New Computer Time, Suggestion?

[saevel25]

So my Desktop crapped out a few months ago, and my current laptop is ancient and sluggish. Still I found I really don't miss my desktop.

I don't see the benefit of having a desktop at home anymore. I don't do any heavy gaming or processing, so I really don't need the extra horse power. I guess the only side benefit would being able to switch out components or add more. Really if I need space, I could always build server for extra storage.

In looking at laptops, I am toying with the idea of getting an MacBook Pro. I have a friend who has used Apple for years and was really impressed with the MacBook Pro's. I've have been using Window's systems for years. Not sure about the learning curve, though I am sure it wont take me long to get use to a Mac. I am not sure of what all I can do with a Mac really.

So anybody have any suggestions on a good laptop that is a decent desktop replacement?

Try to keep the discussion civiliz ed between Mac and Non-Mac users

[Ernest Jones]

So my Desktop crapped out a few months ago, and my current laptop is ancient and sluggish. Still I found I really don't miss my desktop.

I don't see the benefit of having a desktop at home anymore. I don't do any heavy gaming or processing, so I really don't need the extra horse power. I guess the only side benefit would being able to switch out components or add more. Really if I need space, I could always build server for extra storage.

In looking at laptops, I am toying with the idea of getting an MacBook Pro. I have a friend who has used Apple for years and was really impressed with the MacBook Pro's. I've have been using Window's systems for years. Not sure about the learning curve, though I am sure it wont take me long to get use to a Mac. I am not sure of what all I can do with a Mac really.

So anybody have any suggestions on a good laptop that is a decent desktop replacement?

Try to keep the discussion civilized between Mac and Non-Mac users

MacBook Pro is an awesome machine. There is definitely a learning curve if switching over from PC and it can be pretty frustrating at times (where the **** is my right click!!!! )  but once you figure out the "Mac" way you'll wonder why anyone would want to do it any other way.

Having said that, the new PC Surface looks like a pretty cool machine.

I wouldn't bother with a desktop, I've been laptop/notebook exclusive for years now and don't miss anything for it. Plus almost all the external hardware out there is wireless so there's really no need for a stationary machine of any kind.

[iacas]

MacBook Pro is an awesome machine. There is definitely a learning curve if switching over from PC and it can be pretty frustrating at times (where the **** is my right click!!!!)  but once you figure out the "Mac" way you'll wonder why anyone would want to do it any other way.

Two-finger click. Or click the right side of the trackpad. It's configurable. :)

Matt, you'll be fine with a Mac. Plus you can get Analyzr. :) Bring it when you come up and I'll show you some cool stuff over your free lunch at Mung's place. :)

[Morocco Mako]

You will adapt more quickly to a mac than you will to windows-8.

I used windows (xp, vista, 7), mac, and various Linux versions (gnome, kde). IMHO, the differences between the GUIs on all these systems are over-exaggerated. If you are comfortable moving around the GUI in one, you learning curve on the others will be pretty low for you.

The windows-8 GUI, on the other hand, has a huge learning curve. I've seen several people--computer professionals no less--pull their hair out in frustration trying to navigate the GUI. It has more in common with the GUI on an xbox than it does with previous versions of windows.

BTW, the mac is BSD-UNIX under the hood, so if you have any experience at all with Linux, you will immediately grasp the idiosyncrasies of the OS.

BTW 2, there's nothing wrong with win-8 as an OS, it's the GUI they screwed up.

[Ernest Jones]

You will adapt more quickly to a mac than you will to windows-8.

I used windows (xp, vista, 7), mac, and various Linux versions (gnome, kde). IMHO, the differences between the GUIs on all these systems are over-exaggerated. If you are comfortable moving around the GUI in one, you learning curve on the others will be pretty low for you.

The windows-8 GUI, on the other hand, has a huge learning curve. I've seen several people--computer professionals no less--pull their hair out in frustration trying to navigate the GUI. It has more in common with the GUI on an xbox than it does with previous versions of windows.

