View Full Version : Apple Adventures
Before I went Apple, I never realised how good Apples are.
MSN Messenger under OSX is a bit underwhelming as is ICQ but Yahoo Messenger works just fine.
Open Office also works but needs an X11 window to run. Having said that, iWork is quite cheap.
Every RAW image I throw at OSX is immediately viewable (all sizes) without needing to be converted to JPEG. I do not need to work with JPEGs when I can work straight from RAW. That saves me a ton of time and effort.
01514
03-28-2008, 10:48 AM
try aMSN works fine no problems and it has more options then regular msn including video chat and there is free neo office on the net :)
try aMSN works fine no problems and it has more options then regular msn including video chat and there is free neo office on the net :)
Hmm. I knew there'd be a different solution.
At the moment I'm happy with MSN anyway - it's not got the features of Windows MSN but it does at least allow some communications.
Visual Reality
03-28-2008, 04:19 PM
Maybe try Trillian? It combines most of the popular chat clients into one. Not sure if it works on Mac.
Stephie Baby
03-28-2008, 04:44 PM
Ughh.. I'm scared to get a MAC. Lol. I HATE using the ones at school, but everyone LOVES them sooo much. Idk if I can get use to the no right click thing.:)
01514
03-28-2008, 04:57 PM
well there is right click thing :) there is even a middle click thing lol
don't be scared it won't bit at least not hard :D oh and the good thing is thay just work :)
Visual Reality
03-28-2008, 05:03 PM
well there is right click thing :) there is even a middle click thing lol
don't be scared it won't bit at least not hard :D oh and the good thing is thay just work :)
I can't believe how often I see people say this.
It works? Really? Are you sure?
My PC works too - faster, and at 1/2 the cost.
Waits for retort...wait for it...
Stephie Baby
03-28-2008, 05:35 PM
I think I'm going to keep my HP as my main computer and just get a 13 inch Mac for photo editing and photography stuff. That way if I don't like it, I can sell it.:D
I was hesitant about getting a Mac even though I wanted one. I made the right choice. It handles photos really well.
There are even tons of games available although I, for one, couldn't care less about games.
You can use a PC mouse with a Mac. So you get two buttons and a scroll wheel. There are some incredible games for the mac if you are so inclined. Ive been playing with a great little program called Long Range Rife Shooting simulation. Its actually a complete math course. With incredible accuracy you can put a bullet in the target at 2000+ yards.
tombo
03-29-2008, 01:19 AM
pcs may work faster from day one, but put the 2 side by side after 2 years of everyday use and its clear which is the quality machine.
funny that the only thing that you don't like about your mac is the fault of windows.
also adium is good for chat, can combine ICQ and msn, adium used alongside "growl" (an alerting app) is genius. check it out!
I can't believe how often I see people say this.
It works? Really? Are you sure?
My PC works too - faster, and at 1/2 the cost.
Waits for retort...wait for it...
What is your problem with Apple computers? Every time someone comes up with an attribute or like-able thing about 'their' Apple, you chime in with rubbish this & that, pc does this & that, mate!!!!, relax already for christsakes. It's their choice not yours, take it easy!! Honestly put the Microsoft cool aide down & back away from the computer.:D
I used Windows for years and justified my use of Windows over Mac as Macs were for snobs and people with too much money. Then I realised when I got a Mac that they were right and I was wrong. I'd been using a cheapskate system that kinda-sorta worked but now have a system that really works.
OSX boot time? 20 seconds or therabouts. Shutdown - 5 seconds.
Windows boot time? As long as a piece of string - it varies every time.
Windows shut-down? Often it only shuts down if you pull the plug.
Visual Reality
03-29-2008, 09:54 AM
What is your problem with Apple computers? Every time someone comes up with an attribute or like-able thing about 'their' Apple, you chime in with rubbish this & that, pc does this & that, mate!!!!, relax already for christsakes. It's their choice not yours, take it easy!! Honestly put the Microsoft cool aide down & back away from the computer.:D
I don't have a problem with Apple computers per say...I have a problem with a lot of their users. Basically, the ones that say they bought it because it "just works". That is the most lame excuse I have ever heard for overpaying for a brand name. I used Apple computers for 11 or 12 years until I got into High School. You wouldn't believe how ecstatic everyone was to find that our HS actually had real PCs in their labs!
