Hi gals and guys,
I know I've disappeared for a loooong time and I should first tell a bit about my things or reply to some thread, but I really need help and you're my last resort!
We've finally going to buy a laptop and I'm exhausted reading all kind of brochures and offers, the dilemmas at this point are:
a) Mac or normal laptop? I always wanted a mac, they're cool and I can't resist them, but more expensive for less or different features.
b) Suggestions about the laptop? At the moment we're considering two models by ASUS and one by HP, hard disk between 80 and 120, memory 1gb and a duo core processor. I've been told to avoid shared videocards if possible and of course must have wifi and dvd +_ rw....
PLEASE HELP US DECIDE, we're going on holiday in less than 2 weeks and we would like to have it with us, but I don't want to rush into something just to regret a better choice. Raising a baby is expensive enough!
PLEASE TEKHEADZ HELP!
PLEASE TEKHEADZ HELP!
"Superero' le correnti gravitazionali, lo spazio e la luce per non farti invecchiare. Ti salvero' da ogni malinconia, perche' sei un essere speciale ed io avro' cura di te ... Io si', che avro' cura di te" F.Battiato
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Hi yrwitch!! How's your little'un? Envy envy (it's easy to forget the puke and nappies and sleepless nights ten years later).
My advice-get a Mac!!! Apart from anything else,they are virus-free.Yes,viruses can be unwittingly spread by Macs inbetween other PCs,but it's a relief to know that nothing's going to wreck your system.
The User Interface is miles better than PCs IMHO.
And there's a fantastic friendly Mac community-lots of message boards where you can get help and advice should anything go wrong.
After humming and ha-ing for a few months,we went for a Mac,and it's still here three years later in fine shape.No way am I ever going back to PCs,a sentiment you'll find echoed by most Mac users.
Good luck anyway!
My advice-get a Mac!!! Apart from anything else,they are virus-free.Yes,viruses can be unwittingly spread by Macs inbetween other PCs,but it's a relief to know that nothing's going to wreck your system.
The User Interface is miles better than PCs IMHO.
And there's a fantastic friendly Mac community-lots of message boards where you can get help and advice should anything go wrong.
After humming and ha-ing for a few months,we went for a Mac,and it's still here three years later in fine shape.No way am I ever going back to PCs,a sentiment you'll find echoed by most Mac users.
Good luck anyway!
Hi Dave, thanx for answering, I've been checking nervously every 15 min! 
Do you have a small or a big mac? Aren't the small ones two small, I mean screen-wise (only 13 inch against 15.4)? I know, lots of people say once you Mac you don't go back, it's the price that scare me/us...and how does it work with the softwares?
Iker is doing fine, getting longer and longer, he's unstoppable, almost crawling perfectly, and I'm finally stopping nursing, so he's trying fruit and veggies, very funny to see
Do you have a small or a big mac? Aren't the small ones two small, I mean screen-wise (only 13 inch against 15.4)? I know, lots of people say once you Mac you don't go back, it's the price that scare me/us...and how does it work with the softwares?
Iker is doing fine, getting longer and longer, he's unstoppable, almost crawling perfectly, and I'm finally stopping nursing, so he's trying fruit and veggies, very funny to see
"Superero' le correnti gravitazionali, lo spazio e la luce per non farti invecchiare. Ti salvero' da ogni malinconia, perche' sei un essere speciale ed io avro' cura di te ... Io si', che avro' cura di te" F.Battiato
I really not advice to buy a Mac these days, as there's a slow transition with their microprocessors and software companies are lazy to decide what to do.
Of course the MAc OS interface is nice, but Windows is getting more and more better, and as a beta-tester of Windows Vista I can tell you the new Windows will look great!
And with a laptop you save money for the same amount of "computer speed".
Suggestions ? maybe your mean use of the computer could help to determine which one to buy. Like a computer for gamers needs a lot of power but for watching movies, using wordprocessor and internet video interface doesn't really matter much.
Also, I have an iMac at home (with osX Tiger) so i'm not an anti-Apple guy
The MAc Mini is a beautiful toy, but for the same price you have a PC twice faster...
Of course the MAc OS interface is nice, but Windows is getting more and more better, and as a beta-tester of Windows Vista I can tell you the new Windows will look great!
And with a laptop you save money for the same amount of "computer speed".
Suggestions ? maybe your mean use of the computer could help to determine which one to buy. Like a computer for gamers needs a lot of power but for watching movies, using wordprocessor and internet video interface doesn't really matter much.