BTW, the mac is BSD-UNIX under the hood, so if you have any experience at all with Linux, you will immediately grasp the idiosyncrasies of the OS.

BTW 2, there's nothing wrong with win-8 as an OS, it's the GUI they screwed up.

What's a GUI?

I'm guessing something to do with Gestures and Interface? Is the "U" for user?

[jamo]

Go MacBook Pro. I bought one in 2011, and I count it easily as one of the best half dozen purchases of my life despite spending double what I would have spent for a comparable Windows machine. And if you need Windows, you can always install it via BootCamp or Parallels/Fusion. [quote name="Ernest Jones" url="/t/78423/new-computer-time-suggestion/0_30#post_1080942"]What's a GUI? [/quote] Graphical User Interface.

[nevets88]

This is my template answer when people ask me the difference between Mac and PC laptops.

• Battery life is much better on a MacBook.
• The trackpad is much better on a MacBook, pinpoint control and so many gestures.
• You can install both Windows and OS X on a Mac, you can't install OS X on a Windows laptop.
• If you know multiple languages, the language support out of the box for OS X is way better.
• If you have a problem, you can go to the Genius Bar. There are more Apple Stores than there are Microsoft stores. Apple stores all over the world, not so much for Microsoft.

[iacas]

This is my template answer when people ask me the difference between Mac and PC laptops.

Battery life is much better on a MacBook.

The trackpad is much better on a MacBook, pinpoint control and so many gestures.

You can install both Windows and OS X on a Mac, you can't install OS X on a Windows laptop.

If you know multiple languages, the language support out of the box for OS X is way better.

If you have a problem, you can go to the Genius Bar. There are more Apple Stores than there are Microsoft stores. Apple stores all over the world, not so much for Microsoft.

Software behaves consistently and is, in general (but by that I mean like 90% of the time or more) better designed. There's a pervasiveness to the esthetic and functionality of Mac OS software.

Take it from a guy with an Apple Design Award to his credit… :D

[boogielicious]

Go MacBook Pro. I bought one in 2011, and I count it easily as one of the best half dozen purchases of my life despite spending double what I would have spent for a comparable Windows machine.

And if you need Windows, you can always install it via BootCamp or Parallels/Fusion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernest Jones

What's a GUI?

Graphical User Interface.

Geez @Ernest Jones , even I knew that!

I second the Mac.  I have had one for a couple of years.  After the initial learning curve (at sending PMs to Erik!!!) it has become quite easy.  My son's college lap top has Windows 8 and he says it stinks.

[nevets88]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevets88

This is my template answer when people ask me the difference between Mac and PC laptops.

Battery life is much better on a MacBook.

The trackpad is much better on a MacBook, pinpoint control and so many gestures.

You can install both Windows and OS X on a Mac, you can't install OS X on a Windows laptop.

If you know multiple languages, the language support out of the box for OS X is way better.

If you have a problem, you can go to the Genius Bar. There are more Apple Stores than there are Microsoft stores. Apple stores all over the world, not so much for Microsoft.

Software behaves consistently and is, in general (but by that I mean like 90% of the time or more) better designed. There's a pervasiveness to the esthetic and functionality of Mac OS software.

Take it from a guy with an Apple Design Award to his credit… :D

I agree with you but I've gotten into arguments with those in the Windows camp and the have a long list of things they don't like - whether they're truly legitimate, some of it is subjective.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamo

Go MacBook Pro. I bought one in 2011, and I count it easily as one of the best half dozen purchases of my life despite spending double what I would have spent for a comparable Windows machine.

And if you need Windows, you can always install it via BootCamp or Parallels/Fusion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernest Jones

What's a GUI?

Graphical User Interface.

Geez @Ernest Jones , even I knew that!

I second the Mac.  I have had one for a couple of years.  After the initial learning curve (at sending PMs to Erik!!!) it has become quite easy.  My son's college lap top has Windows 8 and he says it stinks.

My primary machine is a Mac, but I do use Windows 8 and I don't get the hatred for it. I don't think it's that bad. Previous versions of Windows were slower and buggier than its predecessors. Performance wise, W8 is pretty good. Yeah, it's messy getting around.

