Mac or PC?

[AlienHrGig]

I was thinking of just eirther keeping my curent laptop or selling it, but geting a imac 24" . but I want to be mobile, so i thought, keep the laptop and get a imac. but that option seems to be out of my way...so I'm kind of set between a mac laptop and the dv9060us model from HP. I have been going to notebook review and a few other sites to check out whats good and whats bad.... Hopefully I can make up my mind before I drive my self crazy :wacko:

I thought Aero requres at least 128 MB of video memory. The Macbook has 64 MB shared video memory, am I missing something?

i was using macbook pro, the 15 inches one, thats the one that costs 1999 usd or eur, the price you mentioned the hp would cost.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebO...nclm=MacBookPro

[Galley]

You can score a refurbished MacBook from Apple.com for $900 or so. It's easy to upgrade the RAM yourself. The only difference between new and refurbished is the brown box. Who knows, you may get lucky and score some free upgrades like I did when I bought one for my daughter.

[Tech_Dude_5000]

You can score a refurbished MacBook from Apple.com for $900 or so. It's easy to upgrade the RAM yourself. The only difference between new and refurbished is the brown box. Who knows, you may get lucky and score some free upgrades like I did when I bought one for my daughter.

Would you tust E-bay?

[Scirwode]

What are you actually doing? If you're mostly on the go, then a 15.4" notebook is the maximum you can go. Any higher and it would be pointless as the computer would be too big for a notebook bag and frankly speaking, too heavy for traveling. And since you said that you would only be using Office 2003, then the HP Pavilion dv9000 is probably overkill in terms of power.

If you wish to have a Mac, I would suggest to get an iMac 24" and keep your notebook for the occasional windows use. Office for Mac 2004 is quite good if not similar to their Windows counterpart. There's also iWork but there's no spreadsheet application, though I did hear there is a rumor about it coming out.

If you still need a Mac notebook, get the Macbook and not the Macbook Pro as it is good enough for normal use. It has already been upgraded to Core 2 Duo's so it should be fine. To have mobility, you have to sacrifice a bit of power so the absolute limit is 15.4". If you like HP, why not try the HP Pavilion dv2000, which is 14" and the Pavilion dv6000, which is 15.4"?

Scirwode

[Tech_Dude_5000]

What are you actually doing? If you're mostly on the go, then a 15.4" notebook is the maximum you can go. Any higher and it would be pointless as the computer would be too big for a notebook bag and frankly speaking, too heavy for traveling. And since you said that you would only be using Office 2003, then the HP Pavilion dv9000 is probably overkill in terms of power.

If you wish to have a Mac, I would suggest to get an iMac 24" and keep your notebook for the occasional windows use. Office for Mac 2004 is quite good if not similar to their Windows counterpart. There's also iWork but there's no spreadsheet application, though I did hear there is a rumor about it coming out.

If you still need a Mac notebook, get the Macbook and not the Macbook Pro as it is good enough for normal use. It has already been upgraded to Core 2 Duo's so it should be fine. To have mobility, you have to sacrifice a bit of power so the absolute limit is 15.4". If you like HP, why not try the HP Pavilion dv2000, which is 14" and the Pavilion dv6000, which is 15.4"?

Scirwode

well I said I do more then just office.I have a music collection that i snyc with my ipod. I have photos that I mess with. I browse the net, instent message. I do lots of stuff.

I did look in a few of the ads we got in the paper today ( you know, the "black Friday" ads ) and I found a HP model, same exact features as the hp dv9060us,but with out a HD DVD drive. and in fact who realy needs that? The HP dv9040us for a few hundred LESS. and it lines right up to a midrange macbook.

So, i just wanted to add that little bit.

[Scirwode]

Yes, I understand. But, do you move from place to place or practically work from home? Are you a graphic artist or art director or do you just make spreadsheets and type out reports? Buying a notebook is not the same as buying a desktop. It has to be for your needs - no more, no less. Get something too powerful and it would probably be redundant or under utilised. Get something too heavy and it will probably be sitting on your desk instead of on your lap. These questions have to be asked. As upgrading in a notebook is limited, choosing the right notebook is essential.

Plus, buying something too expensive would set you back much in terms of budget, which you can save to buy accessories and such. All these questions must be answered as that is how you determine you needs.

