Thinking about buying a mac

[that guy]

I'm thinking about buying a macbook pro, i got a bonus at work enough to cover the computer and I always wanted a mac especially for the last 4 years. I'm getting sick of the Microsoft operating system, it seems like my computer crashes a lot, especially while working on projects i just wanted to get some feed back on people that are using the macs to see how they like it... the computer i am thinking about is the 13.3in macbook pro with 4gb of ram, 500 gb hard drive and a 2.4 GHz processor

i currently have a 15.5inch lenovo (IBM) SL500 with a 2.1 GHz processor 3gb ram and 180gb hard drive

 

[Btros]

I love my macbook (3 years old) and would never go back to a PC at this point. I'm probably going to upgrade to the 13" macbook pro next year also.

 

[SoulTerror]

You could always just keep your current laptop and install Ubuntu or another Linux distribution. Can make that your only OS or dual boot with Windows.

 

[Pryomancer]

Your crashing problem probably isn't solely reliant on the fact you're using Windows.

 

[Isthmus]

Your crashing problem probably isn't solely reliant on the fact you're using Windows.

Truer words never spoken. The user should consider backing up his files and then reinstalling windows and his software (as well as getting rid of all the prepackaged bloatware). He should also consider taking stock of his hardware and updating anything that might be out of date or underpowered. The easiest one is RAM, but he could easily also upgrade his wireless card (assuming there is a mini N one for his system) and his hard drive (a newer larger one with a faster spin rate will give him a bump in performance. You can do all that for much less than the cost of a new system.

You could always just keep your current laptop and install Ubuntu or another Linux distribution. Can make that your only OS or dual boot with Windows.

Excellent advice. If he does what was suggested above, he can easily test multiple Linux distros on Live USBs until he finds one that he likes. Apple shares a Lot of similarities with linux (this is especially true of major distros using Gnome, and particularly Ubuntu based Distros). Test different ones until he finds one that he likes and then install it as a dual boot on his machine. it won't be the same as having a mac (and IMHO it shouldn't be though of as such), but you will get exposure to a lot of commonalities shared by Mac OS, making any possible switch to a mac, much smoother than going straight from a PC. There is a learning curve involved and this is especially true of Open Source alternatives to commercial software, but I think you will enjoy the experience and the huge savings involved.

 

[nyydynasty]

first off, you're using an IBM. Although the newer Lenovo's are better, I've had some problems with their hard drives (and other misc parts) on the IBM's. That being said, dont blame MS operating system's on your crashes. More often than not, crashes occur because of bad hardware NOT software. Before you go off blaming MS for your crashes, do some research on the issue at hand. You'll be surprised how quickly you can fix an issue with some replacement RAM (for example).

I'm not attacking you, i'm just suggesting things that might save you time and money. Your particular issue MIGHT BE an operating system issue but it doesnt have to be.

 

[Jammy]

If you do decide to get a Mac, I'd advise buying one from Apple's refurbished store. You'll get a decent dscount, and refurbs are generally more reliable than new computers, since they check everything on it just in case, whereas with new ones, they just do spot checks.

However, a fresh install of Windows/a Linux Distro on your current laptop would be worth a shot!

 

[CodeMonkey]

I'm pretty happy with my Macbook (2009 aluminium unibody) but if you want to stick with windows I sorted my girlfriend's mum out with a Samsung R580 Core i3 laptop which she's been very happy with. They also come in a Core i5 flavour and should fly with Windows 7 on.
Personally I use VirtualBox for some apps that I have to run in Windows, and for playing with Linux distros.

One word of advice if you go the Mac route - don't pay for Apple's RAM upgrade when purchasing. Buy the Macbook, start it up, go to Crucial.com and scan the system. Purchase the RAM upgrade from them and install it yourself. Apple wanted

 

[that guy]

I have had windows my whole life and always hated it I want to try out a mac... just wanna know what people that have macs or used them think

 

[CodeMonkey]

I have had windows my whole life and always hated it I want to try out a mac... just wanna know what people that have macs or used them think

I went to a Mac for a complete break from work - I'm a Windows-based software developer and I wanted to make a clear distinction between using a computer at work and home.
Overall I think the macbook has helped me achieve this, and has lasted a lot better than my previous Windows laptop (which cost about the same).

There are some things I find frustrating about using the mac but it is a different mindset (for me at least) that I enjoy.

 

[Jammy]

I have had windows my whole life and always hated it I want to try out a mac... just wanna know what people that have macs or used them think

Go try one out, I personally like the way the OS works, but not everyone will.

 

[RussWWFC]

I got a Mac about 16 months ago and wouldn't get back. The interface is more pleasant, it's easier to use and when you want to do something it does it, with the minimum of fuss. Everything seems a lot quicker too. And whereas I'd have crashes several times a week in Windows it happens about 2/3 times a year with Mac OSX

I'd never go back now, it really is worth the extra cash over a Windows laptop

 

[mikedt]

I'm currently using 3 year old 15 inch Macbook Pro. Which has been solid reliable no-nonsense laptop for travel. The only issue I've had is that the DVD drive has given up reading DVDs, but still works with CDs. This is not a problem as I've not bought a DVD in long time. One feature I do like is the ability to setup the Macbook as a WiFi hotspot very easily, I've found this to be very useful when staying in hotels, or when an apartment only has wired internet.

However I'm in two minds when and if it does die. as to what I'm going to replace it with. Another Macbook Pro or a PC laptop (Lenovo) running Ubuntu 10.10? I don't want to be using Windows as my main OS, especially while i'm in China.

 

[that guy]

Was looking at apples refurbished computers and saw a 2.66GHz 4gb RAM 320 HDD for 1200 about 300 off what do you guys think

 

[LickTheEnvelope]

The lesson with Windows PCs = build them yourself with a touch of help from a reputable (usually smaller), local, hardware dealer.

Never had a Windows PC crash for any reason I was not fully aware of (ie. going over-board on the CPU).

Apple is fine, but as mentioned you may want to look at Linux as well. You learn much more and save quite a lot of $$$$.

 

[dunn2010]

http://thenextweb.com/apple/files/2010/09/mac01.jpg

zoom in and read

 

[Markerton]

http://thenextweb.com/apple/files/2010/09/mac01.jpg

zoom in and read

You beat me to it! I was just about to dig that up from my hard drive

 

[flyinggpenguin]

I would go for it. I have a 2006 (first gen running 10.6.#) MacBook and I love it. It's just as fast if not faster than all of my friend's computers, and it barely freezes up. Maybe once a week if I'm torrenting a movie or something.