Just bought a Macbook...some questions

[ProwlingTiger]

Well...the switch had been a long time comin' for me. It finally came to a point where I was tired of near-5min load times and Windoze BS. So, I bought a Macbook and I'm not looking back.

I do have a few questions though.

1. I need a new router. I'm wondering if it is more recommended to buy an Airport Extreme and plug in an external HD or just buy a Time Capsule. I've heard some complaints with Time Capsules; as if the HD fails, you're screwed. And I've heard its networking is not the greatest. I'd prefer sticking with an Apple device, and Time Capsule attracts me as it has a built-in HD, but if its better to just get a router and external, I'll do that. I have a external for my Windoze comp....but would rather "move-on".

2. Does anyone use the Incase hardshells with neoprene sleeves? I want to keep my Macbook looking ship-shape and beautiful but I also need something to tote it around in. I've heard the hardshells are awesome, but I'm wondering if they fit in the sleeves.


Thanks,
-Dan

 

[skye12]

Forget the hard shells. They wind up scratching the computer more than
if you didn't use one. Had ibooks/mb's for 5 years-the cases do fine
given reasonable care.

The time capsule is pretty nice as for just a hundred or so more you've got a 500gb drive.

 

[jaikob]

Forget the hard shells. They wind up scratching the computer more than
if you didn't use one. Had ibooks/mb's for 5 years-the cases do fine
given reasonable care.

The time capsule is pretty nice as for just a hundred or so more you've got a 500gb drive.

I love my Incase hardshell, I don't recommend a sleeve if you are getting a hardshell though, the hardshell really does protect, and fits snug. The guy above must have had some problems.

 

[ProwlingTiger]

How about the invisible shields? Do those work well?

 

[dotdotdot]

I don't know if you specified this or not, but there is a difference in the Black and White MacBooks when it comes to looks. My BlackBook is almost a year old and the outside looks just as new as the day I bought it, even though it has been at home and in school, jostled around, dropped once (MagSafe isn't always perfect, and yes I did almost have a heart attack), and sometimes transported without a case. I do however have an InCase case with an awesome fabric inside which seems to sort of clean it when it's inside. Was $50 and worth it.

The inside is a different story: the glossy screen has marks from where it has been touched - it can be cleaned easily but is annoying. The palm rests look alright, the trackpad looks somewhat oily and the keys look very oily. However recently I started using an iSkin Keyboard protector and while it at first impacts writing speed and makes the keys feel a little weird, it protects it.

The White Macbook is different - I think its scratches and scuffs are a bit more visible.

 

[ProwlingTiger]

Yeah, I was wondering also if there was anything to protect the palm rests.

Also, I like iChat. But I came from using Trillian on Windoze. I would like to have an all-in-one program for all my IM clients, but it appears iChat doesnt do this. Or am I missing something?

 

[deputylove8]

Welcome to the World of Mac

 

[zainjetha]

What exactly prevents you from formatting the windows External harddisk and continuing using it.. Post its model number and make..

 

[ProwlingTiger]

What exactly prevents you from formatting the windows External harddisk and continuing using it.. Post its model number and make..

The main reason is that I still have lots of data on it. I'm a photographer, so I can't really wipe the drive at the current time. Plus, I'd like to keep a drive on my Windoze computer.