Think I am getting a new laptop

pparks1

Well-Known Member
VIP Member
Guru
Messages
3,658
Location
Westland, MI
So, i've been searching around for a laptop for home use for quite some time. I''m usually only my work laptop at home as I have to carry it back and forth on a daily basis. But I've been thinking about getting my own laptop for quite a while.

I cannot even believe that this is about to happen, but it looks like I am going to actually pick up a Macbook Air. I've got some outside volunteer work that I do with audio technology and everything they use is mac based and I have to get up to speed with the technology. I've always been able to skip Apple products in the past as they didn't offer me anything that I needed or they haven't resolved any problems that I have faced. But now i actually have a need, and the MBA is the most effective and least expensive route to making that happen.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
images-2.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built: Atomic City Computer
    CPU
    AMD A4-4000 3.0/3.2Ghz
    Motherboard
    MSI FM2-A55M-E33
    Memory
    8BG of Corsair DDR3 RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    On Board
    Sound Card
    On Boardi
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viewsonic 27" VA2703
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 500GB, Crucial 120Gb SSD
    Case
    Thermaltake
    Cooling
    N/A
    Keyboard
    Corsair Raptor K40
    Mouse
    Amazon Generic Optical
    Internet Speed
    56Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome and Opera
    Antivirus
    Micro Soft Defender
    Other Info
    Getting this on May 1st:
    AMD A8-6600K
Once you have the product, and disregard what you get for the money, etc. , I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It will take some getting used to, and who will you go to for help? But from what I hear, if you had no PC experience, a Mac is easier to pick up then Windows. I believe they come pre-loaded with quite a bit of productivity software, and I have never heard anyone say the Mac OS sucks. In fact, it's considered quite good, and has a lot of eye candy as well. You'll have to let us know your impressions. A Guy
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Home x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    INTEL Core i5-750
    Motherboard
    ASUS P7P55D
    Memory
    KINGSTON HyperX Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1866Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX750
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 27MP33HQ 32" IPS LED
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 Evo 120 GB, 2 x SEAGATE 500GB Barracuda® 7200.12, SATA 3 Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 16MB cache
    PSU
    ANTEC TruePower New TP-550, 80 PLUS®, 550W
    Case
    ANTEC Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus, 3 x 120mm 1 x 140mm Case
    Internet Speed
    20 + Mbps
    Browser
    Vivaldi
    Antivirus
    Avast
I bought a used Mac Mini last month. Haven't been able look at myself in the mirror every since, lol! :cry:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sony Vaio Duo 11
    CPU
    i7
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 4000
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    11.6" touch screen w/ digitizer & Asus 27" external monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    256 GB SSD
    Cooling
    Internal fan
    Keyboard
    Slider keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech T650 Touchpad & Microsoft Touch Mouse
AppleFanboy.png
All I have to say... :)

What is this audio technology that is only compatible with the mac?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
I bought a used Mac Mini last month. Haven't been able look at myself in the mirror every since, lol! :cry:

Wow, I once had a nightmare that I bought a mac book, I think it was on a sunny September, Sunday afternoon. The only thing I remembered was that I had installed Windows 7 on it, it was next to my desktop monitor and I was just sitting there looking at it. I experienced the MOST intense feeling of guilt and horror I've ever felt in my life. It was like...I had killed my best friend believing he had wronged me but I found out afterwards he had nothing to do with, type of guilt and horror.

Pretty crazy stuff.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Once you have the product, and disregard what you get for the money, etc. , I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It will take some getting used to, and who will you go to for help? But from what I hear, if you had no PC experience, a Mac is easier to pick up then Windows. I believe they come pre-loaded with quite a bit of productivity software, and I have never heard anyone say the Mac OS sucks. In fact, it's considered quite good, and has a lot of eye candy as well. You'll have to let us know your impressions. A Guy
As far as the money aspects go, since it's a Macbook Air, it's the least expensive of the laptop options. I'm also shopping at the Apple refurb store, which saves me some more money. The price is $1,019 for a 13.3" at 1440x900, 1.8Ghz Core i5, 4GB of RAM, 128GB SSD, 7+ hours of battery life and less than 3lbs.

What is this audio technology that is only compatible with the mac?
It's not so much that it's "only" compatible with a Mac, but the studio, the auditorium, and the rest of the technology is already setup and using the Mac. So, it would be a great help if I actually knew how to get around in the OS, and find stuff and just generally know more. All of the Pro Tools stations are running on a Mac, all of the wireless microphones are monitored for signal and battery levels on a Mac, and the computers being used which are running various plug-ins and such are using the Mac platform. In the case of what I am involved in, it's mixing audio for a live band. In the creative arts world, these things seem to be more often done on a mac than anything else.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Now, I wouldn't ever ever ever, EVER, recommend using the macs but as you may need certain software right away; you could try installing a modified mac os image into a VM with VirtualBox if your system has the latest Intel processor. Keep both Windows native and mac on standby.



