[tricha6]

Finally:

[Dillon-K]

Originally Posted by tricha6

Finally:

Hmm cool setup... maybe I should lay out my MacBook, bag and peripherals on my desk and take a picture... being that my old computer died I don't have much of a 'setup' other than my MacBook and its accessories.

[NightEyes]

Originally Posted by houstonmacbro

finally someone who's had both (powerbook and blackbook). given that, would you recommend someone go with a new blackbook or a refurbished mbp? yes, $$ IS an issue.

There is not a huge difference in screen size between the 15 and 13" screens and both will drive external displays so it comes down to graphics. If you want to play recent 3D games (or have another task that requires a dedicated GPU) then I would opt for the MBP, otherwise the MacBook is a fantastic laptop.

[ael719]

Originally Posted by houstonmacbro

finally someone who's had both (powerbook and blackbook). given that, would you recommend someone go with a new blackbook or a refurbished mbp? yes, $$ IS an issue.

I bought a BlackBook as my first Mac ever and I am pleased, but I always have the lingering feeling I could be happier with a MBP. I don't play games that much so I figured there's no need for the graphics card. I also figured that the size would be perfect as the BlackBook was much smaller.

Now I wish I had a MBP 15' or maybe even 17' because Parallels announced that they are developing 3D support. I probably never play games on XP through Bootcamp, but playing through Parallels would be perfect. Also, since class has started I have noticed that the smaller size really has no benefits for me. My Blackbook is my primary computer and every now and then the screen feels almost too small.

I am 100% satisfied with my MacBook purchase. It has met my expectations and more, but after only 2 months I feel like I'm ready to upgrade. My MacBook isn't even paid off yet and I have already thought about selling it and buying an MBP. I won't do that because its a waste of money, but am now looking at 24' iMacs as a desktop

Money was also an issue in my MacBook purchase because the MBP's are expensive. I've always had a desktop and the MacBook as my first laptop was a good starter laptop. I think the Blackbook works best as a complement to a desktop/iMac, but with a MBP you could get rid of the desktop. I feel it would be a waste of money to own both a MBP and iMac because they have almost identical features minus screen size, so the MacBook is better suited for this situation.

If you're a student and the MacBook will be your main computer, definitely give more consideration to the MBP. I wish I bought the MBP because it is the better Apple laptop out there. Now I want an iMac alongside my Blackbook when I could have just bought a MBP and never have had feelings of what if...

[Simon]

Originally Posted by houstonmacbro

finally someone who's had both (powerbook and blackbook). given that, would you recommend someone go with a new blackbook or a refurbished mbp? yes, $$ IS an issue.

There are quite a few people on this board that have a MB and a MBP (see my sig for example).

Dillon-K is absolutely right. Basically it comes down to
• do you need the extra pixels?
• do you need good 3D accelerated graphics (gaming, professional animation, etc.)?
• do you need an ExpressCard slot?

If you answer no to all of those, the MB is perfect. If not, you might consider getting a MBP. In the end, especially if you're on a budget, the MB is a great deal. You pay a considerable amount for the MBP's advantages so make sure what you really need first.

[houstonmacbro]

Originally Posted by NightEyes

There is not a huge difference in screen size between the 15 and 13" screens and both will drive external displays so it comes down to graphics. If you want to play recent 3D games (or have another task that requires a dedicated GPU) then I would opt for the MBP, otherwise the MacBook is a fantastic laptop.

the kinds of things i do mainly are:

• very light iPhoto or nikon view picture editing
• some podcasting
• some web work (dreamweaver)
• playing around with ichatav, itunes, and general web stuff in firefox or camino ... oh, and some banking on quicken

so yeah, i guess i am not a power user (used to be but not much any more).

[houstonmacbro]

Originally Posted by ael719

I bought a BlackBook as my first Mac ever and I am pleased, but I always have the lingering feeling I could be happier with a MBP. I don't play games that much so I figured there's no need for the graphics card. I also figured that the size would be perfect as the BlackBook was much smaller.

Now I wish I had a MBP 15' or maybe even 17' because Parallels announced that they are developing 3D support. I probably never play games on XP through Bootcamp, but playing through Parallels would be perfect. Also, since class has started I have noticed that the smaller size really has no benefits for me. My Blackbook is my primary computer and every now and then the screen feels almost too small.

I am 100% satisfied with my MacBook purchase. It has met my expectations and more, but after only 2 months I feel like I'm ready to upgrade. My MacBook isn't even paid off yet and I have already thought about selling it and buying an MBP. I won't do that because its a waste of money, but am now looking at 24' iMacs as a desktop

Money was also an issue in my MacBook purchase because the MBP's are expensive. I've always had a desktop and the MacBook as my first laptop was a good starter laptop. I think the Blackbook works best as a complement to a desktop/iMac, but with a MBP you could get rid of the desktop. I feel it would be a waste of money to own both a MBP and iMac because they have almost identical features minus screen size, so the MacBook is better suited for this situation.

If you're a student and the MacBook will be your main computer, definitely give more consideration to the MBP. I wish I bought the MBP because it is the better Apple laptop out there. Now I want an iMac alongside my Blackbook when I could have just bought a MBP and never have had feelings of what if...

yeah, see that's my thing too ... i have really gotten used to my powerbook with 15" screen, but it comes down to cost. i have looked at refurbed 15" mbps on the apple site and with apple care, they come out to about the same as the top end new black macbook w/ applecare.

guess i'll make a decision soon. i'm in no real RUSH to get a new 'book, but i guess i'm starting to get book-envy with everyone talking about their wonderful new machines. also, i have a 17" mbp at work and it is a sweet machine.

also, my powerbook 15" is my machine machine and i do not have an external monitor so screen size is important, but honestly the 17" is too big for me to tote around (plus costs as i've mentioned).

