z_evil_genius's Full Review: Apple MacBook 13.3 in. (MA700LL/A) Mac Notebook
I am/was a PC user until I got my Macbook. Let me just say, I still use PCs, but my primary system is right here in my backpack, with me all the time. I bought it because I was sick of Microsoft, that I'm basically paying for an OS only to be beta testing it for them. That's how I feel anyway, so I thought I should look elsewhere. Linux is rock solid, but I don't know much about Linux. So naturally, Mac OS X was the next best choice. Incidentally, I also wanted a light notebook that had exceptional battery life. The 13.3" Macbook was perfect. And more so, it still is. There are little things. I should have gotten more RAM. Although Mac uses Preemptive multi-tasking, it still likes to hang from time to time. It never ever crashes though. Unlike my PC which has made it a weekly event. Mac has tons of free software. Unfortunately, my favorite games are not available. However, I don't think they'd play very well anyway as I didn't spring for the Macbook pro which offers a separate video card instead of the integrated intel chip. However, this isn't a big deal to me, it still handles pictures and movies fine. My absolute favorite part is the fact that I can run linux apps on it. Apple provides Xcode tools which contains everything to develope your own source code, or compile someone else'. Automator is awesome and there are more automator tools produced for free every day. It saw my wireless network instantly, no long startup and searching required, unlike my PC when I ran Vista beta on it, it wouldn't connect at all. The Mac also seemlessly works with the windows network via SAMBA. And I didn't even have to configure it! It runs word, even though I prefer open office, and does a good job with Powerpoint, no compatibility issues with users on PCs. I've only had a few minor issues. Some apple programs, namely iPhoto and iWeb use lots of resources if you load ALL your photos or keep large websites. There are programs to help you get around this though. The problem with either is they eat your RAM. So, while you can pull up word or powerpoint via the preemptive multitasking, you're kind of stuck in your photo or web program, having to wait long periods to do anything. This could also be fixed with an additional GB of RAM. It syncs better with my iPod than windows ever did. Oh, and the single greatest thing is the trackpad. You can set it up to right-click with two finger taps, also you can scroll in any direction using two fingers. It is the best thing ever.
Now for the downsides. Again, my games are all PC based, no deparate video card means it can't handle complex 3D games that are available. There is a small crack in the case near the battery. I figure that the plastic is a little thin there and being next to the battery and all that weight may have caused the crack. I'm sure I could have taken it back to Apple and had it repaired, but it isn't getting any worse (been there 6 months) and I think it offers some character. Another downfall is the white color is really nice, but easily darkened. In 9 months there are definite and permanent marks where my palms rest while typing. I clean it once a week, but those won't go away.
I have dropped the computer a couple of times, and due to the sensor built in, the hard drive and all moving components are locked before the impact. What a great idea. Fortunatley, each drop was in my backpack, falling off my motorcycle seat, which is quite a fall, but the computer seemed fine.
For those that are curious about switching to Mac. The learning curve is really low. There are a few things here and there, but eventually you get so used to it, and prefer it, that you start using PCs like a Mac. For me, I only use the PC for Games anymore. The mac came with a remote for Front Row, but you can easily use it for Powerpoint via a free program called iRed Light. Using the optional VGA cable, then I can plug my Mac into any projector and run my presentations natively with a really swift little remote.
None of the built-in programs are truly professional, but they get you started in a number of areas, including home audio recording and midi. I love the ease of use of iWeb, even if the code is a little messy. And iPhoto is a great program once you separate your library into smaller ones.
There are a million people just like me, trying Mac out for the first time. Because of that, there's tons of information available online about tips and tricks. There's many tutorials on switching over, and many comment on how they'll never switch back. Except for the expense of Apple computers (and this one wasn't that bad) these are great systems with lots of user friendliness and hacker abilities too with a unix shell right at your fingertips. The ways in which you can customer the desktop appearance seem to be limitless with extra programs that can hide the menubar or run a screensaver as your desktop background. I have been sold on the Mac way of life, and this 5 lb little wonder has made college a lot more fun. Incidentally, turn off the network card (a simple click) and dim the display, it can run for 5 or 6 hours playing music from your iTunes library. Not as good as an iPod, but that's pretty impressive none-the-less.
My specific configuration is: Mac OS X 10.4.8, 1GB RAM, 80 GB HD, 1.83 MHz Pentium Core Duo, and a CD-RW/DVD combo drive.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1400 Operating System: Macintosh Processor: Other Processor speed: over 1000 Screen Size: 13 inches RAM: More than 256 Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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