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bkpbc1 · 02:54 PM

... and I have a few questions about it!

1. I plan on getting a combo drive - not upgrading to a super drive - and from what I understand, that only means I can't burn DVDs, right?

2. I also plan on getting 512 MB of memory instead of 1 GB (because the difference is $100, more than I'm willing to spend). Should 512 MB be a good amount, considering I plan on keeping this machine for a few years AND I will be getting an 80 GB hard drive?

3. Finally, I have really been stuck between the iBook and MacBook (the local Apple store still carries iBooks on sale). Although I really like the look and feel of the iBook, and it is cheaper now that it is being discontinued, I think I am going to go with the more expensive and newer MacBook. And any encouraging words/advice on why that's a good idea would greatly appreciated now, as I am still not 100% sure on the decision I am making!

Thanks so much.

EDIT: I should feel lucky that my Dell laptop of 2 years crapped out on me during the month that Apple releases a new laptop model, huh? I am so sick of PCs so I'm excited to make this change though a little nervous!

harrisjamieh · May 25, 2006, 02:12 PM

1. Correct

2. 512 is not enough, especially if you are going to be keeping it for a few years without the intention of upgrading it. The 1GB upgrade will make a world of difference, truely it will

3. Don't get the iBook. It will not last anywhere near as long as the MacBook, as it is already dead slow. Its performance is bordering on pathetic in todays standards.

So, in summary, get a base MacBook, with 1GB of RAM

SpaceMonkey · May 25, 2006, 02:16 PM

1. Correct. The "Combo Drive" can read CDs, burn CD-Rs and CD-RWs, and read DVDs.

2. If possible, I would spring for the 1 GB of RAM. OS X, especially Tiger, the current version, is very RAM-hungry, and on the MacBooks you're already losing a chunk of RAM to the integrated graphics card. It may be possible to save a little bit of money on the memory upgrade by sticking to the default configuration when you buy from Apple and then purchasing two matching 512 MB sticks from somewhere else.

3. The MacBook is much, much faster than the iBook (unless you're talking about 3D graphics-intensive tasks--then they're about the same). You will be much better served by the MacBook in years to come.

Dork. · May 25, 2006, 02:23 PM

More RAM is always better.

As for the iBook, how cheap is cheap? I wouldn't be suprised if a new iBook starts to feel sluggish in 12 to 18 months, given that the new laptops are much more powerful and people will be writing software for those. And who knows -- in 18 months, there may be applications that do not ship a PPC version! Personally, I wouldn't pay more than $700 for the model that used to sell at $999, and I doubt the Apple Store discount is that deep!

If your computing requirements are not strenuous, and you anticipate being able to afford to buy a future rev of the MacBook sometime in 2007, then it might not be a bad move. But don't buy an iBook and expect it to last!

This is exactly what I am doing -- I do not like the graphics in the current MacBooks, but like the smaller laptops, so I'm buying a second-hand 12" PB. Once I sell my old G3 iBook , the upgrade will only cost me $350 or so, and I'll probably buy a MacBook in about 18 months once Apple gets through a few revisions (and associated bugs!). The 12" PB will not be as fast as a MacBook, but compared to my current G3 iBook I'll feel like I'm in heaven!

bkpbc1 · May 25, 2006, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Dork.

As for the iBook, how cheap is cheap?

The Apple store around here is selling a 14-inch, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB hard drive, super drive iBook for $1,049.

However, I am instead looking into the 512 MB RAM, 80 GB hard drive, combo drive MacBook for about $100-150 more.

Dork. · May 25, 2006, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by mascarafiend

The Apple store around here is selling a 14-inch, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB hard drive, super drive iBook for $1,049.

However, I am instead looking into the 512 MB RAM, 80 GB hard drive, combo drive MacBook for about $100-150 more.

Get the MacBook.

Eug Wanker · May 25, 2006, 02:44 PM

As a previous 12" iBook owner...

I advise you to get the MacBook, with 1 GB RAM. It's up to you decide if you need to burn DVDs or not.

The 14" iBook is too heavy anyway.

Mind you, it kinda depends on what appz you'll be using. If something like 3D gaming or heavy Photoshop, I'd get neither.

P.S. Since you're a Mac n00b, you could always run Windows and Mac OS X in a dual-boot config on the MacBook.

bkpbc1 · 03:10 PM

Thanks so much! The MacBook is looking more desirable now anyway.

That also leads me to another question about games - are nearly all online games available to use on a Mac? How about games you buy from the store - like The Sims - they are all available in Mac form, correct?

And for running Windows XP on my new Mac, I need Boot Camp for that right? Isn't that more money?

bkpbc1 · May 25, 2006, 03:08 PM

I have another question:

Is there anything you can do on a PC that you can't do on a Mac?

I am terrified that I'm going to get a Mac and then find out there's some hugely necessary program I can't use, or webpage that won't load, etc.

Is it true that you can right-click on the MacBook now? So anything that I would right-click for on a PC, would be available to do with a right-click on the MacBook or what?