[Simon]

Originally Posted by tricha6

Finally:
...

Nice way to set up your MacBook. Is that a custom 'MacBook stand' or what are you using there?

[tricha6]

Its not custom; I am no machinist, thats for sure. Its a great stand if you use your computer in clamshell mode as I do. It allows heat to dissipate. It takes up very little desk space, and you can position like I have, or perpendicular to yourself, with ports in the back and the drive in the front. Both the MacBook and the 12 in PB that I used in it before it were especially well suited because they had ports on only one side and the drive slot on the other (unlike the 15/17 MBP & PB).

I did buy it at the Apple store, sadly it was at the Apple Store in Ginza, Japan. It was around 20 USD, and made by a Japanese company. The Apple Store in Ginza used these for a lot of their display Powerbooks to show off the clamshell mode. However, I got it 3 years ago so I don't know if that is still the case.

[Dillon-K]

*pictures himself putting his MacBook in a vertical file holder* haha!!

[tintin220]

@David Aaemes. Absolutely lovely. What desk are you using? I like...

[trackezoid]

just moved into my new dorm room couple of weeks ago. i'm forced to use the desk in these pictures. i now hate my life because of it. but i love my powerbook enough to still put these up.




12" 1.5 PB - MS Wireless Notebook Mouse - HP 5440 - MBox

Seeing as i'm a poor starving college student, I can't afford an ACD or anything of the sort, but I do have an iCurve on the way and i'll be picking up an apple wireless keyboard/mighty mouse as soon as I get the funds...

Just wondering, anybody have any suggestions for the area I have? I'm very very open to any and all advice for improving my "setup". And on monitors. Or anything else for that matter...hell, interior decorating anybody?

[raduga]

So I've been lurking on this thread for a couple years (!) now. I'm in the market for a wireless keyboard, and I can't help but notice that about 75% of all the rigs on this board have those white wireless Apple keyboards. Are they really so great? What's good about them? Are the keys very quiet? As soon as I get a new board I can finally post MY setup

[trevorM]

Originally Posted by raduga

So I've been lurking on this thread for a couple years (!) now. I'm in the market for a wireless keyboard, and I can't help but notice that about 75% of all the rigs on this board have those white wireless Apple keyboards. Are they really so great? What's good about them? Are the keys very quiet? As soon as I get a new board I can finally post MY setup

First and foremost I suspect most of us have purchased Apple BT keyboards because they are apple specific and the fact they intergrate so will with Apples...

Secondly, for me anyhow, I find Apple Keyboards to be spot on perfect. Been using them for years and years that i just dont want to use anything else.

Microsoft keyboads and some of the logitech ones are just too big and clunky and I have no need for all those knobs and buttons that are included!!

If you want a wireless mouse too - The Wireless mighty mouse is so good. I just got one a few weeks ago and I cant believe I have used and coped with anything but that mouse. Its functionally so handy!

[originalplaid]

Keyboard is great but takes a few days to get use to the keys on the right side being slightly different then most keyboards (small enter key and slightly strange size to the backslash get me most times)


THE BIGGEST PROBLEM is they show dirt and grime and whatever else in them EASY.
They are hard to clean and have a see thru bottom so be careful eating around them. They are NOT easy to take apart I have heard.

[gnomexp]

Originally Posted by tricha6

Its not custom; I am no machinist, thats for sure. Its a great stand if you use your computer in clamshell mode as I do. It allows heat to dissipate. It takes up very little desk space, and you can position like I have, or perpendicular to yourself, with ports in the back and the drive in the front. Both the MacBook and the 12 in PB that I used in it before it were especially well suited because they had ports on only one side and the drive slot on the other (unlike the 15/17 MBP & PB).

I did buy it at the Apple store, sadly it was at the Apple Store in Ginza, Japan. It was around 20 USD, and made by a Japanese company. The Apple Store in Ginza used these for a lot of their display Powerbooks to show off the clamshell mode. However, I got it 3 years ago so I don't know if that is still the case.

Do you have the company name? Is it printed on the stand? I would love to order a few online if I could find them.

[Ghigster]

Originally Posted by ChrisDaMacMan

Hey does anyone know where i can stickers like that Ouhei has? Doesnt have to be custom just amine themed vinyl stickers.

TY

I'm sure you can find a vinyl shop that will make one for you. It's not that hard if you just want a single color. Just get the image that you want, it is super easy if it is negative form like Ouhei's, then email to them and they should be able to cut it out. Something like Ouhei's should only take a few minutes of thier time.

BTW i'm jealous of all of you

[trevorM]

Originally Posted by originalplaid

THE BIGGEST PROBLEM is they show dirt and grime and whatever else in them EASY. They are hard to clean and have a see thru bottom so be careful eating around them. They are NOT easy to take apart I have heard.

Ph yeah good point. Dirt sucks. White shows dirt too! One of my computers is in an industrial environment and the keys show ever bit of dirt even after trying to clean 'em.

[slpdLoad]

No, I don't live in Australia, but I did get a mouse pad while I was there.

[trackezoid]

slpdLoad yours is by far one of my favorites.

the wall mounted screen combined with the stand mounted pb...very very nicely done.

and where did you get your desk/how does it work? i'd love something like that. i've been considering having a piece of glass cut perfectly to the size of my desk here so i can put images and stuff under it and thus eliminate the hideous brown "wood" color that can be seen in my pictures above...