View Full Version : So we're thinking of buying a MacBook Pro...
Guys, I'm looking for a bit of advice... As Del's a college art lecturer, she's been badgered for ages by 'the powers that be' into getting a MacBook, instead of her (current) Windows laptop, as there are many facilities with Macs she'd be able to use which are relevant to her job.
Furthermore, she gets 15% discount off of the cost of a new one, under the Apple 'back off school' scheme (not to mention 75% off of the cost of Apple support cover), so that's not to be sniffed at! Therefore, we're going to the Apple store in Liverpool tomorrow to look at the new 15" MacBook Pro with Retina display.
So let's hear it from our respective Apple and PC fanboys... Convince me this is either a great idea, or if you have a better PC-based suggestion. The lappy would be getting used not only for Del's college work, but I'll also be using it for surfing the net, posting pish on here, downloading music, etc.
What are the pros and cons of the Apple route? How easy in reality is it, after having had a PC for years, to adapt to using a completely new operating system? Is there a better way of spending £1500 on a laptop?
Would the purchase of a MacBook Pro more easily/better facilitate an entry into the world of file-based audio, should I consider to do that at some point?
All advice greatly appreciated! :)
Marco.
Hi Marco,
Three things will jump out at you:
* Second to none build quality
* Second to none screen quality; very very accurate colours and very non fatiguing
* A totally different operating system!
The learning curve is not steep, but you will take a while to adjust. However, it is a more intuitive operating system and "just works", no more bugs oriented around Windows trying to work with all hardware - Apples knows exactly what hardware OS X will be working on.
I would definitely recommend taking the plunge and buy a book to lessen the impact of moving from Windows.
If you want something tweakier then perhaps Windows or Linux is the way to go, but if you are after a no fuss experience then am a huge Apple fan.
On an aside I use a MacBook Pro for everyday use, Windows 7 PC at work and I have a custom media centre plumbed into the HiFi and TV running Windows 8.1. I also am an ex Linux user, but I like a simple no fuss computing experience and Apple gives me that.
For audio die hard use I recommend a dedicated media centre PC, but with iTunes' "bit perfect" plugin and a suitable USB to SPDIF converter a MacBook Pro will go a long way! More than enough for your needs as can't see you having file based audio as your "reference". ;)
Gordon Steadman
12-08-2014, 16:49
Its a computer. Yes the hardware is well designed and built. That adds to the pleasure of ownership in the same way that your car is more than just something to drive.
The important bit is the operating system and the way it works. There are many of us that have used both MacOs and Windoze over the years. I have no idea what the percentages are but most of those I know have found that the Mac is their preference. Windows has taken 20 years to try and catch up but still hasn't managed to capture the look, feel and ease of use that MacOs offers.
We have thrown away the last of our PCs as they didn't even make decent bookends.
Its clear where our loyalties lie as we now have nine Macs of varying modernity. I use a MacPro and Ronnie has an Intel Mini. Never the less, we genuinely feel that for someone that just wants a machine to do its job without any faffing about (just who does care about what you can add to it if its designed to do the job you need in the first place) a Mac makes perfect sense. At education prices its a bargain. In any case, a Mac is no longer an expensive option when compared with similarly specified machines from the likes of Sony.
There are many people here who you can call on for help to make the change from Microshaft. (just can't resist those two lovely expressions Microshaft Windoze:lol:)
Go for it.
PS I agree with Neil that iTunes and BitPerfect are a great way of getting into file based. Thats what I use. Lossless sounds fine to me.
Sovereign
12-08-2014, 18:13
I am certainly no computer buff at all, in fact I'm a bit of a computer bozo, yet I use them all day long. I have only ever used Macs. For 16 years now, I have never had one fail me and have been amazed at their customer service, never experienced service like it. They perform very well and when I'm stuck the answer is often obvious and there infront of me. I'm not a computer head at all in any way, but I'm extremely impressed with Mac computers and their commitment to excellence.
I just bought a new iMac desktop two weeks ago, and it is nothing but a pleasure to use. My house is racked out with apple products and it all works together seamlessly
Thanks for the input so far, guys - most useful... Keep it coming! :)
Marco.
Gordon Steadman
12-08-2014, 18:32
If you are thinking ahead to include music, get the biggest hard disk available. I have two 500gB internals and a 320gB external and what with the music and books, may well need to expand in the future. Externals are very cheap these days though.
hifi_dave
12-08-2014, 18:35
I'm a complete computer numpty and struggle doing everyday things which others (including our Grandkids) just breeze through. A few weeks ago, one of my Windows based laptops gave up the ghost and needed to be replaced. Now, all you can buy new is Windows 8 and as that is a whole heap different to previous Windows, I decided to bite the bullet and get a Macbook Pro.
To say that I am very pleased with it is an understatement as I lurve it. It's lovely to touch, use and the screen is pin sharp. It's like using a quality camera like a Nikon, Canon or Rollei. Just a delight.
Even more important to me is that it is so simple to use. Whereas with the Windows machines you need to download all manner of drivers and faff about, with the Mac, you plug in the camera (for instance) and it just does the job. I had pics downloaded within 30 secs. Similar with printing - I never managed to get my Vaio to work with the HP printer, the Mac was printing in 30 seconds. Connect the Mac to a Devialet and play music within a minute and so on.