Eug Wanker · May 25, 2006, 03:10 PM

Games: The Sims 2 is available, and it is already available as a universal binary. It should play fine on the MacBook.

Stuff like Quake 4 will suck on the MacBook though, cuz of the low end GPU in the MacBook.

What apps do you use? That way we know if you'll have software issues.

As for right clicking in OS X on the MacBook, that's either CTRL-CLICK or CLICK with two fingers on the trackpad.

icruise · May 25, 2006, 03:11 PM

For the love of god, don't get an iBook!

And get as much RAM as you can. 1GB minimum.

The state of gaming on the Mac isn't really that great. Don't expect the latest and greatest games to be available. In most cases, there is a lengthy delay between the Windows release and the Mac release, and most games don't get ported to the Mac ever. That said, there are a number of good games available, such as the Sims. However, the MacBook isn't a very good gaming machine because of the graphics card.

If you already have a copy of Windows XP lying around, you could use that with Boot Camp. Boot Camp itself is free, but Windows as you know costs money.

edit: As for your second set of questions, there really isn't much that the average person would want to do that you can't do on a Mac. Sure, there are some programs that are Windows-only, but pretty much everything has a Mac equivalent.

You've always been able to right click on Macs, either by using an external mouse or by holding down the Control key while you click. The MacBook introduces a new way to right click, which is clicking while holding two fingers on the trackpad (it's easier than it sounds). But keep in mind that the Mac OS for the most part doesn't require right clicking anyway. Not like Windows.

bkpbc1 · May 25, 2006, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

What apps do you use? That way we know if you'll have software issues.

I use Mozilla Firefox for the Internet (but would probably switch to Safari on the Mac), Word, Excel, Power Point, Picture It! Express, MSN and AIM messengers, and whatever pops up when I connect my digital camera to the computer.

Originally Posted by Icruise

For the love of god, don't get an iBook!

And get as much RAM as you can. 1GB minimum.

Okay, I think I'm over the iBook now. I didn't realize how horrible an idea it was until asking the Mac experts apparently!

Also, I think I am going to go for the 1 GB now that it has been recommended over and over. I can't believe I am going from a 256 MB in my Dell laptop to a 1 GB, but it's certainly not a bad change!

Originally Posted by Icruise

If you already have a copy of Windows XP lying around, you could use that with Boot Camp. Boot Camp itself is free, but Windows as you know costs money.

I definitely have copies of Windows XP (Professional) sitting around because I bought it with my Dell laptop. Does that mean I can use that CD to get Windows XP on my MacBook too? Will Boot Camp be installed in my MacBook?

icruise · May 25, 2006, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by mascarafiend

Okay, I think I'm over the iBook now. I didn't realize how horrible an idea it was until asking the Mac experts apparently!

Also, I think I am going to go for the 1 GB now that it has been recommended over and over. I can't believe I am going from a 256 MB in my Dell laptop to a 1 GB, but it's certainly not a bad change!

The iBooks were nice machines for their time, but getting one now would be a mistake unless it was very cheap. As for the RAM, a lot of people focus too much on processor speed, forgetting that not having enough RAM can make a much bigger difference in your computer's speed.

I definitely have copies of Windows XP (Professional) sitting around because I bought it with my Dell laptop. Does that mean I can use that CD to get Windows XP on my MacBook too? Will Boot Camp be installed in my MacBook?

If those CDs came with your Dell, they are probably made in such a way that they can only be installed on a Dell computer. Boot Camp is still in beta form, so you'd have to download it from Apple.

Eug Wanker · 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by mascarafiend

I use Mozilla Firefox for the Internet (but would probably switch to Safari on the Mac), Word, Excel, Power Point, Picture It! Express, MSN and AIM messengers, and whatever pops up when I connect my digital camera to the computer.

Firefox is available on both platforms. I like Safari better, but Firefox is more friendly with a couple of airline websites I visit, and Firefox uses less memory. I use Safari 98% of the time, and Firefox 2% of the time.

MS Office is available on both platforms, but it's somewhat slower on a MacBook although speed is otherwise fine. It's Office 2004, which is based on Office 2003 for Windows, but looks better. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Mac work great. There is no MS Access for Mac though. Outlook is Entourage on the Mac. Different program, but similar functionality.

I don't know what Picture It! Express is.

MSN messenger is available on the Mac, but it doesn't support video.

AIM is also available for the Mac.
You can also use your AIM account for iChat.

Can anyone comment how well AIM and MSN messenger work on Intel Macs? I don't use these myself.

bkpbc1 · May 25, 2006, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

I don't know what Picture It! Express is.

It's just what I use to open pictures with and change the size of them and stuff like that.

What kind of photo programs do Macs come with? Are they easy to use?

Eug Wanker · May 25, 2006, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by mascarafiend

It's just what I use to open pictures with and change the size of them and stuff like that.