Also, I have an iMac at home (with osX Tiger) so i'm not an anti-Apple guy
The MAc Mini is a beautiful toy, but for the same price you have a PC twice faster...I believe in your smile everyday
But I know that you're far from my way
When I talk to the moon I can hear you
In the dark I can see, I can feel your light
But I know that you're far from my way
When I talk to the moon I can hear you
In the dark I can see, I can feel your light
Hi Alex,
the new imac have all intel duo processors, starting from 1.83ghz, what do you mean exactly with the slow transition?
I know a new Window will come, somebody suggested to wait for another year before buying something, but we've already waited one year! We can still change the software later I guess.
We don't play games, it would be basically for school work, surfing, music (downloading and recording) and processing the millions of digital pix we have. I always heard macs are very strong graphically...
I had a look at the mac mini too, but right now we have to focus on laptops...
the new imac have all intel duo processors, starting from 1.83ghz, what do you mean exactly with the slow transition?
I know a new Window will come, somebody suggested to wait for another year before buying something, but we've already waited one year! We can still change the software later I guess.
We don't play games, it would be basically for school work, surfing, music (downloading and recording) and processing the millions of digital pix we have. I always heard macs are very strong graphically...
I had a look at the mac mini too, but right now we have to focus on laptops...
"Superero' le correnti gravitazionali, lo spazio e la luce per non farti invecchiare. Ti salvero' da ogni malinconia, perche' sei un essere speciale ed io avro' cura di te ... Io si', che avro' cura di te" F.Battiato
Hi
On a laptop, I would say the most important things are the screen, and the battery life (and unfortunately a big, bright screen sucks your battery dry faster.. I find the 17" screens a bit too big...
). Also, trackpads can be hard to get used to - so consider getting a USB mouse if you're not used to that.
I wouldn't worry too much about the hardware. Memory, processor or hard drive - what you mentioned sounds fine for either PC or Apple.
However, I would also recommend Mac, if you don't mind the price (I think they are getting better value, by the way...). Software-wise Macs do better than you might think. There is Microsoft Office, as well as the free alternatives (OpenOffice, etc). Design and graphics software has always been a strongpoint of Apple's. There are lots of freeware or shareware applications to do all kinds of things, on the web. I've never used iLife, but it's meant to be a breeze to use. iWork is Apple's word processor / presentations software, but I'm not sure if that's free.
The only drawback compared to the Windows PC is that the latest games are slow to be released for OS X... That is the single only reason I can think of for getting Windows rather than Mac..
(However, the latest Macs will install and run Windows via a downloadable helper, if you ever wanted to for some insane reason).
On a laptop, I would say the most important things are the screen, and the battery life (and unfortunately a big, bright screen sucks your battery dry faster.. I find the 17" screens a bit too big...
). Also, trackpads can be hard to get used to - so consider getting a USB mouse if you're not used to that.I wouldn't worry too much about the hardware. Memory, processor or hard drive - what you mentioned sounds fine for either PC or Apple.
However, I would also recommend Mac, if you don't mind the price (I think they are getting better value, by the way...). Software-wise Macs do better than you might think. There is Microsoft Office, as well as the free alternatives (OpenOffice, etc). Design and graphics software has always been a strongpoint of Apple's. There are lots of freeware or shareware applications to do all kinds of things, on the web. I've never used iLife, but it's meant to be a breeze to use. iWork is Apple's word processor / presentations software, but I'm not sure if that's free.
The only drawback compared to the Windows PC is that the latest games are slow to be released for OS X... That is the single only reason I can think of for getting Windows rather than Mac..
(However, the latest Macs will install and run Windows via a downloadable helper, if you ever wanted to for some insane reason
).oops, cross-post. I think Alex was referring to the "curse of the 1st generation". Since all the Macs (except the powermacs) have just changed to Intel chips, there may be kinks to iron out (although tbh it's been a few months, and there doesn't seem to be a particularly unusual amount of reports of problems).
Also I didn't mention, there's probably a new OS X coming out I think in August (10.5). But Apple usually offers free upgrades for the most recent customers.
I'm no big Windows fan, but I do use it a lot also and XP is actually fine. I haven't used Vista, but from what I see of the requirements, you should make sure your specs are pretty impressive (especially in the video department).
Also I didn't mention, there's probably a new OS X coming out I think in August (10.5). But Apple usually offers free upgrades for the most recent customers.
I'm no big Windows fan, but I do use it a lot also and XP is actually fine. I haven't used Vista, but from what I see of the requirements, you should make sure your specs are pretty impressive (especially in the video department).
