Hello, I was thinking about buying a Mac Book Pro. If I got this, I would get the 15-inch: 2.66GHz. It also comes with:
Intel Core 2 Duo
4GB Memory
320GB hard drive<sup>1
</sup>SD card slot
Built-in 7-hour battery <sup>2
</sup> NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M GT with 256MB
I purposely want this computer for the graphics card(s), but would also like to use it for college, I.E. Computer Engineering. The price of this 15-inch notebook is starting at 2,000 dollars, and on top of that, I'd need to buy the packages, etc.
This is a lot of money for one notebook. Granted, I would use it for both gaming and also College, but would I be better off going with this or getting a Windows Notebook with Windows 7?
I'd like to hear from several experiences. Also, if you say Windows 7 notebooks, could you please point me into the right direction for a good notebook, 15-inch monitor would be fine, needs a great graphics card, etc. Extra features, not needed as much, but some may be useful.
Thanks in advance!
P.S. My budget would probably be from $1,000 - $2,000.
Mac or Windows 7?
Renewing Harmony
End
You could get an Alienware with the same specs (core i5 @ 2.53GHz) larger hard drive more memory and better graphics card for cheaper.
And we all know Alienware overcharges. (not to mention from what I'm told their totally overrated and such)
Not to mention for gaming purposes a windows based system will be much better.
take a look a ibuypower see what you can come up with from that. You'll probably get better for less
And we all know Alienware overcharges. (not to mention from what I'm told their totally overrated and such)
Not to mention for gaming purposes a windows based system will be much better.
take a look a ibuypower see what you can come up with from that. You'll probably get better for less
Quote:
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Originally Posted by what I threw together on ibuypower cause i was bored
Battalion 101 FX-925Z Notebook
Case ( Battalion 101 FX-925Z 15.4" WXGA 1280x800 Widescreen LCD TFT Notebook w/Li-ion battery, Universal AC Power Adapter - Original Metallic Silver/Black 2-Tone Color ) Processor ( Intel® Core 2 Duo Mobile T9900 Dual-Core Processor (2x 3.06GHz/6MB Cache/1066FSB) ) Memory ( 4GB [2GB x 2] 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM [Notebook Memory] - Corsair or Major Brand ) Video Card ( Mobility DDR3 1GB NVIDIA GTS 160M PCI-Express 3D Video [FX-925Z] ) Primary Hard Drive ( 320 GB 7200rpm Serial-ATA Super Slim Notebook Hard Drive ) Optical Drive ( 8x Dual Format DVD±R/±RW + 16x CD-R/RW Combo Drive [FX-925Z] ) Flash Media Reader/Writer ( Built-in 4-in-1 Media Card Reader/Writer [Notebook] ) Sound Card ( 3D Premium Surround Sound Onboard ) Network Card ( Built-in 10/100/1000 Network LAN [Notebook] ) Fax Modem ( Built-in 56K V.92 Fax Modem [Notebook] ) Internal Wireless Network Adapter ( MSI MN11BGN 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi Link ) Operating System ( Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate + [Free 60-Day !!!] Microsoft Office 2007(Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access ....) - 64-Bit USB 2.0 Accessories ( Built-in 2x USB 2.0 Ports [Notebook] ) Carrying Case ( Free Deluxe Carrying Case ) Video Camera ( Built-in 2.0 Mega Pixels Digital Web Video Camera ) Warranty ( Standard Warranty Service - Standard One(1) Year Limited Warranty + Lifetime Technical Support ) $1,688.00 |
Renewing Harmony
End, I like Battalions, yet they are so thick... It has so many extra features which I don't really need/probably won't ever use... That's the only downfall to those types of notebooks. 
moriz
do you need to play games on it? if not, go with the mac.
also, keep in mind that you can install windows 7 on a mac too. and since you are an engineer student, you should have access to MSDN-AA, meaning you'll get free microsoft products.
also, keep in mind that you can install windows 7 on a mac too. and since you are an engineer student, you should have access to MSDN-AA, meaning you'll get free microsoft products.