Scirwode

[Tech_Dude_5000]

Yes, I understand. But, do you move from place to place or practically work from home? Are you a graphic artist or art director or do you just make spreadsheets and type out reports? Buying a notebook is not the same as buying a desktop. It has to be for your needs - no more, no less. Get something too powerful and it would probably be redundant or under utilised. Get something too heavy and it will probably be sitting on your desk instead of on your lap. These questions have to be asked. As upgrading in a notebook is limited, choosing the right notebook is essential.

Plus, buying something too expensive would set you back to much in terms of budget, which you can save to buy accessories and such. All these questions must be answered as that is how you determine you needs.

Scirwode

Well I like to be mobile. I hate sitting at a desk where i could be on the bed or on the couch or something. And like I said before, i was looking in to the HP dv9060us model, whitch was a little above $2000 but I then found the HP dv9040us whitch has the same specs, minus a HD DVD drive, but who realy needs that? I'll be happy with a basic DVD drive,

I'm only a junior in high school. but I don't want/need a desktop, cuz I rather be mobile. ( and who doesnt )

The HP is only between 7.5-7.8 LBS. Apple is between 5.5 - 6.5 LBS. so not that heavey.

[Scirwode]

Well I like to be mobile. I hate sitting at a desk where i could be on the bed or on the couch or something. And like I said before, i was looking in to the HP dv9060us model, whitch was a little above $2000 but I then found the HP dv9040us whitch has the same specs, minus a HD DVD drive, but who realy needs that? I'll be happy with a basic DVD drive,

I'm only a junior in high school. but I don't want/need a desktop, cuz I rather be mobile. ( and who doesnt )

The HP is only between 7.5-7.8 LBS. Apple is between 5.5 - 6.5 LBS. so not that heavey.

Well then, isn't the HP Pavilion a bit of an overkill? If you just in high school, then a budget notebook would do you fine. And since you listen to your iPod, the Macbook would be the best choice. Considering that Apple has Student packages for these sort of things, then a Macbook is the best you can have. The HP Pavilion dv9000 is too much, size and weight wise, and the battery life would be very poor, even if on power saving mode.

If you still like a HP, get the HP Pavilion dv6000 as spec wise, it is almost similar to it's bigger counterpart but with the added mobility and a longer battery life. It also has a budget card so it should drain less from its battery.

Scirwode

[Rupert]

would the tweaking cost some money? or is it an easy do-it your self job?

I meant driver issues, although I think working Vista drivers for the graphics chip are now available so that isn't a problem anymore.

The Macbook has a 13 inch screen and is about 2.5cm thick, the weight is also quite low. That might be your best option if you want a portable laptop.

[.Neo]

Boot Camp is likely to be updated to support Windows Vista (I can't think of a reason why it wouldn't happen), just give Apple some time to do it.

[C_Guy]

There are a lot of points here that I'm wondering if they really matter. For example, you don't buy a computer because it looks sleek and sexy, you buy it to do your work, surf the net, share photos, chat, play games, etc. Whether the Mac is "sexier" than an HP or Dell or whatever doesn't really matter unless you're casting the thing in a movie.

You are already used to the software and functionality of Windows and that's where your software and files are now. It will be more work to transfer it to Mac than keep it on Windows. Plus you will have to re-buy some software like Office for Mac.

Macs and PCs use a lot of the same hardware. Processors, video cards, hard drives, they are all made by the same companies for Apple and PC's. So the specs/hardware doesn't matter that much either.

Apple has finally (finally!) brought their prices down enough to be comparable to PCs. Although if you want to run Vista on Mac you are paying for 2 OS's (Mac OS and Vista)

These are all still minor points. What it comes down to is, are you a Mac guy or a PC guy? Do you like the look/ease/functioanlity of Vista or of Mac OS X? Which do you like better?

If you're really struggling with that then, yes, you can get Boot Camp and have both Vista and OS X but then remember: You are paying for two OS's and two sets of software. If that doens't bother you then I guess you have your decision.

One last thing to think about is the warranty and customer care of Apple or the PC manufacturer you are considering. I've heard good and bad from Apple and others so if warranty coverage is a concern to you, do some research on that too. A laptop is a big investment and you should protect it to make sure you get your money's worth over the long run.

Also: I have had zero issues running Vista on my iMac. Not sure why others are having issues.

