as far as I know, if you download a bootleg off Limewire (the Mac KaZaA, less popups) and you have a superdrive, you can burn it to a DVD. Playing it on a regular DVD player depends on the specific player though, so I'd research it a bit
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Computer for College: Buy Now or Wait?
- Thread starter Nawlins
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as far as I know, if you download a bootleg off Limewire (the Mac KaZaA, less popups) and you have a superdrive, you can burn it to a DVD. Playing it on a regular DVD player depends on the specific player though, so I'd research it a bit
Gymnut
macrumors 68000
Don't listen to what everyone says... Windows XP is a very stable OS, and I've only had two blue screens ever (both related to my videocard drivers when XP came out)... and I've really been running it for over 2 years.
Edit, and put another 128 to 256 megs of RAM in your system and your system performance will way jump, you don't have a slow computer... and format your drive first to get all that Compaq slow crap off the PC. [/B][/QUOTE]
I guess meaning "don't listen to what everyone says" means, uhmm you too. Last time I checked this site was Mac rumors.
Edit, and put another 128 to 256 megs of RAM in your system and your system performance will way jump, you don't have a slow computer... and format your drive first to get all that Compaq slow crap off the PC. [/B][/QUOTE]
I guess meaning "don't listen to what everyone says" means, uhmm you too. Last time I checked this site was Mac rumors.
ZildjianKX
macrumors 68000
SuperDrive compatibility with regular DVD players is great, according to Apple's website - I think compatibility depends more on the software and burner, not the actual movie itself. I'm not 100% sure about this, though.
me_94501
macrumors 65816
Generally, Macs have longer useful lives than PCs (I said "generally"-your mileage may vary). I have heard stories of people running 10.2 on 300 MHz G3 Macs well. I'm running a 500 MHz iMac G3 right now (320 MB RAM) and it runs X fine. I can haave 12 or 13 apps open at a time with no noticable slowdowns. It's not the fastest but it's not horrible either. Besides, unless you're running high-powered 3D games or Photoshop, a 4-year-old Mac should be enough to get work done.
I just got a new 12inch Ibook 900. I also have one of the first generation (800mhz) G4 Imacs. I'm a college student and aside from zipping through the finder I perform:
Heavy Photoshop editing,
Adobe After Effects stuff,
DreamWeaver stuff,
Internet,
Word processing,
Ftp hosting,
Fear and Loathing (you mythheads will know...),
Itunes running in the backround constantly,
CD burning,
and
DVD burning.
And I play moderately 3d intensive games (Myth 2 and 3.... but I can also run RtCW and Quake just fine.)
I use Mac os X and occasionally 9.
I find that both of these computers excell in these applications. I have not slowdowns whatsoever. As long as I have plenty of Ram these two computers blaze thought the stuff that I do. Its to the point where a new computer would only free up one or 2 seconds here and there in photoshop stuff, a split second here and there in finding files, and maybe a few seconds in 3d stuff. I would probably wait until June, if I were you (you probably have more will power than I). But if you don't wait, and you get something now, you should be just fine if you are doing stuff thats relatively similar to what I do.
I must say that the Altivec on the Imac makes a hell of a difference sometimes... but again that helluva difference is usually just a couple seconds.
me_94501
macrumors 65816
I use my iMac for word processing, internet, maintaining my personal website (useing BBEdit Lite 6), some light Photoshop work (still using Photoshop 4!), some games, iTunes, iPhoto, and iMovie. Photoshop works ok in classic, then again it's ancient, but it gets the job done. iMovie 3's a little sluggish, but I'm 200 MHz below what Apple recomends.
I am in the exact same position as you, Nawlins. On the one hand I want to wait and see what happens with the 970/G5 and not rush into spending a lot of money on what could be deemed yesterday's technology. On the other hand, I'm reluctant to buy "Rev A" hardware from Apple and have a feeling that if the 15" Powerbook gets updated it'll bump it high out of my already streched price range. I also want to give myself enough time to learn the new (to me) OS and don't want to lose the free printer by not buying before the end of the month (though I'm sure next month there will be another offer so I'm not too concerned about that).
jefhatfield
Retired
G5s are out at 1.6 ghz at the slightly high price of $1999 usd...but if you want to spend more you can get a dual 2 ghz machine and load it up with 8 GBs of RAM which should fill your need, hopefully, for 4 years of school...that is unless the software world comes up with some excrutiatingly RAM hungry titles
but also, the G4 single 1.25 ghz tower is $1299 usd which is still not a bad price for a proven machine
but also, the G4 single 1.25 ghz tower is $1299 usd which is still not a bad price for a proven machine
Schiffi
macrumors 6502a
Yeah compatiblity is a totally software/burner issue. I burned a DVD on a Sony DVD+R drive on a PC and it wasn't compatible with any settop DVD players. My Superdrive and iDVD burned dvds that have all worked.