[Clubchucker]

I just made the switch to a Mac in the past couple of months.  Couldn't be happier.  I work from home and don't really need the portability of a laptop so I ended up getting a new Mac Mini.  There's a slight learning curve but I look at it more of a "breaking Windows habits" type thing.  Usually just basic things but I've yet to come across anything that either I or Google couldn't figure out.

I do still have to run Parallels and have a virtual machine for Windows (for a couple of work related programs) and it's a snap to use.  I was already pretty heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, etc) so the fit was very good for me.  Honestly after just a couple of months, you couldn't pay me to go back to a Windows machine.

[nevets88]

Also, I have to admit with W8, I'm a bit tired of constantly downloading updates and virus signature updates. OS X has updates too but relatively fewer.

[tristanhilton85]

The MBP is a great choice. However, if you don't want to spend quite so much and don't need the portability of a laptop, it's hard to beat a Mac Mini.

[Jeremie Boop]

I'm a windows guy, that said, I'd rather have had a Mac than go through getting used to Windows 8 on my laptop. At this point I can do whatever I want on Win8 but I still don't like it. Depending on how you are planning on purchasing the laptop you may be able to request windows 7 instead of 8. As far as I'm aware that can only be done if ordering online though. I know I was able to do it recently when purchasing laptops for work. I doubt I'll ever buy any Mac computers myself, but I really don't have anything negative to say about them. I just prefer Windows. Whatever you purchase I'd recommend not getting the base model, make sure you purchase something that has enough power to be viable for awhile. The main benefit I've found to desktop machines is that you can keep them viable for quite awhile because of the ability to upgrade components as you go, but if you are set on a laptop that is not really the case so you'll want something that'll hold up.

[dsc123]

I'd closer to an apple hater than an apple fan boy.  But the last computer I bought was a macbook pro and I like it a lot.  Mostly for style reasons.  It looks and feels cool and well built.  It probably hangs up less often, but the difference isn't that great. And I prefer the windows file management.  But overall, I'd probably recommend trying out a mac.  I'd probably go with the macbook air, though.

I've even toyed with the idea of not having a desktop or laptop.  I was a little slow getting on the tablet train as I thought it was an unnecessary cross between two things I already had--a laptop and a smartphone--, but I am wondering whether a laptop is really necessary anymore.  Remote accessing my work computer, photo management, and analyzr are really the other things I use it for.  But if I remember correctly, you are an engineer and probably want to do things on your computer that require more firepower.

[saevel25]

I've even toyed with the idea of not having a desktop or laptop.  I was a little slow getting on the tablet train as I thought it was an unnecessary cross between two things I already had--a laptop and a smartphone--, but I am wondering whether a laptop is really necessary anymore.  Remote accessing my work computer, photo management, and analyzr are really the other things I use it for.  But if I remember correctly, you are an engineer and probably want to do things on your computer that require more firepower.

I am an engineer, but I do no work outside of the office. My work computer is pretty sold.

Though I have thought maybe just going with the iMac and using my iPad as my primary computer when I travel. Still trying to figure out what I require and what I do most and how that translate into what I want to buy.

[iacas]

I am an engineer, but I do no work outside of the office. My work computer is pretty sold.

Though I have thought maybe just going with the iMac and using my iPad as my primary computer when I travel. Still trying to figure out what I require and what I do most and how that translate into what I want to buy.

You pay for the miniaturization in a laptop, of course, but… you can also hook a laptop up to a cheaper display and have two displays if you want to work at a desk… and then pick it up and carry it around your room.

If you get an iPhone you can use it as an instant wifi hotspot too, so you can use your computer on car trips (ideally when you're the passenger :D).

[Slice of Life]

Buying a Mac that can keep up with my current laptop would cost me $2500.

So it depends if that's worth it for you. I spent much less than half, and haven't had any issues in 3 years. Still running strong.

With that said, I don't get the extreme hate on either side...if you like and want a Mac, go for it.