I've been so impressed that I bought my Wife one as I couldn't stand her frustration with her Windows 8 Sony playing up with various glitches. She is now sitting next to me catching up on the BBC i-player on her shiny new Mac.
I wouldn't have anything else.
As I am working on MacBooks since 2002 – yes get one!
three caveats re MacBooks with retina display and MacBook Air:
- bonded RAMemory
- bonded "Harddisk"
- glued in battery
if you want to go "sustainable", get the 13" non retina MacBook pro; it’s a little bit bulkier, but lets you replace RAM, HD and Battery yourself
… just one more thing: my 13" MBpro 2013 has lost the Audio-In in favor of an iPhone two-way connector. No more recording from the Tape loop. If that should be an issue, try to clarify and maybe get an external USB-dongle or whatever suit you best.
rgds
Michael
I have used a Macbook pro for the last 6 years after only ever having used Windows computers and laptops with work. There are many aspects to Apple products that make them hugely enjoyable to own but primarily I would list them as:
1. Simplicity of use in conjunction with a superb operating system which is now updated for free annually.
2. I have never had any operating issues, glitches or bugs that have prevented me from working in 6 years of use, or any viruses or other horrors.
3. The Macbook pro I have is still lightening quick even though it is only Core 2 Duo and 4g of RAM so the new Macbooks which are 16G Ram and use the latest chips must be extremely fast and powerful.
4. Build quality is second to none.
5. Apple Integrate their software and hardware to optimise performance and keep extracting more and more out of their machines with each new operating system.
I dont use computer audio even though I have tried it, but Digital is not for me:) I am sure some of the computer audio guys will tell you how good they are to use for this application!
The retina screens on the new Macbooks are awesome and if you have an iphone or ipad their integration of these devices is very good and getting better all the time.
I dont want to teach a grandmother to suck eggs but if you could get to try one for a bit I think you would appreciate how nice they are to use.
Err I think I have gone on enough now!:lol:
Switch to MacBook Air 5years ago and not looked back. Great build quality as mentioned above, OSX is intuitive, yes there's a bit of a learning curve but it's very user friendly. Go for the largest drive you can and the fastest processor. All Retina MBPs are not meant to be user upgradable, IE memory is fixed as is the drive although their are after market drive kits about...
My Half-pence worth
I've used Macs for 15 years.
Never suffered from a virus
Never lost data
Operating it is far more intuitive than a PC
Build quality Is first class
PCs are probably better if you're into Gaming
If you need technical help the Genius Bar in Apple Stores is great
On iTunes you can rip lossless music for pretty good replay via DAC etc and then compress it down onto iPods to play in the car ( c 55,000 tracks on two iPods)
Buy maximum memory.
My family use PCs and Windows laptops....they seem to grind to a halt in performance terms after 2 years or so.....Macs seem to last 3 times as long.
Cheers
John
Sovereign
12-08-2014, 19:28
I'm a complete computer numpty and struggle doing everyday things which others (including our Grandkids) just breeze through. A few weeks ago, one of my Windows based laptops gave up the ghost and needed to be replaced. Now, all you can buy new is Windows 8 and as that is a whole heap different to previous Windows, I decided to bite the bullet and get a Macbook Pro.
To say that I am very pleased with it is an understatement as I lurve it. It's lovely to touch, use and the screen is pin sharp. It's like using a quality camera like a Nikon, Canon or Rollei. Just a delight.
Even more important to me is that it is so simple to use. Whereas with the Windows machines you need to download all manner of drivers and faff about, with the Mac, you plug in the camera (for instance) and it just does the job. I had pics downloaded within 30 secs. Similar with printing - I never managed to get my Vaio to work with the HP printer, the Mac was printing in 30 seconds. Connect the Mac to a Devialet and play music within a minute and so on.
I've been so impressed that I bought my Wife one as I couldn't stand her frustration with her Windows 8 Sony playing up with various glitches. She is now sitting next to me catching up on the BBC i-player on her shiny new Mac.
I wouldn't have anything else.
Really couldn't say better myself !
Audio Al
12-08-2014, 19:55
A Apple a day keeps a PC at bay
Loyal Apple user since 2008 , NO regrets jumping ship :D
Go for the largest drive you can and the fastest processor. All Retina MBPs are not meant to be user upgradable, IE memory is fixed as is the drive although their are after market drive kits about...
Cheers, Neal. That's precisely what we intend to do :)
I doubt, given our intended use for the unit, that limited memory will be an issue. However, what's this about a glued-in battery - what happens when that needs replacing?
Marco.
Stratmangler
12-08-2014, 21:04
However, what's this about a glued-in battery - what happens when that needs replacing?
Marco.
You send it back with a "rape my wallet" request? :eyebrows:
Lol! I presume that the fuckers last for long enough? :eyebrows:
Marco.
walpurgis
12-08-2014, 21:19
Lol! I presume that the fuckers last for long enough? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Never used a MAC, but I gather the internals are similar items to those used in good quality PCs. So the life presumably will be similar too.
Spectral Morn
12-08-2014, 21:25
Lol! I presume that the fuckers last for long enough? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Nope, built in Apple redundancy. Bat dies, upgrade lol
My Ipad4 battery is already not operating as much as it did. I bought it S/H but it was bought from a good guy and it wasn't that old. Ipad is easy enough to use but a MAC is a nasty horrible thing to try and figure out if you know Windows and are used to it. In saying that though there are times I want to propel the iPad out the window because of the way it operates.