I'm sorry if I came off harsh but the "it just works" crowd really rubs me the wrong way. This is only a certain group of Apple users. Don't let them infect you with this blind fanboyism too and enjoy your Mac :D
I used Windows for years and justified my use of Windows over Mac as Macs were for snobs and people with too much money. Then I realised when I got a Mac that they were right and I was wrong. I'd been using a cheapskate system that kinda-sorta worked but now have a system that really works.
OSX boot time? 20 seconds or therabouts. Shutdown - 5 seconds.
Windows boot time? As long as a piece of string - it varies every time.
Windows shut-down? Often it only shuts down if you pull the plug.
Try Sleep/Standby mode. I almost never shut my system down anymore. My "shut down" time is essentially 5 seconds, and my "startup" time is around 10. It may eventually need to be restarted after a month or two but you can't avoid the driver updates :)
This bantering back and forth between Apple and PC is like people who swear by Volkswagens and those who swear by Porsches. I just say let the people who swear by their volkswagen continue to use their PCs and the others who prefer their Porsche just stick with their Mac. I have both a PC Laptop and a Mac and only touch my Mac. The PC is just here as a reminder why I use my Mac. But as much as I like my Mac I will never understand Apple's marketing.
Try Sleep/Standby mode. I almost never shut my system down anymore. My "shut down" time is essentially 5 seconds, and my "startup" time is around 10. It may eventually need to be restarted after a month or two but you can't avoid the driver updates
I switch my computers off at night to save power. In fact, everything gets switched off at night - nothing left on standby (aside from the coffeemaker and the fridge). You'd be amazed at the amount of power just one TV left on standby 24x7x365 uses. Now imagine every TV in your house left on standby and VCRS and computers etc and you'll realise why standby is a really bad option. If not for your wallet then at least power off for the environment.
Bynx makes a good point but I would rather liken a PC to a Ford Escort. It can be made to do most things and be repaired by most country yokels but it will never last as long, look as good or retain its value as well as a Rolls Royce.
cdifoto
03-29-2008, 05:17 PM
Bynx makes a good point but I would rather liken a PC to a Ford Escort. It can be made to do most things and be repaired by most country yokels but it will never last as long, look as good or retain its value as well as a Rolls Royce.
Poorest analogy I've ever heard in my life. It's more like Cavalier vs Cimarron. Same damned car, slightly different features, different badge. They both lack power and ride like a wagon. Some people just like to pay more to have different taillights.
Poorest analogy I've ever heard in my life. It's more like Cavalier vs Cimarron. Same damned car, slightly different features, different badge. They both lack power and ride like a wagon. Some people just like to pay more to have different taillights.
It's like a Leica camera. Once you've had one, you know why they're the best. Many people will pay the price of a Leica by buying cheaper bodies and continually buying/selling them in search of perfection but having paid that price will never own a Leica. Once you've chugged through Windows systems, upgrading each time a new OS comes out, you'll have paid the price of a Mac but won't actually have one.
I was a doubter. I'm glad I changed. Life is so much easier with Mac. When they say: "it just works", it's the truth.
Software installation can be interesting but seems to be a case of dragging the application from the disk to the applications folder then to the dock (equivalent of the toolbar/start menu). Anything that gets integrated into Apple rather than simply running on top can only be installed with your password.
I'm having to learn a whole new way of doing things but thus far...
RAW files are read and manipulated very easily. OSX handles them quickly and easily as though they were just Jpegs. No need to convert to jpeg before printing. This means all files can be left as RAW (or processed if desired).
Open Office can be used although it needs the X11 software to run properly. Firefox and Thunderbird run well.
Boot and shutdown is very fast. The battery lasts 5 hours. The Macbook has a firewire port but no PCMCIA nor expresscard slot. The PCMCIA would be useful because that's where my wife's Verizon broadband card goes. I'll have to look for firewire PCMCIA and firewire CF/SD readers.
Visual Reality
03-29-2008, 11:07 PM
All of these analogies mean nothing...they just don't apply so don't try to make them.
