Tell me your opinions on my FIRST Mac!

[BigMacUser]

Ok guys and gals this is my first post! :)

Just wondering what you all think about this computer I orderd...

Its the 17" MacBookPro

Matte finish screen (NON-glossy)

2.16GHz Intel Core Duo(1)

2GB RAM

120GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive

8x double-layer SuperDrive

ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB GDDR3 memory

One FireWire 400, one FireWire 800, and three USB 2.0 ports

This computer is going to be used for my College work and studies. Thanks!

[livingfortoday]

I think you should wear a mask when you use it, or else it will rock your face off.

[yankeefan24]

One word if you are using this for college: lucky

Also, I think it is a bit, um…, overpowered for your needs. give it to me if you decide you need more portability
;)

[BigMacUser]

LOL...Na I hated the Glossy screen...I went to a Mac store and the glare on it was BAD! SO I decided to go with the Matte screen....It looks darn near the same....its color is still amazing!

So you guys think this thing will be smokin' fast?

Also what exactly is the double layer drive? I asked the guy at the store and he couldnt answer it really....

[livingfortoday]

LOL...Na I hated the Glossy screen...I went to a Mac store and the glare on it was BAD! SO I decided to go with the Matte screen....It looks darn near the same....its color is still amazing!

So you guys think this thing will be smokin' fast?

Also what exactly is the double layer drive? I asked the guy at the store and he couldnt answer it really....

It'll let you burn DL discs, which hold twice the capacity of regular DVD's. Here's a link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVD%2BR_DL

They're much pricier than single-layer DVD's, though. And yes, your computer is fast. So fast, that again, I reiterate the need for some sort of mask. I seriously cannot stress that enough.

[BigMacUser]

LMAO good because I am IMPATIENT!

Also what other kind of accessories do yall suggest? I bought the 3 year warrenty and also the 17" neoprene sleeve...anything else that would help to keep this computer in TOP/NEW condition for years to come? thanks!

[QCassidy352]

I woulda gotten the glossy screen, but an extremely nice computer nonetheless! The only other accessory I'd really recommend is a good bluetooth mouse!

[macsrockmysocks]

I hate you.....:p ;) :D

[BigMacUser]

Ok will do! Thanks for the tip!

Should I get one of those iSaver things? (the pads that go between your screen and the keys?

[FriarTuck]

The only other accessory I'd really recommend is a good bluetooth mouse!

I second the BT mouse suggestion. I use a Logitech V270 with my PB and I really like it a lot.

[livingfortoday]

You might want something to keep between the screen and the keyboard, I remember my Ti had marks from the keyboard on the screen after a few years. I don't know if they fixed that problem with the aluminium design, though.

I would also get a nice bag with a laptop pocket (I personally like Timbuk2 bags, since I bike a lot), or just a good sleeve for it if you already have a bag to put it in.

[BigMacUser]

I second the BT mouse suggestion. I use a Logitech V270 with my PB and I really like it a lot.


I think I am going to get the Apple BT mouse....I used the apple mouse at school and I liked the feel...

Yeah I am going over to Bestbuy later to get one of the screen things, that apple mouse, and a carrying case for the comp and my books...I got the neoprene sleeve from apple that the comp slides in....and then will put in case...I am also getting a cleaning kit (duster spray, Cleaning spray, microfiber clenaing swabs, and a suede clenaing clothe

I also may get one of those thingys that hold the comp up off the desk and on an angle...

[ChrisA]

Just wondering what you all think about this computer I orderd...

Its the 17" MacBookPro......
This computer is going to be used for my College work and studies. Thanks!

I bit of "overkill" I should think. But if you've got the money, why not?
Will to 17" model fit inside a backpack?

[m-dogg]

No question that's an awesome fast machine. Enjoy!

The only thing I'm wondering is if you plan to bring it to class with you? It might be a little bit too big in lectures halss, etc...

[kevin.rivers]

SWEET!!! I gotta ask you though, why did you take matte screen? There is absolutely no reflection on apples glossy screens. People just think so...

Could you share some of the pot you are smoking? It must be good stuff...

[BigMacUser]

Its only 15" wide and 10" deep and 1" thick....most 15" screens are that big...Like the choice was between IBM and apple...we got a special deal through school on em....the 15" IBM computer was 14.5" wide with a 15.4" screen or something like that....

