Sell me on a MacBook..or not :)

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I kept having to do that with my newest one (which was bought used so really it was an older one) but my DH upgraded my RAM/memory. Cost us $30 and it is SOO much better!! He said it was quick and easy. Google directions and I bet you could do it too. It requires you to take out like 2 screws in the battery compartment and insert the new RAM chips.
The website he got the RAM from was www.crucial.com You are able to put in your mac model and they will tell you exactly what to buy. Just as an idea. I was ready to throw this one across the room sometimes but not anymore!

PM me if you want more specific instructions and I'll have DH explain it.

Thanks! I will look into that. I am about ready to throw this one across the room. I never had this issue with any PC.

I'll let you know if I need more help.

 

[Swimalie]

In our house we have 4 desktop Macs, 1 Macbook, 1 iPad and 2 Nanos. We love Apple here. I'm typing this on my 2 year old Macbook now. It has had zero issues in the 2 years. One of our desktops is from 1985 and still works. Find a PC that does that....

Check out MacConnection for good deals. We got my Macbook for $888 soon after Thanksgiving in 2009. It was with a rebate ($100 maybe) and it went smooth.

 

[AmandaNied]

Thanks for all the replies! I've been browsing the refurb section on apple and trying to compare it to a PC...It really doesn't seem like that much MORE of an investment, and If I don't have the service issues like I do with this beast..well, all the better. Thanks for everyone's imput!

 

[SookieStackhouse]

I LOVE my MacBook...

If you have a need to use Windows for something, you do NOT need another computer. You can load Windows on a Mac. There is a way to do it, something called Boot Camp, comes with the Mac (or at least it used to). I tried it on mine just see if it would work and it did, but I deleted the Windows thing because I cannot stand Windows.

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

What sold us on getting one for DD is that we wouldn't have to buy virus protection every year. Whatta pain that is. Oh and I used to think you can't get certain programs for mac. Wrong. you can.

She loves her MacBook Pro. I like to use it when I can too. So much more user friendly than PC.

 

[Forevryoung]

I'lll be the minority here. I LOATHE my MacBook Pro. Maybe I have a bad one but it locks up constantly with the SPOD (spinning pinwheel of death) and I have to Force Quit Safari or iPhoto every single time I use it. SO frustrating.

We don't have an Apple store within 100 miles of us so I have just limped along with it.

Everyone raves about Macs but mine has been nothing but trouble. Give me back my PC any day.

Uhhh you know that there are Mac authorized repair people across the country even where there are no Apple stores right? I've had my Macbook repaired by one and it was as if the Apple store had done it- no charge (it was a covered repair). And it was just as easy. Double check on that one.

Now- I actually see my Macbook as a pretty GOOD investment. I purchased one of the original 13in Macbooks in 2006. It's not only still going strong but I've increased the hard drive space (from 80gb) and installed Leopard ($200 a year ago).

Yes, I spent more than if I had gotten a windows based laptop HOWEVER, a Windows based laptop would not have lasted me 5.5 years with the anticipation that my current configuration will last me at least another 2 years without WANTING (no need) to replace. I would have purchased at least 2 PCs if not 3 in that same period of time.

I BEGGED my dad to switch my mom over (she's technologically impaired) and he refused (a year ago). Now that my mom has an Iphone she regrets it. Even my Grandma (81) will be switching to a Mac in the near future.

And unlike others, I leave my Macbook on 24/7 unless I'm going on vacation.

 

[racechick8293]

I LOVE my MacBook...

If you have a need to use Windows for something, you do NOT need another computer. You can load Windows on a Mac. There is a way to do it, something called Boot Camp, comes with the Mac (or at least it used to). I tried it on mine just see if it would work and it did, but I deleted the Windows thing because I cannot stand Windows.

Parallels is also a good option for running Windows on the Mac.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I have had my MacBook for 2 years now, and I will also never go back.

Why?? NO. MORE. PROBLEMS.


I also use the nearby Apple store for any problems, which are usually just ME not understanding the software. (got confused between backing up the MacBook and the iPad and iTouch).

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

Just so know, a new model of the Mac Book Pro just came out. The older model has been reduced by $200.00.

 

[emilymad]

So if you also have Windows installed on a Mac can you then install any Windows based software? If you have the Mac version of Office installed can you email those files to someone with the Windows version of Office without a problem? I would love to get a Mac when my current laptop goes but I use it for business so I am not sure it is possible.

 

[AprilRenee]

So if you also have Windows installed on a Mac can you then install any Windows based software? If you have the Mac version of Office installed can you email those files to someone with the Windows version of Office without a problem? I would love to get a Mac when my current laptop goes but I use it for business so I am not sure it is possible.

Yes, you can email microsoft office files created on a Mac to a pc and visa versa. I've done it many times
I don't run windows on mine but I'm pretty sure you can install any widows program if you do. My DH has Parallels for a Windows program for work that he uses on his Mac. But really, once you get used to the Mac operating system you won't want to use windows. Mac is so much simpler.

 

[emilymad]

Yes, you can email microsoft office files created on a Mac to a pc and visa versa. I've done it many times
I don't run windows on mine but I'm pretty sure you can install any widows program if you do. My DH has Parallels for a Windows program for work that he uses on his Mac. But really, once you get used to the Mac operating system you won't want to use windows. Mac is so much simpler.

Thanks! I am sure I will like Mac but I run an accounting software that has to be run on Windows. It would be a complete deal breaker to not be able to run it but it sounds like it wouldn't be an issue.

