<p>what can i do with a macbook pro that would justify spending the extra money? i don't edit photos and i don't make movies. i'm still leaning towards a lenovo, but Johnny needs to convince me to get a Mac anyway (I mean it's his job).</p>
<p>If you plan on doing heavy-duty gaming, you should opt for the MacBook Pro.</p>
<p>It has a hardcore graphics card, whereas the MacBook has an Intel integrated thingy. the MacBook can still do a moderate level of 3D stuff (like, say, Second Life) but for real 3D work, get the MacBook Pro.</p>
<p>The MacBook Pro also comes with 2 gigs of RAM, whereas the MacBook comes with 1 gig (of course, both can be upgraded)</p>
<p>Other than that, the differences aren't very significant. the MacBook Pro has:
-a bigger screen. duh
-a backlit keyboard. sexy, but not exactly a must-have
-a FireWire 800 port. but you don't make movies
-an ExpressCard slot for expansion...but you won't ever use it.</p>
<p>Yeah, that's pretty much it. That's the problem when your "low-end" computer model comes so well-equipped...there's just not that much more to add ;)</p>
<p>PS, Lenovo? Don't you realize that thing comes with Windows on it? Gross! :P</p>
<p>I'm still debating between a Lenovo for 1700 or a Macbook for 1320 (or maybe the black for 1520). The Lenovo will have twice the memory and a slightly larger screen (but still not too big). Mac is cheaper and I get a free iPod (even though I already have one but it can be a late bday gift for my mom). If I can use the TV tuner sold by Penn on the Mac, or if Mac sells TV tuners for around 100 bucks I may get the Mac.</p>
<p>In that case, the iGods have smiled upon thee</p>
<p><a href="http://www.elgato.com%5B/url%5D">www.elgato.com</a> get an EyeTV which unless things have changed is the one sold by Computer Connection. It's Mac-compatible as well as USB so it will work with any Apple laptop.</p>
<p>if math major, and anticipate using excel, and dont even know old (2003/2004) version well, I would think it makes sense to start right up with new 2007 version. But that s only available on windows! Can I use on MacBook (by running windows) or do I need MacBook Pro? Or will this slow down excel a lot (although I can afford to wait a few extra secs)? I would like to get Mac but want best option on how to incorporate the new Excel until Mac version comes out (is there a date?). Thanks (what do wharton kids do?)</p>
<p>Hi there.</p>
<p>You can use the MacBook to run Windows and Office 2007 at the same time as your mac using Parallels or VMWare. I have Parallels, WinXP and Office 2007; they work fine.</p>
<p>I would definitely recommend opting to install Windows XP instead of Vista, because Vista is a beefy OS that takes up too many system resources when all you're really after is enabling Windows apps...</p>
<p>As for the Mac version of Office 2007 (called Office 2008) it is officially due "in the second half of 2007" so anywhere from July to...December 31 would count. I imagine they'd make a push for getting it out in time for back to school, and failing that, the holiday season.</p>
<p>JohnnyK. Several Mac questions:</p>
<p>My d. is interested in the graphic arts & 3d capability (in architecture...not in gaming). EVERYONE suggests the Mac for graphics, but no-one has yet to tell us why. Several suggested that originally the better programs were written for the Mac, but that has changed over time. However, because most arts people were accustomed to Macs, they remain Mac lovers. Others say the Apple screen resolution and color are better. </p>
<p>She currently has the choice of three laptop units. Two are MacBook Pros. The third is a Dell.
Option A: 15.4" screen, 2.2Duo processor, GforceVideocard8600 w/128MB, 2GB memory, 120BG 5400rpm hard-drive (Tiger).<br>
Option B: 17"screen, 2.4Duo porcessor, GforceVideocard 8600 w/256MB,
2GB memory, 160GB 5400rpm hard-drive (Tiger).