Renewing Harmony
Not a student yet, but soon.
Well, I would like to play Guild Wars and when it comes out, Guild Wars 2... But i mean, the mac has an Nvidia GeForce 9400... My desktop only has a 5500 GeForce and it runs so smoothly. Is there something missing in Macs that wouldn't allow me to play this as well as on my Desktop?
And overall, I like how macs run... Everything about them, there is time spent into the programs/engineering. It has so many useful features that I would actually be using on it,
Well, I would like to play Guild Wars and when it comes out, Guild Wars 2... But i mean, the mac has an Nvidia GeForce 9400... My desktop only has a 5500 GeForce and it runs so smoothly. Is there something missing in Macs that wouldn't allow me to play this as well as on my Desktop?
And overall, I like how macs run... Everything about them, there is time spent into the programs/engineering. It has so many useful features that I would actually be using on it,
moriz
mac do not support directX, which GW uses as the API which calls the graphic card. without directX support, GW won't run. you can "emulate" DX support using Wine, but you are guaranteed to suffer loss in performance at best, or total unplayability if you are not lucky. to put it in perspective, my desktop can run GW maxed out at 300 FPS. under linux and using Wine, it ran GW at 3 FPS.
you are much better off, if you insist on the mac, to bootcamp windows XP/vista/7. this is essentially the same thing as dual booting.
you are much better off, if you insist on the mac, to bootcamp windows XP/vista/7. this is essentially the same thing as dual booting.
Renewing Harmony
Hmm, so... Random question:
Say I do buy the Mac and then put Windows 7 on it... Would I then be able to use DirectX or still not able?
BTW, thanks for the help everyone.
Say I do buy the Mac and then put Windows 7 on it... Would I then be able to use DirectX or still not able?
BTW, thanks for the help everyone.
Lourens
You will be don't worry 
Renewing Harmony
Thanks, Lourens... Yeah, I think overall, the Mac would be a better product to buy. And now knowing that I should get the Dual Boot, get to play GW, and also get to use the Mac features for College.
Thanks everyone for your help, it has been well appreciated.
Thanks everyone for your help, it has been well appreciated.
Silverhand
i had this same question about which to get
i went with the mac and i love it
i hvnt got to bootcamp it yet, but looking forward to it
i did try it with wine using crossover games and it worked fine for me
i went with the mac and i love it
i hvnt got to bootcamp it yet, but looking forward to it
i did try it with wine using crossover games and it worked fine for me
Renewing Harmony
Awesome, thanks for the help. Yeah, Macs have so many features I can use with them, the only problem is you can't run Gw... Well, I guess I'll just pay to get to Dual Bootcamp and bam, run GW and also have the Mac capabilities.
Thanks everyone.
Thanks everyone.
Chop it Off
there are several reasons i hate apple computers, mainly they were proprietary in the software market for a long time, and still its extremely hard to get some compatible software for them that isnt "apple", but it all mainly comes down to two questions.
are you going to game on it?
and
do you care that much about physical appearances?
yes, you can dual boot macs, but other then physical aesthetics, there's no reason to pay the prices they ask for them.
just my two cents.
are you going to game on it?
and
do you care that much about physical appearances?
yes, you can dual boot macs, but other then physical aesthetics, there's no reason to pay the prices they ask for them.
just my two cents.
Renewing Harmony
Well, I know what you're saying, but I mean, Macs, especially the one Nvidia 9400+9600, would run outstandingly. But I get what you're saying. The only downfall that I have to what you're saying is that I kind of do care about the appearance. I don't want to be tugging around a computer with so many extra features that it makes it big and bulky.
If you could, do you have any computers you seem would fit my needs by any chance?
If you could, do you have any computers you seem would fit my needs by any chance?
