apple in Cork and is also planning on getting one, so wondering what the discount is (think its 25%) and is there a limit on the number of purchases?

Your other option is to get someone to pick one up in the US - it's not a 25% discount but even now it's a good saving or if you are (or know) a student, the educational store gives you a few quid off. I got the €1,999 model too, for €1,126.51 - so the saving at least covers the (essential) DVI adapter... I hate them for not including that :mad:.

J-blk

dubmick wrote: »

I found out last night that only the top spec macbook has a back lit keyboard. Sneaky by Apple imo.

I found this out the hard way - I ordered the 2.0Ghz one and thought it had the backlit keyboard until I got it and realized it didn't. Very, very sneaky indeed...

Ri_Nollaig

J-blk wrote: »

Your other option is to get someone to pick one up in the US - it's not a 25% discount but even now it's a good saving or if you are (or know) a student, the educational store gives you a few quid off. I got the €1,999 model too, for €1,126.51 - so the saving at least covers the (essential) DVI adapter... I hate them for not including that :mad:.

I assume you meant 1199 not 1999, otherwise thats one hell of a saving!
Im not a student but just finished this year so still know plenty who are so ill do that if the EDP option falls through.

And the blacklight, or the lack of is disgraceful! like how much extra can it possible cost and I didnt see it mentioned anywhere that it wasnt included!
Thats the kinda stuff I was really wanting to look out for so thanks very much for pointing that out

/Edit: I see it now when you go to config, still though I assumed it was with all of them

Burago

dubmick wrote: »

PC World in Airside have them.

What are they like in general for Apple gear? Was looking to get the new Macbook Pro myself and I hear they have a pretty decent Apple section.

J-blk

Ri_Nollaig wrote: »

I assume you meant 1199 not 1999, otherwise thats one hell of a saving!

Yep, I did mean 1199 - whoops .

Ri_Nollaig wrote: »

And the blacklight, or the lack of is disgraceful! like how much extra can it possible cost and I didnt see it mentioned anywhere that it wasnt included!

Yeah that's what got me - they seemed to be making a big deal of all the stuff the aluminum MBs had over the plastic ones, but no mention at all almost of any differences between the aluminum ones. It's not too much of a stretch for most people to assume that they are identical besides CPU/HDD which is the common practice... but that's not exactly the case here.

NiSmO

This post has been deleted.

projectmayhem

Burago wrote: »

What are they like in general for Apple gear? Was looking to get the new Macbook Pro myself and I hear they have a pretty decent Apple section.

Well it's run by Apple.

They have a business model called "store-in-store" where they (presumably) pay some rent to PC World to have their own outlet. They have an Apple employee there who is completely dedicated to Mac, and has nothing to do with PCW.

dubmick

projectmayhem wrote: »

Well it's run by Apple.

They have a business model called "store-in-store" where they (presumably) pay some rent to PC World to have their own outlet. They have an Apple employee there who is completely dedicated to Mac, and has nothing to do with PCW.

The chaps name is Ian and he knows his stuff. He is very helpful.

Burago

Are they available on finanace?

projectmayhem

Burago wrote: »

Are they available on finanace?

If you can get accepted... yes

Burago

projectmayhem wrote: »

If you can get accepted... yes

I've used PC World finance before without problems so I hope so. I presume finance on Apple stuff is handled by the same company PC World use?

projectmayhem

Burago wrote: »

I've used PC World finance before without problems so I hope so. I presume finance on Apple stuff is handled by the same company PC World use?

Yeah. It's Apples store-in-store unit, their employee but the stock is PCW's...

Ri_Nollaig

well finally got one ,
13" Macbook, 250gig hdd, 4gig Ram, also got the remote which seems to open apple's version of windows media centre which is nice. Think its the same as AppleTv but as ive never used it and this is my first Mac I dont know
The build quality truely is amazing and was surprised at the amount of useful stuff preinstalled. Such as iCal, seriously never noticed till now, how on a fresh windows install you basicly have NOTHING... not even a calender ffs, unless you count the system clock.

One question though, when I plug my sennheiser cx300's into it, they are in-ear earphones now, Im hearing a constaint hissing from the sound. This across all of them or did i get a dud? My old Dell used to do it too (only worse) I imagine its a problem as the sound card is so close to other internal components such as the battery and as a result prone to interference.

No im not on it now, im at work, using my sh.ity sh.ity quad-core dell with 4gigs, windows xp :P

ozt9vdujny3srf

You shouldn't be hearing a hissing noise from the jack. Are you sure its not your earphones?

Ri_Nollaig

yeah I tried two different sets, in both you could hear the same noise.
Its not that loud now to be honest, but it is noticeable. It I was to plug in earphones and the laptop was on mute, I shouldnt be able to hear a peep? as with my ipod touch, when it is on and there is nothing playing I can still hear a tiny hiss. Its like that but louder. I might give the support a ring and see what they say. I paid enough for this...