I haven't burned any DVDs from downloaded videos, but as long as you have 3ivx* (http://www.3ivx.com/) you should be able to open iDVD and drag-n-drop the video file into the iDVD window.
Since the WWDC is over, you might want to get the computer in my sig ($3909 with shoulder bag, Office v.X, and Wacom Tablet) or a 12" will work perfectly fine too. SuperDrives are Super fine.
*3ivx is the Mac version of Divx, which is what most downloaded movies are. You might also want to download VLC (www.videolan.org) which has better divx playing as opposed to Quicktime.
jefhatfield
Retired
server apps - yes, but not for an undergrad student...more like for an enterprise level business corporation
science apps - what type of science? nothing they will teach him on that basic level
but for young male, 20 y.o. or so, and computer games as a way to skip homework with no parents around to supervise...not that's another thing😛
8GB's????
Maybe apple has gone too far and givne it's users too much this time. No, that probably won't open that much. I've had 30 files open in photoshop with my gig of RAM and it's been fine. I mean, yeah, you could possibly use 8 gigs that way, but maybe it's time to rethink this a little.
BEN
shadowfax
macrumors 603
yes, your system should never be using more RAM than you put on it. that wasn't my point, but rather that the system would end up using it. apple hasn't given its users too much, 8 GB is an option. it would be foolish, very foolish, for the average user to buy all 8 GB of RAM. naturally. they put 512 MB for the average user, and i think that for most going to 1 GB would be worth the money. 8 GB is for people, like i said, who use heavy duty apps that will use it to good purpose, not just use it because it's there, like i was saying. just joking around hey.
MacRAND
macrumors 6502a
Which MAC did you buy?
NAWLINS, If you haven't purchased a new Mac yet, the advice you have been given about Student Discount, waiting until the G5 are actually being sold, etc. are all excellent. Prices keep going down each month you wait. Also, look for Apple guarantee of free upgrade to Panther - saves $130.
BUY as high as you can - G5 if possible.
FACT - G3 is absolutely obsolete 🙁, and G4 is on the way out🙁...in a matter of weeks. Do not buy obsolete technology, you will regret it in a matter of months.
You need to consider how mobile or portable you need your computer to be - with the obvious choice being a PowerBook G4 or G5. I like my year old iBook G3 but do NOT recommend it because G3 is slow and obsolete.
You MAY NOT need a G5 but I'd definately recommend the 4X SuperDrive - Apple will soon drop ComboDrive except maybe as a downgrade option.
The new iSight AV 🙂 webcam is excellent and a great price for the quality Apple builds into it.
Take whatever FREE printer Apple or authorized dealer gives away, but look at Canon i70 mobile printer $250 plus $99 for battery & dock, and the $79 Canoscan LiDE 30.
And YES, whatever deal you can get on iPod 15 or 30 GB, do it.
Regardless, you will love OS X since Jaguar 10.2 has come out, and Panther is even better, and all the iApps. By the end of college, you will be editing your own iMovies and burning iDVD discs for friends (especially the other gender) and family (Parents need proof their money is not going to waste), unless you opted for a ComboDrive.
If a laptop in class or hauling it home over breaks is NOT important, a low end G5 DESKTOP would be killer and easier to UPGRADE as the years go by. For a couple hundred bucks you can get a descent 19" CRTn if a 20" Apple Studio Display is out of the question.
Regardless, go APPLE and read all the MacAddict.com and Macworld.com issues you can get your hands on - go online and get a FREE issue from each, then read the articles online all you want.
I wish computers were available when I went to college and lawschool, all I had was an IBM Selectric, which was rare in it self.
Good luck in college and enjoy your Apple to the core, every byte.
NAWLINS, If you haven't purchased a new Mac yet, the advice you have been given about Student Discount, waiting until the G5 are actually being sold, etc. are all excellent. Prices keep going down each month you wait. Also, look for Apple guarantee of free upgrade to Panther - saves $130.
BUY as high as you can - G5 if possible.