Quaker
Too often, people seem to compare Macs to low end Windows laptops and say how much better Macs are in quality and aesthetics. But, before you go off buying an overpriced MacBook, go to a local electronics store and take a look at some of the better laptops. I think you'll find that there are lots of high quality and good looking Windows laptops.
Of course, these high quality laptops are almost as expensive as a Mac, but they usually have better specs overall.
For example - http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...on=&langid=EN#
Of course it's always good to read reviews too.
For a while Macs were popular because of the "cool factor", but the trend is starting to wane a bit.
P.s. - I like Macs, they are nice machines, but they are over-priced.
Of course, these high quality laptops are almost as expensive as a Mac, but they usually have better specs overall.
For example - http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...on=&langid=EN#
Of course it's always good to read reviews too.
For a while Macs were popular because of the "cool factor", but the trend is starting to wane a bit.
P.s. - I like Macs, they are nice machines, but they are over-priced.
Faer
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Originally Posted by Renewing Harmony
Yeah, I think overall, the Mac would be a better product to buy.
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Unless you absolutely need one of the less than a handful applications that only run on a mac for college, there's no good reason to buy one instead of a cheaper, more powerful laptop (like the ones newegg offers, for example).
End
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Originally Posted by Theocrat
Less power for more price with a need to install a second OS to play your games hardly qualifies for the better overall award.
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Really looks is the only thing a Mac would have going for it at this point...
Quakers got a good example there... inch and a half can hardly be argued as to think I carry around books twice (at least) that width for school...or did at least...only issues I have is I would prefer 7200 RPM on the hard drive...but not a huge difference....
Renewing Harmony
Thanks everyone so much...
So, if I were to get a Windows, which type of computer should I get? I.E. What would have great performance, but will last me a while and won't have any troubles with it later on?
So, if I were to get a Windows, which type of computer should I get? I.E. What would have great performance, but will last me a while and won't have any troubles with it later on?
Bob Slydell
Mac Book Pro is nice, those GPU's are better than my x1600 i Think... but that isn't SLi at all if you are thinking that...so it would have been a waste if you bought it just for the graphics and for games. There are faster cards out there in notebooks right now.
OS X is good for iTunes and other things if you own something like an iPod touch or iPhone and want to rip DvD movies with no problems at all... because it just works great together, but don't buy it if you JUST wanna play games.
Unless you get an iMac...more powerful.., and at which don't go above 21.5" ones because the cards can't handle anything above 1680x1050 that well gaming wise.
BTW: I'll add this for you. Don't let anyone who says "its a pain to have to install window just to play games" put you down. But remember as I said, don't buy it JUST for games and Windows, OS X does handy stuff as well.
OS X is good for iTunes and other things if you own something like an iPod touch or iPhone and want to rip DvD movies with no problems at all... because it just works great together, but don't buy it if you JUST wanna play games.
Unless you get an iMac...more powerful.., and at which don't go above 21.5" ones because the cards can't handle anything above 1680x1050 that well gaming wise.
BTW: I'll add this for you. Don't let anyone who says "its a pain to have to install window just to play games" put you down. But remember as I said, don't buy it JUST for games and Windows, OS X does handy stuff as well.
The Bard
I'd get something like this
http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=wGROClu9UevFOGKS
at least here it's about the same as a Macbook Pro 13" but with Intel i7 cpu, Geforce gtx260m full HD resolution (1920*1080) etc etc. It'll run anything the macbook will + 4 million other things and every game on the market.
oh and since you cared about the looks, these all look sick
http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=wGROClu9UevFOGKS
at least here it's about the same as a Macbook Pro 13" but with Intel i7 cpu, Geforce gtx260m full HD resolution (1920*1080) etc etc. It'll run anything the macbook will + 4 million other things and every game on the market.
oh and since you cared about the looks, these all look sick
Xenomortis
What can a Mac do that a Windows PC/Laptop cannot do? I haven't seen anything from Macs that would make me think buying one was ever worthwhile, considering the drawbacks you get - particularly as a gamer.