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Hi Witchypoo
Mine's a Big Mac (but not one of those horrible multinational 'foods')
Why not look on eBay for a Mac laptop if it's the price you're worried about? And why not surf round some message boards for other peoples' experiences? Here's a Mac one I use a fair bit-
http://forums.macosxhints.com/
you can ask people there about your dilemma.
Alex is the expert,but you are right,for graphics,anything artistic,use a Mac.Similarly yes,the Intel mac is up and running for a while.
There's very little software which isn't available for the Mac in some shape or form,those days.The days of thinking that the platforms aren't compatible are fading fast.
Nice to hear about Iker....doesn't time fly! Robin started to walk on his first birthday! so look out,move your CD collection,priceless china and family treasures to the highest shelves!
Are things better with childminding and work?
I've been rereading all those old CQD posts,Sara,where you feature quite prominently!! I've had such a laugh!!
Mine's a Big Mac (but not one of those horrible multinational 'foods')
Why not look on eBay for a Mac laptop if it's the price you're worried about? And why not surf round some message boards for other peoples' experiences? Here's a Mac one I use a fair bit-
http://forums.macosxhints.com/
you can ask people there about your dilemma.
Alex is the expert,but you are right,for graphics,anything artistic,use a Mac.Similarly yes,the Intel mac is up and running for a while.
There's very little software which isn't available for the Mac in some shape or form,those days.The days of thinking that the platforms aren't compatible are fading fast.
Nice to hear about Iker....doesn't time fly! Robin started to walk on his first birthday! so look out,move your CD collection,priceless china and family treasures to the highest shelves!
Are things better with childminding and work?
I've been rereading all those old CQD posts,Sara,where you feature quite prominently!! I've had such a laugh!!
In fact such giants like Adobe don't plan to release their software for the macIntel before late 2007 and they are not the only ones, and to be honest even if old softwares can run on the MacIntel, it's quite slow...
And so Apple decided to release a software tu run Windows XP and MacOS on their new Macs
And about software, as PC is the dominating platform so you can find tons of free softwares on it, it's hellish to find some softwares for my MAc, when you can have 10 to 20 music players on Windows and most of them are freeware, on my Mac I only found 2-3 that were free...
What else ? you need at least 512Mb of memory but 1Gb is advised.
If you choose a PC laptop, you have to be a directx 9 compatible video card without shared memory. DVD burners are commons now so I guess most of the laptops have one. Wifi is very common too.
One thing to add: it could be nice where you want to buy your computer to know available laptops if you want it fast. Then I can help you to decide by comparing performance/price ratio.
And so Apple decided to release a software tu run Windows XP and MacOS on their new Macs
And about software, as PC is the dominating platform so you can find tons of free softwares on it, it's hellish to find some softwares for my MAc, when you can have 10 to 20 music players on Windows and most of them are freeware, on my Mac I only found 2-3 that were free...
What else ? you need at least 512Mb of memory but 1Gb is advised.
If you choose a PC laptop, you have to be a directx 9 compatible video card without shared memory. DVD burners are commons now so I guess most of the laptops have one. Wifi is very common too.
One thing to add: it could be nice where you want to buy your computer to know available laptops if you want it fast. Then I can help you to decide by comparing performance/price ratio.
I believe in your smile everyday
But I know that you're far from my way
When I talk to the moon I can hear you
In the dark I can see, I can feel your light
But I know that you're far from my way
When I talk to the moon I can hear you
In the dark I can see, I can feel your light
Alex, here are a few audio players from version tracker (Disclaimer - I haven't tried these, for all I know they don't work... 
)
Price-wise it's getting easier to compare PC with Macs, and it's becoming more obvious that feature for feature, Macs are a comparable price. Macs are expensive, but that's deceptive, as they have extras.
(as an example, try to price a PC laptop with say a Core Duo 2GHz, 1Gb RAM, an 80Gb SATA hard drive, slot-loading DVD+-RW, Bluetooth 2 and 802.11g built in, DVD and audio and DV authoring software, and a remote control. A Macbook with those features is around ?1000 or nearly ?1400)
(Disclaimer - I haven't tried these, for all I know they don't work... )Price-wise it's getting easier to compare PC with Macs, and it's becoming more obvious that feature for feature, Macs are a comparable price. Macs are expensive, but that's deceptive, as they have extras.
(as an example, try to price a PC laptop with say a Core Duo 2GHz, 1Gb RAM, an 80Gb SATA hard drive, slot-loading DVD+-RW, Bluetooth 2 and 802.11g built in, DVD and audio and DV authoring software, and a remote control. A Macbook with those features is around ?1000 or nearly ?1400)
Thank your Red for the link
As I said before softwares are a huge problem for MacIntel...many don't run in native mode.