FACT - G3 is absolutely obsolete 🙁, and G4 is on the way out🙁...in a matter of weeks. Do not buy obsolete technology, you will regret it in a matter of months.
You need to consider how mobile or portable you need your computer to be - with the obvious choice being a PowerBook G4 or G5. I like my year old iBook G3 but do NOT recommend it because G3 is slow and obsolete.
You MAY NOT need a G5 but I'd definately recommend the 4X SuperDrive - Apple will soon drop ComboDrive except maybe as a downgrade option.
The new iSight AV 🙂 webcam is excellent and a great price for the quality Apple builds into it.
Take whatever FREE printer Apple or authorized dealer gives away, but look at Canon i70 mobile printer $250 plus $99 for battery & dock, and the $79 Canoscan LiDE 30.
And YES, whatever deal you can get on iPod 15 or 30 GB, do it.
Regardless, you will love OS X since Jaguar 10.2 has come out, and Panther is even better, and all the iApps. By the end of college, you will be editing your own iMovies and burning iDVD discs for friends (especially the other gender) and family (Parents need proof their money is not going to waste), unless you opted for a ComboDrive.
If a laptop in class or hauling it home over breaks is NOT important, a low end G5 DESKTOP would be killer and easier to UPGRADE as the years go by. For a couple hundred bucks you can get a descent 19" CRTn if a 20" Apple Studio Display is out of the question.
Regardless, go APPLE and read all the MacAddict.com and Macworld.com issues you can get your hands on - go online and get a FREE issue from each, then read the articles online all you want.
I wish computers were available when I went to college and lawschool, all I had was an IBM Selectric, which was rare in it self.
Good luck in college and enjoy your Apple to the core, every byte.
I went to the Apple Store in Schaumburg, IL (in Woodfield Mall) last night, and am now leaning towards a 12" Powerbook. After actually seeing and playing with it for awhile, I can say I will be truly happy to be a switcher. OS X rocks. The dock is genius. I'm so pumped. I love the weight of the 12" PB - 4 pounds really is pretty good. The staff I encountered at the Apple Store were very informative and helpful, which was nice. They were able to explain a lot of the PB's features to my dad, who doesn't know anything about computers, much less about Macs. Overall, I was pretty impressed.
A few concerns: I'm concerned that if I buy a 12" G4 PB, it will become outdated once the PB chips are upgraded sometime in Quarter 3. I wish more than 256 MB of RAM came standard on it - upgrading to 640 MB costs $200. I wish Keynote came standard on new Macs instead of costing $100 extra - though I like it a lot.
I only played around with Keynote for a few mins, and am wondering if it is possible to import AAC songs from iTunes into a presentation on Keynote? That would be cool.
Alex
A few concerns: I'm concerned that if I buy a 12" G4 PB, it will become outdated once the PB chips are upgraded sometime in Quarter 3. I wish more than 256 MB of RAM came standard on it - upgrading to 640 MB costs $200. I wish Keynote came standard on new Macs instead of costing $100 extra - though I like it a lot.
I only played around with Keynote for a few mins, and am wondering if it is possible to import AAC songs from iTunes into a presentation on Keynote? That would be cool.
Alex
Sweetfeld28
macrumors 65816
Nawlins --> Here is how you can solve both problems...
First off, if you are a college student or no someone that is attending a University, have them buy a copy of MS Windows 2000. Like someone else pointed out, the lesser of the two evils. Anyway, I attend Bowling Green State University, and my friend told me he bought Windows XP and Office XP for $20. Apparently, MS has deals with Universities to offer OEM Software to students for $10. I would look into for your PC; at least to hold you off.
Second, i would along with everyone else... Wait. I personally have been waiting for the G5, which i will hopfully get in the next month or so. But your sayk i would wait for... the new motorola chip that should it appear in the next release of the laptops. Maybe even G5 chips?
But, which ever you choose? Good Luck
Ryan😀
First off, if you are a college student or no someone that is attending a University, have them buy a copy of MS Windows 2000. Like someone else pointed out, the lesser of the two evils. Anyway, I attend Bowling Green State University, and my friend told me he bought Windows XP and Office XP for $20. Apparently, MS has deals with Universities to offer OEM Software to students for $10. I would look into for your PC; at least to hold you off.
Second, i would along with everyone else... Wait. I personally have been waiting for the G5, which i will hopfully get in the next month or so. But your sayk i would wait for... the new motorola chip that should it appear in the next release of the laptops. Maybe even G5 chips?
