<p>I just wanted to know how reliable these things are.
I was cotemplating on getting a Dell, that is until I heard all of the horror stories people are having with them lately (i.e. battery issues, overheating, dead HD).
I checked out the white Macbooks going for around $1050 and they seem VERY user friendly. I love the layout and how everything is easy to navigate through.</p>
<p>Yeah, DON'T buy a dell. </p>
<p>Lots and lots of people have macbooks on campus and seem pretty happy with them. A mac is going to be much more reliable than a Dell.</p>
<p>you know, theres horror stories about iPods (major battery capacity issues, hard drives failing causing the "sad ipod icon", etc) yet they still sell like the greatest thing since sliced bread.</p>
<p>bottom line is buy what you want. apple sources components from third party manufacturers just like Dell, Hp, Compaq, and everybody else. they are prone to failure just like any other brand. just because it has a white apple on it does not mean it's immune to failure.</p>
<p>I'm not a mac person, but yo, ANYTHING is better than a Dell.</p>
<p>I have an ipod and a Dell (desktop) and have never experienced problems with any of them...there's a reason why they keep selling :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Some questions that are going through my mind at the moment:</p>
<p>Is the ~$300 price difference between a Dell E1505 and a Macbook (White) really worth it? I mean, essentially, the Dell is just as fast as the Macbook, but cheaper. But, as they say, you get what you pay for. I want something that will last me at least 5 years.</p>
<p>As VTECaddict mentioned, I heard some gruesome horror stories with the iPods as well so I was concerned how this might be reflected by their Macbook line.</p>
<p>I also read up about Core Duo v. Core 2 Duo and it said that there is little, if any, performance increase between the 2 processors. The average joe will not be able to notice any difference between the two. So, in that sense, should I wait until the the Core 2 Duo processors are released for the Macbook and grab myself one with the Core Duo processor to save a few bucks?</p>
<p>So the Macbooks are equipped with Mac OS X Tiger v10.4. I understand that I will be able to run Windows-based applications. Are there any common programs that will not run on this OS? I know of a few programming programs that you need Windows XP for, but luckily I'm not a programmer :rolleyes:.</p>
<p>Some Apple MacBooks suffer the exact same battery problem as the Dells (so do some other brands) - </p>
<p>VTECaddict,</p>
<p>I disagree wholeheartedly. Third-party components range quite a bit in terms of quality. ASUS /= Gigabyte /= Abit /= Samsung, etc. Many of the components in bottom-end computers is simply junk.</p>
<p>However, not all Dells are bottom end. In fact, their workstation-class stuff is as good as anything Apple can produce. Furthermore, their better laptops are probably somewhat on par with the Macbooks in terms of component quality.</p>
<p>However, keep in mind that with the sole exception of the video card, the Macbook uses excellent components and is generally being hailed as a great buy, even when compared to Wintel (i.e. Windows-based products) machines.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that support is an important factor in any purchase. AppleCare is not quite on Lenovo's level, but Dell has had serious issues with its service ratings as of lately. I repeat: Electronics purchases are not just about the electronics themselves. </p>
<p>To the OP:
I would spring for the Apple, but keep in mind that there's the learning curve issue. MacOS is NOT Windows. I personally find it more organic and enjoyable to use, but your mileage may vary. Are you ready to learn a new OS? It's definitely an easy transition, but are you willing to do it? That is a marginal cost that you might not want to incur at the beginning of the school year.</p>
<p>^</p>
<p>Alright.
So I guess I'll eventually run into battery problems regardless of what brand of laptop I buy.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
I would spring for the Apple, but keep in mind that there's the learning curve issue. MacOS is NOT Windows. I personally find it more organic and enjoyable to use, but your mileage may vary. Are you ready to learn a new OS? It's definitely an easy transition, but are you willing to do it? That is a marginal cost that you might not want to incur at the beginning of the school year.
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>Thanks for bringing that up.
