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General discussion

Are Apple's notebook computers really that good?

Aug 20, 2008 7:40AM PDT

I'm a college student who's looking to replace a 5 year old hp dv1000 notebook computer and from examining cnet's reviews (a site that i look to when buying any device or gadget) on Apple's line of notebooks, i'm almost completely convinced that a macbook or macbook pro would be the notebook of choice for the rest of college. However, i couldn't help but question whether their computers really live up to the hype that their company advertises or whether the extra $500 is simply the price of having an apple emblem on your computer. I'm also curious as to why apple computers seemingly top each category that they're placed into. Are they really that good? or do the editors (with all do respect) add more points to the product review because of the Apple brand? are comparatively priced pc notebooks and computers just as capable as mac computers, if not more capable? Or, in another scenario, if the editors (or computer experienced individuals) could price mac notebooks based on their hardware and software, would their prices match those that Apple advertise their products to be?

Discussion is locked

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The Mac is the better choice; trust me
Aug 27, 2008 7:01AM PDT

Hello,
The Mac is by far the best platform to go with. It may not have a whole bunch of games available for it (but you could just install windows on it) but it's probably the best investment you will make. The plethora of software that comes out of the box (iLife and a few x-tras) is phenomenal. As of October 26, 2006, I've been a happy Mac user and always will be. Mac OS X is definitely the better way to go. I have a 2006 24-inch iMac and a brand new MacBook Pro; i love them both and will never own a PC again. As far as editors adding more points because of the apple brand, those are not "extra points." The mac is definitely worth the extra cash. Our school used iMac G3's from 2000 all the way until leopard came out. Macs are very reliable and you get more bang for the buck. I've only had to call AppleCare once in the history of both of my computers; the issue was an error on my part. AppleCare customer support is very helpful and they get the job done. I'm not trying to sound like an obnoxious Apple fanboy and exaggerate the benefits of a Mac; but macs just simply work. Joining a network is a cinch. For a wired network, it's essentially plug and play. Wireless is the easiest; click the Airport in the menu bar, find the name of your network, enter the password for it, and you're in. The computer will recognize this as a previously visited network, so you don't have to enter/remember the password every time. Speaking of passwords, OS X has a built-in utility called "keychain access." Any passwords you use, OS X automatically stores it in one place. As long as you can remember your system password, it's just a matter of copy-paste. I'd also like to add that the iWork software that you can buy is simply amazing. Also, there is A TON of legit freeware available for OS X. But if you're debating as to whether you should get a cheaper PC or a more expensive Mac, just put it into perspective, for the PC, how much money you'll shell out for an anti-virus program, premium apps similar to Safari, iChat, iPhoto, iMovie, iDvd, (especially) GarageBand, iCal and iWeb. Factor the software alone into the equation and you will find that the Mac is the better bargain. The Finder (functions as Windows Explorer) is dead easy to use; it's a drag and drop sensation Happy But all of this is just my opinion. I would STRONGLY urge you to go for the Mac. If you would like to ask me ANY questions about my MacBook Pro, or just my Mac experience in general, I'd be more than happy to reply. I hope this helps Happy

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A little comparison:
Aug 16, 2009 7:45AM PDT

I just bought a MacBook Pro 13" 2.53GHz model laptop. Before I bought it, I did a little comparison with three other very similar laptops. Here it is below:

Apple MacBook Pro 13": 2.53GHz core 2 duo, 4GB 1066MHz memory, 250GB 5400RPM HDD, nVidia 9400M GPU, 1280/800 13" display, Webcam, backlit keyboard, aluminum unibody, firewire x1, usb x2, SD slot, slot load superdrive (DVD RW). 7 Hours battery, 4.5 LBS, Mac OS 10.5 Leopard. PRICE: $1399.99 (with educational discount).

HP dv3t series: 2.53GHz core 2 duo, 4GB 800MHz memory, 320GB 5400RPM HDD, nVidia G 105M GPU, 1280/800 13" display, fingerprint reader, webcam, backlit keyboard, firewire x1, usb x3, HDMI x1, SD slot, eSata x1, Lightscribe DVD RW. 8 hours battery, 4.9 LBS, Vista Home Premium 64 Bit. PRICE $1336.99

Dell Studio XPS 13: 2.53GHz core 2 duo, 4GB 1067MHz memory, 250GB 7200 RPM HDD, nVidia 9400M GPU, 1280/800 13" display, webcam, backlit keyboard, DV port x1, usb x2, HDMI x1, eSata x2, expresscard, face recognition software, slot load DVD RW. 7 Hours Battery, 4.9LBS, Vista Home Premium 64 Bit. PRICE $1403

Sony Vaio SR Series: 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo,, 4GB 800MHz memory, 250GB 5400 RPM HDD, Intel GMA 4500MHD GPU, 1280/800 13" display, webcam, standard keyboard, DV port x1, USB x2, SD slot, Memory stick duo slot, tray load DVD RW. 6 Hours batter, 4.1 LBS, Vista Home Premium 64 Bit. PRICE: $1209

Four very similar notebooks on paper. So, I go to the store and try them out. The Mac totally blows the others off the map. I am guessing it must be the operating system that makes it so fast, since the others (especially the Dell), have the same specs. But this wasn't unexpected. I have vista home premium on a custom desktop at home with much higher specs than the MBP 13", and yet it is STILL(!) slower! Plus it's huge and takes up an entire desk and half the closet. Also, I do not know what laptop your comparing with the MacBook or MBP, but it must either be a very good deal, or a very cheap hardware machine if it's $500 less. I've looked everywhere, and (for comparable hardware) you can't get one for less than about $1200. Anyway, I chose Mac. Besides great hardware (unibody ROCKS!) it just has better software too. I also might mention I got it from a dude on eBay who (very kindly) put Adobe CS4, iWork, MS office '08, Aperture, Final Cut Pro, and VMWare Fusion (Windows programs on Mac) on it at no extra charge! VERY nice software for editing. Plus, 8 percent of my money back on Bing.com, no tax, and $50 cheaper than the Apple list price above. This is my first Mac, and I'm very pleased with it. No problems with it at all. As they are always saying: IT JUST WORKS. Good luck, hope you choose Mac or at least that this post is of use (I just realized I've spent an hour doing the research)!

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yes
Sep 8, 2009 7:16AM PDT

my main computer is an iMac however i have an iBook that is maybe 2 years old but still works very well.

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Definitely worth the cost
Oct 3, 2009 4:50PM PDT

I used to have an HP laptop, and then finally decided to switch to mac. I had a black macbook pro a few years back, but it got stolen (got full refund), and in August of this year went and got a 15inch macbook pro. It's simply the highest quality laptop I've ever used. glass lcd, full aluminum body, great backlit keyboard, nice bright, good contrast display. And the OS is the best. Easy to use, smooth, and extremely high quality. I bootcamped windows 7 on it so i could play a bunch of my games, but thats all i use it for. I use OSX for everything, Maya, programming, school work, iWork for powerpoint type presentations, the build in webcam is pretty good quality and as with the built-in mic.

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I'm a student too, And i have Apple
Jun 23, 2011 11:25AM PDT

Hi! I was a HP user too i had the HP 530, It's a good computer but the technology advances and i had to update my computer, so after a long search i decided to buy an Apple Macbook Pro the 13' inch version. I bought it in the summer ( i'm from Argentina so I'm talking about december to march), And it was better but not better much better than i expected, they aren't cheap but the price is correct in this case. It's a powerful computer it has all that you need, want. And you shouldn't be afraid of changing windows. It's an easy change and the service of Apple care is really good, they're always ready to help you in anything.
So, I recommend this change! You won't be disdapointed