But as I know you're not a huge fan of Windows 8... :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Now, I wouldn't ever ever ever, EVER, recommend using the macs but as you may need certain software right away; you could try installing a modified mac os image into a VM with VirtualBox if your system has the latest Intel processor. Keep both Windows native and mac on standby.

But as I know you're not a huge fan of Windows 8... :)

I've considered again trying to do OSX in a VM, but past experiences in that realm have been less than awesome. It could however resolve the immediate issue that I have, that of not knowing much about the OS.

I'm unsure of what you saying about my lack of enthusiasm for Windows 8. While I don't like the new UI changes much, I am somebody who uses and generally speaking likes Windows. Nothing would preclude me from doing OSX as a VM within Windows 7.

The only reason I am thinking about doing a macbook (versus an OSX VM) is
1). I could use my own laptop in the house rather than using my work laptop for so much stuff
2). It boots super fast and is pretty much instant awake from sleep...which is nice for the general purpose laptop
3). Performance of the OSX VM has historically been abysmal.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Some of the later macbooks are using SSD drives along with over the top Intel processors. You can stick Windows 8 on one with the same hardware and achieve the same and more, especially if the chip supports connected standby. But 1,000 dollars for a refurbished 13 inch laptop? Keeping my apple bias aside, the mathematical logistics side of me finds that to be preposterous. You can buy a new ultrabook with about a 15 inch screen and I think a SSD for that amount.

Yes, VM performance with mac isn't good, unless if you have a high end Intel chip. Doing Core Duo or i3 might not be the best performing chip for that.

I just got reminded one time reading some features that apple touts for the mac and it was instant awake, mind you, this was a year after Windows 7 was released and I believe the latest version of mac that had instant awake was released. It was silly to read that.

I suggest with that money, buy an ultrabook new with a SSD, with Windows 8 preferably, one with preferably an i7 or at least an i5 processor, and VM mac os. That way, your laptop needs are solved, and you don't necessarily need throw money out the door. I'm also kind of curious as to see how apple people react to the Start Screen as I've read a few stories of long time apple fanboys switching over to Windows because of 8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Some of the later macbooks are using SSD drives along with over the top Intel processors. You can stick Windows 8 on one with the same hardware and achieve the same and more, especially if the chip supports connected standby. But 1,000 dollars for a refurbished 13 inch laptop? Keeping my apple bias aside, the mathematical logistics side of me finds that to be preposterous. You can buy a new ultrabook with about a 15 inch screen and I think a SSD for that amount.
The MacBook air comes with a 128GB SSD for that $1,000 pricetag. This model of MacBook Air was made in June of 2012 (so 3 months old), and it's $1019 versus $1199 if I were to buy it new. So, I still get 1 year warranty, and I save myself $180 by getting it refurbished.

Please find me a suitable ultrabook replacement which includes all of the features I would get for a much smaller pricetag. It needs to have

  • Core i5 1.8Ghz or above
  • 4GB of RAM or more
  • Minimum resolution of 1440x900
  • 128GB SSD
  • USB 3.0 ports
  • 7+ hour battery
  • Intel HD4000 or above graphics
  • Keep weight around 3lbs
  • I don't want a screen over 14", that's what my laptop has now and it's as big as I would want in a portable.

The cheapest one I have found thus far on NewEgg is an HP Envy at $939 (Newegg.com - HP ENVY Spectre XT 13-2050NR 13.3-inch Ultrabook - Silver), which doesn't make that $1,019 seem preposterous to me. Especially considering it's a slower core i5 CPU and has less resolution than the machine above.

Yes, VM performance with mac isn't good, unless if you have a high end Intel chip. Doing Core Duo or i3 might not be the best performing chip for that.
So, considering my current work laptop is a core 2 Duo, and my home desktop is a Core 2 Quad Q9550...neither of those would be very appealing.


I'm also kind of curious as to see how apple people react to the Start Screen as I've read a few stories of long time apple fanboys switching over to Windows because of 8.
Which Apple people do you expect me to show Windows 8 to? I don't really have a lot of Apple fanboy friends?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Your best bet on the newegg (as you were considering a refurbished macbook) is to look at refurbs as well as to keep options balanced. I can't guarantee screen size, long battery life, or weight, but I can guarantee HD resolution, an NVIDIA mobile graphics chip, a 2.00-60 Ghz i7 processor, USB 3, and probably 8 gigs of RAM for about 700-800 dollars just about. The remainder can be used to pop in a new SSD drive and possibly a new battery. If possible, a larger battery capacity as well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
^ Find it for me. For what it's worth, you can get the MacBook Air that I was looking at for $1099 at Best Buy right now and it's not refurbished. Make sure it's an Ultrabook, or something small too. You said that my price was preposterous for what I was getting, but I'm looking for some proof. While a bit more expensive, I don't think the price is all that bad.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
For the caliber of hardware of an i7 or i5, a mobile NVIDIA chip, lots of RAM and STILL have money left to upgrade a couple of parts and still be under a $1,000 versus a new mac...it doesn't take a genius. ;)