What kind of photo programs do Macs come with? Are they easy to use?

iPhoto

icruise · May 25, 2006, 04:56 PM

I think you'd do well to spend some time looking at Apple's site. All Macs come with the iLife application suite (iTunes, iPhoto, iWeb, iMovie and iDVD) plus a variety of others. They pretty much come with anything you'll need, with the exception of an office suite.

gary42556 · May 25, 2006, 05:49 PM

If don't have to have the microsoft logo on it, OpenOffice.org. is a good alternative with almost the same programs, looks and functionality - AND IT IS FREE! Check it out

Timetheus · May 25, 2006, 06:04 PM

I actually just use iWork in place of Office (I still keep office around, just in case). It includes Pages for word proccessing and Keynote for presentations (which look MUCH better than any powerpoint I've ever seen).

It's faster than Office, and 75% of the time it opens Office docs (it's a import/export menu option). I've never had problems back and forth from Word, but powerpiont can be touchy.

Unfortunately it lacks a spreadsheet app, for now.

It's an $80 dollar program, I believe, unless you have the education discount in which case it's only $50.

For all your other needs (especially for photos - iPhoto will luanch when you plug in your digital camera and is excellant for your needs) you'll actually be better off. iLife, btw, is fantastic - I use iMovie and iDVD more than I should.

Tarcat · May 25, 2006, 08:21 PM

1). Yes
2). You need the extra memory. OSX is much faster with more memory.
3). I wouldn't think about an iBook. It was a fairly outdated computer before the MacBook came along. Not that fast and it uses a chip that Apple is moving away from. The MacBook is worlds faster and has much nicer specs. Given that the price difference isn't huge i'd go with it. It is a very nice machine.

I think you will really like your new mac. I don't plan on ever switching back. Everything is just so painless with a Mac.

bkpbc1 · May 25, 2006, 08:46 PM

I was wondering, since on the MacBook you can right-click now, if I could use a regular two-click mouse that is typically used on a PC, and use it on a MacBook.

SpaceMonkey · May 25, 2006, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by mascarafiend

I was wondering, since on the MacBook you can right-click now, if I could use a regular two-click mouse that is typically used on a PC, and use it on a MacBook.

You have always been able to use a two-button mouse (and scroll wheel) in OS X. Just plug it in and it is ready to go.

Gamoe · May 25, 2006, 09:25 PM

mascarafiend,

I echo the suggestions made by other posters above.

Remember, the MacBook's RAM and hard disk drive can be upgraded really easily, so you don't have to pay Apple prices just to get more RAM or HDD capacity.

Unfortunately, you can't count on much gaming with the MacBook, simply because Apple hasn't put much effort into attracting game developers. However, if you're into older gaming, the Mac has console emulators and arcade-style games available, also.

As for not being able to do something with the Mac-- If you're counting on specific application, it may not be available on the Mac, so check up on that. But I've also found the opposite situation to be true. There are some apps which just don't have direct equivalents on Windoze-- there is nothing quite like iMovie on the Windoze side, for example.

Originally Posted by SpaceMonkey

You have always been able to use a two-button mouse (and scroll wheel) in OS X. Just plug it in and it is ready to go.

As long as it's a USB (and not a PS/2) mouse (unless you're willing to use an adapter).

bkpbc1 · May 25, 2006, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by Gabriel Morales

Remember, the MacBook's RAM and hard disk drive can be upgraded really easily, so you don't have to pay Apple prices just to get more RAM or HDD capacity.

I'll put that into consideration with the RAM, which I will be upgrading from 512 MB to 1 GB. Apple is charging $90 to make that upgrade, is that too much? And where would I buy more RAM for a cheaper price? I have never done anything like that.

SpaceMonkey · May 25, 2006, 10:44 PM

Originally Posted by mascarafiend

I'll put that into consideration with the RAM, which I will be upgrading from 512 MB to 1 GB. Apple is charging $90 to make that upgrade, is that too much? And where would I buy more RAM for a cheaper price? I have never done anything like that.

Actually, with the MacBook, it is best to install memory in matching pairs. This means that when you buy the MacBook stock with 512 MB, you get two 256 MB sticks. Considering, then, that going to 1 GB would require you to buy two new 512 MB sticks, $90 actually isn't a bad deal. On DealRAM.com, for example, which lists competing memory prices, the lowest price you can find for one stick of 512 MB is around $45. I'd just stick with Apple for the 1 GB upgrade.

Gamoe · May 25, 2006, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by mascarafiend

I'll put that into consideration with the RAM, which I will be upgrading from 512 MB to 1 GB. Apple is charging $90 to make that upgrade, is that too much?

$90 isn't all that bad, but considering Apple's really only selling you 512 (+ the 512 it comes with) it really is quite a lot. Of course, you'll have to sell the installed RAM anyway, so this might not be a consideration.

Originally Posted by mascarafiend

And where would I buy more RAM for a cheaper price? I have never done anything like that.

There are actually various threads on here that make mention of that, and a few dedicated to the topic, like:

What brand RAM for MacBook?

What RAM brand should I buy for MB?