Comments on: About to buy my first MacBook, any thoughts? http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/ A blog about Adobe Flex Wed, 16 May 2012 20:49:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc By: nate http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-2592 nate Mon, 16 Apr 2007 04:34:11 +0000 http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/#comment-2592 I'm having a similar problem in choosing between the MB or the MBP 15". I'm a Youth Pastor switching from pc to mac. I'm needing something to do both graphic design and video work. Not necessarily major video work, just putting together video of our student activities and advertisements for events. I would greatly appreciate any feedback that I can get. I’m having a similar problem in choosing between the MB or the MBP 15″. I’m a Youth Pastor switching from pc to mac. I’m needing something to do both graphic design and video work. Not necessarily major video work, just putting together video of our student activities and advertisements for events. I would greatly appreciate any feedback that I can get.

]]> By: Peter Bell http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-1201 Peter Bell Sun, 25 Mar 2007 00:32:16 +0000 http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/#comment-1201 Just to give the other side, I looked at the same data and chose a Black MacBook over the MBP. I also commute a lot and for me even the 13" was bigger than I wanted (coming from a 12" Dell), and the 15" to me was not worth it. I have 2Gb RAM and run Parallels running MSSQL and CF as well as the Mac running CF, MySQL and Eclipse, Entourage, Word, Excel and other bits and pieces. 2Gb RAM works fine for me, but I don't do any graphics or large video work. The separate video card, expansion slots and support for multiple external monitors are all Pro only options, but I don't do anything too graphics intensive, I'm OK with one large external screen instead of two (and I mirror so I can easily switch between working on the laptop on the train and working in the office or at home on the larger LCDs) and I don't want to put a Verizon wireless card (or anything similar) into my MB, so for me the MB was better and cheaper - a winning combination. Obviously depending on your use case your milage may vary, but I wouldn't completely discount the MB. Just to give the other side, I looked at the same data and chose a Black MacBook over the MBP. I also commute a lot and for me even the 13″ was bigger than I wanted (coming from a 12″ Dell), and the 15″ to me was not worth it.

I have 2Gb RAM and run Parallels running MSSQL and CF as well as the Mac running CF, MySQL and Eclipse, Entourage, Word, Excel and other bits and pieces. 2Gb RAM works fine for me, but I don’t do any graphics or large video work.

The separate video card, expansion slots and support for multiple external monitors are all Pro only options, but I don’t do anything too graphics intensive, I’m OK with one large external screen instead of two (and I mirror so I can easily switch between working on the laptop on the train and working in the office or at home on the larger LCDs) and I don’t want to put a Verizon wireless card (or anything similar) into my MB, so for me the MB was better and cheaper – a winning combination. Obviously depending on your use case your milage may vary, but I wouldn’t completely discount the MB.

]]> By: Doug http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-1198 Doug Sat, 24 Mar 2007 21:58:29 +0000 http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/#comment-1198 Yeah, go for the MBPro over the basic MB. I recently bought both, the MB for my wife (for blogging and running her online hobby store for hand-dyed yarns), and the MBP for myself as developer. I went through the same buying decision tree as you have posted, and I went for option #2. I didn't think the extra $600 was warranted for the slightly faster CPU. Also, your MBP #2 will run a fair bit cooler on your lap than option #3. The heat does get a bit excessive after a while. FYI - Like you, I was also switching over Mac from Windoze, and I *luv* it. I run Parallels for a few legacy things as needed, but I am so glad to be done with Windows for now. PS: Love the blog, still waiting for the Flex source posting of the infamous MXNA RSS app. Yeah, go for the MBPro over the basic MB.

I recently bought both, the MB for my wife (for blogging and running her online hobby store for hand-dyed yarns), and the MBP for myself as developer. I went through the same buying decision tree as you have posted, and I went for option #2. I didn’t think the extra $600 was warranted for the slightly faster CPU. Also, your MBP #2 will run a fair bit cooler on your lap than option #3. The heat does get a bit excessive after a while.

FYI – Like you, I was also switching over Mac from Windoze, and I *luv* it. I run Parallels for a few legacy things as needed, but I am so glad to be done with Windows for now.

