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2 Many Apple Laptop ?'s

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I've been using various Apple desktops & laptops for many years. My current toy is their latest 12" Powerbook. It's AMAZING. Very compact.. travels well (my current one has been to 18 countries during some of my travels... lots of scratches as I throw it around a lot!)

Over the years I’ve worked with numerous operating systems in my career including every Windows release since 3.1, a lot of linux, and various flavors of Unix... And I have to admit, from a user point of view Apple’s latest version of OS X kicks ass (and it’s all UNIX based)!

If there isn’t a “microsoft” version of the application you want there are plenty of open source applications out there that will do the same thing or do what you want even better.

Apple’s prices for their hardware can appear little higher than some other companies but it’s worth it (my opinion). I’d rather spend a few bucks more for something that not only is functional but also aesthetically appealing.

Keep an eye on the various mac rumor websites... there may be new Powerbooks coming out soon! :)
( according to http://www.thinksecret.com )

Here’s my answers for your questions:

1. Will an Apple still run Microsoft and other products such as: MSN Messenger, WORD, Excel, AIM, Yahoo Messenger?

In short: YES. There are mac versions of all of the above. In fact, future macs will be using Intel chips so in theory ALL applications available to the current windows platforms (ex. Windows XP) will work on future macs. However, this might be a year or so in the future depending on how soon Apple releases their new Intel based hardware.

2. Some people have said Apple is virus proof, even checking out porn sites, how is that possible?

Nothing is virus proof. However, Apple’s OS X has so far been extremely virus free compared to any Windows platforms. Search on Google and you’ll find TONS of info to back this up.


3. What about Apple's customer service and follow-up?

I’ve been a very loyal customer for years... no problems yet. But with any manufacturer there will always be a few hiccups. I will say that my personal experiences with Apple have been MUCH BETTER than with Dell.

4. I heard that Apple has specific Apple retail stores that sell for close to wholesale? If that's the case, I would not need to look at various websites and shop around? Correct?

I have to admit I don’t necessarily shop around for the best prices. From my past experiences I might save a few dollars buy buying from someone on Ebay. However, now I ALWAYS shop direct from Apple’s website. Sure.. I might have saved some cash from buying elsewhere, but I’d rather get my products direct from the source with a good warranty.

5. Is it worth it to wait to buy during Christmas time and wait for a sale or does Apple not lower it's prices during the Christmas time?

Again.. you might save a few dollars (but not much) by waiting for the after Christmas sales, but you’re more than likely going to make better savings buying a end of line product (like the week before the new models are announced).

6. Is a new update or version of Apple's laptops coming out soon (i.e. should I wait for that)?

I’ve seen some rumors on one of the Mac rumor websites. (www.thinksecret.com). But Apple is notoriously secret about it’s new releases so nobody really knows for sure.

7. How long can I use my new Apple laptop before it gets outdated and I would need to buy a new one again?

Whenever you buy ANY computer product, from no matter what company it’s ALREADY OBSOLETE. That’s the way it is. Unless you’re prepaired to buy a new laptop every couple of months you’ll never be ahead. Just list your current needs.. i.e. what you want your computer to do for you and your budget and buy one.


8. How do you sell your laptop after you're done and want to move on?

Easy ... sell it on Ebay. Alternatively any University newspaper website... students always need taken care of and affordable computers.

P.M. me if you want any more info - I’ll try my best.

Sandslob
www.lifeisabeach.us
 
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As for the lappies being updated, a new version of the iBook was released 45 days ago, so no update for a while (average time between is 172 days). The Powerbook is getting somewhat long in tooth, the current model has been out for 221 days, and they average 185 days between.
 
There are only a couple of reasons to consider the Powerbooks over the iBooks. The Powerbooks have an edge on features (larger hard drives, Superdrive DVD burners, more memory, etc) and have PCMCIA slots. Drive sizes and memory in iBooks can be easily increased by ordering them this way or upgrading them yourself. I've had several G3 and G4 iBooks and love them, but I'd really like to have the PCMCIA slot so I could use Verizon's Broadband access PC cards to access the internet. Small beef, as WiFi is readily available in hotels around the country. Powerbooks might be just a little more rugged than the iBooks, but the difference isn't significant.

I had a lot of trouble with a couple of my G3 iBooks, but Apple always repaired them quickly (including a four day turnaround one Christmas), and when one went back for the third time in a little over a year (motherboard problems on that particular model) they sent me the G4 I'm using right now. I've been using it for almost a year and have had exactly zero problems. I lag behind the bleeding edge of operating systems by about one decimal point, and have been happily using Mac OS 10.3.5 on all three of my Macs for the past year without incident as well. I'll upgrade to Tiger (OS 10.4) when I see the need, but haven't yet.
 
Don't waste your time with a Mac... Just look around on the internet and you'll see that their not all their cracked up to be :)
 
awacs941 said:
Don't waste your time with a Mac... Just look around on the internet and you'll see that their not all their cracked up to be :)

Hmmm, let's look at some recent headlines:

Microsoft Warns of Critical Windows Flaws
Microsoft finds another "critical" Windows flaw
Microsoft: Windows XP PCs Could Be Vulnerable To Zotob-Like Attack
Microsoft Windows Virus Shuts Down Some CNN, ABC Computers
Windows XP: lsass.exe error shuts down XP Home in 60 seconds!
'Zotob' worm rapidly infects Microsoft Windows; Macintosh unaffected


I look at the time and money we waste dealing with Windows' shortcomings at work. That's why I have a Mac at home. Here's a nice Article from The Register about just how long a Windows machine will survive without an antivirus subscription to apply patch after patch to its embarassing system security.