Option C: Dell Precision PC w/ 17"monitor, 2GBDuo processor, QuatroFX video card, 512MB, 2GB memory, 100GB7200rpm hard-drive (Vista)</p>
<p>Our first inclination was to go for the larger unit Apple (option B) because of the larger screen, and Apple reputation in the arts. I could not imagine working with graphics or architectural drawings with such a small screen. BUT then after thinking about it, we started leaning to option A with an add-on package that comes with a 20" Apple desktop monitor, keyboard, mouse,speakers, and hub. Basically it transforms the smaller laptop to a desktop unit, so she would possibly have the best of both worlds (portability, but a nice big screen for working on the 3d graphics). There is a HUGE price difference between options A and B -- about exactly the same amount that would pay for the add-on package. </p>
<p>The only reason we'd prefer the Dell is because of their "no-fault" warranty that we can purchase separately. I know my daughter ;-) It sure would be nice to feel secure that if she drops the unit, or spills coffee on it, that it could be replaced at no cost!</p>
<p>My questions:</p>
<p>Obviously the huge difference is in part because of the screen, but also in part due to the other specifications. Would she be giving up too much "power" or "speed" needed for 3d graphics, by going with option "A" over option "B"?</p>
<p>Can you better explain why the Apples are better for graphics?</p>
<p>Will Apple be offering a similar no-fault warranty any time soon, and could it be purchased later (within the first year), if they do?</p>
<p>Feel free to post or PM. Thanks!!!</p>
<p>kj</p>
<p>
Not to step on JohnnyK's toes, but architectural CAD programs (AutoCAD, etc.) are generally written for Windows operating systems, and not Mac. Although certain segments of the graphics design community (graphic artists, video editors, etc.) traditionally tend to have a preference for Macs, this is generally not true of archtitectural/engineering design professionals since, as I said, the vast majority of those programs have been developed for Windows systems. Also the Nvidia QuadroFX graphics cards in the Dell Precision systems have been optimized to run certain CAD programs (as opposed to more gaming oriented cards). On the other hand, the Precision (as opposed to, e.g., the Inspiron or even non-Dell Windows notebooks) might be a bit of overkill for your daughter at this point, unless she knows for sure that she'll be working quite a bit with certain professional-level CAD programs.</p>
<p>If architecture/drafting/CAD is her main interest, I'd recommend that she consult with some people in the field (perhaps where she'll be in school?) to find the system that best runs the programs she'll be using.</p>
<p>And in terms of an additional, larger monitor, she could do that with just about any notebook. E.g., I have a Dell Precision notebook with the 17" UXGA screen (1920 x 1200 resolution), but also use it with 24" Samsung 244T monitor when at my desk (connected through a port replicator). The Samsung 24" LCD monitors (and the Dell, HP, and some others) are rated very well vis-a-vis the Apple monitors, and Apple no longer holds the commanding lead it once did when it comes to large LCD monitors.</p>
<p>Thanks 45!
The architecture dept. recommends either/or. They just advised that anyone who goes the Apple route, will need to run Bootcamp plus Windows, or upgrade to Leopard when it is released in Oct (plus Windows). You are correct, that AutoCad specifically requires Windows. However, the department also uses Adobe Creative Suite extensively the first year, and we were told that it runs much better on an Apple. I was told the Architecture faculty actually prefer the Apple, but that the Architecture business world prefers the PC. The faculty are more "design" and less engineering orientated. She will probably need a new machine once she enters the business world, so we were leaning toward the academic one for now. Given Apple can now run both operating systems, we thought that it would give the best of both worlds -- at a cost of course!</p>
<p>I agree the Precision seems overkill for a student, but it was one of two recommended by the Architecture dept. The other recommended Dell was the Latitude D820 (which ended up more expensive than the 15.4" MacBook Pro).</p>
<p>As usual...no simple answer!</p>
<p>45 percenter may have stepped on my toes, but at least he did a good and fair job of it. ;)</p>
<p>I would also definitely recommend package A over B for the same reasons you specified....offering a big screen at home (you can run both of them at once for a sweet dual-monitor setup) and a smaller, lighter computer while on the go.</p>
<p>As for the accidental damage protection, I recommend renters insurance. That will cover loss and theft in addition to the user-inflicted damage. And of course, aside from the whole damage protection thing, Apple's customer service is award-winning. Check out Consumer Reports for more</p>
<p>Renters insurance doesn't cover the self-inflicted damage. I already checked. It only covers fire & theft. Of course if you lose it, the liklihood is due to someone picking it up. It isn't like car keys ;-) Still need a no-fault warranty add-on from Apple, but they don't have it...yet. I had a friend whose roommate tripped over an elec. chord and the laptop went flying into pieces. That's my concern for a very expensive machine.</p>
<p>Also Johnny...can you please explain why the Mac is considered so much better for graphics? As I mentioned, I keep hearing that, but don't fully understand why. Thanks for all your help!!!</p>
<p>
[quote]
