Thread tangent... I always heard that it was best to leave it on all the time. The flux of heat (when on), cold (when off) creates fatigue? Therefore a computer likes being on all the time right?
or is that just one of many reasons?
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Can I use a Macbook for my main computer?
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Thread tangent... I always heard that it was best to leave it on all the time. The flux of heat (when on), cold (when off) creates fatigue? Therefore a computer likes being on all the time right?
or is that just one of many reasons?
Should be no problem at all. I use a Macbook Pro as my main computer. I run it in clamshell mode with an external monitor, mouse and keyboard.
Since the new macbooks have a dedicated graphics chip, and can handle 4GB or more of RAM they are really worth the money.
The only thing the macbook doesn't have is an Expresscard 34 slot, but for most people that isn't a major issue.
Since the new macbooks have a dedicated graphics chip, and can handle 4GB or more of RAM they are really worth the money.
The only thing the macbook doesn't have is an Expresscard 34 slot, but for most people that isn't a major issue.
MB fans are supposed to default to 2000rpm as the minimum they'll run. Mine idles there all the time, regardless of setup.
A 5 year old 12" powerbook g4 is this household's main computer so a macbook will be fine...
Before I got my iMac, I had a MacBook pro setup as a "desktop" computer. I sold the MacBook pro, and getting a white MacBook.
I just moved from a Desktop to a Macbook as my mian rig, I hook it up to my monitor and external drives and its left on all the time with no problems at all
Me too as of Jan 08, I just love my BMB, oh,
I'm almost positive I'm going to end up with the Macbook 2.4 GHz w/ 4 GB Ram.
A couple more questions...
I think I read somewhere that the monitor you connect to the macbook should not go over 22". Is this true?
Will the Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter also be able to connect to my TV as well, or will I need a seperate one for that?
I will probably do some video editing on it (not a lot). This macbook can hadle it?
The Applecare protection plan: If you need to use it can you take your macbook to an Applestore where you didn't purchase it? Or do you need to ship it to Apple to get it fixed/upgradeded?
How soon is the next version of the macbook expected to be released? I'd hate to feel like a chump if a better version comes out shortly after.
I realize these may be dumb questions.
A couple more questions...
I think I read somewhere that the monitor you connect to the macbook should not go over 22". Is this true?
Will the Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter also be able to connect to my TV as well, or will I need a seperate one for that?
I will probably do some video editing on it (not a lot). This macbook can hadle it?
The Applecare protection plan: If you need to use it can you take your macbook to an Applestore where you didn't purchase it? Or do you need to ship it to Apple to get it fixed/upgradeded?
How soon is the next version of the macbook expected to be released? I'd hate to feel like a chump if a better version comes out shortly after.
I realize these may be dumb questions.
I use a 24" with no probs at all, as for video editing I also use Final Cut Pro and it works just fine, its faster than my old PowerMac G5
For the Mini Displayport to DVI it depends what TV you have. My setup is Mini Displayport to DVI ----> DVI to HDMI, and it works perfect.
Why would you want to limit you fan to 1200 rpm? Just to keep the processor temps down? Couldn't that damage your mac?
(Oh and how come you have two macbooks, do you really use both? just curious..
)Why would you want to limit you fan to 1200 rpm? Just to keep the processor temps down? Couldn't that damage your mac?
(Oh and how come you have two macbooks, do you really use both? just curious..
I bought a new one and mum uses my old one. It's still sorta mine, i dont use it though.
I put the fan speed down to extend battery life. The processor runs cool enough to run with that as the base fan speed. If i place load on it then it will speed up the fans
I am running with the monitor plugged in, with a very hungry program (shakespeer) running as well which is why the fan speeds arent at the bottom currently. Unfortunately there arent any alternatives for shakespeer.
The Mini Displayport to DVI adapter supports up to 1920x1200 resolution (24" monitor)
You can get a generic Mini Displayport -> DVI adapter and a DVI -> HDMI (hook up to your HDTV) for less than $20 shipped from Monoprice.com.
I'm waiting on mine to come in soon, so I can use my Dell 2407WFP in all its glory!
There is an anticipated macbook refresh this June at WWDC '09
June is only a month away. I might as well wait. No need to buy the Macbook now only to have a newer/cheaper version come out a month later. That would make me feel like a total chump.
