Help with buying a MacBook

[hchaudh1]

I would be a first time Mac buyer. I am thinking of getting a 15 inch MacBook Pro. I need a big screen for my IDE's and stuff. So, I would probably end up buying an LCD TV which is HD compatible to use as a monitor. I don't know how compatible Mac's are with these TV's or if this is even an issue or not. And how well does that Mac play with other hardware. For example, off the shelf external hard drives. What choices do I have and how easy are drivers to come by etc.

I am primarily a Linux and Windows user. So, I have some hardware which I would like to reuse if possible e.g. an external hard drive, a USB ethernet card, a TV tuner card etc. I know it depends on what drivers are available but how easy or hard is to get them.

And does anyone know how good is the ATI 1600 graphics card that comes with the Macbook Pro. How does it compare with the 128 MB card etc.

 

[Eidorian]

Off the shelf external hard drives are universal. Unless you're using NTFS on it you'll be fine. The TV might have an awkward resolution and refresh rate. I know there's a special display program that you might need if it doesn't work right away. I forgot the name though.

What are these drivers you speak of?

 

[xfiftyfour]

What are these drivers you speak of?

hehe. drivers = a window's nuisance, not a mac's.
macs = plug 'n' play.

 

[hchaudh1]

hehe. drivers = a window's nuisance, not a mac's.
macs = plug 'n' play.

You smug bastards. LOL. I know I am a L-indows user. Even Mac's gotta have drivers, just that you don't need to install them.

But seriously, how well do Macs play with HDTV's. Or is there any such thing as a preffered brand or something.

 

[hchaudh1]

Upgrade

Also, is it possible to upgrade MacBooks e.g. the new merom's are coming out soon. So, is it possible for me to upgrade to them, say next year.

 

[Eidorian]

Also, is it possible to upgrade MacBooks e.g. the new merom's are coming out soon. So, is it possible for me to upgrade to them, say next year.

The MacBook/Pro CPU's are soldered on. You're not going to have an easy time with that.

 

[hchaudh1]

So...

So the thing to do would be to wait till end of this year maybe. Crap.

 

[Eidorian]

So the thing to do would be to wait till end of this year maybe. Crap.

Hey, I'm holding out for Merom too. It can't happen soon enough. *sob*

 

[wako]

hehe. drivers = a window's nuisance, not a mac's.
macs = plug 'n' play.

macs have drivers too... or else it wouldnt be able to use any of your devices.

 

[xfiftyfour]

macs have drivers too... or else it wouldnt be able to use any of your devices.

yeah, that's why i called it a "windows nuisance" rather than a windows exclusive. the great thing about macs is that nearly all drivers are built into the os = no worries for the user.