About standby - the power use is a valid point however when it comes to PC's they use very little. Here is something you maybe didn't know - the power supply in your PC is always on until you switch it off on the back. It will pull power from the wall whether you are on or off. It will sit and draw around 10-15 watts.
Standby uses 1 watt or less for all of the systems I have tested. 1 watt...isn't going to break the bank and I get right back into my desktop including all of the web pages (tabs in Opera) and programs I may have decided to leave open to continue work the next day. It isn't just OS loading time but all of the applications that you have to reload as well...when I resume from Standby I resume my work. I maybe see the Windows loading screen a dozen times a year, tops.
This is coming from a very power concious person. I also shut off everything when I leave the house, at night when I sleep, and have the thermostat on a program for efficiency. I even unplug my router which uses around 10 watts. 1 watt from a PC is a fair trade for what I get in return :)
fionndruinne
03-29-2008, 11:58 PM
This is just so ridiculous. Apple may have some good features, but you never see someone start an "I love the PC!" thread, and the reason for that is PC users are more confident about their gear. Apple charges for the name, plus they basically tell you what you want (ever heard of the "iLife" package?:rolleyes:). Both hardware-wise and software-wise. PC allows you an infinite amount of options, and if you've had a bad experience with PC, that's just because you don't know how to get the best experience out of the machine. Maybe if that's the case you need to pay the cash for Apple to decide things for you. That's legitimate. But I want options.
Poor PC users don't know what they want from their computer. Good PC users build or install what they want, and call it good. Mac users must fit into one of Apple's niches in order to be happy campers.
fionndruinne
03-29-2008, 11:59 PM
Oh, and, my PC laptop uses 65 watts of power. Should I leave on my porch light, or my computer???
01514
03-30-2008, 11:08 AM
well i have been a pc user for years then i last year i got my first mac abd b4 i got it i wasn't too sure about it and now after a year of use of my mac i'm not going back to pc anytime soon for sure.So far it was all positive about working on it and if ppl don't like macs then thats cool with me i'm happy with it works fine and i would recommend to anyone :)
well i have been a pc user for years then i last year i got my first mac abd b4 i got it i wasn't too sure about it and now after a year of use of my mac i'm not going back to pc anytime soon for sure.So far it was all positive about working on it and if ppl don't like macs then thats cool with me i'm happy with it works fine and i would recommend to anyone :)
Me too. Working with photos is so much easier. iLife comes with iDVD and iPhoto. I used iPhoto to make a very nice 1.7GB QuickTime video of my 594 photos of my holiday and then burnt it to DVD with iDVD. With Windows I just could not have done that as easily or as well.
Me too. Working with photos is so much easier. iLife comes with iDVD and iPhoto. I used iPhoto to make a very nice 1.7GB QuickTime video of my 594 photos of my holiday and then burnt it to DVD with iDVD. With Windows I just could not have done that as easily or as well.
Really! I suppose thats because it just works;););););););) Personally I think anyone with a grudge against anyone that says mac's are great are slightly unfocused closet queens that participate in midget wrestling on a very high carb day:D
Seriously if people enjoy using said A instead of said B then that is their prerogative, we don't come here to be told like school children that this is better....BECAUSE!!!!! Relax already. Rhys I know what you're talking about & agree because I have one & it works too;):)
The strange thing is under XP I have never ever managed to get a DVD to burn at more than 2.8x despite my XP machines having 8x DVD writers. My Apple burned straightaway at 8x. I cannot explain that as it happens on every Windows machine with a DVD writer that I have tried.
01514
03-31-2008, 10:17 AM
Rhys if u like iphoto u should try aperture to play with raw pics :)
Rhys if u like iphoto u should try aperture to play with raw pics :)
One day I'll sit down with the Aperture manual and find out how to use it. It's already installed.
Rhys if u like iphoto u should try aperture to play with raw pics :)
I tried it and its nice, but I tend to get better results with CaptureNX (Nikon software). I do love the user interface of Aperture, MUCH MUCH better than CaptureNX's!
