Looking for some feedback

?

???

Gawd
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May 13, 2000
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I am looking for a new laptop and have been thinking heavily about getting a Macbook Pro especially since you can run Windows XP via bootcamp or using Parallels software. This is a must as there is software I have to have for school and Master's Thesis research (Pspice, PSCad, Matlab, and others). I have been reseaching prices and different laptops and although the Macs are usually more than the other laptops I am looking at, I believe in you get what you pay for so I can easily justify the extra cost in quality and options. Plus Apple being #1 in laptop customer satisfaction ratings is definitely another plus. My current laptop is 2-3 years old and is starting to show its age in some of the programs I need to use. I have an up-to-date PC desktop that I will use at home so I am mainly looking for something portable.

I am mainly seeking feedback on a few questions to help me in my decision on whether I should or should not look at the Macbook Pro further or purchase one. I am not new to computers by any means but am not that familiar with Macs. Buying a Macbook Pro would give me the option to learn something new and still be able to use Windows for what I need it for. I know the in's and out's on the Windows laptops and which ones are better but figured I would come here to ask about the Mac-side of things.


1. Have you had any significant or numerous problems with running/installing Windows XP (either bootcamp or using Parallels) on your Macbook/Macbook Pro? Hardware/Driver issues? Program compatibility?

2. Have you had any problems running Windows based programs? Have you experienced any problems with running Windows XP or Windows-based programs through the Parallels software? What I mainly interested in is running the programs through Parallels since hopefully the programs will run fine in bootcamp installation of Windows XP. I am interested in using Parallels software for opening up Windows XP so I can run programs quickly while at school or for quick information instead of having to reboot into Windows XP.

3. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations when purchasing a Macbook Pro? Should I buy the Applecare?

4. If you have a Macbook Pro with 17" screen, do you feel the laptop is too heavy or big for lugging it around? The laptop will mainly be carried in a backpack with a laptop compartment so it will be lumped in with the book weight. One of the things I like about the Macbook Pro is the 1" thickness and the weight is less than most if not all Windows-based laptops with the same specs.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and feedback you can give me. Maybe I will join the ranks of the Mac owners.
 
??? said:
1. Have you had any significant or numerous problems with running/installing Windows XP (either bootcamp or using Parallels) on your Macbook/Macbook Pro? Hardware/Driver issues? Program compatibility?

I've had absolutely no problems. It might take a little getting used to the two finger scrolling, but besides that, running windows (Vista or XP, I've done both) is easy as cake. Parallels? Easier than bootcamp. If you want more coherence b/w OS X and Windows, try VMWare Fusion. I also believe VMWare is less intensive. But as for compatibility, it's cake.

2. Have you had any problems running Windows based programs? Have you experienced any problems with running Windows XP or Windows-based programs through the Parallels software? What I mainly interested in is running the programs through Parallels since hopefully the programs will run fine in bootcamp installation of Windows XP. I am interested in using Parallels software for opening up Windows XP so I can run programs quickly while at school or for quick information instead of having to reboot into Windows XP.

There will be no difference b/w running Word on your Macbook/Pro or on your IBM T61. They're both windows machines. This is under bootcamp. As far as Parallels goes, my father has been using it on his iMac and I've not had to deal with him as far as his programs go.

3. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations when purchasing a Macbook Pro? Should I buy the Applecare?

Why not? It's nice to be able to walk into the Apple Store and get your problem fixed in the first year, why not have the same opportunity two and a half years down the line. I bought it for my macbook.

4. If you have a Macbook Pro with 17" screen, do you feel the laptop is too heavy or big for lugging it around? The laptop will mainly be carried in a backpack with a laptop compartment so it will be lumped in with the book weight. One of the things I like about the Macbook Pro is the 1" thickness and the weight is less than most if not all Windows-based laptops with the same specs.

I own a Macbook...so I've no advice for you :)

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and feedback you can give me. Maybe I will join the ranks of the Mac owners.
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My words in bold.
 
I would not get a Macbook Pro if you already have a main PC system. I would just get a Macbook. There isn't really any differences between Mac and PC, so I would stick to a PC laptop if you are going to just run Windows using Boot Camp. The only differences are the two finger scrolling, and MagSafe. A lot of laptops have a dedicated area on the fingerpad for scrolling, like HP's, and MagSafe isn't really that useful, you have to be pretty stupid to trip over a laptop power cord.
 