[miniConvert]

I'd have gone with the 7200RPM HDD and glossy screen...

...but what the hell, I'm just jealous, you're going to love it!

[BigMacUser]

I was thinking about the 7200rpm hard drive but I figured I would need the storage space....and with the 2.16GHz intel duo chip and 2GB RAM I figured the 7200rpms from the 5400rpms hard drive wouldnt make any differnce, and if it did it would be very minute...

[joepunk]

You might want something to keep between the screen and the keyboard, I remember my Ti had marks from the keyboard on the screen after a few years. I don't know if they fixed that problem with the aluminium design, though.

I would also get a nice bag with a laptop pocket (I personally like Timbuk2 bags, since I bike a lot), or just a good sleeve for it if you already have a bag to put it in.
For screen protection from keyboard marks I use a piece of paper or the thing that already comes between the keyboard/screen. And yes, get a really good sleeve (if that is your route) that will protect the computer from bumps and bangs, not just sratches.

[BigMacUser]

O and if you were wodnering we got 20% off through my school (ohio University)

so the price was like 3123.00 and after the discount it was 2498 shipped...not to shabby....I dont think :) :D

[BigMacUser]

For screen protection from keyboard marks I use a piece of paper or the thing that already comes between the keyboard/screen. And yes, get a really good sleeve (if that is your route) that will protect the computer from bumps and bangs, not just sratches.

I got the neoprene sleeve that apple sells...it came free with the comp through my school. I am also going to get a samsonite Computer backpack...that has a special padded compartment (as well as my sleeve) so that thing should be seriously protected! and aslo tons of room for my books and what not...

here is the link:

http://us.samsonite.com/webapp/us/servlet/SProductDisplay?productId=200116&storeId=10001&langId=-1&pc=C30

[netdog]

Ok guys and gals this is my first post! :)

Just wondering what you all think about this computer I orderd...

Its the 17" MacBookPro

Matte finish screen (NON-glossy)

2.16GHz Intel Core Duo(1)

2GB RAM

120GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive

8x double-layer SuperDrive

ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB GDDR3 memory

One FireWire 400, one FireWire 800, and three USB 2.0 ports

This computer is going to be used for my College work and studies. Thanks!

What can we say? A lovely machine for sure, and you were wise to fill it with RAM.

[BigMacUser]

Thanks netdog...yeah I know I figured I would get as much as possible since i messed up on my desktop and only put 512mb in it and then had to go and spend anouther 500 bucks getting it up to 1GB :mad: (this was 4-5 years ago on my DELL)

That RAM will help with the computer speed (file opening and such) as well as internet speed correct?

[slffl]

It's the one I would have got if the screen would have tilted back further. I currently have a 17" 1ghz and I LOVE it!

[BigMacUser]

Sweet Guys!...

Just wondering exactly what I need to run Microsoft Windows and Office on ym comp as I would like to have both windows and OSx for differnt things I need to do. Thanks

BTW: where is a good low cost place to order one of those pad things that go bewtween the screen and the keyboard when the comp is shut? thanks!

[X5-452]

Whoa, that is slick. What are you taking at school that would require a computer that nice?

[BigMacUser]

Civil Engineering and Construction Management...

[h0e0h]

that 'angled thing' is an iCurve (google) and RadTech.us has nice screen spacers and laptop keyboard covers when the lid is closed, also great cleaning accessories.

[gog]

Dude, your computer is terrible.
Just swap it for mine immediately, and salvage some of your money.

[MACDRIVE]

You might want something to keep between the screen and the keyboard, I remember my Ti had marks from the keyboard on the screen after a few years.

This is what I use for my Ti PB. :)

http://coolshield.com/html_pages/screensleeve.html

[netdog]

Dude, your computer is terrible.
Just swap it for mine immediately, and salvage some of your money.

Hey, wait a minute you guys. Don't rip this guy off with your junk.

For engineering, you will probably want upgradeability. How about a swap for my G3 blue tower somebody just gave me? I'll upgrade the RAM for ya. 350MHz of pure power, and easy access via the side-door to upgrade to your heart's content! It's got an internal modem, ethernet, and PCI slots. OS X pre-installed.

Deal?

[lamina]

Beauty of a computer. I wouldnt change a thing. Post some pics of your new baby once it arrives!

[BigMacUser]

Will Do guys thanks for the help and the links! I really appriciate it.