I tried it and its nice, but I tend to get better results with CaptureNX (Nikon software). I do love the user interface of Aperture, MUCH MUCH better than CaptureNX's!
I have Canon's software and use Image Browser and DPP. Image Browser is set to download and delete from the memory card :D
Visual Reality
03-31-2008, 03:44 PM
Really! I suppose thats because it just works;););););););) Personally I think anyone with a grudge against anyone that says mac's are great are slightly unfocused closet queens that participate in midget wrestling on a very high carb day:D
Seriously if people enjoy using said A instead of said B then that is their prerogative, we don't come here to be told like school children that this is better....BECAUSE!!!!! Relax already. Rhys I know what you're talking about & agree because I have one & it works too;):)
Cute. You're completely missing the point here. No one came in here preaching what was better than what. If anything this is a thread about how Macs are so much better than the PC (when the truth is you are buying the same hardware that you will find in a PC, often times cheaply produced for better margins and marked up 150% because the Apple name is on it). I already said I don't have a problem with Macs - I have a problem with a lot of their users. I don't blame them, and I hope for their sake that for the premium they paid it "just works". What you guys are seeing that you like about them, is the OS that runs that hardware and the simplistic design of the packaging (plastic). Last I checked though skimping out on ports and certain features to improve margins isn't my idea of a good product if it makes me have to make up for these shortcomings on my own through other means.
So like I said, enjoy your Mac OSX. Everyone has their preference, that just isn't mine.
You guys should go apply at Apple Marketing.
01514
03-31-2008, 03:47 PM
I have Canon's software and use Image Browser and DPP. Image Browser is set to download and delete from the memory card :D
you can do that with aperture too download and delete or u can download some of the the pix and delete only the ones u downloaded and keep the rest on your card
Cute. You're completely missing the point here. No one came in here preaching what was better than what. If anything this is a thread about how Macs are so much better than the PC (when the truth is you are buying the same hardware that you will find in a PC, often times cheaply produced for better margins and marked up 150% because the Apple name is on it). I already said I don't have a problem with Macs - I have a problem with a lot of their users. I don't blame them, and I hope for their sake that for the premium they paid it "just works". What you guys are seeing that you like about them, is the OS that runs that hardware and the simplistic design of the packaging (plastic). Last I checked though skimping out on ports and certain features to improve margins isn't my idea of a good product if it makes me have to make up for these shortcomings on my own through other means.
So like I said, enjoy your Mac OSX. Everyone has their preference, that just isn't mine.
You guys should go apply at Apple Marketing.
Maybe you should put the cool aid down. Once again all I'm saying is that when someone says they are happy with what they have why would 'someone' try to downplay that by saying mines cheaper better faster, to me that smacks of playground mentality. Or the mentality of someone saying I'm only joking & having a bit of fun to downplay their incessant quips because their preference is better. Try some lateral thinking, you're starting to sound like a Bush supporter, oh & he told everyone that they were missing the big picture too;)
you can do that with aperture too download and delete or u can download some of the the pix and delete only the ones u downloaded and keep the rest on your card
I have a lot to learn before I do anything major with my Apple. Thus far it has performed in an exemplary manner however I am a little irked by having to turn off the Ken Burns effect every time I use the iPhoto movie creator. I'd like it to be off all the time as there is nothing more barf inducing than photos constantly zooming in and out.
I've just replaced my installation of Open Office on OSX with NeoOffice and I must admit it performs a ton better. I've also installed a freebie FTP program. Not sure what name but it's got a cute little rubber duck as an icon.
Firefox and Thunderbird both perform very well. The beauty of those is that my archives of emails and bookmarks dating back to my Outlook Express 3 days are still available for me.
My Apple has 1 USB port less than my Compaq laptop. It has a built-in microphone and webcam that my Compaq didn't. It has a firewire port that my Compaq didn't. It doesn't have a card port (express or pcmcia) which is a little annoying - especially since my wife has a Verizon internet card. Having said that, since most hotels have wifi it's not a major issue.
cdifoto
03-31-2008, 04:11 PM
Reminds me of that episode of Coach where Dauber buys a hot sports car he can't really afford, but gets sucked into the cult-like ownership group and has to get Coach Fox to step in and help him return it.
