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General discussion

Former mac user needs advice...

by JDoobs Nov 2, 2009 3:32PM PST

So here's the long and short of it...

I'm an IT student with a macbook. I love my macbook, there are things I will miss about it (expose), but the fact of the matter is, I need a windows machine. The things I am learning in my classes aren't linux/OS X based and my laptop is my primary machine. (I have a tower running windows 7) I have XP running in bootcamp, but I don't like the way it runs.

Anyway, to my question/dilemma. Macbooks are some of the top built machines out there, from a hardware perspective. I'm having a hard time finding a windows based machine that will match the quality that Macbooks bring. I was wondering if anyone out there has any suggestions? I'm not picky on suggestions, I'll take them all and narrow it down from that list.

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4 Posts
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If I were to say quality.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Nov 2, 2009 8:08PM PST

I'd have to pick and choose which qualities. You didn't say which ones. Apple has DESIGN qualities that you will not find in other machines like that unibody and other items. So they are out there with no one chasing them in that area.

Can you be more specific? If you mean the low cost disposable machines you see all over, how about the Panasonic Toughbooks? These have a quality to them but are still Windows machines so all the issues of malware and more are still there.
Bob

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Re:
by JDoobs Nov 3, 2009 2:03AM PST

I suppose that my primary concern would be the track pad and the keyboard on the systems I'm looking to purchase. I would prefer to avoid a glossy body and track pad. I'm not necessarily looking for multi-touch quality from the track pad, but at least some as responsive would be nice. As far as the keyboard goes, something slightly recessed that the keys rise up through would be preferable.

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I hear you.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Nov 3, 2009 3:26AM PST

I am getting used to a new machine and it's a little glossy and slippery on the keys (HP DV6 line) but it's not bad enough for me to tell anyone to avoid. On the other hand Lenovo and what they did on the HOME and END keys make it un-usable for my work.

Get out and shop the machines. Dell keyboards are acceptable to me too.
Bob

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Don't worry so much about who makes the best quality
by orlbuckeye Nov 2, 2009 9:05PM PST

machine. Look at the way computers are made. You get a graphics card from ATI or Nvidia, a HD from Maxtor or Seagate, soundcard from realtek, Processor and wireless card from Intel a screen from Samsung and they are all put together in taiwan by Quanta. How can a company control the qualtiy. Make sure the support after is upto par. Then aqain not any company has 100% satisfaction.

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