[Tech_Dude_5000]

Considering that Apple has Student packages for these sort of things, then a Macbook is the best you can have.

Well Those student packages are for colleges and stuff. and for people that work in the k-12 inderstery. So that kind of leaves me out of the picture.( at least for another year and a half ) The prices wernt that munch diferent though..

Heres what i came down to:

if I do chose a macbook pro it would be the 15.4" model. 17"is to expenstive, and bulky. Macbook I'd probly chose a mid range model. and as for HP I found a cheeper verson of the dv9060us model, same features, minus a HD dvd drive, for around $1699

but I'll try to get down to a local mac store, check them out in person. It's been a month since I've been in one, so its about time I visit it again. but I want something that the performance will be good enough that I won't have top upgrade in a year.

But I will be waiting till after CES '07 as I want to see what products both parties have to offer. Then, if I chose a mac, I can get Leopard alreay installed. or if i chose a PC, Vista will already be preinstalled.

Thanks for all your help, and keep up with the comments and sugestions. :)

[Malik05]

well considering the fact that ur posting this in a Mac forum, u will get bias opinions...but i say PC...Dell, if not Dell, then build it ur self...

[gfsdgfsdgfshgdgd]

personally, if it were for a desktop, i'd advise to stay well away from macs.

but laptops... that's another matter, macbooks are damn nice machines. :)

i'd say the only real way to decide is to go try both yourself, then consider the effect of vista / other future products etc.

you shouldn't really let other people decide what to spend your $2000+ on, that's a lot of money ;)

(i suppose i should be saying "get the mac!" since i work for one of hp's biggest competitors... :p)

[chindall]

Any noticle diferance between the 15.4" and the 17" other then size? ( like resolution )

I myself will be making the Macbook Pro plunge in February when I get my tax refund check. I have been doing a world of research on the Mac because like you this is a huge purchase. I have had a Macmini (G4) for a year. Love OSX. But to answer you question besides the 15.4 weighing 5.6lbs and and the 17 weighing 6.8lbs the 17 you can equip with a 7200rpm hard drive where the 15 is only a 5400rpm hard drive. Since I will be using Vista in a Virtual machine I will want a faster drive. Thats the only "major" difference I see.

I am a full time PC user. I have a Dell Inspiron 6400 (after my 6000 battery blew up). And I am counting the day to get my Mac, to get the best of both worlds.

Hope my post helped.

[Fozzieb]

I just bought a 17" 2GHz iMac last week and I love it, I also have two pc's and I have to say the mac is so much nicer to use. The fact that with bootcamp you can run xp is just amazing.

Go for the mac, you will not regret it.

[GuJu]

i would take the hp...bc i did buy an hp about 2 months ago.

but im a gamer and the opposite of what you do on the comp so maybe a mac for you.

[snyper]

I have, and continue to prefer PC over mac, but i wont recommend it because of the ridicule and death threats i received from rabid Mac Supports.

[LTD]

I have, and continue to prefer PC over mac, but i wont recommend it because of the ridicule and death threats i received from rabid Mac Supports.

Yeah, we're coming to get you. :D

[+John. Subscriber¹]

PC as it currently stands. However that may be different after Christmas if the hints are anything to go by ;) If they end up getting me an apple tree I will NOT be happy :(

[Tech_Dude_5000]

Also don't forget CES '07 and macworld '07 where the latest products from both parties will be showing off their new stuff. I might just wait till then, and like i said earler, what ever route i chose i can get the latest OS on the computer, along with new features

[david13lt]

I am PC and Windows users for a long time, from the 4 grade. So it's about 8 years. ~1 year ago I first noticed Apple's Mac OS X, after 6 months I couldn't think about anything else. I tested all newest iMac, MacBook Pro. MacBook and MacMini products. The only thing I could tell you, is to get a Mac.

You will have Mac OS X and at the same time you will be able to install Windows XP/Vista if you miss Windows OS.

I am a student, this way I still will be buying PC, notebook and I will be trying to get Mac Mini after a year. (This decision was made due the money/prices)

[Tech_Dude_5000]

Question, my curent laptop has these specs:

HP dv8220us

17" widescreen display

AMD turion x64 moble

512MB ram

160GB HD

ATI m200 series

XP MCE 05

I know thats still very mordern, but if i were to sell that, how munch would I get out of it.

btw, I'm aiming towards the HP dv9000 series still, but also thinking of the mac. I still though need to head to the stores to check both out in person...