I've just replaced my installation of Open Office on OSX with NeoOffice and I must admit it performs a ton better. I've also installed a freebie FTP program. Not sure what name but it's got a cute little rubber duck as an icon.
I ran NeoOffice for a while and it is a great package, but I have since moved on to iWork and I am much happier (mainly with "keynote", the program to make presentations). I am a grad student so the whole package only cost me $40 bucks after academic pricing, definitely worth it for me.
I've just replaced my installation of Open Office on OSX with NeoOffice and I must admit it performs a ton better. I've also installed a freebie FTP program. Not sure what name but it's got a cute little rubber duck as an icon.
Cyberduck! I use it all the time, great little program!
I ran NeoOffice for a while and it is a great package, but I have since moved on to iWork and I am much happier (mainly with "keynote", the program to make presentations). I am a grad student so the whole package only cost me $40 bucks after academic pricing, definitely worth it for me.
Cyberduck! I use it all the time, great little program!
That's the one!
I'm toying with buying iWork too. The only reason I put neooffice is that it's the same as Open Office on my PC. Having said that, I'm so impressed by my Macbook that I'm seriously thinking of getting an iMac for the house.
As I've said already in other threads, I can set off any equipment purchases against tax anyway. I have to pay for them but it'll come out of next year's tax bill so basically I pay the same but get the gear as a no-cost extra.
I made a video DVD the other day of the photos I took last week in Celebration and managed to get it not to use the Ken Burns effect. Thus far all my wife's staff have seen it and so have my in-laws. They all loved it too. I did notice that a sharp photo sent to a DVD video doesn't look so sharp but I have heard that the resizing software has issues (note how Jeff has issues with his Mac thumbnailer).
01514
03-31-2008, 06:50 PM
That's the one!
As I've said already in other threads, I can set off any equipment purchases against tax anyway. I have to pay for them but it'll come out of next year's tax bill so basically I pay the same but get the gear as a no-cost extra.
.
free stuff hmmmm
free stuff hmmmm
Not quite free....
I run a photography business. This is a legitimate business expense. At the end of the year the taxman deducts business expenses from the income tax bill. Anything we buy over $200 gets business personal property tax but we can depreciate it by 90% which means only 10% from items over $200 is taxed.
I bought a lot of stuff off ebay very cheaply - stuff like umbrellas etc. That doesn't count for business personal property tax but does come off income tax.
As my wife and I file jointly, it knocks our combined tax bill down quite a bit. She looks for all the tax breaks she can find too.
At the moment I'm wondering whether I can charge vehicle mileage as advertising since I have signs on the sides of my vehicle.
01514
03-31-2008, 08:32 PM
nice u saving abit of $ on the gear i got to think of something like that 2:)
WestCoast
04-01-2008, 03:48 PM
pcs may work faster from day one, but put the 2 side by side after 2 years of everyday use and its clear which is the quality machine.
Good info here. This is the major difference - OS X is a lot more stable and reliable than XP or Vista. Microsoft desperately needs to throw away the NT kernel and build an OS on UNIX.
Good info here. This is the major difference - OS X is a lot more stable and reliable than XP or Vista. Microsoft desperately needs to throw away the NT kernel and build an OS on UNIX.
NT4 was great. After that everything went bad.
I would have stuck with NT4 if they'd fixed the bugs instead of coming out with XP with all new bugs.
Then instead of fixing the bugs in XP they came out with Vista with all new bugs.
Microsoft never fixes all their bugs.
Apple tries to fix their bugs but as the system is based on Free BSD there aren't that many that need fixing.
Applications launch more slowly but overall performance is a lot better.
fionndruinne
04-02-2008, 12:14 AM
Win XP SP 2 is as stable as they come. The thing is, Microsoft likes to cut their expenses by marketing their product slyly as what is really a public beta - why pay testers when you can get the mass public to find the problems for you? Regardless of whether that's an ethical business plan (it isn't), Windows doesn't deserve to be judged by the flaws it has in its infant state. XP is great, now, and Vista is getting very close.
Close, but as Monika Lewinsky says, NO CIGAR.
tombo
04-02-2008, 06:46 AM
with 7 versions (or some shit) how the hell are they ever going to iron out all the bugs!
