I need help. Totally Gundam-unrelated here. I pray this post won’t start a ****storm but I’d like some intelligent responses from you all since I know it is very possible here ^^. Since the holiday shopping season is just around the corner, I figured it’s probably a good time to pick up a laptop so I don’t have to search for an open computer on campus to type up an essay (or a few). Anyway, I’ve been messing around with the Macbook Pro at the Apple Store for the past few weeks and am EXTREMELY TEMPTED to jump on it, as I am practically in love with how potentially efficient the machine can be after getting used to. I just need one last push that getting a Mac(book Pro) at the moment is a GREAT (not just good) idea. Most of the opinions I’ve read so far have people switching to Mac because “PC sucks” or PC is great because “Mac sucks”. Why not utilize both and be more versatile? I don’t have a side but I am getting quite bored with XP and it doesn’t hurt to expand my horizon a little. So here are the specs for the MBP I’m looking at…
I already know what I love about macs from my exploration (the mousepad) BUT… I want to hear the negatives from some of you Mac users. What you hate, or find annoying about macs. Any bit of it, no matter how little or minor. Both hardware and software. Particularly about the newest model if you have one. Obviously the store clerks wouldn’t tell me any negatives because “there aren’t any” as they claimed but I’m a skeptical person. This is too much moolah at risk. Other general things I sorta dislike about Mac:
- No feeling of sorts of personalization; looks a bit silly when everyone around me in class whipped out the exact same looking macbook (and on a similar note, the ipod/phone).
- From what I can tell, Apple refreshes their products hella fast… like every half a year! Wait for newer refresh or just buy current? I hate buying something just to find out an improved model is just right around the corner.
- the almost unjustifiable price tag
- I hate the seperated keys on the keyboard
- They rarely ever go on sale significantly for some cheapskate like me to go “OMG MUST BUY!”
- Lastly, whether I like it or not… I’ll be stereotyped in with the other mac users by other people- The “I’m smarter/more sophisticated than j00 and I hang out at Starbucks, pretending like I am tending to serious business (facebook/myspace/twitter) on my macbook”-type person. *shivers*
My other choice:
If I were to get a laptop PC, I would look at nothing except Thinkpads simply because those things are tank-solid (just like the MBP) and minimalistic on the styling (none of that flashy HP/compaq/Vaio junk). For the same amount of money, I can get a marginally more powerful Thinkpad w/ W7 (which seems to be just as impressive as Snow Leopard so far). I don’t need all that power and stuff (I do not game on a laptop), but I want it there so my laptop won’t slow down (much) just in case I ever open many huge programs at once.
In short, the above configured Thinkpad T400 vs. 13″ Macbook Pro 2.53. Why should I pick the MBP over the Thinkpad? Again, I already know what I love from both side. I just want to hear the negatives from their respective sides… and push me toward to spending the dough on the MBP.
All constructive opinions welcome ^^.
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November 17, 2009 at 12:29 PM
How often will you need to boot Windows if you partition your Mac to boot Windows? If the answer is often, then might as well get the ThinkPad. Otherwise, it’s pick what you’re used to vs. the Mac route.
November 17, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Wonder if any of these suggestions made your decision easier :p
November 17, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Things to watch out for with Windows 7:
Microsoft has still not jettisoned the convoluted Registry system of keeping track of settings and minutia for every program in the system. Keeping track of this data is what eventually slows Windows systems down over time. (The famous Windows rot that drives users to replace machines after 2-3 years — or reinstall their OS.) This has not been fixed with Windows 7 it system performance will gradually deteriorate over time.
The other problem is time. How much time do you want to spend maintaining your system? With updating virus definitions scanning CDs, hard disks, flash drives. There are countless Windows users who say they do little, but it is still a hassle compared to nothing. You don’t have to worry about clicking on the “wrong” thing, etc. with OS X– a very foreign concept to trained Windows users.
The basic difference between the operating systems is elegance. OS X is simple, complete, and fast. Windows is complex, but can be made to accomplish most things. For many it is good enough — unless you have seen alternatives.
Hardware-wise there isn’t much comparison. Apple’s hardware is always rated the highest in terms of reliability.
In summary it comes down to what you want. Do you want something that is good enough and will be okay? Or do you want something that will simplify your life and you will love?
Either way, you will like it, because if you do buy the ThinkPad you will never know what you are missing.