I compared the Dell and Apple websites and there's a price difference, even if it's not as big as in the past.
As I said before softwares are a huge problem for MacIntel...many don't run in native mode.
I compared the Dell and Apple websites and there's a price difference, even if it's not as big as in the past.
I believe in your smile everyday
But I know that you're far from my way
When I talk to the moon I can hear you
In the dark I can see, I can feel your light
But I know that you're far from my way
When I talk to the moon I can hear you
In the dark I can see, I can feel your light
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Jeez, it doesn't get any less confusing this way.... 
Anyway, a white mac like the one you describe costs here ? 1449.02, without any extra cable or keypad, free delivery and all software included.
Here's the other laptops we're considering, the processors are slower than the above mentioned apple:
https://www.dynabyte.nl/hardware.php?i=2364
https://www.dynabyte.nl/hardware.php?i=2365
https://www.dynabyte.nl/hardware.php?i=2146
I'm at work, we have Dell here, I definitely wouldn't buy one outside here.
I know I'm a bore, but I rather ask too much than too little.
Dave, I also wish to get my spirit and time back! With Iker we already have to move everything away, yesterday he managed to make videotapes fall (on his head, he had to cry of course) and he likes to beat our dvd and vcr, pulling all dvds down...he's a mean machine!
Anyway, a white mac like the one you describe costs here ? 1449.02, without any extra cable or keypad, free delivery and all software included.
Here's the other laptops we're considering, the processors are slower than the above mentioned apple:
https://www.dynabyte.nl/hardware.php?i=2364
https://www.dynabyte.nl/hardware.php?i=2365
https://www.dynabyte.nl/hardware.php?i=2146
I'm at work, we have Dell here, I definitely wouldn't buy one outside here.
I know I'm a bore, but I rather ask too much than too little.
Dave, I also wish to get my spirit and time back! With Iker we already have to move everything away, yesterday he managed to make videotapes fall (on his head, he had to cry of course) and he likes to beat our dvd and vcr, pulling all dvds down...he's a mean machine!
"Superero' le correnti gravitazionali, lo spazio e la luce per non farti invecchiare. Ti salvero' da ogni malinconia, perche' sei un essere speciale ed io avro' cura di te ... Io si', che avro' cura di te" F.Battiato
I've got a 12-inch iBook G4. It works fine for me, and if I were to buy a new laptop today it would probably be another Apple. I don't think they are overpriced. If you compare them for quality and features they're about the same as equivalent PCs.
There are some problems. The main one is that all software written by Apple sucks in some way, and you have to run their operating system to get the modem and wireless thingumy to work. Against this you have to consider that all other laptops come pre-installed with Windows, which is even worse. Viruses really are out there and if you get hit it can be nasty. So if you're planning to connect this thing to the internet, and you're even thinking about it not being Windows, just stay away. You could try installing Linux on anything, and it's adequate for what you say you want, but if you're not technically minded it's probably too much hassle. OS X is good enough that it doesn't matter much.
The size is fine, and I'm concerned that the new line doesn't have anything as small. The point of a laptop is that it's portable, isn't it?
It gets sluggish with "only" 256Mb of RAM. You need to follow other suggestions and buy something with supercomputer class memory if you want to handle email smoothly. If you do that, perhaps the whole user experience will be improved.
The only thing I want that doesn't run is QQ. Apparently it used to work, but they changed the protocol to lock out third party clients. If your friends aren't QQ addicts that obviously won't matter.
There are some problems. The main one is that all software written by Apple sucks in some way, and you have to run their operating system to get the modem and wireless thingumy to work. Against this you have to consider that all other laptops come pre-installed with Windows, which is even worse. Viruses really are out there and if you get hit it can be nasty. So if you're planning to connect this thing to the internet, and you're even thinking about it not being Windows, just stay away. You could try installing Linux on anything, and it's adequate for what you say you want, but if you're not technically minded it's probably too much hassle. OS X is good enough that it doesn't matter much.
The size is fine, and I'm concerned that the new line doesn't have anything as small. The point of a laptop is that it's portable, isn't it?
It gets sluggish with "only" 256Mb of RAM. You need to follow other suggestions and buy something with supercomputer class memory if you want to handle email smoothly. If you do that, perhaps the whole user experience will be improved.
The only thing I want that doesn't run is QQ. Apparently it used to work, but they changed the protocol to lock out third party clients. If your friends aren't QQ addicts that obviously won't matter.