With so many versions I'm sure there's some chicanery involved as in... you need one feature so you buy version 1 then you need a different feature so you have to buy version 2 then by the time you get to version 7 you realise what you could do on version 1 you can't do with version 7.
WestCoast
04-02-2008, 10:06 AM
Win XP SP 2 is as stable as they come.
Pass over whatever it is that you're smoking. XP SP2 doesn't even come close to OS X or Linux in terms of stability. It's a lot better than Windows 98 or Mac OS 9, but that isn't saying much.
NT4 was great. After that everything went bad.
Agreed. NT4 was the most stable consumer OS available at the time. Microsoft does some things really well (Office, for example), but they've fallen behind big-time in the OS game since NT.
fionndruinne
04-02-2008, 01:33 PM
It's hard to compare the stability of Mac vs. XP, because with XP you're dealing with a much broader array of compatible software and hardware. Of course you'll run into a few problems when you have the amount of customizability Windows gives you. Again, it's up to you to know how to get the best out of your equipment.
Visual Reality
04-02-2008, 02:59 PM
It's hard to compare the stability of Mac vs. XP, because with XP you're dealing with a much broader array of compatible software and hardware. Of course you'll run into a few problems when you have the amount of customizability Windows gives you. Again, it's up to you to know how to get the best out of your equipment.
Exactly. This is what 99% of the userbase does not understand. Apple's hardware is standardized - you buy one and you have the same hardware as everyone else who bought the same model. That's easy enough to code for. It's no different than a game developer making a console game. It's much more straightforward because the hardware is constant throughout the userbase.
Now you buy a PC, with dozens of different vendors and hardware manufacturers and things become much more muddy - not to mention hundreds of companies making software applications for the OS. I'd say MS has done a damn fine job handling it all, Windows XP SP3 and Vista SP1 can attest to it.
Let's not even mention that many of the software glitches these people complain about in Windows is actually caused by this hardware and software not made by MS...but of course they get the blame pointed at them by the unknowing.
WestCoast
04-02-2008, 04:13 PM
Exactly. This is what 99% of the userbase does not understand. Apple's hardware is standardized - you buy one and you have the same hardware as everyone else who bought the same model. That's easy enough to code for. It's no different than a game developer making a console game. It's much more straightforward because the hardware is constant throughout the userbase.
Now you buy a PC, with dozens of different vendors and hardware manufacturers and things become much more muddy - not to mention hundreds of companies making software applications for the OS. I'd say MS has done a damn fine job handling it all, Windows XP SP3 and Vista SP1 can attest to it.
Let's not even mention that many of the software glitches these people complain about in Windows is actually caused by this hardware and software not made by MS...but of course they get the blame pointed at them by the unknowing.
So, differing hardware is supposed to explain how Firefox can bring down XP when it crashes? Or how XP's registry gets corrupted over time?
Didn't one of your posts from a few weeks ago point out that Apple uses a variety of different hard drives? How do you reconcile that statement with your "Apple's hardware is standardized" statement here? I believe that Apple purchases their RAM modules from several different suppliers as well.
Visual Reality
04-02-2008, 05:33 PM
XP's registry gets corrupted over time? That's news to me, with multiple machines running XP for years.
A hard drive is irrelevant here. They are all seen as the same to the OS. RAM as well - both of these items along with LCD screens are purchased from different suppliers based on price and availability of supply.
It's more of the magnitute of different combinations of hardware and software is much, much higher in a PC than you will ever see inside of a Mac because they don't have much of an aftermarket.
downtrodden
04-02-2008, 05:45 PM
...So... Visual.. you just admitted, Mac's just work. Whether it's because of the standardized hardware or not-the OP's comment that Macs just work was correct... so what's all the hooplah about here?
I don't really care what technology goes into a computer as long as it just works. Thus far my Mac has been exemplary even though I have tried several freebie programs downloaded from the web.
WestCoast
04-02-2008, 06:38 PM
XP's registry gets corrupted over time? That's news to me, with multiple machines running XP for years.
You seem to be in the minority here.