Renewing Harmony
But like I have stated before, the gaming is on the side... This laptop is mostly for College, and with a 7 hr battery, it would be good to have that thing for my all-day classes.
Xenomortis
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Originally Posted by Renewing Harmony
But like I have stated before, the gaming is on the side... This laptop is mostly for College, and with a 7 hr battery, it would be good to have that thing for my all-day classes.
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If it's just convenient frontends and default applications, then I would urge you to reconsider. But if there's a practical reason or you have your heart set on a particular machine, then go for it.
Renewing Harmony
Overall, I like macs... Don't ask me why. Ever since I have bought my first iPod I have loved them.
And don't forget, I WILL get Win7 on it as well, so I will have all of the features of a Mac and also Windows.
And don't forget, I WILL get Win7 on it as well, so I will have all of the features of a Mac and also Windows.
End
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Originally Posted by Renewing Harmony
But like I have stated before, the gaming is on the side... This laptop is mostly for College, and with a 7 hr battery, it would be good to have that thing for my all-day classes.
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Also...any school that has classes designed for computer engineers and doesn't have a place to plug in a laptop seriously need to think about redesigning their classrooms. Although I will admit it can be a bit of a hassle if your moving around much...in class it's not much of a bother.
Renewing Harmony
But you also have to consider the fact that most of the classes are not just computer based... Such as English and Mathematics. For english, I will need to be writing papers constantly as well at taking notes, and with some 50-odd people in each class, there probably aren't enough plug ins... Granted not everyone will have a laptop, but still, it's still nice to have.
End
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Originally Posted by Renewing Harmony
But you also have to consider the fact that most of the classes are not just computer based... Such as English and Mathematics. For english, I will need to be writing papers constantly as well at taking notes, and with some 50-odd people in each class, there probably aren't enough plug ins... Granted not everyone will have a laptop, but still, it's still nice to have.
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you have mentioned 1 class where a computer would be helpful. The longest single class I have ever had in college was 4 straight hours (god that sucked) most batterys if you set them on the lowest setting and are using...microsoft word...will run for 4 hours...but lets hope you don't have a 4 hour English class (I would not wish that fate on my worst enemies) I admit any liberal arts school will require gen eds many of those a laptop will be useful in. However you should easily be able to get through the day pluging in your laptop when its not inconvenient and being reasonable with your usage (yes that means not watching the latest episode of leverage while your in class). (okay leverage might not be what you watch while your in class... what do you people watch anyway?)
Renewing Harmony
Yeah, but I mean, especially with how much I am on the computer without anything, then also having to do most of my work on it, I think it would be good to get the 7 hr battery. Also, I can plug it in, but what if there's no time between classes?
I was just giving one example of a class. Most likely, if I do get this laptop, then I will use it for every class.
I was just giving one example of a class. Most likely, if I do get this laptop, then I will use it for every class.
End
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Originally Posted by Renewing Harmony
Yeah, but I mean, especially with how much I am on the computer without anything, then also having to do most of my work on it, I think it would be good to get the 7 hr battery. Also, I can plug it in, but what if there's no time between classes?
I was just giving one example of a class. Most likely, if I do get this laptop, then I will use it for every class. |
Back to the battery. the plugging it in issue has nothing to do with time between classes (as a matter of fact that would be the time I would least want to plug it in.) But rather the availability of outlets in classes. I admit a 7hour battery would be nice...but is it worth an extra 300$ to avoid the mild hassle of finding a way to plug in your laptop in class? Yes you might not be able to in EVERY class but I doubt that you won't be able to in ANY class. But really its your decision in this matter. I might disagree and say 7 hours is unnecessary however if you view it as necessary and don't see extra batteries as a possible solution then by all means choose based on that.