PS: Love the blog, still waiting for the Flex source posting of the infamous MXNA RSS app.

]]> By: Nate http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-1197 Nate Sat, 24 Mar 2007 21:09:03 +0000 http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/#comment-1197 I had the exact same dilema when I bought my MBP. I got the 2.33 processor with 2 gigs of ram. I was going to upgrade to 3 gigs later to use with parallels but I honestly barley ever use parallels. I've never had a ram issue while just running osx. If you go with the slower processor good luck ever trying to upgrade it, plus with the faster processor you can tell your roommate how much better your MBP is than his. Definitely get the pro because of the better video card too. Here's how I would make my setup if I were you. I would leave my old laptop at work and try to snag another monitor (i used to work for a university and old monitors were everywhere because of guaranteed upgrade cycles for professors.) At work I would then have an extra screen for my MBP and one for my windows laptop and use synergy to use the same keyboard and mouse between them. That way you get uber screen realestate and the use of both OSes. At home you could switch to windows and do things if you had to through parallels. I have a regular machine at home with vista that I use to game and for Visual Studio. Anything other than that I use my MBP. I think your educational discount is like $200 with the MBP too; only 100 with the MB. You should also drop that apple protection care plan and live in the danger zone :). Now you have to decide whether you want glossy or matte! I had the exact same dilema when I bought my MBP. I got the 2.33 processor with 2 gigs of ram. I was going to upgrade to 3 gigs later to use with parallels but I honestly barley ever use parallels. I’ve never had a ram issue while just running osx. If you go with the slower processor good luck ever trying to upgrade it, plus with the faster processor you can tell your roommate how much better your MBP is than his.

Definitely get the pro because of the better video card too.

Here’s how I would make my setup if I were you. I would leave my old laptop at work and try to snag another monitor (i used to work for a university and old monitors were everywhere because of guaranteed upgrade cycles for professors.) At work I would then have an extra screen for my MBP and one for my windows laptop and use synergy to use the same keyboard and mouse between them. That way you get uber screen realestate and the use of both OSes.

At home you could switch to windows and do things if you had to through parallels. I have a regular machine at home with vista that I use to game and for Visual Studio. Anything other than that I use my MBP.

I think your educational discount is like $200 with the MBP too; only 100 with the MB.

You should also drop that apple protection care plan and live in the danger zone :) .

Now you have to decide whether you want glossy or matte!

]]> By: Jon MacDonald http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-1196 Jon MacDonald Sat, 24 Mar 2007 19:20:58 +0000 http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/#comment-1196 As a recent switcher myself to a 17" MBP, I would think #2 is probably your best option. In addition, be sure to pop in all 3GB RAM allowed - it helps a ton with Parallels. My girlfriend has the Black MB you are also considering, and really, the screen resolution isnt that great compared to the MBP. In addition, it is missing a few other hardware features that you'll regret not having after a few weeks of use. Not to mention that the black plastic shell is nowhere as durable at the pro's metal shell. Oh, and go for the matte screen finish - your eyes will thank you after coding all day. As a recent switcher myself to a 17″ MBP, I would think #2 is probably your best option. In addition, be sure to pop in all 3GB RAM allowed – it helps a ton with Parallels.

My girlfriend has the Black MB you are also considering, and really, the screen resolution isnt that great compared to the MBP. In addition, it is missing a few other hardware features that you’ll regret not having after a few weeks of use. Not to mention that the black plastic shell is nowhere as durable at the pro’s metal shell. Oh, and go for the matte screen finish – your eyes will thank you after coding all day.