It's more of the magnitute of different combinations of hardware and software is much, much higher in a PC than you will ever see inside of a Mac because they don't have much of an aftermarket.
So apparently your assertion that Macs are "standardized" is inaccurate.
I actually agree with some of what you're saying, but it's pretty obvious to anybody that's used both OS X and XP heavily that the former is significantly more stable. More stable doesn't necessarily mean "better" and there are certainly benefits to using XP (and Vista, for that matter) over OS X. But stability is definitely not one of them.
Visual Reality
04-02-2008, 08:07 PM
Look guys I'm not anti-mac. I just don't like some of their users that really have tunnel vision for their favorite brand and no clue as to what they are really buying. Obviously that isn't the case for most of the people on this site, but when a user comes in saying *giggle* "they just work :):)" *giggle* it makes me want to puke.
I started appreciating the Apple computers once they realized their PowerPC processor could only get them so far and started using Intel Core CPUs and the x86 architecture. Now that you can buy an Apple MacBook with virtually the same configuration as a Dell, HP, Gateway, etc, I think they are making some good products (aside from certain blunders like the MacBook Air, where every time one sells Steve Jobbs lets out a hysterical cackle). I don't prefer OSX though, and that is my preference. I'm not saying its inferior, it just isn't my preference. I also have something against a company that while successful, much of their success is due to marketing products that were made with the bottom line in mind, and not actually making a superior product. Much of what they have isn't something that hasn't been done already, by someone else, better. They just have a way with swaying the masses with their image and simplicity...and good for them. It's no different than preferring Prada over Express.
Anyway I didn't come in here to drag down the thread so please, Rhys enjoy your new system :)
What's wrong with the Macbook Air?
Personally I like it although it could do with more ports and a user removable battery.
At 3Lbs it's really light and weight means a lot if you're travelling - particularly by air. I'd rather carry 3Lbs rather than 5Lbs (which is what my Macbook weighs). The air would carry nicely in the Canon backpack while I doubt my Macbook would.
I am so keen on my Macbook that I'm toying with the idea of getting an iMac for home use. I haven't used my Compaq since I received my Macbook and haven't missed it one bit.
Visual Reality
04-02-2008, 09:10 PM
My problem with the MacBook air is the same problem of virtually all the sites that have previewed/reviewed it so far - its stripped down far too much all in the name of making it as slim as possible. Only Apple could get away with so few features and still price it 3 times higher than anything else on the market with the same specs.
No optical drive? One USB port? No user-replaceable battery? Sounds more like a toy than something that's really viable for the money it costs.
cdifoto
04-02-2008, 09:46 PM
Sounds like a big iPod that was welded shut.
fionndruinne
04-03-2008, 12:15 AM
I don't really care what technology goes into a computer as long as it just works.
Precisely - you fit into the Apple userbase. Those who don't care for a great deal of options, and would rather have a single product to do what they want. A good Windows user is the opposite - we want to have the say as to what does what and how. Personally I'd rather die than use the same "iLife Package" as every other user of the same brand of gear. Which is why I believe you'd find that the majority of satisfied Windows users are more educated consumers than Macheads. "It just works" isn't a slogan we'd go for. You see, we're just bigger gearheads. No harm in that.
Just please don't criticize Windows and say things like "Firefox crashed XP" when the truth of the matter is that you had some hardware or software conflict which you could've solved if you'd known about it.
cdifoto
04-03-2008, 12:34 AM
Which is why I believe you'd find that the majority of satisfied Windows users are more educated consumers than Macheads.
I think it's the opposite due to market penetration and nothing to do with philosophy. There are a LOT of clueless Windows users out there.
I think it's the opposite due to market penetration and nothing to do with philosophy. There are a LOT of clueless Windows users out there.
.....:D:D:D:D:D..... I knew you good ol boys would come round:D:D:D
fionndruinne
04-03-2008, 01:24 AM
Well, duh. Windows is the cheap and mass-marketed option. That's why I said "satisfied Windows users". Maybe I should have been clearer. Like "proficient Windows users". Savvy?