To quote you though my general opinion is its badge brand snobbery and more cost than its worth. imho
Regards Neil
anubisgrau
12-08-2014, 21:26
i switched to the dark side 5 years ago and i can't see myself going back. now i even use my private MBP for work - can't touch a windows machine anymore.
i have nothing to add what was not already written, except that my MBP fell from 1m height onto a stone wall. the corner was quite badly damaged (bent) but nothing else - screen, motherboard or keyboard, it all functions well. most of the "normal" laptops would probably end in pieces.
they are well worth the premium price.
Why not try a Chromebook Marco?
Much cheaper and chrome integrates seamlessly across across a much wider range of devices, tablets phones etc.
All music, mail, contacts, maps basically you name it available wherever you have access to Google.
Spend the change on a nice SSD for tunes or even a NAS drive :)
Both google and apple are as evil as each other IMHO so let's avoid that discussion here.
but I gather the internals are similar items to those used in good quality PCs.
Not just similar, but the same Geoff, Apple have been using an Intel CPU for sometime now and you can run Windows on them should you wish. What makes me chuckle is the Samsung memory in a lot of them and those two are always battling it out in court.
I you want beautiful design, simplicity and don't ever intend to try and do anything outside the Apple 'Garden Wall' and don't mind paying for it, buy a MAC. If you like to tinker and change things, upgrade and configure a computer to do exactly what you want it to do, buy a PC. But most people don't want that fuss, so are happy with Apple. I would never buy one as I have big issues with the company and the whole 'ethos' of buying into that world but that's me - as a very well designed and reliable machine that works for those with little computer knowledge, they are hard to beat - they just work. But you have to pay for that convenience and as you have picked up on, when they go wrong it's expensive. But well built computers that are not abused (be that PC or MAC) are very reliable these days, its the users that break them!
If I didn't like to tinker and I didn't dislike the company and iTunes so much, I would have one myself as they are things of beauty - but that would be a cold day in hell. And please nobody ask me what I don't like about iTunes, as I have been there too many times before. It's not the software it's the business model and the way they conduct themselves in the industry, if you don't like Tesco, they are saints compared to iTunes IMO. Google the John Peel Lecture by Pete Townsend, as he says it better than I.
For you though Marco, I would say it would be a good move ;)
Why not try a Chromebook Marco?
Much cheaper and chrome integrates seamlessly across across a much wider range of devices, tablets phones etc.
All music, mail, contacts, maps basically you name it available wherever you have access to Google.
Spend the change on a nice SSD for tunes or even a NAS drive :)
Both google and apple are as evil as each other IMHO so let's avoid that discussion here.
Interesting suggestion, Rich. I've not even heard of a Chromebook! Got any links? :)
The only thing against that idea is that I think Del would rather have an Apple-based device, given that its in-built applications would be most suitable for her work.
Marco.
Chromebooks are really only good as cloud based web devices, very good if that's your thing and very competitively priced, but for Marco & Del I don't really think it's a viable option.
Not just similar, but the same Geoff, Apple have been using an Intel CPU for sometime now and you can run Windows on them should you wish. What makes me chuckle is the Samsung memory in a lot of them and those two are always battling it out in court.
I you want beautiful design, simplicity and don't ever intend to try and do anything outside the Apple 'Garden Wall' and don't mind paying for it, buy a MAC. If you like to tinker and change things, upgrade and configure a computer to do exactly what you want it to do, buy a PC. But most people don't want that fuss, so are happy with Apple. I would never buy one as I have big issues with the company and the whole 'ethos' of buying into that world but that's me - as a very well designed and reliable machine that works for those with little computer knowledge, they are hard to beat - they just work. But you have to pay for that convenience and as you have picked up on, when they go wrong it's expensive. But well built computers that are not abused (be that PC or MAC) are very reliable these days, its the users that break them!
If I didn't like to tinker and I didn't dislike the company and iTunes so much, I would have one myself as they are things of beauty - but that would be a cold day in hell. And please nobody ask me what I don't like about iTunes, as I have been there too many times before. It's not the software it's the business model and the way they conduct themselves in the industry, if you don't like Tesco, they are saints compared to iTunes IMO. Google the John Peel Lecture by Pete Townsend, as he says it better than I.
For you though Marco, I would say it would be a good move ;)
Cheers, Tim. You've pretty much summed up what I was thinking, as well as my (and Del's) priorities, although personally I couldn't give a tinker's cuss for the politics surrounding the brand, or the folk behind the company. I'm not fickle that way.
As long as a Mac fulfils our specific computer needs, then it'll do us nicely! :)
Out of interest, which model is the current top-spec/dog's bollocks MacBook Pro? A 15" screen is mandatory.
Marco.
walpurgis
12-08-2014, 22:07
Not just similar, but the same Geoff, Apple have been using an Intel CPU for sometime now and you can run Windows on them should you wish. What makes me chuckle is the Samsung memory in a lot of them and those two are always battling it out in court.
