Few questions about MacBook....

[loztheguru]

Firstly, a big hello to you all! Just registered, planning to get a MacBook within the month, and ive got a few questions I hope you guys wouldnt mind answering...

Firstly, the optical output. Im big on home cinema, so I just wondered if it outputs in 5.1 when watching a dvd etc, as this would be a big plus for me.

Secondly, are the intel core duos used 32 or 64bit processors?

Im sure ill think of more, but those have been bugging me for a while now!

 

[xfiftyfour]

I don't know about the first question, but the MB is 32 bit now. Merom will change that, once it finds its way into the MB, but we don't know when that will be.

 

[Scarlet Fever]

it does output to 5.1, but the speakers you buy must be compatible with optical audio minijacks.

it is 32 bit, but i've read that you dont notice the 64bit processing untill you get ~4GB RAM in the machine and you drill it with pro apps which have been compiled for 64 bit.

Its hardly like you need it anyway; the MacBooks are exceptionally fast for what they cost. You won't be disappointed if you get one

 

[loztheguru]

thanks for the reply guys. Impressed by the speed, I take it most of the people here are US inhabitants?

As for the 64bit question, it wasnt really a big thing for me just wanted to find out. Also, id be outputting to an AV amp (something like a denon 2105 for anyone more knowledgeable). Do the minijack cables terminate in a regular-style optical connection? And if so, will this be a-okay?

 

[JRM PowerPod]

thanks for the reply guys. Impressed by the speed, I take it most of the people here are US inhabitants?

As for the 64bit question, it wasnt really a big thing for me just wanted to find out. Also, id be outputting to an AV amp (something like a denon 2105 for anyone more knowledgeable). Do the minijack cables terminate in a regular-style optical connection? And if so, will this be a-okay?

I reckon us Aussies have a fair representation.

 

[okwhatev]

thanks for the reply guys. Impressed by the speed, I take it most of the people here are US inhabitants?

As for the 64bit question, it wasnt really a big thing for me just wanted to find out. Also, id be outputting to an AV amp (something like a denon 2105 for anyone more knowledgeable). Do the minijack cables terminate in a regular-style optical connection? And if so, will this be a-okay?

The Macbooks have terrific digital optical ins and outs. They're just minijacks, like the digital optical out on the Airport Express. Just buy a minijack optical to TOSLINK cable for $3 at monoprice.com and you can go from the 'headphone' jack on the macbook (which will automatically sense the optical and turn on it's beam) to your digital optical in on your reciever/home theater. If you need a rather long cord, you can get a 50ft standard optical cable (for around $7) and just by a TOSLINK to Minijack Optical adapter for like 20 cents... and use that.

As for video output to an HD home theater... the best (and stunning) way to go is to use Apple's Mini-DVI to DVI converter, then buy a DVI to HDMI cable (just $6 or so from monoprice) and plug that into your HDMI input on your TV. Set your Macbook's screen resolution to the smallest you can, and your HD screen to either 720 or 1080 depending of course on your playback content. Front Row will also work perfectly, but you will need to set your HD screen as your 'main' screen from your display preferences.

I myself always keep a Macbook hooked up to my home theater as it's main HD source... it's just fantastic. I control it (via Apple's Remote Desktop software) from my couch with a second Macbook as it's easier that way (to me at least). If you get long cords, I'm sure you could pull it off with one.

 

[farqueue]

kiwis?

 

[netdog]

Get 2GB of RAM. This is the most important upgrade you can make.

Trust me, at 512MB, you will not be impressed by your MacBook's speed, particularly once you run something that needs Rosetta. In fact, without enough RAM, you will probably be VERY unhappy with your computer.

At 2GB, though, you will love it.

PS: And don't buy your RAM from Apple. Their RAM prices are insane.

 

[loztheguru]

well, i went out and bought one today...

Im very very happy/impressed with the whole shebang, especially front row.

Im happy enough with the performance, although ive literally only just got it, so no rosetta yet. Where would you recommend getting my RAM from, bearing in mind im the uk. Also, would 1.25gb be enough? Im not sure I can stretch to 2gb.

Now, search out a list of must-have aps.....


P.S, does anyone know if I can transfer stuff (iTunes music library etc) from my old iBook G4 via airport?