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johnpop · Nov 5, 2006, 06:59 PM

I have a G4 Powerbook that I used for 6 months and now I have a Dell Latitude that I have used for a year now and I'm using at the moment. I want to upgrade because the Latitude is a 1.4ghz Celeron M and the speed is getting to me. I really miss OS X but I don't miss a few things about it.

I don't like having to carry around my PB like its a baby. My latitude is an absolute tank and it also has an incredible warranty in the fact that it covers accidental damage.

The wireless reception on my G4 Powerbook is incredibly weak when compared to my $700 Dell Latitude.

The Mac Book Pro is more expensive than a Thinkpad or Inspiron alternative.

I'm thinking that Lenovo may be my next choice is the Mac Book Pro's wireless and durability hasn't improved. Also is there an accidental insurance coverage for the Mac Book Pro.

GSixZero · 07:15 PM

You'd have to judge what's more important to you. Everyone has different priorities. I'd need accident insurance on a windows laptop because I'd probably throw it out the window.

You can get accidental insurance through your homeowners/renters insurance or for a little more money at safeware.com

If I were you, I'd check about the warranty on your dell. Unless you have optional coverage, accidental damage probably isn't covered.

Dell's Online Policies

johnpop · Nov 5, 2006, 07:44 PM

Yeah, I got the laptop through my school and it has specific coverage, also its not THAT expensive to get coverage on Dell or Lenovo notebooks.

But the main thing I need information on is the wireless reception for the mac book pro - It needs to be powerful and with Windows computers I have options such as Senao or Engenious cards

mduell · Nov 5, 2006, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by GSixZero

If I were you, I'd check about the warranty on your dell. Unless you have optional coverage, accidental damage probably isn't covered.

Dell's CompleteCare, which includes the accidental damage protection, is usually cheaper than AppleCare.

I'd love it if Apple would step up their warranty coverage to the level of Dell and Lenovo/IBM. It would greatly reduce the stress of purchasing and using a Mac laptop.

brokenjago · Nov 6, 2006, 12:02 AM

The MacBook Pro's reception is apparently greatly improved.

- - e r i k - - · Nov 6, 2006, 12:15 AM

Wrong forum.

Sage · Nov 6, 2006, 12:19 AM

It really does depend on where your priorities are. For me, I buy Apple hardware because I absolutely must have Apple software – I was going to ditch Apple in its OS 8/9 days, but I think OS X is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I love it, and now I do everything I can to avoid using Windows.

On the other hand, if you’re not that attached to the Mac OS or the software (and obviously not the hardware), then I wouldn’t blame you for getting a PC. Everybody has different needs, priorities, and wants. Identify what yours are, and buy whatever fits those parameters.

hldan · Nov 6, 2006, 02:07 AM

Agreed, you should get whichever OS that will do the job you need. However you did mention that the MacBook Pro was more expensive so why not go for the standard MacBook? They cost considerably less and just as fast as the MBP line. Also the MacBooks use bulletproof polycarbonate plastic which is a lot more durable and is made to handle a few more bumps and grinds than the MBP.
You still will get a better deal all the way around with the MacBook because you can partition it and run a copy of Windows.

johnpop · Nov 6, 2006, 07:33 AM

With Vista coming out after Christmas and Leopard coming out in the spring I may just wait and see what the market does hardware wise. I"m glad that the wireless has improved a lot that will help me in continuing with Apple.

I do think that OS X is awesome and I'd much rather have it than Vista but if the hardware can't keep up then I don't want to go that direction again.

I just wish Apple would pack insurance with their Applecare because as it is now that warranty is useless for me. $349?? or whatever it is now.

I may just have to get both

johnpop · Nov 6, 2006, 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

Wrong forum.

Would you like to direct me to the correct one? This does cover MBP Discussion and that is where my questions lay specifically as to warranty issues and wireless

hmm... I'm not sure as Ill be going to college in August so there will be a lot of possible unforeseen damage. I don't know if the stress of having such a fragile and expensive piece of equipment will work out. Is Safeware good? how expensive is it?

- - e r i k - - · Nov 6, 2006, 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by johnpop

Would you like to direct me to the correct one? This does cover MBP Discussion and that is where my questions lay specifically as to warranty issues and wireless

Sorry, I am an idiot. For some reason I thought I were still browsing the Mac Pro forum. My apologies.

johnpop · Nov 6, 2006, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

Sorry, I am an idiot. For some reason I thought I were still browsing the Mac Pro forum. My apologies.

ha no worries, i thought for a second that there was a forum for people who had two different laptops and had hardware questions about one and were thinking about buying Windows because of those issues or something

GSixZero · Nov 6, 2006, 12:48 PM

You originally posted in the MacPro/PowerMac forum... It's since been moved to MacBookPro/Powerbook forum. Cheers!

johnpop · Nov 6, 2006, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by GSixZero

You originally posted in the MacPro/PowerMac forum... It's since been moved to MacBookPro/Powerbook forum. Cheers!

well thanks to whichever mod did that

SierraDragon · Nov 7, 2006, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by hldan

Agreed, you should get whichever OS that will do the job you need. However you did mention that the MacBook Pro was more expensive so why not go for the standard MacBook? They cost considerably less and just as fast as the MBP line. Also the MacBooks use bulletproof polycarbonate plastic which is a lot more durable and is made to handle a few more bumps and grinds than the MBP.
You still will get a better deal all the way around with the MacBook because you can partition it and run a copy of Windows.

MBs are weaker than today's MBPs in almost every regard; there is a reason they are cheaper. "Better deal" is simply in the eye of a given user, so if your needs, especially as regards graphics apps, will be minimal for the life of the box a MB may indeed be a good deal. If your chosen apps need graphics power, CPU power or maximum RAM a MacBook may be a poor choice.

-Allen Wicks

johnpop · Nov 7, 2006, 03:47 PM

Yeah I'm not even considering a MB - Ill probably pick up the first MBP to come out after Leopard and then find a way to get some accidental damage insurance