Laptops: Mac vs. everyone else - Page 7

Rudey · #91 07-31-2006, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wine&SilverBlue

As for macs (or anything else) - if I'm buying something to use for law school and the school specifically says they DO NOT recommend that type of product (that it will not be compatible with certain software and i'll be on my own for tech support) I personally would rather choose something they recommend.

They are referring to Macs that are only capable of running OS X. They changed that this year. Given that, you can just put a sticker over the Apple logo and pretend it's a Dell and nobody can tell the difference if you really wanted to.

-Rudey

Drolefille · #92 07-31-2006, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudey

They are referring to Macs that are only capable of running OS X. They changed that this year. Given that, you can just put a sticker over the Apple logo and pretend it's a Dell and nobody can tell the difference if you really wanted to.

-Rudey

To be fair, running Windows on a Mac is not some easy no big deal set up. (unless something's changed) Last I checked it was quite the to do. I don't know if Mac has simplified this process though.

I like my right clicks and such, but to me the fact that I can install any piece of software and have it work immediately is the best thing. Windows only sucks if the user sucks. Yeah, it's got bugs but it's a rare person who can crash Windows XP (I work IT) and it's user error it catches a virus.

texgal · #93 07-31-2006, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

To be fair, running Windows on a Mac is not some easy no big deal set up. (unless something's changed)

Something has changed. Running Windows on a Mac is no longer an issue.

Quote:

According to tests carried out by CNET product reviewers, a MacBook Pro and iMac running Intel's Core Duo processor and Windows XP delivers equal performance to similarly configured PCs designed to run Windows.

From Macs do Windows with no streaks, tests show. There are also many reviews saying that the set-up is quite simple. As long as you have a Mac running on Intel and Boot Camp (which I believe is standard on Intel Macs or can be downloaded) all you have to do is install Windows. Pop in your CD and follow the directions.

Drolefille · #94 08-01-2006, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wine&SilverBlue

At this point as long as my law school tells me they will not do tech support on a mac and that macs have trouble running the exam software, i personally will not be getting a mac.

I also love cute little handbags, but if the law school told me I'd have trouble using a cute little bag to carry my law books, I'd likely opt for a more functional bag FOR LAW SCHOOL that would be better suited for what I intend to use it for. Even if I would usually prefer something else. Sure I could get both, but if I had to choose one I'd go for practicality.

Macs might be better for other purposes - I don't know, I've never had a mac. There might also be ways to sidestep the complications a mac would lead to (special software that may or may not be compatible with exam software, taking your exams in a computer lab, renting a PC for exam week). However, it's up to you and what inconveniences you're willing to deal with to have a mac.

If you're buying the laptop to use for law school, I'd buy one that's going to best fit your law school needs. When you graduate in 3 years you'll probably get a new computer anyway, and then you can switch to whatever you prefer. Law school is going to be tough, why make it any more complicated than you have to?

Are you in law school?

_Opi_ · #95 08-01-2006, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wine&SilverBlue

I'm starting law school in two weeks. I got a PC because I didn't want to go through the extra hassle of having a mac. I don't want to have to do my own tech support, and I want to be able to use my computer for exams.

A friend of mine is starting at the same school, and she's getting a Mac. She doesn't mind doing her own tech support and she plans to rent a computer from the school for finals.

It comes down to whether it's worth whatever extra hassle is involved to have a Mac over a PC. To some people (like my friend) it is. To me, if I'm buying the laptop specifically to use for law school I'm going to pick one that will be the most convenient for that purpose.

Edit: Had the law school not given any guidelines, I'm pretty sure I still would have gotten a PC as I prefer PCs. However, had I gone into graphic design (for which my school recommends a Mac) I would have gone with the Mac, which is better suited for those programs.

I'm getting ready to finish off my first semester with a Mac Ibook. The only issue you will have with a Mac is the exam software. If the school rents labtops to students, then this is really not a big issue. Unless she does not want to keep doing it EVERY semester..then PC might be a better option.

I use the Ibook to type all my notes in class, as well as the outlines. I have no issues with wireless internet while in class, either.

Does she have other concerns on Macs besides the Exam software.

PS: I wish my school had the rental option :-(

Rudey · #96 08-02-2006, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wine&SilverBlue

However, had I gone into graphic design (for which my school recommends a Mac) I would have gone with the Mac, which is better suited for those programs.

And just to inform you on how your school is not up to date, when an Apple computer runs Windows and Adobe Photoshop CS2 on it, it performs faster than an Apple computer running Mac OS X and Adobe Photopshop.

-Rudey

Rudey · #97 08-02-2006, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Opi_

I'm getting ready to finish off my first semester with a Mac Ibook. The only issue you will have with a Mac is the exam software.

Opi. You have an old computer. You keep calling it a Mac. It's the equivalent of bringing out an old PC running on a 286 processor and saying that PCs can't run the exam software.

Apple computers run Windows. Apple produces PCs. Apple also produces its own Mac software (which is much better IMO) that won't be compatible with Windows software like that exam program. But basically Apple produces the same type of computers that Dell does but gives you the option to also run Mac programs.

http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/ This is what I'm talking about. It only came out this year so a lot of people with old Macs can't use Windows programs like your exam software. And morons who work at schools haven't updated their announcements on support for certain computers.

