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Notebook value for switchers
- Thread starter mac_hermit
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Ummm, that's not the laptop the poster was looking at. [edit] Okay, it is the system, however the first page calls it XGA, which I'm assuming is 1024x768, and the second page calls it UXGA, which I'm assuming is 1600x1200, although 1280x1024 or 1400x1050 could aslo be construed as UXGA.[/edit]
Also, UXGA has no logical meaning, whereas 1600x1200 does. Thats' what I meant.
problem is, you name me one component in that system (bar RAM) that is cheaper than that to have apple replace it??
nothing. believe me. they charge AUD400 for a power supply. sadly applecare is good value compared to having things fixed.
Just my two cents
I happen to own a Dell Inspiron 4100 and an iBook(600mhz 16VRAM) and I don't use my dell for school anymore. This is partially due to the fact my dell's power button has decided to act up, and not work 75% of the time, and the horribly battery life. My iBook has become my school laptop for notes, streaming iTunes, iChat, etc etc. I only use my Dell at home as a desktop replacement (so I never have to turn it off!)
I haven't yet switched over completely to my iBook because my dell happens to have the GeForce2 Go with 32MB, which is a bit better for gaming, and I'm very used to MS Money, my trust puTTY SSH client, FrontPage (I know, I know) for web design, and I still use Outlook Express for email. (I do like Entourage though)
I work for a large and prestigious university in one of the few, if not only, Apple Authorized Service Center. So, I can take the luxury of having two laptops, but having seen a lot of computers come and go through the shop, I'd recommend against the 14" iBooks as they are hardly ever purchased through us, and too unwieldy. My dell is lighter and more compact.
My boss will also cast his two cents and recommend against buying a "First Model Year" from Apple, though personally, if I was trying to decide what laptop to buy, I'd either go for the 12" PB, or wait until a beef-up in the iBooks. I bought my iBook about 4 months after they released the 16VRAM model, and in November they released the new PBs, which I wish I had gotten instead.
Price for Price though, my Dell was cheaper. But I got the AppleCare warranty on my iBook (at an extra $250) and only a 1 year on my Dell (They are obsolete after a year anyways). About $1500 - $1700 ish were the prices
I happen to own a Dell Inspiron 4100 and an iBook(600mhz 16VRAM) and I don't use my dell for school anymore. This is partially due to the fact my dell's power button has decided to act up, and not work 75% of the time, and the horribly battery life. My iBook has become my school laptop for notes, streaming iTunes, iChat, etc etc. I only use my Dell at home as a desktop replacement (so I never have to turn it off!)
I haven't yet switched over completely to my iBook because my dell happens to have the GeForce2 Go with 32MB, which is a bit better for gaming, and I'm very used to MS Money, my trust puTTY SSH client, FrontPage (I know, I know) for web design, and I still use Outlook Express for email. (I do like Entourage though)
I work for a large and prestigious university in one of the few, if not only, Apple Authorized Service Center. So, I can take the luxury of having two laptops, but having seen a lot of computers come and go through the shop, I'd recommend against the 14" iBooks as they are hardly ever purchased through us, and too unwieldy. My dell is lighter and more compact.
My boss will also cast his two cents and recommend against buying a "First Model Year" from Apple, though personally, if I was trying to decide what laptop to buy, I'd either go for the 12" PB, or wait until a beef-up in the iBooks. I bought my iBook about 4 months after they released the 16VRAM model, and in November they released the new PBs, which I wish I had gotten instead.
Price for Price though, my Dell was cheaper. But I got the AppleCare warranty on my iBook (at an extra $250) and only a 1 year on my Dell (They are obsolete after a year anyways). About $1500 - $1700 ish were the prices
what i dont understand you were comparing a price on a wireless router that were differenct prices. I can go get a linksys router that is cheaper than both the ones you quoted. Just because you get a mac doesnt mean you have to get an Airport. Plus i think these threads are really stupid. It's like everyday we see the same thing "I really love my mac, but look at this, i can get a dell for this much." No one cares, we all know that dells and everyone else is cheaper. They are a Windows machine, isnt it obvious now that Windows machines are gonna be cheaper. if you want a windows machine go get one thats ok, i have a windows machine as well. but you dont have to tell us which are cheaper, you know all we are gonna do is defend ourselves and show you that price isnt what all matters.
iJon
iJon
The point of my posting wasn't so much about my personal situation (though I'll fill you in on that in a moment) as it was about the competitive marketplace and obstacles for the people targeted by Apple's "Switcher" campaign. Somebody looking for a new notebook who goes to the Apple store to see what these Mac's cost is going to see prices that are up to 50% more than (seemingly) comparable PC laptops from a place like Dell.
As another example, Office Depot is advertising a 12" notebook with 256MB RAM, 20GB disk, and a combo drive, that's 4.4 lbs and 1.3" thick for $900.
*I* understand the Mac advantage, and agree with much of what's been said here, but the issue is Apple's dwindling market share, their attempts to convince people that the Mac is the better machine, and the fact that a 30 - 50% price permium is going be a pretty big hurdle for a lot of people.
As far as my personal purchase, I actually bought the Dell system back in November! Then in December, I sent it back for a full refund. That Microsoft software just isn't ready for prime time. Multiple crashes of the OS, IE, and Word. Installed the XP service pack and it corrupted the system enough that we were forced to reload everything from CD. Then we find out Dell didn't ship all the software on CD (let alone any kind of nice integrated CD that lets you completely restore your disk to the way it came from the factory). It's amazing people are willing to put up with this.
The Dell hardware was fine. Ran over two hours doing wireless surfing. I really liked the keyboard much more than what's on an iBook. Dell's return policy let me ship it back within 30 days for a refund (Apple only gives you 10).