WestCoast
04-05-2008, 01:09 PM
Precisely - you fit into the Apple userbase. Those who don't care for a great deal of options, and would rather have a single product to do what they want. A good Windows user is the opposite - we want to have the say as to what does what and how. Personally I'd rather die than use the same "iLife Package" as every other user of the same brand of gear. Which is why I believe you'd find that the majority of satisfied Windows users are more educated consumers than Macheads. "It just works" isn't a slogan we'd go for. You see, we're just bigger gearheads. No harm in that.
Again, you're over-simplifying and your post has a condescending odor to boot.
More accurately, most Mac people prefer stability and lower maintenance over more options and lower cost.
Just please don't criticize Windows and say things like "Firefox crashed XP" when the truth of the matter is that you had some hardware or software conflict which you could've solved if you'd known about it.
And this is just plain BS, as you have no idea what types of hardware or software conflicts may or may not exist on my computer.
And my point isn't WHY Firefox crashed (it occasionally crashes on OS X as well, although much less frequently), but the fact that it brings Windows down with it on occasion. Windows has a long history of allowing app errors to bring down the OS.
WestCoast
04-05-2008, 01:35 PM
My problem with the MacBook air is the same problem of virtually all the sites that have previewed/reviewed it so far - its stripped down far too much all in the name of making it as slim as possible. Only Apple could get away with so few features and still price it 3 times higher than anything else on the market with the same specs.
No optical drive? One USB port? No user-replaceable battery? Sounds more like a toy than something that's really viable for the money it costs.
I completely agree. The lack of FireWire also sucks big-time.
I completely agree. The lack of FireWire also sucks big-time.
But the air is aimed at a completely different market. It's aimed at those who might want to work when flying or when weight is a severe limitation. It anticipates users probably have a backup plan using Time Machine or something similar. Realistically the only thing such a user would wish to do is to use a single USB port for a memory card reader or for a USB memory stick.
The only turn off for me is the lack of a changeable battery. Having said that I'd like to know what the battery life will be. I note also that it's designed to be used with solid state hard drives.
Visual Reality
04-06-2008, 01:23 AM
Battery life is in the 2 hour range doing heavy work and 4 hours of light work, which is about average for a PC notebook with more powerful hardware. I'd guess the numbers are due to using a smaller battery to fit the form factor.
cdifoto
04-06-2008, 01:36 AM
Small for the sake of small.
01514
04-06-2008, 07:29 AM
and the air it's made to work wireless with all the rest which is the apple it's going with all there stuff
and the air it's made to work wireless with all the rest which is the apple it's going with all there stuff
It makes sense. I would much rather use external optical and storage media with the installed hard disk/solid state disk being used solely for temprorary storage.
WestCoast
04-06-2008, 11:48 AM
But the air is aimed at a completely different market. It's aimed at those who might want to work when flying or when weight is a severe limitation. It anticipates users probably have a backup plan using Time Machine or something similar. Realistically the only thing such a user would wish to do is to use a single USB port for a memory card reader or for a USB memory stick.
The only turn off for me is the lack of a changeable battery. Having said that I'd like to know what the battery life will be. I note also that it's designed to be used with solid state hard drives.
I see what you're saying, but it still seems like somewhat of a high-priced toy. It's not difficult to travel and work with a regular MacBook on a plane.
However, I really do like the compatibility with a solid-state hard drive. Those are going to be MUCH nicer than the current drives that damage relatively easy. The Air is a really good idea, but I'd wait until a more advanced (and cheaper) incarnation becomes available. JMO.
I see what you're saying, but it still seems like somewhat of a high-priced toy. It's not difficult to travel and work with a regular MacBook on a plane.
However, I really do like the compatibility with a solid-state hard drive. Those are going to be MUCH nicer than the current drives that damage relatively easy. The Air is a really good idea, but I'd wait until a more advanced (and cheaper) incarnation becomes available. JMO.
I think solid state hard drives will plummet in price quickly. Look at how memory card prices have plummeted. I paid $115 for a 1GB no-name card back in June of 2005. I can get a 1GB no-name card today for $7.50. That's only 3 years later!
I have an ad here somewhere from Radio Shack advertising memory for only $1,000 a Meg. So $7.50 a Gig is a steal.
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