I you want beautiful design, simplicity and don't ever intend to try and do anything outside the Apple 'Garden Wall' and don't mind paying for it, buy a MAC. If you like to tinker and change things, upgrade and configure a computer to do exactly what you want it to do, buy a PC. But most people don't want that fuss, so are happy with Apple. I would never buy one as I have big issues with the company and the whole 'ethos' of buying into that world but that's me - as a very well designed and reliable machine that works for those with little computer knowledge, they are hard to beat - they just work. But you have to pay for that convenience and as you have picked up on, when they go wrong it's expensive. But well built computers that are not abused (be that PC or MAC) are very reliable these days, its the users that break them!
Yes, well that would be me. I'm always breaking mine. I'm a compulsive tinkerer and enjoy it. Now got to the point where I'm beginning to actually know what I'm doing. I do seem to end up needing to reinstall the o/s about every six months (note to self, must keep hands off registry).
Also, what's this GeForce thing about, and do all the MacBook Pros have that feature?
Marco.
GeForce is an NVIDEA GPU Marco ;)
Wossat mean in English? :scratch: :eyebrows:
Marco.
Out of interest, which model is the current top-spec/dog's bollocks MacBook Pro? A 15" screen is mandatory.
Anyone? :)
Marco.
Anyone? :)
Marco.
http://store.apple.com/uk/buy-mac/macbook-pro all about each model. Can buy there too.
destroysall
13-08-2014, 00:20
Guys, I'm looking for a bit of advice... As Del's a college art lecturer, she's been badgered for ages by 'the powers that be' into getting a MacBook, instead of her (current) Windows laptop, as there are many facilities with Macs she'd be able to use which are relevant to her job.Hello Marco; being a bit of a technology enthusiast, I have to admit that Macintosh computers Apple makes are definitely a gem. My question would be what is that she does as an Artist? Does she do anything heavy in editing like video or animation?
Wossat mean in English? :scratch: :eyebrows:This ties in well to what I was asking if whether she does heavy edit work on her computer. GeForce cards are discrete graphics cards capable of outputting HD video at a constant rate with no drop in frames. In the world of video editing, it allows one to edit much faster as it takes the load of the Primary CPU (in this case an Intel processor). If she is to be doing such work, I'd opt for the £1,999 Macbook Pro 15-inch 2.5GHz computer as it includes a GeForce card. If she isn't a heavy user in editing material, I'd opt for the £1,599 Macbook Pro 15-inch 2.2GHz computer. It does not include the GeForce card but from experience I can tell you that the Iris Pro graphics in it are capable of medium workloads in video and animation editing.
Hope that helps,
Chris
[…]
However, what's this about a glued-in battery - what happens when that needs replacing?
Marco.
The maximum of charging cycles I ever got out of a laptop battery was 1150 from a macbook black; older pro batteries crapped out around 380 cycles. This sounds a lot, but gets an issue with heavy mobile users. At work we get first issues with (Toshiba) subnotebooks: 18 months of charging twice a day approximates 1000 charging cycles, the battery has it’s first issues.
So get a quote for a battery replacement, by all means; my oldest MB is the first white issue from 2004. Looks like shit from heavy use, but still runs strong with a new battery as a digital tapedeck for 78s recording …
;-))
Michael
Thanks for the further info, guys (especially Chris) - I'll let you know what we return home with later!
Off to Liverpool in about an hour to 'do the deed', as it were, as well as have a nice lunch in Chinatown at one of our favourite authentic Chinese restaurants :cool:
Laterz.
Marco.
awkwardbydesign
13-08-2014, 08:29
although personally I couldn't give a tinker's cuss for the politics surrounding the brand, or the folk behind the company. I'm not fickle that way.
Marco.
You say fickle, I say ethical, let's call the whole thing off! :lol:
Gordon Steadman
13-08-2014, 09:36
You say fickle, I say ethical, let's call the whole thing off! :lol:
Yeah lets. All this crap about ethical companies makes me laugh. Look at any big company, take the wraps off and there is a mass of vipers who want your money. Apple is no better or worse than any of the others. Maybe they are just more visible now given the growth over the last ten years.
awkwardbydesign
13-08-2014, 09:40
I'm not commenting on the ethics, just the use of "fickle". ;)
Beobloke
13-08-2014, 09:42
Is there a better way of spending £1500 on a laptop?
As the Emperor of SPPV, I'm amazed you even have to ask this! You're paying way over the odds for a shiny toy that is far less flexible than a proper computer.
Don't do it!
Gordon Steadman
13-08-2014, 09:47
As the Emperor of SPPV, I'm amazed you even have to ask this! You're paying way over the odds for a shiny toy that is far less flexible than a proper computer.
Don't do it!
Oh come on, this old argument went out with the stone age. It is a proper computer as are all the rest. Here we rake up all the usual stuff about why have a Mercedes rather than a Nissan. Why a Neff rather than Candy etc etc. They do the same job, just in a different way in a different package.
You choose which one suits you.
As the Emperor of SPPV, I'm amazed you even have to ask this! You're paying way over the odds for a shiny toy that is far less flexible than a proper computer.
Don't do it!
To get the same spec / screen quality in a PC laptop you pay around the same.
To get the same spec / screen quality in a PC laptop you pay around the same.
… surprisingly yes; we had some jihad about an employee having to have a MacBook Air and all told the Toshiba contender was more expensive.
In the end it is only tastes. Some things can be done easier on tick one: o Unix/ o Mac/ o Windows, whatever suits you and your trade best. Similar hardware will cost similar price.