 

[thomas998]

We have a mix of 5 PCs and 3 macs in our house... and all of the Apples are running windows.

What they don't bother to tell you when you look at an Apple is that some software is only available for windows machines, Apples aren't very good for playing games, and as for durability, well we've had more problems with the 3 Apples than we have had with not only the current 5 PCs but on every PC I've ever own... the Apples aren't made to last, the biggest problems have been with the DVD drives and the wifi cards... but have also mad the pleasure of a graphics card biting the dust in one of the macbooks... so don't think it will be a painless transition... you will quickly find you can't do everything you once did on a Mac... unless you are willing to install windows on it and if that is the case why not buy another Dell and save $500.

 

[timmac]

I'm personally a PC, but there's plenty of good reasons to use a Mac as well. That said, regardless of which you choose, I wouldn't assume the device is going to be some ethereal answer to all of your computing problems; at the end of the day, it's still just a tool.

What you'll get on a Mac platform is an easy out-of-the-box solution where everything works together very nicely. The bundled software on a Mac beats that on a Windows machine, in my opinion. That said, on the other hand, there is a price premium that goes along with that. Also, you'll find that while there's a good variety of software available, the choices are still limited compared to a windows platform.

You can absolutely run windows on a Mac, and it runs well. If you just do it using bootcamp, the only additional cost will be for the windows license (Roughly $120ish). If you want to run parallels or VMWare fusion, you'll have to pay for that as well. Either way, if running windows is necessary, figure that into your cost.

As for hard drive failures, that's a hardware problem, and Macs aren't immune to it. And, repairs can be costly. On the other hand, some people have reported very good luck with visiting the Apple store, even outside of their warranty period. Others, not so much.

Have you played around with Macs much, at an Apple store or similar? You should see if you like them, give them a bit of a test drive. You might love them... or you might not. You'll be the best judge of what's best for you, though.

 

[AmandaNied]

I'm personally a PC, but there's plenty of good reasons to use a Mac as well. That said, regardless of which you choose, I wouldn't assume the device is going to be some ethereal answer to all of your computing problems; at the end of the day, it's still just a tool.

What you'll get on a Mac platform is an easy out-of-the-box solution where everything works together very nicely. The bundled software on a Mac beats that on a Windows machine, in my opinion. That said, on the other hand, there is a price premium that goes along with that. Also, you'll find that while there's a good variety of software available, the choices are still limited compared to a windows platform.

You can absolutely run windows on a Mac, and it runs well. If you just do it using bootcamp, the only additional cost will be for the windows license (Roughly $120ish). If you want to run parallels or VMWare fusion, you'll have to pay for that as well. Either way, if running windows is necessary, figure that into your cost.

As for hard drive failures, that's a hardware problem, and Macs aren't immune to it. And, repairs can be costly. On the other hand, some people have reported very good luck with visiting the Apple store, even outside of their warranty period. Others, not so much.

Have you played around with Macs much, at an Apple store or similar? You should see if you like them, give them a bit of a test drive. You might love them... or you might not. You'll be the best judge of what's best for you, though.

Everyone I work with is a Mac freak. They have brought in theirs for me to look at at play with- I like how they work, look, etc- but I thought I'd pose the question here, as they are all "drinking the koolaid" so to speak.

I'm very pleased with all the pros and cons everyone has posed, and I really appreciated it!

 

[PatMcDuck]

Thanks! I am sure I will like Mac but I run an accounting software that has to be run on Windows. It would be a complete deal breaker to not be able to run it but it sounds like it wouldn't be an issue.

I was talking to a "Geek" at Best Buy one day. (not about PCs) but then I asked him about MACs, and he laughed and said they never really get customers coming in with problems with MACs, UNLESS the people installed Windows as their operating system. I think you have Windows on there, you are opening the door for spam, spyware, viruses, etc.

I run Office for MAC on my MacBook. But I do not need Windows for that.

 

[racechick8293]

I teach the Office programs (Windows based), and much prefer Office 2011 for Mac to Office 2010. The only reason I installed Windows on my Mac was for a specific website that could only be used with Windows, due to ActiveX controls, etc. When booting the laptop in Windows, I noticed that I got about 50% of the battery life as I did with OS X. I routinely get 8+ hours on a charge with OS X.

As many others have noted, the lack of problems with a Mac is well-worth the extra initial cash outlay. My MacBook Pro is 1.5 years old, and works just as well as the day I bought it.

 

[gparr]

I can't believe a poster said that they have had problems with all 3 of the Macs -- possible...but EXTREMELY hard to believe!!!

I bought a 17" Macbook Pro 4 years ago to assist me with my Masters Degree which required much video editing. Mind you I was a PC person prior.

Well 4 years later and I will NEVER touch a PC again!!! My Macbook Pro runs just like the day I opened it. Never had any issues whatsoever!!! To be honest, I have numerous friends with Macs and I have NEVER heard of any one of them having a problem.

Recently, I have added a 13" Macbook Pro to the family and it is liked so well I am about to purchase a 3rd!

Apple all of the way here!!!

 

[AmandaNied]

I think i've made up my mind to "go mac", now I need to decide if I should get an AIR or a Pro. I did the live chat with the apple store and they recomend the Air.

I am basically using my computer for school (online classes for my Masters- lots of papers to write) and personal use- shopping, browsing, etc.

I have concerns about not having an optical drive, but my DH reminded me that i've never used the drive on this computer- except for installing the reboot disks when my harddrive died a few mths ago.

 

[luvthemouse71]

Plus, you can probably attach an external drive if you need to, here and there.