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DigitalEl · Aug 1, 2006, 11:51 PM

I've been here a long time and never saw myself starting a thread like this, but here goes.

My 700-some MHz 12" PowerBook is starting to show its age. It's slow by today's standards, even with a lot of RAM. I've been looking hard at a new MacBook, but it's scary here.

I've been here long enough to know the thousands of people who are happy with their computers don't come online to bitch. But still, it seems these new MacBooks have more issues than most new Apple products. I know lots of stuff has been addressed already now that we're in week 30+ for manufacturing. Still, should I wait or jump in and buy one Wednesday?

My main concerns are the excessive heat (again, currently using a 12" PowerBook, so I'm used to nearly being burned by my laptop)... The stained top case and the random shutdowns.

Seems like all those problems have been addressed. So what would you do?

(I'd get the entry-level $1,099 model, BTW... And add RAM later. Is this computer usable with the stock 512 MB?)

Sage · Aug 2, 2006, 12:32 AM

I just bought the bottom-line model last week, and it still has 512 MB of RAM in it (not my doing – UPS was supposed to deliver my 2 GB of RAM last Friday, but the dummies think my address is nonexistent). It’s usable with 512 MB, but there are distinct lags here and there.

I haven’t had a random shutdown. Nothing’s been stained. Mine gets pretty warm, but let’s put it this way: I can squish the palm of my hand on the very hottest part of my MacBook (top-left of the bottom casing), and keep it there indefinitely without feeling like anything’s burning. Hot, yes, a bit uncomfortable on your legs, yes, but nothing that’ll burn you or make you terribly uncomfortable. It doesn’t get hugely warmer than my G3 iBook ever did.

You’ll love your MacBook.

I would highly recommend more RAM though: 512 MB is usable by all means, but not enjoyable.

Nodnarb · Aug 2, 2006, 12:34 AM

I've got the same question. My iBook has just recently crapped out on me so I am stuck without a computer. I am 99% going to buy a macbook this week, however all these complaints are really freaking me out. I know people bitch when something goes wrong and don't comment when something is good, however this seems like it is a sure sign saying "DO NOT BUY A MACBOOK!".

ChasingApple · Aug 2, 2006, 12:46 AM

Buy one and enjoy

ael719 · Aug 2, 2006, 12:47 AM

If I were you, I'd wait till after WWDC (Aug 11-13?) and see what happens. Most likely nothing, but it doesnt hurt to wait another week or two just incase they release something.

mac128k-1984 · Aug 2, 2006, 05:52 AM

Originally Posted by DigitalEl

My main concerns are the excessive heat (again, currently using a 12" PowerBook, so I'm used to nearly being burned by my laptop)... The stained top case and the random shutdowns.

Seems like all those problems have been addressed. So what would you do?

(I'd get the entry-level $1,099 model, BTW... And add RAM later. Is this computer usable with the stock 512 MB?)

Here's my $.02

The heat issue is not a heat issue at least in Apple's opinion, especially when you consider this comparison MB vs. Dell I'm not some blind zealot saying apple does no wrong. I think the MBs do run too hot, but I don't think its something that apple is going to recitify. They may update the firmware to have the fans kick in a little earlier which will cause the MB to run a tad cooler but that's the extent I think Apple is going to do to address the issue - imo.

My MB runs in the 50's while idling and and can climb into the mid 60s while light work. Using photoshop can cause the temps to climb into the 70s (all temps in celsius) Overall I'm happy with the MacBook save the heat issue.

As for the random shutowns, I have not noticed that as being a problem on the various boards and mine doesn't seem to have this problem.

Finally 512mb is woefully inadequate I noticed a marked improvement when I went from 512k to a Gig. Just don't forget that you'll pay a performance penalty if you don't use matched pairs of memory thanks to the dual channel architecture.

As for waiting till after WWDC, well I think that's a prudent move but I really don't think the MB is going to be update because of its age, only a few months old but being that the conference is next week, it can't hurt too much waiting.

ricgnzlzcr · Aug 2, 2006, 02:33 PM

I'm waiting right now. I just sold my 12 inch powerbook and am computer-less for the moment. Right now I'm borrowing an old ibook and I may put linux on an old windows machine until the new macbook comes out. The only reason I'm doing this is because I always told myself I wouldn't get a first edition product from Apple. While I don't expect the new macbooks to be significantly cooler, I do expect them to not moo, whine, or discolor for the most part.