Ri_Nollaig

found this
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=586031
does anyone else have this problem?

Ri_Nollaig wrote: »

... it is kinda falling apart now. So are the build qauilty much better on Macs? Like the screen doesnt wobble, keys dont get loose, buzzing sound when using headphones, etc etc ...

ill probably return it if I cant fix this. I went crazy from it on the dell I had and that was alot cheaper then this was!

zappairl

Ive been a long time PC user, over 10 years...bought a laptop off dell last january... 17", 2.4Ghz AMD, 2 GB Ram, 320 HD.....and...... VISTA (which runs very slow at times)!

I've had nothing but problems from vista, constant "windows explorer has stopped working", "internet explorer has stopped working", and i cant do another thing until i click the box and it refreshes my desktop and re-arranges the stuff in my task bar.... terribly annoying. It also constantly changes the way i view my folder.... (i.e list, small icons, large icons).


I have fallen in love with the new MacBook, the 13.3" one, I will never buy another laptop that is this big.... 17" is pure overkill, and it weighs a tonne.

I'm planning on making the switch in Jan, and i honestly cant wait....and when windows 7 come's out it is replacing vista straight away. The fact that the lower version of the 13" doesnt come with a backlit keyboard is a shame but nothing to get too upset about. Ive visited the spectra shop in patricks street in cork too many times already using em, and they feel amazing to use.... the keyboard is quiet and feels great, unlike this Dell Inspiron.

To anyone considering changing....or even just suffering with VISTA and don't know where to turn..... dont look back....and think XP again.... look at the iMacs and MacBooks. You'll be amazed.

projectmayhem

zappairl wrote: »

Ive been a long time PC user, over 10 years...bought a laptop off dell last january... 17", 2.4Ghz AMD, 2 GB Ram, 320 HD.....and...... VISTA (which runs very slow at times)!

I've had nothing but problems from vista, constant "windows explorer has stopped working", "internet explorer has stopped working", and i cant do another thing until i click the box and it refreshes my desktop and re-arranges the stuff in my task bar.... terribly annoying. It also constantly changes the way i view my folder.... (i.e list, small icons, large icons).


I have fallen in love with the new MacBook, the 13.3" one, I will never buy another laptop that is this big.... 17" is pure overkill, and it weighs a tonne.

I'm planning on making the switch in Jan, and i honestly cant wait....and when windows 7 come's out it is replacing vista straight away. The fact that the lower version of the 13" doesnt come with a backlit keyboard is a shame but nothing to get too upset about. Ive visited the spectra shop in patricks street in cork too many times already using em, and they feel amazing to use.... the keyboard is quiet and feels great, unlike this Dell Inspiron.

To anyone considering changing....or even just suffering with VISTA and don't know where to turn..... dont look back....and think XP again.... look at the iMacs and MacBooks. You'll be amazed.

That's my sentiments from early this year, and now I've bought another Mac, iPhone, etc. etc. etc.

Anyway, one thing I would say is that anyone feeling they can't make the switch for software reasons, the "out" is using boot-camp to install XP (Vista runs fine on the new machines, but why would you?) and slowly introduce yourself to Mac.

Type 17

Ri_Nollaig wrote: »

yeah I tried two different sets, in both you could hear the same noise.
Its not that loud now to be honest, but it is noticeable. It I was to plug in earphones and the laptop was on mute, I shouldnt be able to hear a peep? as with my ipod touch, when it is on and there is nothing playing I can still hear a tiny hiss. Its like that but louder. I might give the support a ring and see what they say. I paid enough for this...

I also have Sennheiser CX 300's, but I only use them in iPods/iPhones where they work fine with no hiss.

For my alu iMac, I use Sennheiser HD580's (big over-the-ear headphones) and there is no hiss to be heard at all.

However, when I saw your issue above, I tried the CX 300's in the iMac, and there is a low-level hiss at all volumes, and even when the system volume is muted.

I checked their specs and the HD 580's have an impedance of 300 ohms, whereas the CX300's impedance is only 16 ohms. Impedance explanations are fairly technical, but basically the lower the number, the more hiss and less overall power you have, but this is good on a small device where power management is important.

Based on that, I'd say that the sound cards in all Macs (and PCs) are designed for bigger, open-style headphones with higher impedances, and the in-ear ones with a lower impedance are designed to work best on hand-held devices. Perhaps you might try higher impedance headphones before condemning the Mac.

Ri_Nollaig

i also tried my 5.1 Medusa headset and didnt notice any hiss. Like you said its from the impedance (was mentioned a good few times in that macrumours forum), but they arnt exactly the style of head/ear phones I wanted to use on a train or the like... However, went into town today and picked up a nice sony set that has an inline volume control. I set it to around mid way and joy! the sound of silence So thats that sorted