Thanks for the reply tsn|spazz!

lamboman said:
I would not get a Macbook Pro if you already have a main PC system. I would just get a Macbook. There isn't really any differences between Mac and PC, so I would stick to a PC laptop if you are going to just run Windows using Boot Camp. The only differences are the two finger scrolling, and MagSafe. A lot of laptops have a dedicated area on the fingerpad for scrolling, like HP's, and MagSafe isn't really that useful, you have to be pretty stupid to trip over a laptop power cord.
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The reason I want to get the Macbook Pro is because the Macbook only comes with a 13" screen that I can see on Apple's website, the screen real estate is a plus when you are building electrical circuits that are rather large, and having a nice laptop will allow me to have a desktop replacement type laptop while away from home (which seems to be a lot lately with full-time work and full-time grad school). The Windows-based laptops I am looking at are pretty close to the same specs as the Macbook Pro so why switch to a Macbook and reduce the system I am looking at just because I have a desktop at home. Plain and simple, the Macbook is ruled out based on videocard and screen size. If I was looking for a great portable laptop used for basic functions, I would consider the Macbook.

I did not say I would be running strictly Windows XP either via Bootcamp or Parallels. I said I needed to be able to run Windows strictly for the programs listed above. When I am not running them, I will be running OS-X. I am not sure where the power cord comment came from but the thought that the Macbooks come with the magnetic power cord that breaks away easily to prevent tripping on the power cord and pulling the laptop off the desk never crossed my mind. I think I am more than smart enough to know not to trip on the power cord.

I am looking for a great well rounded laptop that can do what I need it to but also be something different than the standard Windows-based laptop. Although I am not in a computer-related degree, I am a technophile and always looking to expand my knowledge. With the dual OS functionality of the Intel-based it gives me the chance to expand my knowledge but also retain the useability I need for school.
 
If you need the resolution, hell go with a 17 inch 1920 X 1200 screen. It might cost more, but really, the extra cost is like a credit or two - not a big deal if it makes your life better over the next two years.

I don't know if you field uses a lot of journal articles like mine does (Biology), but there is an awesome program out there called Papers that helps you sort through them.

Oh, and Acrobat Reader is a muse have if you need to copy from two column articles.
 
1. Have you had any significant or numerous problems with running/installing Windows XP (either bootcamp or using Parallels) on your Macbook/Macbook Pro? Hardware/Driver issues? Program compatibility?
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That's up for you to find out, if the program is compatible with Windows. If the program runs fine in Windows, it will run fine in Parallels, because you ARE running Windows. There's no program that will work in Windows running on an actual machine that won't when it's being run in a virtual machine.

The Macbook Pro will be just fine, my old Mac mini ran it great. Load up on ram, and you'll be set. One suggestion though. Check out VMware Fusion, which I find to be superior to Parallels.
 
Thanks for the replies! I am waiting for a payment to clear then I will hop on the Macbook Pro. I have been told about VMWare Fusion before and will definitely check it out. Will have to post back on my thoughts of the machine when I receive it.
 
??? said:
Thanks for the replies! I am waiting for a payment to clear then I will hop on the Macbook Pro. I have been told about VMWare Fusion before and will definitely check it out. Will have to post back on my thoughts of the machine when I receive it.
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Since you appear to be a student, you should definately take advantage of the educational discount offered for Macs. You get a free iPod nano and printer, too. ;)

Apple doesn't really check, anyway.
 
You will love a mac mate, you will find alternatives slowly too, eg, using Adium instead of othe rmessanger software. and will find going back to windows makes you angry and frustrated it doesnt perform like os x, hope everything goes smoothly for ya. as for your questions, they have all been answered pretty accurately.
 
3. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations when purchasing a Macbook Pro? Should I buy the Applecare?
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DEFINITELY buy Applecare with the MBP. I have had 4 powerbooks in the past, and all four of them went in for repairs, and Applecare saved me more than I paid for it (i.e.- I got my money's worth). My new MBP is only 2 months old, so I haven't had to use it yet, but I would never by a laptop without an extended warranty (too many expensive parts, that are constantly being moved around, etc..)
 
Well I bought me a Macbook Pro. I also went ahead and bought the Applecare for it. I paid less for all of it than I would have through the Education Store from Apple. I paid about $2800 for the Macbook Pro and Applecare (bought off of Ebay from highly ranked sellers). The specs on the Macbook Pro are:

2.4GHz Core 2 Duo
2GB DDR2 SDRam
17" Matte High-Resolution Screen
160GB 7200RPM HDD
8600M GT w/256MB DDR3
SuperDrive 8x
Assortment of other standard features

Will post pictures and thoughts when I receive it.
 
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