Oh, for context's sake, I was assuming that if the software that was used is on the mac platform, I'd figure there would a couple of people that would be using a mac. I'm curious as to see if someone using a mac gets interested with Windows 8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
For the caliber of hardware of an i7 or i5, a mobile NVIDIA chip, lots of RAM and STILL have money left to upgrade a couple of parts and still be under a $1,000 versus a new mac...it doesn't take a genius. ;)
Well, it's easy to talk and say you can do it and match the hardware and have it be better, yadda, yadda, yadda. But yet, you haven't linked to any specific machine which matches the spec and comes in substantially cheaper....although you called the price of the Macbook Air preposterous.

Oh, for context's sake, I was assuming that if the software that was used is on the mac platform, I'd figure there would a couple of people that would be using a mac. I'm curious as to see if someone using a mac gets interested with Windows 8.
Do you honestly think I am going to be able to convince an audio team who has spent millions of dollars on high end amps, line array speakers, high end console mixing boards, state of the art wireless monitors and microphones to ditch all of their macs and try out a PC? And you think they might want to make a switch simply because of the new UI experience. You are nuts. Hence the reason that I am probably going to get a mac and just learn it because it's what I am going to be using in this position for the forseeable future.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I've found a couple of refurbed ones. One in particular isn't an ultrabook per se, but the specs are worthwhile. An HP Elitebook with an i7 processor (I think clock range is 2-3.1 GHz, not sure though), 4 gigs of RAM, 128 gig SSD, dedicated AMD Radeon 6470?m, and roughly 5-8 hour battery life. It's more of a solid looking slab, screen resolution is 1600x900 and it's a 14 inch screen. Cost is I believe over 750.

I'll post the link later as I'm not at home and don't have a puter on hand. I've been browsing Newegg with my Windows Phone app.

And no, I don't expect them to switch to Windows, I'm just curious what their reactions will be to it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Ok, based on what you gave me, I found this on the NewEgg site, it's $705
Newegg.com - Refurbished: HP EliteBook 8460p (LJ498UTR#ABA) Notebook Intel Core i5 2540M(2.60GHz) 14" 4GB Memory DDR3 1333 128GB SSD HDD DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL AMD Radeon HD 6470M

That price is pretty solid, but I would be a bit concerned with the 90 day warranty on a refurbished unit. And NewEgg lists it as 4.5lbs, but I think they got their numbers backwards as the other sites all list it as 5.4lbs.

There is no question that the Mac isn't the cheapest option out there, but all in all, it's not terribly overpriced either. In this case, it will help me to learn mac and OSX..and that is the most important point at this point for me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Actually buying the laptop is harder than expected. I've had it in my cart, i looked at it at Best Buy and simply haven't been able to click on Submit and charge my credit card. If I wouldn't have had so many other life expenses, this would be easy, but it's just one more bill to have to pay off.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
For me, the allure of a Mac, is iOS programming. I've been wanting to get a Mac for at least a couple years now, ever since the iPad came out. So when I finally bit the bullet, I got a secondhand Mac Mini mid 2010. It is still a core two duo, but has eight gigs of ram. So it's not particularly a fast machine, but once it boots up you can load a lot of programs.

So I finally checked out Xcode, which is Apple's answer to Visual Studio. All the Apple development tools are free or inexpensive, while Microsoft to you either get the express editions of Visual Studio or pay through the nose for the full editions. For me the answer is pretty clear, Microsoft is the way to go. I already know the languages used to develop Metro UI apps. Apple uses a language called Objective-C, a favorite of Steve Jobs while he was with Next. Plus I'm already familiar with Microsoft's development environment and have been for years. I was worried that the Windows Store wasn't going to take off, certainly during the preview period. But now that Windows 8 has gone to RTM, the store has really filled up with a lot of new apps. My gamble is that it would be best for me to learn how to write apps for the Windows Store, rather than learn Apple's way of doing things and write apps for Apple's App Store. Certainly there will be a demand for Metro UI apps in the not-too-distant future, since Microsoft has a huge amount of catch up to do.

So my original reason for getting the Mac seems to have evaporated. Now I'm letting the Mac mini become my media center, as it seems to do pretty good in that regard. Now I need to pry myself away from my new Apple toy, and play with my Samsung Slate some more, and learn to write Metro UI apps.

So here I am about 30 days into my Apple experiment. Meh!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sony Vaio Duo 11
    CPU
    i7
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 4000
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    11.6" touch screen w/ digitizer & Asus 27" external monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    256 GB SSD
    Cooling
    Internal fan
    Keyboard
    Slider keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech T650 Touchpad & Microsoft Touch Mouse
Back
Top