Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Quick Question Before Purchase (Re: MacBook)

P

Porscheboy16

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 1, 2006
59
0
Hello, I have been a PC user forever. I had never used a Mac until yesterday's visit to the Apple Store. I liked it, but I have an incredible deal lined up for a PC laptop. Here is what I am thinking about getting

2.0 Gig MacBook (White) w/ 80 Gig HD; $1244
- Get 2 Gig RAM upgrade from OWC $220
-Free Ipod Nano (Have one, but another free one isn't bad)
- Free Printer (already have one, but since it is free)

The PC:
-Dell Laptop (Inspiron)
- 14.1" Screen
- 2 Gig
- 120 Gig HD
-WIreless Net + Bluetooth
-Built in webcam
-Video Card
-2 Yr Warranty
-Virus Software
- WIndows XP
-Weighs a little less than 5 lbs.
- Upgraded Battery
- Dual Layer DVD Burner
For $1400. (Retail is $2175)

Is the MacBook (and its great software) worth the premium over this 'more powerful' PC?

MacBook:
Pros:
-Never used a Mac before
-Cool software
- No viruses
- Cool design
-Free Nano
-Free Printer
-Apple reliability
Cons:
-Costs more
-Never used a Mac before
-Smaller screen than Dell
-Smaller HD than Dell
-Weighs more than Dell
- Less battery lifespan than Dell

Thanks guys. Looking to make a purchase this week.
 
This is for an Economics grad student that is interested in a little Video/Photo editing. Own PC version of Photoshop.
 
Three letters make all the difference- OSX
Then again I'm biased having only used Macs since '89 I've had very little 'on-hands' experience with Windows based PC's. Infact I was aghast with disbelief that this is the OS of choice for the vast majority of PC users.
Don't take my word for it, just wait until some of the more experienced OSX/Windows users give more measured opinions. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
 
i recently switched from pc to mac as well, i have a white 2.0 macbook.its been nothing but perfect, i was gonna get a dell but after seeing and using the mac, i knew i made the right choice. get the macbook for sure.
 
everybody here is going to be biased towards the MB. we are all mac lovers, OS X fans.. so i wouldn't expect too many "no, go for the dell!" responses here... :rolleyes: :cool:

that said.. seriously.. the macbook all the way. heh :p
 
macbook cons
Not as ugly as a dell


I'd definately go for a macbook over a dell. Hardware is not really why you want to come over to macs. It's the OS and all the neat things that it brings with it. It just makes everything in life easier to do on a computer :)

Z
 
Zman5225 said:
macbook cons
Not as ugly as a dell


I'd definately go for a macbook over a dell. Hardware is not really why you want to come over to macs. It's the OS and all the neat things that it brings with it. It just makes everything in life easier to do on a computer :)

Z
Click to expand...

Thanks. So the OS and software is worth it?:)
 
Macbook all the way

I work at Best Buy in Canada and when hearing about the Macbook looked at some similar size laptops we carry and a 14'' wide screen looked really small compared to my 14'' iBook. But then yesterday I finally got to our local Apple retailer and was amazed at how good the Macbook looks, feels, and performs. I did not feel that the 13'' inch screen was a hindrance, it felt light, and boy was it fast. This is coming from someone who does a lot of editing, some of it high end, all on a "low -end" laptop. The Macbook should beat anything Dell can put out, especially in the software end of things.
 
Last year I switched from a pretty high end dell to a small, 12inch ibook. The dell was nice. I never had any spyware/virus issues, but after using OSX and the bundled software, I wouldn't switch back especially with the option to dual boot. However, if I would go back to a windows laptop, I'd definitely go with a dell. Also, i will admit that I am still not as comfortable doing more than "basic" computing things on my mac than I was on my PC. I still work on a lot of my friends' PCs and find that getting around the slightly more techinical stuff is stlil easier for me.
 
dylangurl21 said:
Last year I switched from a pretty high end dell to a small, 12inch ibook. The dell was nice. I never had any spyware/virus issues, but after using OSX and the bundled software, I wouldn't switch back especially with the option to dual boot. However, if I would go back to a windows laptop, I'd definitely go with a dell. Also, i will admit that I am still not as comfortable doing more than "basic" computing things on my mac than I was on my PC. I still work on a lot of my friends' PCs and find that getting around the slightly more techinical stuff is stlil easier for me.
Click to expand...


I'm sold. MacBook 2.0 w/ free ipod and printer:D
 
This is always a tough descision for switchers. Dell's smokin' deals will get a wonderful notebook for under a grand. These are feature packed too. But like I have done, you might be better off suckin' it up and paying a bit mnore for an Apple because it is about the OS, and general integrity of the software. As I get ready to buy my Macbook Friday, I still resist the powerful temptation to order a really well equipped Inspiron for hundreds less. It will pay off, just doesn't look like it up front.
 
As well as the points mentions above, the price of Dells deprieciate like the stones that they are. Apples hold there value a lot more so in the long run, you are paying pretty much the same as the Dell when you want to sell it on.
 
Another Pro to ad to the MacBook list:
Built in iSight (web cam)

Just get the MacBook. It's way more fun than a Dell. You'll love OS X.
 
Went to the Apple store again today:D I tried out the MacBook Pro 15" and I really liked it. It seemed faster than the 2.0 MacBook. It really isn't a whole lot bigger than the MB, and it seems to be smaller than most Dell laptops. If an update is announced Monday, then that may sway me to the MBpro. How heavy is it? At the store, we aren't allowed to pick them up. Is it a lot heavier than an MB? Is the bigger screen and dedicated video car worth the added $600 over the 2.0 MB? Both configurations would be with 2 Gig Ram.
 
Porscheboy16 said:
Went to the Apple store again today:D I tried out the MacBook Pro 15" and I really liked it. It seemed faster than the 2.0 MacBook. It really isn't a whole lot bigger than the MB, and it seems to be smaller than most Dell laptops. If an update is announced Monday, then that may sway me to the MBpro. How heavy is it? At the store, we aren't allowed to pick them up. Is it a lot heavier than an MB? Is the bigger screen and dedicated video car worth the added $600 over the 2.0 MB? Both configurations would be with 2 Gig Ram.
Click to expand...

i pick them up at my local apple store (i don't ask, i just do it).

i think it depends on what size fits you better? if you don't think the 15" is too big then go for it. (especially if it gets updated) i thought the 15" wasnt too big when i got my powerbook, but now i think it is
 
twoodcc said:
i pick them up at my local apple store (i don't ask, i just do it).

i think it depends on what size fits you better? if you don't think the 15" is too big then go for it. (especially if it gets updated) i thought the 15" wasnt too big when i got my powerbook, but now i think it is
Click to expand...


Which store are you going to TwoodCC??? I think I'm going to Lenox...I can't sleep...I'm too excited.:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back