Macbooks!

sgtpepper · Post by **sgtpepper** » Tue May 16, 2006 3:01 pm

Ok so just in case the majority PC user base here actually cares, Apple released the much-anticipated Intel iBook replacement this morning.

Renamed the Macbook, it has all the new features the Pro does like the Magsafe power adaptor, built-in iSight, Frontrow w/ Apple Remote, but with slightly less processor power, and more day-to-day graphics needs (in other words, not gaming/video editing-oriented). Also like the Pro, it features a widescreen display (smaller, 13.3 inch) with a "glossy" finish. Other minor improvements include a magnetic latch, new keyboard, digital audio I/O, DVI out, and 6 hour battery life, even with the brighter screen.

The biggest thing here of course is the Intel chip inside, but it also is available in BLACK! So surprise surprise there, because the black apparently costs an extra 150 bucks... Don't exactly know why..

Just thought I might post that...

http://www.apple.com/macbook

daleighan · Post by **daleighan** » Tue May 16, 2006 5:24 pm

I still like the white one better. I think I'm gunna try to get the high-end white one pretty soon.

Nicholai · Post by **Nicholai** » Tue May 16, 2006 5:27 pm

Why waste money on an Apple when you could buy a faster PC for less cash?

Post by **SpongeBuell** » Tue May 16, 2006 5:30 pm

Nicholai wrote:Why waste money on an Apple when you could buy a faster PC for less cash?

OS X. And I know you are going to do what you can to argue about it, but to make a single insult or anything, you need to use it for a few days. Once you do that, you'll know exactly why people spend extra money on Apple. It's like buying a BMW, even when there is always the option of a Geo.

Nicholai · Post by **Nicholai** » Tue May 16, 2006 5:32 pm

SpongeBuell wrote:
Nicholai wrote:Why waste money on an Apple when you could buy a faster PC for less cash?
OS X. And I know you are going to do what you can to argue about it, but to make a single insult or anything, you need to use it for a few days. Once you do that, you'll know exactly why people spend extra money on Apple. It's like buying a BMW, even when there is always the option of a Geo.

OS X is a shell of linux, why am I paying ~$500 extra for a re-vamp of linux?

Post by **Sparkfist** » Tue May 16, 2006 6:03 pm

Sounds cool, save for the extra $150 for the black model. I've been looking at a real Mac for a time and I like the idea of an intel machine where I can get more programs (Apple's weakest point) really interests me.

sgtpepper · Post by **sgtpepper** » Tue May 16, 2006 6:26 pm

Nicholai wrote:Why waste money on an Apple when you could buy a faster PC for less cash?

That's where you're wrong...

Take the white 2 Ghz Core Duo and compare it to an almost identically-equipped Dell

Here's the Dell Inspiron E1405 "Ultimate Entertainment" Specs (configured as close to the Macbook as possible):

Original Price- $1216 ($1416 without $200 mail-in rebate)
- 2.0 GHz Core Duo Processor ($300 added to upgrade to 2.0 Ghz)
- Windows XP Media Center Edition (added $10 for backup CDs, because Apple includes those for free with the Macbook)
- Remote Control ($30 added, Apple includes their remote by default)
- 14.1-inch display (1024 by 768 resolution)
- 1 GB of DDR2 SDRAM 533 MHz
- 60 GB Harddrive
- 8x DVD/CD Burner (dual layer)
- included wireless card
- bluetooth (extra $49)
- 53 WHr Battery
- 10/100 Ethernet (Gigabit Ethernet not available)

End Price- $1604 ($1804 without the $200 rebate)

Macbook Specs (configure as close to the Dell as possible):

Original price- $1299 (no rebate)
-2.0 GHz Core Duo Processor (included)
- Mac OS X 10.4.6
- included remote
- 13.3 inch Widescreen display (1280 by 800 resolution)
- 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM 677 MHz ($100 extra)
- 60 GB Harddrive
- 4x DVD/CD burner (dual layer)
- included Airport (wireless card)
- included Bluetooth
- 55 WHr Battery
- 10/100/1000 Ethernet (Gigabit)

End Price- $1399 (no rebates)

And while the numbers do their own talking, I'll also comment that Apple includes the iLife suite ($79 retail value), along with many other Apps, wheras with the Dell software is the usual Word, Excel, and Outlook. Apple also includes features like gigabit ethernet that Dell doesn't even offer as an option. Finally, even with the software and the price aside, isn't it the least bit important for your computer to be at least somewhat attractive?

So I think I prove my point... Thank you.

Nicholai · Post by **Nicholai** » Tue May 16, 2006 6:51 pm

PCs include more software, compatibility, and support way more ways to program for them. I'd rather have a PC than iMovie and Garage Band.

Post by **Skyone** » Tue May 16, 2006 6:53 pm

Here come's Nicholai, don't argue with him, it's like teaching a wall to dance.

sgtpepper · Post by **sgtpepper** » Tue May 16, 2006 6:58 pm

Skyone wrote:Here come's Nicholai, don't argue with him, it's like teaching a wall to dance.

Yeah it's great, he just blatantly ignored the fact that I completely proved his previous point wrong...

daleighan · Post by **daleighan** » Tue May 16, 2006 7:11 pm

Another thing is... You can run windows on these macbooks. Yay. Also, I think the white one is cooler than black. I actually saw these at an apple store today.

Post by **Sparkfist** » Tue May 16, 2006 8:24 pm

Nicholai wrote:PCs include more software, compatibility, and support way more ways to program for them. I'd rather have a PC than iMovie and Garage Band.

Boy it's nothing better then to take someone that thinks they know what they're talking about and prove them wrong.

First programming on the OS X is very easy. You have Cocoa as an option, Applescript a nice english based scripting langauge, and ever other language under the sun. Keep in mind that the core of this OS is built on Unix and BSD the two most powerful OS types around, they are very versital. The only think that can ba backed up by you on this is that the GUI doesn't have much programablity with any other langauage besides Cocoa.

Take a good long look here. Funny I don't see a lack of software. Not to mention as I stated before the only thing that kept Apple from gettting more mainstread commercial software for the Macs was the fact that it was on a completely different archetecture. Now that it shares the same as Winodws, the x86 or new IA64 it will have more applications avalible to it. Programming for the same CPU isn't hard, it requires nothing more then some tweeking, and as both Winodws and OS are Poxis compatible (only OS X completely) they can be ported with ease.

So get some facts, not options and this wouldn't happen.

joevennix · Post by **joevennix** » Tue May 16, 2006 8:31 pm

And besides, you can install and run Windows on the intel macs. That is if you're really desperate.

sgtpepper · Post by **sgtpepper** » Tue May 16, 2006 9:00 pm

Sparkfist wrote: Boy it's nothing better then to take someone that thinks they know what they're talking about and prove them wrong.

Amen to that... I went through the trouble of making my argument up there^ and it wasn't even put to use

Post by **Black Six** » Tue May 16, 2006 9:15 pm

Nicholai wrote:Why waste money on an Apple when you could buy a faster PC for less cash?

Nicholai, if you hate Macs so much then just don't post in threads about Apple computers. It just annoys those of us who like Macs and doesn't get you a lot of friends. So please, do us all a favor and keep your uneducated opinions to yourself.

Back to the MacBooks, they look pretty sweet, I'm just mad they switched to the integrated graphics like they did with the mini. I'm sure they'll still sell well, and they'll work fine for their target market. I'm keeping my PowerMac G5 though, hehe.