;-))
Michael
As the Emperor of SPPV, I'm amazed you even have to ask this! You're paying way over the odds for a shiny toy that is far less flexible than a proper computer.
Don't do it!
Lol - I have done, and it's fab! Chuffed as a badger :)
Marco.
… surprisingly yes; we had some jihad about an employee having to have a MacBook Air and all told the Toshiba contender was more expensive.
In the end it is only tastes. Some things can be done easier on tick one: o Unix/ o Mac/ o Windows, whatever suits you and your trade best. Similar hardware will cost similar price.
;-))
Michael
Looking at economies of scale, Apple has much lower variation in hardware requirements than PC manufacturers, just look at the thousands of laptop configurations from Dell or Toshiba vs Air or Pro from Apple. It is why the Apple / PC divide in price vs premium has levelled out.
walpurgis
13-08-2014, 16:51
So let us know how you find it once you've 'acclimatised' Marco. Which did you get in the end?
hifi_dave
13-08-2014, 17:13
Lol - I have done, and it's fab! Chuffed as a badger :)
Marco.
If that means you've bought a Mac - you won't look back.
As to expensive Apple repairs. My Wife dropped her I-pad a few months ago, it cracked the screen and dented the casework. She booked an appointment at the Cambridge Apple store where they exchanged the broken one for a new one at £230. I thought that was very reasonable.
Hi Geoff,
We went for the 15” MacBook Pro with Retina display - the one at £1599 (minus the ‘education discount', as discussed), as we didn’t need the facilities on the more expensive ones. We also went for the discounted Apple Care support package, which we got for £60 (as opposed to £279).
They also threw in a £60 voucher, which we could spend in the Apple store, so we got a protective cover for the laptop (a ‘Tech21’ Impact Snap Case), which looks rather natty and protects the unit from knocks and scratches - so all in all a great deal! :)
Marco.
walpurgis
13-08-2014, 18:31
Nice. That's about as much as I usually pay for a car Marco (although I did just buy a new one). Hope you get on OK with it. :)
Lol… Well, we got the Mac largely because Del needs it for her work. It’s certainly the nicest lappy I’ve used - way better than our usual Sony Vaios :)
Marco.
Pleased you got sorted Marco.
Most of my PCs are likened to the Millennium Falcon, big, ugly, tempremental but can still do the Kessel run in 12 parsecs.:eyebrows:
Hi Marco,
That retina screen is a beauty and should make your photos etc pop! You have bought exactly what I would have gone for if I was replacing my old 6 year 15 inch macbook pro.
Enjoy:)
Oh come on, this old argument went out with the stone age. It is a proper computer as are all the rest. Here we rake up all the usual stuff about why have a Mercedes rather than a Nissan. Why a Neff rather than Candy etc etc. They do the same job, just in a different way in a different package.
You choose which one suits you.
+1 Macs are great, shed the bias and preconceived thinking and try one. :D
julesd68
13-08-2014, 23:06
I absolutely loved my old iMac but it gave up the ghost very soon after the 3 yr warranty had expired - Apple told me it wasn't repairable as the motherboard had gone, so that was that. Despite this extreme annoyance myself and my wife were so much happier with our experience using the computer whilst we had it that we wouldn't ever go back to a PC. But having had our fingers burnt with the iMac, this time we went for a mac mini which was I think well under half the price of the iMac and has so far been very good in the two years we have had it. We got three years Apple care for around £60 which was great. The RAM is upgradeable and at least we get to keep the external screen when eventually it goes to Mac heaven!
Gordon Steadman
14-08-2014, 04:23
I absolutely loved my old iMac but it gave up the ghost very soon after the 3 yr warranty had expired - Apple told me it wasn't repairable as the motherboard had gone, so that was that. Despite this extreme annoyance myself and my wife were so much happier with our experience using the computer whilst we had it that we wouldn't ever go back to a PC. But having had our fingers burnt with the iMac, this time we went for a mac mini which was I think well under half the price of the iMac and has so far been very good in the two years we have had it. We got three years Apple care for around £60 which was great. The RAM is upgradeable and at least we get to keep the external screen when eventually it goes to Mac heaven!
Maybe they get less reliable these days as things get more complicated. All my nine Macs are still working well including the two original iMacs. When updating, I just never part with the old ones. Second hand values on older machines don't make them worth selling anyway.
I haven't bought new since my original MacPlus in 1985, so considering all the rest have been second hand, the reliability has been impressive.
Beobloke
14-08-2014, 12:01
+1 Macs are great, shed the bias and preconceived thinking and try one. :D
I used one for two years at a previous job. I hated every second of it!
julesd68
14-08-2014, 13:00
Maybe they get less reliable these days as things get more complicated. All my nine Macs are still working well including the two original iMacs. When updating, I just never part with the old ones. Second hand values on older machines don't make them worth selling anyway.
I haven't bought new since my original MacPlus in 1985, so considering all the rest have been second hand, the reliability has been impressive.
I should have added that my wife uses a metal bodied MacBook Pro that we bought from a local seller on ebay some years ago and all it has needed is a new battery, the reliability has been superb.
