Laptop advice, thinking of a Mac

cheese7668 · 07-09-2008, 10:07 AM

I'm in need of a new laptop and don't really know what I'm talking about so I figured I'd come to Mayberry and get some advice. I have about $1300 to spend on just the computer (I'll have to add office and shit), and I'm getting it at Best Buy b/c they have a 2 yr no interest thing.

These are the two that I am thinking of

Apple MacBook
Apple® - MacBook® with 13.3" Display - White - MB403LL/A

Acer Aspire (it doesn't have bluetooth if its listed)
Acer - Aspire Laptop with Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology - AS8920-6048

I travel a lot for work, and I have an old computer that I can take or I could check one out with the office. This would pretty much be a portable desktop that I would use around the apartment (wireless). Also, I'd like to avoid AMDs if possible b/c I have one now and it runs hot as shit.

I am planning on using the computer for general use, with little gaming (I would like to get Spore if possible). I'm also thinking of getting into some very basic graphic design and would also like to learn some web programming. I don't have any background in either, so it woudl just be as a hobby. Also, I have an XBox 360 that I run a lot of my media through to my TV.

I'm leaning toward the Acer right now. Basically it has an 18' HD screen with BluRay Player and HDMI Output that would work nicely with my HD TV. It also has the better graphics card and more RAM (3GB to 2GB) out of the box.

The only areas the Apple outshines it are in processor (1.83 to 2.4 IIRC) and the fact that it doesn't have fucking Windows on it.

How big of a deal is the processor difference if I am planning on keeping the computer for three years or so? Also, I've never owned a Mac so I'm interested in hearing people's thoughts on the OS.

Any other computers people would reccomend?

I'll be out of the office for a while, but I'll check back in when I get back. Thanks for any help

Tom Kazanski · 07-09-2008, 10:27 AM

The OS on a Mac is untouched. I remember when windows came out I was using Mac. My Mom told me she got windows and I was excited to see what the fuss was about. It was just the Mac OS flipped over and with problems.

I love Macs, but they are either love them or hate them. The coolest thing about Macs for me is all the free extras you can get.

Mac OS X Software Updates and Mac OS X Downloads - VersionTracker

Mr. Omoplata · 07-09-2008, 10:30 AM

I can give you the most simplest advice:

If you're using the computer for work or you at the very least plan to use it for some work related stuff, you should go with windows simply because and more than likely, your job related stuff probably needs a windows environment for full compatibility.

Besides that, the Acer computer you mentioned sounds better. Like you can use it for work and entertainment.

Mr. Omoplata · 07-09-2008, 10:34 AM

Also, I just looked at the specs for the two laptops and the Acer one blows the Mac book out the water, completely. The graphics card on the Acer is f*cken sweet compared to the terrible one that comes on the Mac book.

Cafu · 07-09-2008, 10:39 AM

comparing an 18" with a 13" laptop is strange - one is portable, the other is not.

If I had to decide between these two Id go for the mac - more portable. The mac os is nice and few problems, but as stated above, don't get a mac if you'll be using it for work due to compatibility.

Personally Ive got a nicely spec'd lenovo thinkpad 14" with vista business I picked up for just under $1000. Very happy with it.

Cafu · 07-09-2008, 10:39 AM

double post

**Oeshon** · 07-09-2008, 10:43 AM

I am actually in the market for a laptop aswell. I was going to make a thread but i mayaswell hijack this one.

Im after good bang for my buck. I want a laptop that will play all current games and some future games but it doesnt have to be bleeding edge (no crysis)

I havent got a set price on what im willing to spend because i dont honestly know what sort of price i need for a good laptop these days. Important thing is it has a good enough graphics card to play games well (512mb GPU atleast im thinking)

Welcome any advice or potential models for me to consider purchasing.

J Storm · 07-09-2008, 10:44 AM

if you are interested in graphic design, go w/ the mac.

the mac os is so much simpler, easier to use, convenient to upgrade, and not nearly as open to viruses.

in general, people who switch from windows to mac never go back, while people who try to switch from mac to windows hate it.

--- edit

if u want to game, macs are inferior.

Hammer_Fist · 07-09-2008, 10:51 AM

You will get more computer for your dollar if you don't get a mac. As well you'll never run into that shit where a program is incompatible with a mac as everything is written for Windows. There will be a lot of mac fanboys on here blowing smoke up your ass about how macs are so much better but don't listen to them.

Unless you are going to be doing a shit load of things with graphics, or video, you'd be wasting your money if you buy a mac. Also, I don't believe you can play spore on a mac, or many video games at all for that matter. You'll want to look into that.

Don't believe all the hooplah from the mac fan boys. They're just trying to justify why they spent more money then everyone else on a computer.

Triple-s · 07-09-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Omoplata

I can give you the most simplest advice:

If you're using the computer for work or you at the very least plan to use it for some work related stuff, you should go with windows simply because and more than likely, your job related stuff probably needs a windows environment for full compatibility.

Besides that, the Acer computer you mentioned sounds better. Like you can use it for work and entertainment.

Yeah thats true. I love my MacBook but I can't run all the softwares that are on Windows. For the same price of a MacBook, you can get an XPS or something. Which has much better specs.