HouseSold · Aug 2, 2006, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by ricgnzlzcr

I'm waiting right now. I just sold my 12 inch powerbook and am computer-less for the moment. Right now I'm borrowing an old ibook and I may put linux on an old windows machine until the new macbook comes out. The only reason I'm doing this is because I always told myself I wouldn't get a first edition product from Apple. While I don't expect the new macbooks to be significantly cooler, I do expect them to not moo, whine, or discolor for the most part.

Reports from posts, from current new owners or from those receiving theirs back from a fix, are that their MacBooks are moo-less, whine-less and have color correct non-discoloring panels.

Why punish yourself by waiting; there will always be something newer and better around the bend; if not we would all still be using Apple IIe computers with floppy disks. ( BTW...I still own an Apple IIc, an Apple SE30 and a Mac Color Classic II )

Nodnarb · Aug 2, 2006, 06:08 PM

It's not tat i was waiting to see if a new model comes out; I'm 99% sure one won't anytime soon, and I'm quite happy with the specs as of now anyways.
I just didn't want to spend $1500 to be a beta tester of the first gen macbooks, however I decided that I would be lucky enough to get a good working model and bought the 2 Ghz white macbook with 1 gig ram. Should be here within a week, I'm excited!

HouseSold · Aug 2, 2006, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by Nodnarb

It's not tat i was waiting to see if a new model comes out; I'm 99% sure one won't anytime soon, and I'm quite happy with the specs as of now anyways.
I just didn't want to spend $1500 to be a beta tester of the first gen macbooks, however I decided that I would be lucky enough to get a good working model and bought the 2 Ghz white macbook with 1 gig ram. Should be here within a week, I'm excited!

Congrats ! You will get much more pleasure than pain...guaranteed...and look at the friendship here too

I just got a replacement week 27 and the fans are going full blast while restoring my prior disk image, Good for burn in for the thermal paste; I read that it takes so many hot and cold cycles to really function well (burn in?). Seemed to be correct on my prior week 20.

We'll see how it goes, and share your experiences with all.

iRussel · Aug 2, 2006, 08:12 PM

I too am going to get a MacBook soon. This will be my fifth mac since 1992 starting with a Performa 6200CD but my first laptop. I'm very excited and not altogether worried about it being a lemon. If we saw more positive reports from all the happy MacBook owners there would probably be less concern. I guess they are too busy enjoying their machines to take the time to post

masugu · Aug 2, 2006, 08:45 PM

August 7 AM - Steve makes his key note. In 2 hours, you will know if you should buy or wait...cuz next update won't be until after XMAS...

DigitalEl · Aug 2, 2006, 09:03 PM

Alrighty, kids... I did it, too.

Just pulled the trigger on a combo drive model. I bumped the RAM to 1 GB, the hard drive to 80 GB and added a wireless Mighty Mouse.

I am teh jaCKed!

And thanks for all your opinions on waiting vs. not waiting.

HouseSold · Aug 2, 2006, 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by DigitalEl

Alrighty, kids... I did it, too.

Just pulled the trigger on a combo drive model. I bumped the RAM to 1 GB, the hard drive to 80 GB and added a wireless Mighty Mouse.

I am teh jaCKed!

And thanks for all your opinions on waiting vs. not waiting.

You are into week 31 on ordering from Apple. You should be good to go without any snafus.

Welcome to the club (MacBook of the Month club)

Almost no one mentions that there is a little break in period where you get up close and personal knowing your Book. No two are exactly the same; we have two at the house and one was replaced and they all behave ever so slightly different and feel different and sound different and run different.

You'll see what I mean after your 1st date.

ricgnzlzcr · Aug 4, 2006, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by HouseSold

Reports from posts, from current new owners or from those receiving theirs back from a fix, are that their MacBooks are moo-less, whine-less and have color correct non-discoloring panels.

Why punish yourself by waiting; there will always be something newer and better around the bend; if not we would all still be using Apple IIe computers with floppy disks. ( BTW...I still own an Apple IIc, an Apple SE30 and a Mac Color Classic II )

Well at no point right now am I in NEED of a new computer. Even though I sold my computer I still have regular access to the internet with the ibook I'm borrowing and when I go back to college, my boss will let me borrow an ibook plus I'll have a g3 B&W powermac I just bought for $35 in my room. For right now I am completely satisfied and can wait. I will know that when the new macbooks are announced I'll just be happy that I had the willpower to hold on purchasiing my laptop.