Powerbook FTW!
@ OP: A MacBook will easily handle the duties of a main computer, and technically yes a pro is classified as desktop replacement but that really varies for everyone. I don't have a desktop and never have, although I've always had a powerbook or a pro. And with the specs you've decided on it will most definitely work.
So if they do announce a newer version in June, any idea what the day would be?
I was all set to buy it this weekend but now I'm really debating whether to wait for the announcement, to see if I can get a better/cheaper one.
I was all set to buy it this weekend but now I'm really debating whether to wait for the announcement, to see if I can get a better/cheaper one.
an update will only get more ram for the top model, both models will get a small cpu bump, probably to 2.33 and 2.53 penryn chips and larger harddrives but dont expect a 500gb in the top model, apple wants to sell you that as an extra.
theres rumors of a 3g chip so thats a possibility. Dont expect anything else cause you will probably just end up disappointed. No they wont put esata or firewire in because theres no room on the motherboard and there no room for a dedicated gfx chip either.
If you want to wait, i would think it would be so you get snow leopard without having to upgrade.
I heard price drops are on their way but thats possibly NZ specific because our prices were set when the dollar was at about US$0.48 for every NZ$1 but its gone up to about 62c i think.
theres rumors of a 3g chip so thats a possibility. Dont expect anything else cause you will probably just end up disappointed. No they wont put esata or firewire in because theres no room on the motherboard and there no room for a dedicated gfx chip either.
If you want to wait, i would think it would be so you get snow leopard without having to upgrade.
I heard price drops are on their way but thats possibly NZ specific because our prices were set when the dollar was at about US$0.48 for every NZ$1 but its gone up to about 62c i think.
WWDC takes place June 8-12. However the products MAY not be available right away.
Most likely it will be a minor upgrade and not anything huge, but a month is worth the wait in my opinion.
Also, take into account that they are "about" to release the new version of OS X, Snow Leopard. They said in the same conference last year that it would start shipping "in about a year" so that's "about right" for this year's conference. Realistically speaking I don't think it will be available soon enough to be worth waiting for the OS.
I'll be waiting as well to buy my new MB so you aren't alone here.
Most likely it will be a minor upgrade and not anything huge, but a month is worth the wait in my opinion.
Also, take into account that they are "about" to release the new version of OS X, Snow Leopard. They said in the same conference last year that it would start shipping "in about a year" so that's "about right" for this year's conference. Realistically speaking I don't think it will be available soon enough to be worth waiting for the OS.
I'll be waiting as well to buy my new MB so you aren't alone here.
This has probably been mentioned but...
Yes you can. Leaving it on will not shorten lifespan as there is no way to predict when a computer will die. There is no average life span either.
I would suggest as your main rig do the following:
Get an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and a laptop stand (trust me these make a difference!) Rain makes a nice one. Set up your macbook into extended desktop so that you have two screens, your laptop and your monitor screen. Then you can just unplug the monitor whenever you want portability. Like this:
Yes you can. Leaving it on will not shorten lifespan as there is no way to predict when a computer will die. There is no average life span either.
I would suggest as your main rig do the following:
Get an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and a laptop stand (trust me these make a difference!) Rain makes a nice one. Set up your macbook into extended desktop so that you have two screens, your laptop and your monitor screen. Then you can just unplug the monitor whenever you want portability. Like this:
My bet is that the 2.0 and 2.4 will be bumped to the next Penryn-3M Intel Core 2 Duo P7450/P8700 chips, which is 2.13/2.53GHz respectively. Hardly the speed boost I am looking for.
I doubt Snow Leopard will be out by then -- possibly just a nice preview to get our mouths watery.
d
I doubt Snow Leopard will be out by then -- possibly just a nice preview to get our mouths watery.
d
I'm using a macbook as my primary computer too but I have a few concerns about battery life. I've checked apple's website and they say the user should NOT leave the macbook plugged in at all times. They recommend keeping the 'juices flowing' which is the same as using it unplugged for a while and them connecting it again to recharge. That way the 'eletrons' are aways moving and you should have better battery life and lifespan because of that. If you leave your macbook plugged in at all times as a desktop, even on sleep mode, the battery will suffer. I recommend unplugging it once and while and using the battery to keep it alive.