Ammonite Audio
14-08-2014, 17:06
I need a Windows PC (a Lenovo Thinkpad) for my work stuff, since the instrumentation software is not available for Macs; however alongside the Thinkpad sits an oldish 2008 iMac which has never missed a beat, is still pretty fast, has never tied itself in knots (like a Windows machine does inevitably). The PC does the job, but the Mac manages to make the chore of computer work as close to a pleasure as it's possible to be. The one exception to that is trying to do spreadsheet work with an Apple Magic Mouse!
Marco - once you've found out where everything is on the MacBook, I very much doubt that you'll look back.
Gordon Steadman
14-08-2014, 17:13
The PC does the job, but the Mac manages to make the chore of computer work as close to a pleasure as it's possible to be. The one exception to that is trying to do spreadsheet work with an Apple Magic Mouse!
Marco - once you've found out where everything is on the MacBook, I very much doubt that you'll look back.
:exactly:
I use an ordinary USB mouse and spreadsheets are easy peasy, cost 7 euros I think (looks crap beside a Mac though). Exell is the greatest achievement in the Microshaft barrel.
Ammonite Audio
14-08-2014, 17:28
:exactly:
I use an ordinary USB mouse and spreadsheets are easy peasy, cost 7 euros I think (looks crap beside a Mac though). Exell is the greatest achievement in the Microshaft barrel.
That's what I did too - a cheap Logitech cordless mouse that does look rather crude compared to the Magic Mouse.
Marco,
I can thoroughly recommend a few apps to make life a bit easier.
First up is popclip (http://pilotmoon.com/popclip/), a really neat little app that helps with copy and paste and all sorts of other little things. Invaluable. 2.99 on the app store.
I'd also recommend a text expansion app. They basically expand text based on characters you enter (once you've set it up). One example of usage would be email addresses that you type out a lot. So, for instance, you could type maos and it could expand to Marco@TheArtOfSound.Com. There are a few to choose from; TextExpander (http://smilesoftware.com/TextExpander/index.html) being the most popular, but there's Typinator (http://www.ergonis.com/products/typinator/) and aText (http://www.trankynam.com/atext/) too.
Give me a shout if you're ever looking for something in particular.
Good luck.
Hi Lee,
Many thanks for the tips - I’ll defo check those out! :thumbsup:
Marco.
Gordon Steadman
16-08-2014, 07:04
Marco,
Forgot to mention Time Machine. If you get a cheap external hard disk at least the same size or preferably double the size of the internal, it will do automatic backups for you. Time machine is part of the OS, all you have to do is switch it on. As usual guidance is available.
Hi Gordon,
Nice one - thanks for that. I do intend to get an external hard disk - what size would you suggest?
Primarily, I want to get all the stuff off of the hard drive on my old Sony Vaio, which went tits up due to a power issue, although the hard drive was unaffected. What’s the best procedure, do you reckon, for transferring the data over onto the Mac? :)
Marco.
1) extract the Harddisk physically from the Vaio (or have it done by a tech)
2) ATA or SATA connectors? get an appropriate external USB enclosure
3) fit the Harddisk into external USB enclosure
4) connect USB enclosure to Mac and copy what you need
5) keep the harddisk for half a year untouched in case you should have forgotten to copy something
6) format and reuse
It could be, that the HD seems unreadable, because of NTFS formatting, but lets cross that bridge if you should reach it …
;-))
Michael
Gordon Steadman
16-08-2014, 08:13
I'll leave the technical stuff to the experts. I really don't know much about the way PCs store stuff any more. For access you can always use the Mac with Windoze. I think there are progs that allow you to do both at the same time but I have never needed to investigate the horror of such a thing:)
If the disk you have/get is big enough, you can partition it - split it into sections. Use one for the Sony stuff and the other for back up. Both will be available and be seen as separate disks on the desktop.
Werner Berghofer
16-08-2014, 08:27
Gordon,
Both will be available and be seen as separate disks on the desktop.
only if the corresponding view option is checked in the Finder’s preferences. There are some lunatics out there in Apple country which passionately can’t tolerate seeing anything placed on their computer’s desktop.
I’m one of them ;-)
Werner.
Gordon Steadman
16-08-2014, 08:38
Gordon,
only if the corresponding view option is checked in the Finder’s preferences. There are some lunatics out there in Apple country which passionately can’t tolerate seeing anything placed on their computer’s desktop.
I’m one of them ;-)
Werner.
:lol:
Yes I know. I tried that for a while but find it much easier just to have instant access to the harddisks on the desktop. I can't train Ronnie though, the one thing that she has carried over from her PC days is clutter.
We would have to show Marco about access from the dock. I now have that showing all the time too instead of pop up:eek:
There are some lunatics out there in Apple country which passionately can’t tolerate seeing anything placed on their computer’s desktop.
I’m one of them
Therapy Werner, therapy.
he he he he he
Werner Berghofer
16-08-2014, 09:04
Andrei,
Therapy Werner, therapy.
no go, didn’t work. I succeeded to convert the therapist to my point of view.
Werner.
Andrei,
no go, didn’t work. I succeeded to convert the therapist to my point of view.
Werner.
I do not doubt that for a second ;)
As a mainly domestic user, the only negative about buying Apple stuff is cost - and a reluctance to change operating systems. The school I worked at for the last two years used Win7. Compared to the XP pro I was happily using, I hated the newer one and it took me ages (until nearly a year ago) to change to Vista and then on to W7 - long story but doing it this way worked for me and the later, but still old Dell laptops we use most. Turns out the school had deliberately strangled the W7 version they used, so many of the functions couldn't be used. At least for me, there are loads of good used parts I can upgrade my machines with, which bring them into fine fettle for internet and general streaming use.