[david13lt]

My friend paid about 1500 euro, from HP notebook something like yours. Just he had more RAM, GF video card. Can't remember the model now.

And My own target is:

Procesorius: Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 2.0GHz, 4MB cache, FSB667, Merom, Centrino Duo

Operacines sistemos: Support Windows XP Pro & Home edition, Windows Vista Capable PC

Chipset: Intel 945PM + ICH7M

Atmintis: 2GB DDRII 667 SDRAM (2x1GB)

Video chip: ATi Radeon X1600 256MB (512MB) DDRII 128bit

Ekrano tipas: 15.4" WXGA, glare, wide (CBB standard)

HDD: 100GB / 5400rpm SATA (CBB standard)

Optinis irenginys: Super Multi DVD+/-RW (CBB standard)

7 in 1: 4 in 1 card reader: MMC/ SD, Memory Stick/ MS Pro

Garsas: Azalia compliant audio chip, Build-in high-quality speakers, 2x Internal Microphone

I/O jungtys: 1*D-sub VGA port, 1*Headphone-out jack, 1*Microphone-in jack, 1*RJ11, 1*RJ45, 5*USB2.0,1*TV-out S-Video, 1*IEEE1394(FireWire)

Baterija: 9 cells, 2400mAh, 80Wh, Smart battery, charging time, 4hrs/2.5hrs (System On/ Off) to 95% (CBB standard)

PCMCIA: ExpressCard 34 / 54 support

Ry?io iranga: Bluetooth EDR.2.0, Wireless LAN Intel 3945 802.11a/b/g, G-e LAN, 56k modem,

Maitinimo ?altinis: Input: 100~240V AC, 50/60Hz universal, Output: 19V DC, 4.73A, 90W (CBB standart)

LED indikatorius: Power-on/Suspend (Green), Bat. Charging/full/low (Orange), Email (Green), WLAN/Bluetooth indicator (Green), Storage device access (Green), Num Lock (Green), Cap. Lock (Green), Scroll Lock (Green)

Klaviatura: US (CBB standard)

Power management: s/w Power 4 Gear

Saugumas: Pre-OS Authentication by programmable key code, BIOS Booting User Password Protection, HDD User Password Protection and Security Lock, Kensington Lock hole provided

Camera: 1.3Mpixel integrated webcam

I?matavimai: 362 x 268 x 28.5 ~ 39mm

Weight: 3.25 kg

Accessories/Features: integrated webcam, mouse, bag, Nero6

Only I would change video card to GF 7900 512 or 256 RAM.

~1100$, warranty for almost every part 3 years.

[Tech_Dude_5000]

ok well I'd like some opinions on the macbook pro and an imac. Scratch my "laptop only" bit for a sec. What would be the best option. If $2,000 would be my budget ( i'm gonna sell my curent laptop about a year old, and an game cube ( i'm 16, 17 in february,game cube is so middle school ;) so add up both prices it should be close ... )

few things I would like to know:

iMac:

How munch a jump would it be to upgrade to the wireless mighty set? I don't have that munch room in my room, and rather then have a chair, I could just lay on my bed or something..

Would the iMac give me better performance then the macbook Pro with the standard configs? I'm thinking of eirther going for the 20" or 24" model. 17" is a bit to small for what i'm planing to do, whitch is watch DVDs, bulid on to my iTunes music libary, internet, im, few school projects ( for that I'll use XP/vista with MS office ) you know same as windows but with out the useless crap.

Now i know this is a desktop computer, but how munch easy is it to move from room to room? such as if i wanted to show it off in the living room for friends/family?

Now on to the Macbook pro:

Is the glossy screen only avable on orders at apple.com? or can it be bought at a apple retel store? I realy like glossy screens, finger prints sure, but why would you touch your screen everyware?

Any problems with apple laptops that any of you experanced or heard of? I don't want to get one and later find out i made a huge mistake. and I'm talking about any hardware malfunctions.

err,thats all I can think of I'll post more as the time comes, and remember I'm in no rush, and would rather wait till after CES '07 and mac world 07 to see if any of the new 2007 products would do me better.