I'll by an iBook, because there's real value in having a system that will actually work, but I'm afraid a lot of people who've seen a switcher ad will never get past the cost.
As another example, Office Depot is advertising a 12" notebook with 256MB RAM, 20GB disk, and a combo drive, that's 4.4 lbs and 1.3" thick for $900.
*I* understand the Mac advantage, and agree with much of what's been said here, but the issue is Apple's dwindling market share, their attempts to convince people that the Mac is the better machine, and the fact that a 30 - 50% price permium is going be a pretty big hurdle for a lot of people.
As far as my personal purchase, I actually bought the Dell system back in November! Then in December, I sent it back for a full refund. That Microsoft software just isn't ready for prime time. Multiple crashes of the OS, IE, and Word. Installed the XP service pack and it corrupted the system enough that we were forced to reload everything from CD. Then we find out Dell didn't ship all the software on CD (let alone any kind of nice integrated CD that lets you completely restore your disk to the way it came from the factory). It's amazing people are willing to put up with this.
The Dell hardware was fine. Ran over two hours doing wireless surfing. I really liked the keyboard much more than what's on an iBook. Dell's return policy let me ship it back within 30 days for a refund (Apple only gives you 10).
I'll by an iBook, because there's real value in having a system that will actually work, but I'm afraid a lot of people who've seen a switcher ad will never get past the cost.
Cost?
I look at it like this:
You can buy the Chevy Cavalier of computers,
or you can buy the BMW of computers.
but you get what you pay for.
....
and my iBook has been more reliable since I bought it in July of 2002 than my Dell, which I bought in April of 2002.
You are right though, many people get hung up on the cost of computers, and try to cut corners, and save money. But if you're helping someone buy a computer, ask them if they'd buy a car without airbags to save money. Ask them if they'd get the 3sp manual instead of the 5 for an extra $200 (or whatever) or even ask them if they'd get the manual because its cheaper than the automatic....
I look at it like this:
You can buy the Chevy Cavalier of computers,
or you can buy the BMW of computers.
but you get what you pay for.
....
and my iBook has been more reliable since I bought it in July of 2002 than my Dell, which I bought in April of 2002.
You are right though, many people get hung up on the cost of computers, and try to cut corners, and save money. But if you're helping someone buy a computer, ask them if they'd buy a car without airbags to save money. Ask them if they'd get the 3sp manual instead of the 5 for an extra $200 (or whatever) or even ask them if they'd get the manual because its cheaper than the automatic....
I really don't understand what this whole discussion is about, you can compare prices between Mac's and PC's all you want but the bottom line is:
do you want a Mac (OS X) or a PC (Windows) that should be your first decision, after that one is made you can start shopping around for the best deal.
A year ago I bought a Powerbook 550Mhz my first laptop, (but not my first mac), I still drool over it, it is the best computer I have ever had, I use it as my main desktop (with a 20" apple monitor, keyboard and mouse) and as a portable computer. has never let me down, and surly OS X is the only way to go.
When I got it I was also taken back by a decision to spend so much money on a computer, but I don't regret a moment of it.
do you want a Mac (OS X) or a PC (Windows) that should be your first decision, after that one is made you can start shopping around for the best deal.
A year ago I bought a Powerbook 550Mhz my first laptop, (but not my first mac), I still drool over it, it is the best computer I have ever had, I use it as my main desktop (with a 20" apple monitor, keyboard and mouse) and as a portable computer. has never let me down, and surly OS X is the only way to go.
When I got it I was also taken back by a decision to spend so much money on a computer, but I don't regret a moment of it.
Re: Re: Cost?
yeah, but what's the resell value of the cavalier?? I bought my Cavalier for 12k, and now the 2002 models sell for 8-10k slightly used....a BMW would make a better investment...but to me, a car is a car. Get me from school, to work, to home, and I'm happy. (laughs)
As for laptops, I agree with the poster who said decide if you want Mac OSX or Windows XP. Then choose the right laptop
But for me, I'll take a small mac laptop for school notes, itunes, ichat, etc, over a small PC laptop anyday.
yeah, but what's the resell value of the cavalier?? I bought my Cavalier for 12k, and now the 2002 models sell for 8-10k slightly used....a BMW would make a better investment...but to me, a car is a car. Get me from school, to work, to home, and I'm happy. (laughs)
As for laptops, I agree with the poster who said decide if you want Mac OSX or Windows XP. Then choose the right laptop
But for me, I'll take a small mac laptop for school notes, itunes, ichat, etc, over a small PC laptop anyday.
Re: Re: Re: Cost?
iJon
yeah i know, im just trying to say car comparisons arent really that great, but the broad idea of the mac being the beamer and the windows machine being the truck makes sense. i think it should be more like a mac being a bmw , and a windows machine being a pimped out civic. the civic is faster, but not as nice with the features as the bmw. you guys get what im saying.Originally posted by AnotherMortal
yeah, but what's the resell value of the cavalier?? I bought my Cavalier for 12k, and now the 2002 models sell for 8-10k slightly used....a BMW would make a better investment...but to me, a car is a car. Get me from school, to work, to home, and I'm happy. (laughs)
As for laptops, I agree with the poster who said decide if you want Mac OSX or Windows XP. Then choose the right laptop
But for me, I'll take a small mac laptop for school notes, itunes, ichat, etc, over a small PC laptop anyday.
iJon
Re: I've been one-upped!
iJon
thank you, i really never like the chevy vs ferrari comparisons because they never made sense. I hope my comparison sets the new standards for the official Apple-Windows Car Comparisons. yeaa!!Originally posted by AnotherMortal
iJon, you definitely make much better car comparisons than I do
iJon