[Scarlet Fever]

For engineering, you will probably want upgradeability. How about a swap for my G3 blue tower somebody just gave me? I'll upgrade the RAM for ya. 350MHz of pure power, and easy access via the side-door to upgrade to your heart's content! It's got an internal modem, ethernet, and PCI slots. OS X pre-installed.

nah, man that computer is a time bomb with a short fuse. That doesn't even have screen.
For that MPB, you could have a 1994 LC575 with a color screen, a 33MHz motorola chip, a full gig of HDD storage, and ill even throw in Mac OS 8.4 pre-installed. What do ya think? :p

but really, that Mac is unreal. Why is it always the switchers who get the maxed out high-end Apple stuff while im here on my 1.83GHz MacBook?

with a monster like that, you will enjoy several years of Macness. That LC575 which i mentioned above still runs, and i occasionally use it to play some really good old-school games.

[MACDRIVE]

http://coolshield.com/images/pictures/photos_screensleeve04/screensleeve_r2_c3.jpg

[Eraserhead]

Sweet Guys!...

Just wondering exactly what I need to run Microsoft Windows and Office on ym comp as I would like to have both windows and OSx for differnt things I need to do. Thanks

BTW: where is a good low cost place to order one of those pad things that go bewtween the screen and the keyboard when the comp is shut? thanks!
MS office is available for the Mac (see www.microsoft.com/mac) you should be able to get it from Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001WN16M/qid=1148739922/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-7270485-2835324?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=229534) for $130, for Windows you need to download Boot camp (http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/). And have a copy of XP SP2 to hand...

[BigMacUser]

Yeah i can get Microsoft office and Windows through my school for 20 bucks a peice.... So I figured it would be good just incase ya know? thanks!

[taytho]

Sweet Guys!...

Just wondering exactly what I need to run Microsoft Windows and Office on ym comp as I would like to have both windows and OSx for differnt things I need to do. Thanks

BTW: where is a good low cost place to order one of those pad things that go bewtween the screen and the keyboard when the comp is shut? thanks!

There should be one in the computer when it ships to you. most people just throw them away but keep it and use it.

I would second the suggestion for the mask.... that is a BAMFing computer you just bought. well played sir.

[BigMacUser]

Thanks...yeah thats a good Idea I will probably just use that....whats it made out of?

[Dont Hurt Me]

Buyers guide here at Rumors says its update time for that Powerbook,,,,I mean Macbookpro.

[BigMacUser]

what?

[BigMacUser]

? Whats that mean?


O by the way...I orderd a Radtech Bluetooth mouse and a radtech bookbag...They looked to be the nicest. I am going to wait to order on of those screen things untill my comp gets here and I see what the screen thing in it loooks like...

[jsw]

Not sure what you're referring to, but, if it's what I think, don't worry about it. Your 17" is a great laptop and will serve you well for a long time - it just came out and isn't going to have a decent update for months. I'm currently mucking around in the basement and posting this on a 1999 G3 "Lombard" PowerBook, so I can attest to the longevity of Mac laptops.

I do recommend a screen/keyboard pad of some sort, either the Screensleeve (which I've seen in use but never owned) or Radtech's ScreenSavrz, of which I won several. The thing that ships with the laptop works but isn't essentially any better than a paper towel.

I also recommend a slipcover to keep off the scratches, like Radtechs, but the Screensleeve seems to do a decent job of protecting the screen and the top (i.e., the most visible part) of the laptop, so it might be a good thing to have. One thing I like about the ScreenSavrz, which might or might not be true of the Screensleeve, is that they're of optical-grade cloth and can be used to clean your screen (and can be washed as well).

[karichelle]

Nice computer :) It should last you through all four years with no problems. Did you buy AppleCare for it, just in case?

I have a Marware keyboard/screen cushion that is made of neoprene that I have used on my iBook since the day I got it, and my screen still looks new. I also highly recommend iSkin keyboard protectors...it's unbelievable how much crap it has kept out of my keyboard. Take good care of it and it will be good to you...I've had my iBook for almost 3 years now and it still looks new. :)

[poppe]

Thats Exactly what I'm getting in September. Exact same specs!

I think you said you already are getting a backpack but I'm going to suggest the Breathaven (not sure if thats spelled right) Backpack for the MBP supposed to be huge and protective so you can fit your computer and your books all in one thing.