But, which ever you choose? Good Luck
Ryan😀
MacRAND
macrumors 6502a
Nawlins - wait as long as you can.
I like the 12" too, but the new 15" PB should be coming out soon and it will have a screen size much improved over the postage stamp 12" and not so overwhelming and expensive as the 17".
However, you can always attach a large CRT or LCD display to a PB at home so the 12" may be perfect for you.
Look at adding a Kensington Expert Mouse track ball for fun and control.
Tolerating life on a PC 🙁 for a short while may be painful, but the joy of a new Mac 🙂 at just the right moment will be worth the wait.
Watch the DEALS being offered and how the prices move - they anticipate new stock.
Pay for AppleCare to cover your PB for extended warranty on the LCD screen, and you get 3 years of Customer Service and help with a real person when figuring out OS X.
Look at substantial discounts on software, etc. tied to the moment of purchase of your CPU.
Besides EDU discounts online, physically go to the Computer Shop at a college book store where you can buy at discount and talk to the sales people about their best deals on Macs and OS X software (Adobe Photoshop or Elements, and MS Office are key). Talk about special programs that are important for your intended major - science, math, media, language, etc.
Lots of iApps are free.
Ask about the importance of having a WiFi AirPort Extreme card on campus - ask about wireless reception at the Student Union, Library, Computer Lab, Dorms, etc. Where can you get high-speed internet access FREE, even if it's Ethernet TCP/IP ?
Talk to your Mac Buddies about what they have and are willing to share with a "student". Buy upgrades that you know are meaningful to you.
Yes, you will love OS X 🙂 and a G4 or G5 Mac. Compare price of a PB to a new G5 Tower. Look at a high-end eMac, or the 17" iMac with a SuperDrive.
Be patient. Look at your budget.
Think about a printer, etc.
It's like falling in love, there comes a time to get married - and you are the only one who knows when that is right for you.
Remember, LOVE is a form of insanity.
Loving a Mac can turn you into a MacAddict, and that can be both obsessive and compulsive 😉. Limit the time you spend playing games. Focus on homework and productivity first, then find time to play with friends with enthusiasm. On a date, don't talk Macs - iTunes is the exception; show 'em your iPod.
What a line - "Wanna play with my iPod?" but get a line splitter and a 2nd set of head or ear phones - share.🙄🙄 🙄
I like the 12" too, but the new 15" PB should be coming out soon and it will have a screen size much improved over the postage stamp 12" and not so overwhelming and expensive as the 17".
However, you can always attach a large CRT or LCD display to a PB at home so the 12" may be perfect for you.
Look at adding a Kensington Expert Mouse track ball for fun and control.
Tolerating life on a PC 🙁 for a short while may be painful, but the joy of a new Mac 🙂 at just the right moment will be worth the wait.
Watch the DEALS being offered and how the prices move - they anticipate new stock.
Pay for AppleCare to cover your PB for extended warranty on the LCD screen, and you get 3 years of Customer Service and help with a real person when figuring out OS X.
Look at substantial discounts on software, etc. tied to the moment of purchase of your CPU.
Besides EDU discounts online, physically go to the Computer Shop at a college book store where you can buy at discount and talk to the sales people about their best deals on Macs and OS X software (Adobe Photoshop or Elements, and MS Office are key). Talk about special programs that are important for your intended major - science, math, media, language, etc.
Lots of iApps are free.
Ask about the importance of having a WiFi AirPort Extreme card on campus - ask about wireless reception at the Student Union, Library, Computer Lab, Dorms, etc. Where can you get high-speed internet access FREE, even if it's Ethernet TCP/IP ?
Talk to your Mac Buddies about what they have and are willing to share with a "student". Buy upgrades that you know are meaningful to you.
Yes, you will love OS X 🙂 and a G4 or G5 Mac. Compare price of a PB to a new G5 Tower. Look at a high-end eMac, or the 17" iMac with a SuperDrive.
Be patient. Look at your budget.
Think about a printer, etc.
It's like falling in love, there comes a time to get married - and you are the only one who knows when that is right for you.
Remember, LOVE is a form of insanity.
Loving a Mac can turn you into a MacAddict, and that can be both obsessive and compulsive 😉. Limit the time you spend playing games. Focus on homework and productivity first, then find time to play with friends with enthusiasm. On a date, don't talk Macs - iTunes is the exception; show 'em your iPod.
What a line - "Wanna play with my iPod?" but get a line splitter and a 2nd set of head or ear phones - share.🙄🙄 🙄