November 17, 2009 at 1:56 PM
bd77, do you know if you spent more on the long run with a PC or a mac? I heard some horrifying mac repair stories and with the battery not being removable in the new macbooks, it seems like some might be at the mercy of Apple’s geeksquad (whatever they are called). I would like to be like you and be able to just hop onto whatever OS and get on with it. That’s the kind of versatility I would like ^^.
Paulo, I would like to think I avoid youtube outside of my desktop as much as possible ^^;. I think not having a delete key might be a bit awkward (especially with essays) at first but I think backspace will do just fine. And yea, the sneer that I’ve seen too much of at school… can’t really help that I supposed ^^;
TJ han, I plan on the laptop being gaming-capable but I personally don’t intend to play games on it. I do want the extra power and stuff for convenience.
Junebug, is heat really an issue with Macs? Is AppleCare a must?
EXkurogane, games aren’t in my interest but rather power for running RAM-hungry apps such as photoshop and web-editing software. Wonder which is worse?
th, I’ve never used Vista actually (aside from messing with it for about a minute once) so I’ll also be jumping straight to 7 from XP. It does look as smooth as Snow Leopard.
… whoops… Time for class xD. I’ll finish reading the rest when I get home later ^^;
November 17, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Hey Z,
Love the website and this is actually my first comment on your site! As far as MBP vs the thinkpad, i’d recommend the MBP for a few reasons(i’ve been a windows user for all my life until I switched to mac about 2 years back and i love it!):
Quality: Excellent construction and parts components – hadn’t had any experience with things breaking down, chips giving up the ghost (like my last windows laptop where the graphics card blew out), etc. I even dropped my laptop 3ft onto marble floor on accident once and aside from a small ding, everything worked smoothly and perfectly
Ease: I admit, it was a little hard to get a hang of @ first, but once i did, man did i love it. Very user-friendly and i actually like the mac layout more than windows. One of the biggest pluses w/ mac is that it’s a lot harder to get viruses and spyware (whereas i’d have to sell out cash for antivirus/spyware programs on windows for sure). The programs that come with the mac are also pretty darn cool (never thought i’d use garageband but i am now).
Dual-Boot: Bootcamp that comes with macs makes it very easy to install Windows on a separate partition of the HD. I personally have OSX and XP on my mac and to be honest, I use OSX a whole lot more than XP. I only use XP for certain programs, players, etc. that don’t have mac support. You can dual boot a windows machine, but it is harder as you will have to hunt down the drivers for components, etc.
Negatives: As a previous comment said, flash support is not as strong on mac – there has been only one encounter that i’ve had with this but otherwise everything’s been pretty good.
Not nearly as much program support for mac, especially on the gaming side (which you don’t plan to do anyways).
There has been one or two instances where i’ve experienced slowdown and microsoft Word for mac doesn’t really exit out smoothly (i have to force quit it on my mac); However, this is far more convenient than windows-based comps as my experience with them have been far worse (freezing, HD issues, nonresponsiveness, etc.).
Even though MBP is more expensive, I’d say it’s a worthwhile investment – a lot of folks I know who’ve used macs longer than i have still have macs that work fine. As far as the tech. turnaround point goes, all comps are going to be upgraded further in even one year anyways, but i believe that a mac, because of the components and quality of build, can service your needs even in the years to come.
November 17, 2009 at 2:01 PM
it really depends on what you wanna do with your computer. if you’re doing more arts related stuff, apple should do it for you, but if you’re looking into doing a lot of work, and playing games like most college students do, PC’s your choice.
taking into consideration that both computers’ specs are almost the same, what they don’t tell you is how well they do in the long run. the macbook tends to heat up to ridiculous levels. i remember when i was a tester for the macbook pro before it came out that it got so hot that it kinda melted a dent in a table.
it also takes a while to learn all the new shortcuts for the macs again, and i mean a long while. being a proficient user in both systems, i still have not learnt the shortcuts for macs, and that’s partially because it’s sometimes difficult to decrypt the symbols for them.
the best thing to do before making such a purchase is to do your research, and read some reviews (reviews.cnet.com)
November 17, 2009 at 4:37 PM
The “arts = Mac” and “Work = PC” is a lame stereotype that died long, long ago. Ignore it.
Photoshop works just as well for the PC as well as it does the Mac and they Mac can get plenty of productivity work done, thank you.