Renewing Harmony
But see, I will also be using the battery for papers AFTER class and also homework. I will be using it most of my day and then also on my free time, maybe play GW. Overall, the battery would help. Also I travel a lot, I go up to Alaska for the summers and winters, but the flight is about 10 hours. I could use the Mac's battery use for that time as well. Granted I can't use the internet on the plane, but I can watch movies, or even use the Mac while sitting in the terminal (even though there is a plug in here). Idk, I guess I'm just rambling now, but to me, I think it would be good to have, especially when you think you will be using it a lot.
isamu kurosawa
I use a 2009 imac with the 9400m. It runs gw perfectly at 1680x1050 res using crossover games.
No Need for virtual machine software or running bootcamp.
If you feel you'd prefer the mac then it is worth the money. For those who are willing to try something different OS X is much more comfortable to work with in a variety of fields.
Owning a mac is a lot more than nice looking hardware. OS X is the main reason people buy a mac, not the nonsense you see people who don't even own a mac coming out with. Running an OS that is designed to work with the hardware configuration you are using has many advantages, especially efficiency.
The lack of software myth is complete nonsense. There is a wide range of software available for OS X, both paid and free-ware. Interface designs are always consistent, unlike with windows (your CD burning software looks and uses the same navigation system as the rest of your software, unlike say nero for windows).
Also crossover allows you to run guild wars "full screen" but with the menu bar still showing, allowing you to see the clock, access your dock and even use expose and spaces.
It's also easier to set up multiple clients at once than on windows.
My advice is play with a friends mac or in an apple store and if you like the OS then go for it, you won't be dissapointed. It will handle games fine and perform other tasks better than windows. Just make sure you make use of the student discount offers for a great saving.
No Need for virtual machine software or running bootcamp.
If you feel you'd prefer the mac then it is worth the money. For those who are willing to try something different OS X is much more comfortable to work with in a variety of fields.
Owning a mac is a lot more than nice looking hardware. OS X is the main reason people buy a mac, not the nonsense you see people who don't even own a mac coming out with. Running an OS that is designed to work with the hardware configuration you are using has many advantages, especially efficiency.
The lack of software myth is complete nonsense. There is a wide range of software available for OS X, both paid and free-ware. Interface designs are always consistent, unlike with windows (your CD burning software looks and uses the same navigation system as the rest of your software, unlike say nero for windows).
Also crossover allows you to run guild wars "full screen" but with the menu bar still showing, allowing you to see the clock, access your dock and even use expose and spaces.
It's also easier to set up multiple clients at once than on windows.
My advice is play with a friends mac or in an apple store and if you like the OS then go for it, you won't be dissapointed. It will handle games fine and perform other tasks better than windows. Just make sure you make use of the student discount offers for a great saving.
Renewing Harmony
Awesome, thanks for the info.
Overall, I know what Macs are capable of... My buddy and also teacher have one and I love to mess around with it.
Overall, I know what Macs are capable of... My buddy and also teacher have one and I love to mess around with it.
RotteN
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Originally Posted by Xenomortis
Well ok, but why are you drawn to the Mac bit? What can it do that Windows cannot?
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Also, OSX is just that little smoother to work with, but I guess that's more of a personal opinion.
Lord Sojar
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Originally Posted by RotteN
Purely from a laptop point of view, the new macbooks are a bliss compaired to most windows notebooks. The large trackpad with multitouch makes working with just the macbook (so without using a mouse or any other input device) a LOT easier as compaired to a windows notebook. I have both, so I know the difference.
Also, OSX is just that little smoother to work with, but I guess that's more of a personal opinion. |
You also forget to mention that the new Macbook Pros have full LED screens, they have the highest pixel density on the market (13 and 15" versions), they have amazing battery life (however, you can't remove the battery anymore as a sacrifice for this huge increase), and their chassis is extremely lightweight and small (dimensionally speaking) A 17" Macbook Pro gets 7+ hrs of battery life and it is only 1" thick... that's almost unimaginable.
Quaker
Note however, that LED screens are not inherently "better" than previous models that used flourescents - they are simply thinner. (The new Mac LED screens may look better than the older ones, but that's more a function of overall quality improvements than the change in lighting source.)