I had a friend whose roommate tripped over an elec. chord and the laptop went flying into pieces. That's my concern for a very expensive machine.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Apple has read your mind on that one. Every MacBook comes with a special power cord that connects magnetically, so if someone trips over your power cord, it simply pops off the computer, leaving your computer safely on the table. It's magnetic. It makes your computer safe. Hence the name MagSafe. Patented and trademarked</p>
<p>Of course, clever engineering like that can reduce the probability of a destroyed computer, but it cannot negate it entirely. I too would love for Apple to offer accidental damage protection, but until then, making a better box will have to do ;)</p>
<p>As for Macs being better for graphics, it primarily has to do with the software now. Back in the day, Macs had a plain hardware advantage (with an expensive price tag to match). Now that Macs have the same basic hardware as PCs (though Macs are still better-engineered), the advantage is primarily in the technology underlying the OS. Mac OS X's display subsystems are more advanced than Windows, which is why Mac OS X can support fancy eye candy without draining the battery whereas Windows Vista has been causing problems as its eye candy-generating software is less efficient and thus drains the battery a lot faster.</p>
<p>Now since the AutoCAD software would be running in Windows, the graphics advantage would be entirely dependent on the card. While the MacBook Pro certainly has a better 3D accelerator than the regular Windows notebooks, the specialized Dell precision might have an even more powerful one (but it's still a Dell. Bummer)</p>
<p>So if I purchase Parallels and then windows xp, I can run windows programs just fine, correct? Like photoshop cs3 and microsoft office (2003--if it matters) for windows. </p>
<p>Also, do you know where to buy and how much windows xp for macs are? Does penn's computer store give a discount? </p>
<p>I was originally going to just purchase programs for mac, but now I realize it would be more efficient if I use windows programs because I already have them. </p>
<p>Thanks for the help.</p>
<p>I plan on majoring in econ, and probably taking a few finance courses or even applying for a double degree with wharton. I've heard that a few programs are not compatible with mac's OS and thus I'd have to run them on windows. I know that I can just use bootcamp and run then on a macbook with no trouble at all, but it seems to me that it sort of beats the purpose of having a mac in the first place. So I was just wondering if you know whether there are a lot of windows-only programs in the courses I'd encounter as an econ major ?</p>
<p>Poas,</p>
<p>If you purchase Parallels, you don't have to buy a new copy of Windows. Parallels gives you a utility called "Parallels Transporter" that will suck Windows off your old PC and turn it into a virtual machine that can be used with your Mac.</p>
<p>Of course, note that at this point you are no longer legally licensed to use Windows on your old PC so be sure to throw that out ;)</p>
<p>megaman,</p>
<p>It doesn't defeat the purpose of having a Mac. After all, even if you ran into a program you needed (which you would only do if you went into Wharton, and even then it would be rather rare), you certainly won't be running it all the time. It seems silly to force yourself to use Windows 100% of the time when you only need it 1% of the time.</p>
<p>Also, Huntsman Hall has computer labs that are open 24/7 with a zillion Windows PCs that already have all the specialized programs you needed. I took STAT-111. The course required using JMP statistics software. Even though they had a Mac version, I used the PC labs in Huntsman. Why? Because I don't want to have to PAY for all this stupid software ;)</p>
<p>There are tons of econ majors and wharton kids who have switched to Mac and have had no problems whatsoever.</p>
<p>awesome, thanks for your help</p>
<p>I think I'm leaning towards a Mac now Johnny. Just give me some info on bootcamp and running XP on it and you may have a sale.</p>
<p>Woot. :)</p>
<p>What info do you need?</p>
<p>In a nutshell, it consists of a few steps that sound much more difficult than it actually is.</p>
<ol>
<li>download boot camp from apple.com/bootcamp and run the installer</li>
<li>run the boot camp assistant which should be in the utilities folder</li>
<li>it will partition your hard drive to make room for a little Windows HD. 10 gigs is probably a good size for XP and some programs. Make it bigger if you want. Just remember that as of now, the partition is not resizable so it's one shot (technically you can resize it by erasing the entire partition, making a new one, and reinstalling Windows and all the apps, but that's not exactly convenient)</li>
<li>It will ask you to insert a blank CD-R to burn a CD full of drivers to enable Windows to use all of Apple's spiffy hardware</li>
<li>It will as for the Windows disc, and reboot into the Windows installer. Let the Windows installer do its thang. Also note that it must be a 32-but Windows XP SP2, Home or Professional (Media Center and Tablet editions are a no-go). It also supports every 32-bit version of Vista</li>
<li>Windows will start up. It will probably be all screwed up (no sound, lack of screen resolution, etc) because it has no drivers. Throw in the drivers CD you made and let it install the drivers.
Also, remember, this is WINDOWS. Simply being on a Mac doesn't give it magical superpowers of not-sucking. The Windows side of your computer is instantly vulnerable to viruses, spyware, bots, hacking, trojans, lions tigers and bears oh my. Make sure you load it up with antivirus and other security stuff.</li>
</ol>