November 17, 2009 at 6:03 PM
paulo – “Most of them think apple is the greatest thing in the world when in reality, it’s not”
Very true. My friend who just got an iPhone not too long ago just cannot live without it. I agree that the iPhone is an useful and convenient gadget, but to let your life be controlled by it is simply foolish… Call me old fashioned, but I’d stick to surfing the net on a proper computer or reading paper maps/books instead. The touchscreen games are fun to play, but they become boring very quickly. Good function to show off during parties and gatherings though.
As for Macs vs PCs, I’d say it depends on how comfortable you are with it. I’ve been a PC user all my life but I did use Macs for a short stint when I was doing some odd jobs in a publishing firm. I find the OS and the lack of certain keyboard keys annoying, although regular Mac users will not be too bothered by it. Another factor to consider is the availability of the software that you commonly use (for work or for play)… No point getting a system where you can’t easily obtain applications or software.
Apple tends to “control” your life with all the bundled software such as image processor, iTunes, media apps etc… If it suits your needs then they will be a godsend; if you hate it then it’ll be a nuisance. For me I never stick with bundled/OEM software, even with PCs… I prefer to try out different kinds of software especially open source/free/lowcost programmes that are available online.
Personally, I’d say stick with what you are comfortable with. PCs and Macs are like apples and oranges – both are good (and bad) in their ways but it’s a very subjective choice especially for personal/home use.
November 17, 2009 at 6:36 PM
hm…I’ve used a MAC before, but I can’t say much about it. The whole thing is just so simple and whatnot. I’m used to my desktop’s configuration more. While the MAC isn’t bad to use, I don’t really like the settings and all that stuff on it. (i.e – Large icons on the bottom that grow large when you pass your mouse over it) I dunno if that can be changed but it just has that “weird” feel to me…
The strange thing is…my school has pretty much mass-produced them…we have a set of 30 MACs for every two classrooms…makes me think that either they’re rich, or the MAC’s are all knockoffs. (Based on experience, I’d say the latter is true.)
November 17, 2009 at 9:18 PM
Looking at the specs of the ThinkPad you picked, I noticed the battery kinda sucks. 4 cells, eww. If you can, try to get at least 6 cells since that one doesn’t look to be very low power friendly. Unless of course, you’ll be near power sockets most of the time, then it won’t be much of a problem…(then again, I’ve never used a ThinkPad before, kinda rare to see anyone using it over here) ^^;
Anyways, I think you should go with the ThinkPad than the Mac since it should feel more easier and familiar to use(I can’t live without my Del, etc buttons!).
November 17, 2009 at 9:33 PM
For me, i would picked some Mac just purely for aesthetic values. They are very pleasing to the eye no matter how many times i looked at them.
However, used them a couple of times at my cousin’s place and never really get into it. Besides, parts for them are extremely expensive compared to other laptops around. Am sticking to normal PCs/Laptops for a while now and Windows 7 aren’t actually too bad either :)
November 17, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Flip a coin if you really can’t decide.
November 17, 2009 at 10:39 PM
i have a macbook pro and a windows XP desktop and i love both of them.
Wut macs really lack is compatibility, some programs, especially the obscure ones (japanese visual novels for example) and games such Steam based ones dont work on mac, and its really annoying to switch with boot camp. but aside from that, Macs are exceptionally easy to use for day to day stuff, email, web, chatting, taking notes in classes, its like 20x easier and better than a PC. and yea, im addicted to the touchpad too, best in the industry hands down.
as for the pricing, just wait till apple switches the models, then the older models will drop like 200 – 400 dollars in price.
as for the mac stereotype lol, I stopped caring after a month. they are both just computers, just with slight differences that make each more suited for a certain task than the other. the whole “mac” or “pc” stigma is just fanboys trying to troll each other to death. :P
wut i would recommend is for you to ask yourself, wut will you do the most on the computer? is it gaming and work? (programming, graphics design, that kind of stuff) if that’s the case, go for a PC. but if u just want a laptop to carry to class for notes and to do your daily web surfing, keeping in touch with friends, watching movies and such, get a Mac.
November 18, 2009 at 3:57 AM
Wow… Thank you all for the responses ^^. Really, thank you o_o. I actually didn’t expect this many and it actually helped quite a bit more than googling for reviews actually.
As for what I’m going to decide on… since the holiday is just around the corner, I’m gonna wait for the incentives first (sale/discounts) and then choose the best of the two. Not exactly choosing whichever is cheaper (that’s a no-brainer) but which one has the rarer deal. If I can get a MBP for 15-25% off then hey, why not… ^^;
I think I can live with most of the downsides; it’s all about adapting. Like I said, I would like to expand my computer horizon a bit. The only thing I plan on doing with my MBP are essays and websurfing… and then get into creativity stuff like photo editing and type up my reviews at school whenever I’m finished with photoshooting.