Please, do look around the internet. You'll find the stories of people switching back to Windows after actually using a Mac are very, very few. On the other hand, stories of people switching from Windows are easy to find. :D

The Mac really is a better machine, and for a comparably-equipped machine, is actually less expensive. The difference is that the low-end equipment on the Apple doesn't go as far as the low-end on, say, a Dell. Apple doesn't screw with "Shared video RAM" and other shortcuts to make the machine cheaper, but still look good on paper. Here's a message I wrote a few months ago comparing the bottom-end machines from Apple and Dell. It was written in April, so the specs have improved slightly on both machines, but the comparison's still valid.

If you like Windows, that's great. If you want a machine you can build yourself (not a laptop, obviously), it's probably your best choice. But suggesting that Macs aren't "all their {sic} cracked up to be" suggests you haven't used one recently. They're the most reliable, most crash-proof machines you can buy. As my time on this earth is limited, I don't care to spend it on the care and feeding of a Windows machine. :D
 
Background: I was a PC repair technician for a major electronics retailer for five years during college while working on my aviation credentials. After several years of dealing with broken PCs I bought a Mac. Take it for what it's worth.

Currently I'm a full-time IT professional and part-time aviator. I use a PC desktop and an Apple PowerBook during my normal course of business. My personal laptop is an Apple iBook.

1. Will an Apple still run Microsoft and other products such as: MSN Messenger, WORD, Excel, AIM, Yahoo Messenger?

The disks you have now for those programs will not run on a Mac. Mac versions of these programs are available you may have to purchase them separately.

2. Some people have said Apple is virus proof, even checking out porn sites, how is that possible?

People write viruses primarily for the PC due to its large market share and thus easy of virus propagation among infected machines. I have never personally had an instance of a viral infection on a Mac. During my repair tech days we had a virus infect all of our repair center machines, rendering them useless. Microsoft's solution: download the patch online. I went online, downloaded it on a Mac, and then transferred the patch to the shop PCs.

3. What about Apple's customer service and follow-up?

I worked with both Apple desktop and laptops. Typically Apple laptops are shipped back to Apple for repair. Desktops can typically be repaired at an approved facility in-town. They overnight most items and provide excellent customer service on both ends. Out of all the computer manufacturers out there including Sony, Dell, HP, etc... Apple was always my favorite to work with.

4. I heard that Apple has specific Apple retail stores that sell for close to wholesale? If that's the case, I would not need to look at various websites and shop around? Correct?

Apple has pretty strict pricing standards and most places sell Macs for the same price -- the manufacturer's suggested retail price. I strongly suggest you purchase your Mac from Apple directly, either through their online store or through a retail outline. The price will be the same. You will pay sales taxes at the retail store and may have to pay for shipping if you order it online.

5. Is it worth it to wait to buy during Christmas time and wait for a sale or does Apple not lower it's prices during the Christmas time?

Prices typically drop when new models come out; they don't do traditional 'sales'. They introduce new products around holidays, precipitating a price drop on some models. Macs aren't cheap, but they are well worth it in my opinion.

6. Is a new update or version of Apple's laptops coming out soon (i.e. should I wait for that)?

Apple is switching chip makers from IBM/Motorola to Intel. The switch won't happen for another year or two. You can read more elsewhere on the internet if you want more details. If you need a new laptop soon, I'd go ahead and buy now.

7. How long can I use my new Apple laptop before it gets outdated and I would need to buy a new one again?

Apple laptops tend to have similar staying power to their PC counterparts. I mean, how fast do you really need to run MS Word? If you do standard tasks such as web browsing, e-mail, and other basic tasks then your laptop should last awhile.

8. How do you sell your laptop after you're done and want to move on?

eBay -- but don't expect much. Used computers don't keep much of their value.

Look forward to your responses. If you're currently using an Apple laptop could you please mention that in your response.
Thanks

No problem. Now, how's the pay and QOL?
 
I'm thinking of getting an iBook, but I have a very very very important question...........


Can I still use Microsoft Flight Sim on it?
 
T-Gates said:
I'm a new Apple user (returned after eons of Windows based oppression), and I'm not going back to PC's any time soon. I have the newest version of the 12" iBook. This thing is rock solid awesome. One or two programs from my PC days weren't able to carry tover to my Mac, but the loss of them is well worth the switch. The iBook has great battery life, the graphics are fantastic, and it is more user friendly than any PC I have ever owned.

As a few above have said, thier customer support is unparalleled. The reason alot of viruses do not affect Mac's are because the viruses are all coded for Windows. So they might try to load on a Mac, but the *.exe files will not work on a Mac. So that kills most spyware.

If you have no real reason to choose PC over Mac, go for the Mac, it's well worth the switch.

Once you go Mac you never go bac!


apple shmapple-- no self respecting pilot would be caught dead with an apple. i have seen quite a few corp pilots "rue the day" they bought an apple. compatability issues.
 
your_dreamguy said:
Hello,

A while ago, I made a post about purchasing a new laptop. I'm leaning towards an Apple...


Not to reiterate what everyone else has said, but you'll love the G4 Powerbook, or whatever laptop model you choose.

Some options to consider.....

#1. The aluminum PB cases are likely a bit more durable than the plastic iBook enclosures. I have the 15" G4 PB and it's holding up quite well.

#2. The 12" units are WAY more portable and lighter than the 15" units.

#3. The 12" iBooks and PB's have MUCH better battery life than the 15" units. Especially the 12" iBook.

#4. Make sure you put at least 1 gig of memory in the unit. And if you choose the 'build your own' option at the Apple Store, pick the 7200 rpm HD. It makes a difference.

Have fun.
 

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