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General discussion

MacBook Pro 17 buying help

by jlg77 May 13, 2009 6:00AM PDT

I know enough about laptops to get myself in to trouble so I need some realistic advice.
I am considering the MacBook Pro 17. It is probably more computer than I would ever need but I love the touch pad features, how visual and intuitive it appears to be (im an Iphone user), and the power and feature set that it offers. The caveats are of course price. Granted this is more of an impulse "want it" type of situation and I don't really HAVE to have a new laptop. So when i am ready what are the real benefits of this specific laptop over a comparable dell or other make/model? I don't use it for business and my needs are basic. Speed and performance are key. I love the large screen and it has to be visually appealing in terms of the on screen display. I browse the internet, download music and videos, and deal with email. This is probably more computer than I would need ...but it doesn't matter. It's like buying a lexus when a toyota camry would fit the bill. I love the features and how it performs. Any advice?

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3 Posts
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not really a lexus vs camry
by JonTitor May 13, 2009 10:09AM PDT

The macbook pro just has a nicer build quality then most, and it comes with OS X instead of Vista, but otherwise you can find very similar component in much cheaper laptops. If you want that OS X feel on a PC you might just want to try a free Linux distribution like Ubuntu and customize the look

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You're
by 1shado1 May 13, 2009 2:30PM PDT

Not really looking for advice. You've said, "This is probably more computer than I would need ...but it doesn't matter."

I think you're looking for someone to validate a decision that you've already made. The MacBook Pro 17 is a beautifully constructed machine. If you can afford to spend that much coin for that much overkill for your needs, I say go for it. Why settle for something else you won't be as happy with? : )

What are the benefits over a comparable Dell or other make/model? Probably better construction and customer support. Much less chance of viruses/malware. It will also make your wallet lighter than a comparably spec'd Windows-based machine. Some think it's worth it, others don't. It's your opinion that counts.

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I suppose it depends.
by fbbbb May 14, 2009 8:02AM PDT

I echo 1shado1. You want it, you get it.

If you want my opinion - as the owner of several of the unibody 17-inch Crudbook Pros - apart from the weaker chassis as a consequence of the 'unibody' process, tendency to arrive slightly bent and the underreported battery life, it's not a bad desktop replacement which will only be occasionally carried, if you value design and also especially for incompetent users without common sense who worry about viruses and suchlike (I've never, ever, caught virus/malware on Windows machines).

Personally I have a need to run OS X, but if I didn't I wouldn't buy Apples for anything but the most undemanding 'fun' use due to their woeful reliability, form-over-function aspects of their spec and consumer-grade support even for supposedly 'pro' gear.

The cost difference is not a factor in my case, but it is absolutely true you can get a significantly better machine in terms of function, reliability and support for almost the same money from some of the other established players. It's just that they tend to be uglier.

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