]]> By: Savvas Malamas http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-1195 Savvas Malamas Sat, 24 Mar 2007 19:01:08 +0000 http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/#comment-1195 Hello there..After my 3 years of a 17" PowerBook experience i need something more portable. But i wanted the best h/w in a smaller package so i order an 15" with 2.33 GHz, 3 GBs RAM(the price for one 2GBs chip is UNBELIEVABLE), 160 HDD.I live with this beast for 1-2 months and i'm totaly happy.The amazing is that this 15.4" laptop has the exact resolution as my 17" PowerBook(1440x900) so i have the same space as before.Back in home there is a 23" Cinema witch completes my happiness.The MacBook is even more portable but i have some thoughts on the GPU, the mini DVI and the total RAM..I like the black color but i hate the plastic skin.I really hope that you will take the right decision.Anyway, enjoy Mac OS X! Chears Hello there..After my 3 years of a 17″ PowerBook experience i need something more portable.
But i wanted the best h/w in a smaller package so i order an 15″ with 2.33 GHz, 3 GBs RAM(the price for one 2GBs chip is UNBELIEVABLE), 160 HDD.I live with this beast for 1-2 months and i’m totaly happy.The amazing is that this 15.4″ laptop has the exact resolution as my 17″ PowerBook(1440×900) so i have the same space as before.Back in home there is a 23″ Cinema witch completes my happiness.The MacBook is even more portable but i have some thoughts on the GPU, the mini DVI and the total RAM..I like the black color but i hate the plastic skin.I really hope that you will take the right decision.Anyway, enjoy Mac OS X!
Chears

]]> By: ethan http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-1193 ethan Sat, 24 Mar 2007 18:48:18 +0000 http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/#comment-1193 I recently bought a macbook pro when i started working from home. I'm running on a 15 inch, 2 gigs ram, 2.16 ghz with the 120 hd. I have xp via parallels. I run run flex builder and all the other adobe apps in rosetta until CS3, i use the xp share for the test suites from adlnet and general crossplatform testing. I'm pretty happy with it so far. I have an external monitor i hook up to sometimes. I'd like to have 3-4 gigs of ram with xp running, but everything might get better once i'm not running rosetta. I got it from the apple refurb site(imac, mac mini, and mbp so far no problems) for 1500 bucks. www.macsales is great for upgrades. They have not failed me yet: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/5300DDR2S2GB/ I recently bought a macbook pro when i started working from home. I’m running on a 15 inch, 2 gigs ram, 2.16 ghz with the 120 hd. I have xp via parallels. I run run flex builder and all the other adobe apps in rosetta until CS3, i use the xp share for the test suites from adlnet and general crossplatform testing. I’m pretty happy with it so far. I have an external monitor i hook up to sometimes. I’d like to have 3-4 gigs of ram with xp running, but everything might get better once i’m not running rosetta. I got it from the apple refurb site(imac, mac mini, and mbp so far no problems) for 1500 bucks. http://www.macsales is great for upgrades. They have not failed me yet:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/5300DDR2S2GB/

]]> By: Chad http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-1192 Chad Sat, 24 Mar 2007 18:43:01 +0000 http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/#comment-1192 As a long time mac user, I recommend option 2. It has been reported that Adobe's CS3 products use some hardware acceleration for UI, and if that is the case, more video memory is better. Add to that, the fact that the Pro has a true DVI out and not a mini-dvi out and you might be better off because of that, too... more convenient than lugging around a dongle to plug in to other displays. Glad to see more switchers out there! That Parrellels transporter app looks cool! Is that free? As a long time mac user, I recommend option 2.

It has been reported that Adobe’s CS3 products use some hardware acceleration for UI, and if that is the case, more video memory is better. Add to that, the fact that the Pro has a true DVI out and not a mini-dvi out and you might be better off because of that, too… more convenient than lugging around a dongle to plug in to other displays.

Glad to see more switchers out there!

That Parrellels transporter app looks cool! Is that free?

]]> By: Thijs http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-1191 Thijs Sat, 24 Mar 2007 18:41:13 +0000 http://dougmccune.com/blog/2007/03/24/about-to-buy-my-first-macbook-any-thoughts/#comment-1191 I bought a macbook pro today and the only reason i got the Pro version was because you need at least 128mb ram to connect it to a cinema 30 inch screen. With your 24-inch screen you might wanna test if it's all supported.. and I didn't know only the Pro version can extend your screen but that would also be an important reason for me to get the Pro version instead. I bought a macbook pro today and the only reason i got the Pro version was because you need at least 128mb ram to connect it to a cinema 30 inch screen. With your 24-inch screen you might wanna test if it’s all supported.. and I didn’t know only the Pro version can extend your screen but that would also be an important reason for me to get the Pro version instead.

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