-Rudey

_Opi_ · #98 08-02-2006, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudey

Apple computers run Windows. Apple produces PCs. Apple also produces its own Mac software (which is much better IMO) that won't be compatible with Windows software like that exam program. But basically Apple produces the same type of computers that Dell does but gives you the option to also run Mac programs.

I get what you're saying. I know this is good news, and I'm supposed to be jumping up for joy..but I'm evenmore pissed now because I missed the frigging deadline to sign up for the exam software when it could've been done.

blueangel · #99 08-02-2006, 12:49 AM

Some warnings to those Mac'ers who are considering using Bootcamp. Remember that Boot Camp is still in Beta. I wouldn't risk it. Here is just a sample of some of the problems:

Users Find Flaw in Boot Camp
Some users report that Apple's software has permanently turned their Macs into PCs.

Matthew Broersma, Techworld.com
Thursday, April 13, 2006 07:00 AM PDT
Some Mac users are reporting problems with Apple's Boot Camp, the software that lets Intel-based Macs run Windows. Ironically, some users say that they have been left stuck with Windows, with their hardware unable to reboot the Mac operating system.

For complete story see:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/125393-1/article.html
-------------

Mac's Boot Camp spawns security worries

Having caught wide attention through the public beta release of its Boot Camp software, which allows users to install and run Windows XP on its current Intel-based computers, the firm has also been placed under the expectation of supporting Microsoft's operating system in addition to its own Mac OS X operating system software.

The end result has become that much more confusing to the end user.

In Apple's most recent security patch, the third one of the year, the company sent out a variety of fixes geared towards ensuring that malicious code couldn't be activated through programs and that other software could handle malformed data without crashing. The fixes, which amounted to a hefty 12 to 28 megabyte download depending on which version of the Mac OS X operating system was being used, provided pre-emptive fixes to problems that had yet to be exploited on a wide scale.

For complete story:
http://www.physorg.com/news67098523.html
----------------

Late-Breakers
Friday, July 21 2006 @ 07:40 AM PDT
Boot Camp Beta 1.0.2
Problems using target disk mode after removing Boot Camp

Some users are reporting an issue where they are unable to use their Intel-based Macs in target disk mode (the Intel-based Mac being the target disk) after removing Boot Camp using the Boot Camp Assistant, located in Applications/Utilities.

For complete story:
http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?...60721074045272

Rollergirl2001 · #**100** 08-02-2006, 09:05 PM

What about HP computers? I'm looking at that and Dell.

I had a Gateway laptop computer, and it quit on me 3 years later. With the desktop, it lasted for four years. I have a Mac desktop from 1995 and it lasted much longer than both of my Gateway computers, desktop and laptop. I would not recommend Gateway.

The computer that I on right now is from emachines, which I got last summer from Wal-Mart. It is under $600, and it's still going on strong. I've got to replace the mouse though, because it quit on me, just a few days ago. It can only move side to side, but not up and down.

BTW, if you are purchasing a laptop, get a cooling pad.

SigmaChiCard · #**101** 10-23-2006, 10:38 PM

GOT A MACBOOK. i'm so excited about it...this thing is awesome.

AlexMack · #**102** 10-23-2006, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SigmaChiCard

GOT A MACBOOK. i'm so excited about it...this thing is awesome.

Color me green. I've been drooling over macbooks since they came out. I'm seriously considering getting a student loan to buy one for next semester. My g3 pismo died two weeks ago due to an H2O incident.
Everytime my PC crashes I curse at it and wonder why it has to suck so bad and why can't everything I own be an Apple?

texgal · #**103** 10-24-2006, 04:03 PM

For those of you who have the NEWER MacBook/MacBook Pro - is anyone running Windows? How is it? I'm looking into buying one in the next year, so I've been trying to find someone who is actually running Windows and OS X to see what they think - especially if you were a PC user prior. I've had PCs my entire life, but everything I hear about the Macs is great, so I'm thinking about getting one when I graduate.

texgal · #**104** 10-24-2006, 04:09 PM

I just mean for those who have the ability to run Windows (not the Mac version of Windows). I don't know how new it is to be honest, I heard about it sometime over the summer if I remember correctly. Really, I'm just looking for someone who runs MS Windows on a Mac to see how well it works. I've heard it's a little shaky, but only from 2nd hand sources. I'll need to run Windows because of some of the programs that my major requires me to use, so I need to see how Windows is. If it doesn't work well, then the Mac is of no use to me since I need a few certain programs that I know only run on Windows.

Rudey · #**105** 10-24-2006, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texgal

I just mean for those who have the ability to run Windows (not the Mac version of Windows). I don't know how new it is to be honest, I heard about it sometime over the summer if I remember correctly. Really, I'm just looking for someone who runs MS Windows on a Mac to see how well it works. I've heard it's a little shaky, but only from 2nd hand sources. I'll need to run Windows because of some of the programs that my major requires me to use, so I need to see how Windows is. If it doesn't work well, then the Mac is of no use to me since I need a few certain programs that I know only run on Windows.

What is the mac version of windows? I've run windows on a pc and it works well. Not shaky at all. But I haven't used it in about a month now.

-Rudey