Marco, you and hifi dave are lucky chaps (you two have bought Apple very recently). The cost to me seems huge these days, but since you can afford it and bearing in mind the heavy use it's going to get, it'll pay for itself I'm sure.
Gordon Steadman
16-08-2014, 09:37
As a mainly domestic user, the only negative about buying Apple stuff is cost - and a reluctance to change operating systems. The school I worked at for the last two years used Win7. Compared to the XP pro I was happily using, I hated the newer one and it took me ages (until nearly a year ago) to change to Vista and then on to W7 - long story but doing it this way worked for me and the later, but still old Dell laptops we use most. Turns out the school had deliberately strangled the W7 version they used, so many of the functions couldn't be used. At least for me, there are loads of good used parts I can upgrade my machines with, which bring them into fine fettle for internet and general streaming use.
Marco, you and hifi dave are lucky chaps (you two have bought Apple very recently). The cost to me seems huge these days, but since you can afford it and bearing in mind the heavy use it's going to get, it'll pay for itself I'm sure.
I get them second hand, a couple of years old usually. Still better than the alternative and the cost thing is relative anyway. Depends on specs.
A bit like hi-fi and cars, nicely run in:eyebrows:
Marco, you and hifi dave are lucky chaps (you two have bought Apple very recently). The cost to me seems huge these days, but since you can afford it and bearing in mind the heavy use it's going to get, it'll pay for itself I'm sure.
You're right, new Macs are expensive, but one should consider the software that comes with it too. I think I'm right in saying that new macs come with the full iWork suite of apps (not really called iWork anymore); Pages, Numbers and Keynote. MS Office costs what, £100? Numbers doesn't really compare to Excel for power users, but Pages is perfectly adequate and Keynote is better than Powerpoint.
You also get the aforementioned Time Machine, built right in, that makes backup too easy to not do.
New OS versions are now free, Garageband, the music recording software, is free.
You also won't need antivirus and the constant updates you need to make to it.
I get them second hand, a couple of years old usually. Still better than the alternative and the cost thing is relative anyway. Depends on specs.
A bit like hi-fi and cars, nicely run in:eyebrows:
Me too Gordon. I got my latest 2nd hand iMac recently; a mid 2011 21.5" iMac with 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD, 8GB RAM and a 2.8GHz Core i7 for £750
I get them second hand, a couple of years old usually. Still better than the alternative and the cost thing is relative anyway. Depends on specs.
A bit like hi-fi and cars, nicely run in:eyebrows:
try to install ubuntu on a "vintage" laptop, preferably an IBM/Lenovo. Gives at least twice the speed of windows, no virus issues (I know of) and perfect for surfing, mailing and LibreOffice …
;-))
same goes for older macbooks – if possible try to source a plastic unibody macbook unpro, they should go for around EUR 300,–, run OS 10.9 and be good for some years to come.
Michael
Hi Michael,
1) extract the Harddisk physically from the Vaio (or have it done by a tech)
2) ATA or SATA connectors? get an appropriate external USB enclosure
3) fit the Harddisk into external USB enclosure
4) connect USB enclosure to Mac and copy what you need
5) keep the harddisk for half a year untouched in case you should have forgotten to copy something
6) format and reuse
Thanks for that. Sounds like a plan - I’ll get the local tech chap onto it :thumbsup:
All other info has been noted.
Marco.
Andrei,
no go, didn’t work. I succeeded to convert the therapist to my point of view.
Werner.
Oh dear, I had better change the subject before I suffer the same fate.
I just noticed you are from Tyrol. I've never been to Austria but Vienna (Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert) is on my bucket list. Anyway, I feel I have some experience of Tyrol via the Tirol Concerto of Philip Glass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJM16Q_edQw
Painfully beautiful.
Werner Berghofer
16-08-2014, 21:19
Andrei,
I just noticed you are from Tyrol.
I was born in Vienna, where I spent the first 48 years of my life. Ten years ago I felt the need for a change, met a beautiful lady from Tyrol — and well, the rest is history, as we say here.
You’re right, the “Tirol Concerto” from Philip Glass is just a piece of wonderful music. But there’s more to be found in Vienna’s music scene than Beethoven, Schubert and Mozart (actually from Salzburg).
Werner.
Stratmangler
22-08-2014, 11:18
I hope you've got antivirus software Marco.
Just because it's a Mac does not make it invulnerable.
Sure, any views on this: http://mackeeperapp.zeobit.com/landings/27.26/index.php?affid=mzb_210.827847.1408780997.6.mzb&utm_source=display-security-img-ff&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=display-security-img-ff&utm_term=&utm_content=&userDefiner=mzb_2311&installer=&trt=29_12&tid_ext=8020000102&text=antivirus
Marco.
Sure, any views on this: http://mackeeperapp.zeobit.com/landings/27.26/index.php?affid=mzb_210.827847.1408780997.6.mzb&utm_source=display-security-img-ff&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=display-security-img-ff&utm_term=&utm_content=&userDefiner=mzb_2311&installer=&trt=29_12&tid_ext=8020000102&text=antivirus
Marco.
Yeah. Avoid it like the plague.