I'm going to head to my local CompUSA to check out the Macbook again, but this time I'm going to spend a little more time navigating through everything. Luckily, I'm in no rush, but I want to have a laptop at least by the weekend of week 1.</p>
<p>UCLAri, as a poli sci major would you recommend bringing a laptop to everyone of your classes?</p>
<p>ucsd<em>ucla</em>dad,</p>
<p>None of the newest models will have that problem, so it's a bit superfluous for a new purchase.</p>
<p>And it's not the problem that really shows anything, it's the response. Apple's response was only meh, in my opinion. But it is easy to replace once it's deemed faulty.</p>
<p>
[quote]
So I guess I'll eventually run into battery problems regardless of what brand of laptop I buy.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>All LiIon batteries will eventually wear down. Are you most interested in battery life, or what?</p>
<p>^</p>
<p>I like my laptops to be as reliable as a Toyota.</p>
<p>Reliability does not necessarily mean long battery life. LiIon batteries are subject to the laws of nature, and as of yet, we haven't managed to make them able to not lose charge in the long-term.</p>
<p>However, if you want 7+ hours of battery life, check out the Lenovos.</p>
<p>Apples ARE reliably-built machines, but battery life is not their strongest point.</p>
<p>UCLAri:</p>
<p>
[quote]
None of the newest models will have that problem...
[/quote]
I agree. I was only responding to the point the OP raised equating the battery issue with Dell when it was really an issue with several brands and could well be again someday (it seems to be a recurring issue, especially as more and more powerful batteries are being produced). </p>
<p>None of the laptop manufacturers mentioned actually make hard drives - they all buy them from other vendors. The same is true for many components. </p>
<p>My recommendation is to buy what strikes you best as long as it's a reasonable value and not a no-name brand.</p>
<p>I have a white MacBook. I installed my HP printer last night and the steps to do so is shorter than Windows based OS. </p>
<p>It's a simple machine with less hassle than other brands. Of course, this is an opinion coming from one person and does not represent the whole.</p>
<p>My former work place only use Apple computers and at home I own a Sony VAIO PC. My experience covers both OS, but as far as my Apple experience it has been an overall positive experience.</p>
<p>My MacBook is able to play most multimedia (Windows Media, Real, Quicktime). </p>
<p>Another issue to consider virus attack. There are far less complains about Apple computers crashing. Ask people who own an Apple laptop and you'll get quite a positive feedbacks.</p>
<p>With that said, it's you that will use the machine. See what works for you. Buy some protection plan in case it all goes berserk before you know it.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Another issue to consider virus attack.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Although part of the reason that Macs have fewer viruses tailored for them is the OS itself, part of it is saturation.</p>
<p>Watch Apple's market share increase, and watch viruses follow.</p>
<p>
[quote]
None of the laptop manufacturers mentioned actually make hard drives - they all buy them from other vendors. The same is true for many components.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Pretty much 99% of them. I'd say that only mobos and maybe keyboards are home-brewed. However, anyone with any computer experience can tell you that the mobo can make or break a system much faster than even bad RAM.</p>
<p>My old Toshiba had to have the mobo replaced THREE TIMES in the period of 5 months. Why? They had problems with northbridges that they never acknowledged. And problems with the AC adaptor port. And problems with the fans.</p>
<p>Ugh, that was a nightmare.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
My old Toshiba had to have the mobo replaced THREE TIMES in the period of 5 months. Why? They had problems with northbridges that they never acknowledged. And problems with the AC adaptor port. And problems with the fans.</p>
<p>Ugh, that was a nightmare.
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>Is that a sign that I should steer clear of Toshiba laptops?
I was also looking at those.</p>
<p>UCLAri:
One of the most important aspects of laptop design is actually in the cooling. This really has to be engineered due to the compact spaces and the heat generated. If the cooling isn't engineered properly, one can expect early failure of the motherboard, hard drive, and power supply. This is why I recommend sticking with name-brand laptops where the company has enough resources to properly design the enclosure and enough at stake to cost them if they do a poor job. There are still no guarantees they've done it right other than they'd go out of business if they kept getting it wrong.</p>
<p>nikkei:
You can eliminate some of the worry by getting an extended manufacturer's warranty on whatever laptop you buy. Also check out the accidental damage coverage which can be handy in a dorm/college environment.</p>
<p>ucsd<em>ucla</em>dad,</p>
<p>Exactly. I used to spend more time with cooling than anything on my old boxes (think Athlon XP/P3 days.)</p>
<p>nikkei,</p>
<p>Extended warranties are a good investment, as may be insurance. Toshibas can be good or bad, depending on the model. Stay clear of bargain models.</p>
<p>I also read up about Core Duo v. Core 2 Duo and it said that there is little, if any, performance increase between the 2 processors. The average joe will not be able to notice any difference between the two. So, in that sense, should I wait until the the Core 2 Duo processors are released for the Macbook and grab myself one with the Core Duo processor to save a few bucks?</p>