In short, it seems like I can’t go wrong with either model…
November 18, 2009 at 4:02 AM
I have both a Macbook (white polycarb. – now wife’s) and a Thinkpad T61. I find both have their pluses. They’re both sturdy and I’m equally productive with either OS (Vista/Win7 or OSX). I ended up using the Thinkpad as my main computer for the following reasons:
1. I prefer the Thinkpad keyboard, a better typing experience and all keys present.
2. I grew tired of the glare on the Macbook’s glossy screen. The matte screen on the Thinkpad is amazing in comparison.
3. Heat and noise. The Thinkpad is silent even under stress. The Macbook fan would regularly whirl up to an annoying level.
4. The Thinkpad feels incredibly tough. The Macbook is also impressive, but I’ve had to have the keyboard replaced (cracked twice), the screen hinges tightened, the magsafe adapter replaced, and the computer opened to clean out dust. I do a lot of fieldwork and this has never been an issue with the Thinkpad. As a plus for Macbook, all of the above fixes were done no-questions-asked on an extended warranty.
5. Software. While a lot of software is available on both platforms, most software is designed for and therefore more functional under Windows.
That’s been my experiences, albeit on a polycarbonate Macbook. Surely some of the above may not apply to the new unibody models, but not enough to sway me back to using Macs for the time being. I also find Thinkpads to be better value for the money, especially when Lenovo has a big sale. Either way, I’d personally wait a few more months until Intel releases their new core i5/7 platform for notebooks.
November 18, 2009 at 7:47 AM
Z, first, i life in developed country which is the stuff you talked here is super expensive stuff ^^;
For me, Mac is like my dream, the design, OS, just soo cool. But Window still have open source programs which is much cheaper…
November 18, 2009 at 5:18 PM
Agree with eyeshield30. Both the thinkpad and the Mac are super expensive, especially in my country :) And there is no such thing as SALE for Mac stuff. Usually, even on sale, the discount given are rarely above 10%.
November 18, 2009 at 8:54 PM
Z, im running both pc and mac and from what i can tell u is get a macbook.
Why?
becuz u can run windows, but not just by booting but my using the parralel software which pretty much keeps a separate window for windows and soon windows 7 will be supported. its a better investment. Im lucky to carry an alienware and macbook pro and iv compared for the two. The question is what do u need ur laptop for: chatting, checking emails, surfing on the web, doing some word processing and cheking out gunpla :P. If ur looking to game then i suggest u either stik to a console which is MEANT for gaming or get a pc tower becuz the graphics chip inside a laptop isnt meant for hardcore gaming becuz the more u use it for gaming the erlier tht chip will burn out. Think about size of cigarette( i dont smoke lol), u hav 2 tht are burning. suppose the smaller cig is the laptop GPU and the bigger one is the PC/Console. Its pretty certain tht the smaller one will die out first no matter how much u play.
Now if u want to use it for photoshop, then either one is good.
But what i can tell u from wut i have, using photoshop, id say u just need a MBP 13 inch with 2.2 ghz and 2 gig ddr3 becuz it runs perfectly fine.
When u look into portability u look at battery life. MBP PWNS the pc. 7-8 hour max battery life versus 2 hour battery life. Sure some ppl here will say tht the mbp dosent always go up to 7-8 hours but its styll longer.
Networking i suggest the MBP becuz it carries Wifi 802.11 N.
LOL what i said about network wasnt much.
BUT the best thing about a MBP is the customer service. I SH*T YOU NOT ITS THE GREATEST. If EVER u have any problems or if ur picky and see like backlight bleeding then u can go to them and u can get urs replaced with a brand new one.
the design. ITs SEXY…nuff said lol
One last thing is the virus factor. Windows pics up LOTS OF VIRUSES while snow Leopard( OSX 10.6) dosent recognize any viruses to date, if not very little (like less than 30).
I hope this helped
November 18, 2009 at 9:18 PM
from personal experience, i would say the mac is a better buy.
November 19, 2009 at 8:56 AM
If I had the choice, I’d probably pick up the thinkpad. Maybe I’m (a little) crazy (^^) but I’d feel more secure with it as opposed to the mac (untill I get used to it at least); something more sturdy and stable, more solid feeling…
Good luck with your choise which ever you pick.^^