Search for anti virus on the App Store. For the record, I don't use one.
Cheers, mate - noted! :thumbsup:
Marco.
If you want to use an Antivirus on Mac, have a look at clamxav (http://www.clamxav.com).
have clamxavsentry monitor your downloads and your mail folders and enjoy a good conscience …
… there is no immediate need as of today, but it should catch any Windows viruses, so you do not pass them on via email et al.
I use clamxav since it exists and have never met a virus on MacOSX, there were some on OS9, but that was a long time ago
;-)
Michael
walpurgis
23-08-2014, 10:10
How are you finding the Mac Marco? Is it a 'thumbs up'?
Cheers, mate - noted! :thumbsup:
Marco.
You're a sensible guy Marco. I'm sure you won't download anything even remotely dodgy looking.
Stratmangler
23-08-2014, 13:32
I was well protected when I had Kaspersky on my machine, and they do a Mac version too http://www.kaspersky.co.uk/security-mac?redef=1&reseller=DRPPC_GS_G_G_EXA_KSM
Gordon Steadman
23-08-2014, 14:18
I know its easy to be a bit blase about this. I did use a virus prog for about three months and then forgot all about it. For some reason, it never came across from the old machine. So in 29 years of Mac use I have never really bothered. OK its likely to be more of a problem now the Mac is more popular but provided you don't download anything you don't know is clean or click on any links on emails, you really shouldn't be worried. Never download anything from CNET - ask Al:doh:
Thanks for all the advice, guys. I’ve bookmarked some of your suggestions for future reference. In the meantime, however, I’ll leave things as they are.
How are you finding the Mac Marco? Is it a 'thumbs up'?
Most definitely. It’s a joy to use and one of the best things I’ve ever bought! :)
Marco.
I hope you've got antivirus software Marco.
Just because it's a Mac does not make it invulnerable.
True. However, in context to the thousands of Windows attacks released each month the risk to OSX is low. The actual number of true viruses IE: self installing and executing code is nearly non existent outside of those Mac developers who have written code to prove a point. The greatest risk is in exploitation of OSX vulnerabilities which Apple (and MS) do a reasonable job of addressing or in Malware attacks, not true viruses.
Having said that it does happen, took a call today from a good friend who has fallen victim to a phishing email. He was half way through booking a train ticket on thetrainline.com but backed out before payment, he then received an email thanking him for his business, he was incensed and unfortunately clicked on the attached 'receipt'. :doh: He's computer savvy as well and has used a Mac for many many years...
He's now installing ClamXav and in the process of changing all of his passwords!
So is this ClamXav doo-dah a good thing to have, and if so, where does one obtain it? :)
Marco.
… as linked above www.clamxav.com
:-)
Michael
Gordon Steadman
28-08-2014, 18:15
I'd rather just be careful about what I click on..............and that includes anti virus software.:)
I think people tend to get into a problem by using weak and/or repeated passwords online. It's worth looking into a password managent app such as 1Password for mac, although it's a cross platform app too. It's highly recommended by many mac bloggers and reviewers.
Turns out my Pals email addy got spoofed, no malware as such found but he admitted he also replied to the email :doh: So the spammers validated his email and started using it immediately….no way around it other than to delete the account and create a new address.
You’d just love to get hold of these no-life spammer losers, and torture them (just a little), wouldn’t you?
Marco.
Gordon Steadman
29-08-2014, 12:01
You’d just love to get hold of these no-life spammer losers, and torture them (just a little), wouldn’t you?
Marco.
Why just a little?
Just a little…….every 5 seconds………by ramming a red-hot poker (covered in flesh-eating worms) up their Jap’s eye, then onto the next excruciating form of torture (of which I could think of many), leading to a very slow and painful death………
Marco.
Gordon Steadman
29-08-2014, 12:25
Just a little…….every 5 seconds………by ramming a red-hot poker (covered in flesh-eating worms) up their Jap’s eye, then onto the next excruciating form of torture (of which I could think of many), leading to a very slow and painful death………
Marco.
Better........
Stratmangler
29-08-2014, 13:05
Just a little…….every 5 seconds………by ramming a red-hot poker (covered in flesh-eating worms) up their Jap’s eye, then onto the next excruciating form of torture (of which I could think of many), leading to a very slow and painful death………
Marco.
Very nice!
Wouldn't the red hot poker kill the flesh eating worms?
That kind of heat tends to be be fatal to invertebrates too!
These are special flesh-eating worms with built-in heat shields... :eyebrows:
Thus they safely negotiate the red-hot heat, crawl up your foreskin and proceed to eat your cock!! Come to think of it, that would make a great film………….
Marco.
walpurgis
29-08-2014, 14:06
Marco. Your imagination is dangerously like mine. We must compare notes on diabolical ways to deal with annoying people. :eek:
Lol… You wouldn’t believe the kind of sick shit that enters my nut! I must introduce you sometime to some of my ‘little stories’ [shocking tales of violence and depravity]….. ;)
Marco.
walpurgis
29-08-2014, 15:10
I have a wicked train of thought when necessary. Pulled some imaginative stunts and never been caught! ;)
No doubt they're (whoever 'they' might happen to be) still looking for me.
(wonder if a 'dirty tricks' thread might be fun in Abstract Chat?)
Defo! I’ll let you start it… ;)
Marco.
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