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Just got a new Macbook

D

docc

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 19, 2007
256
18
Miami
Hi Guys,

I just purchased a brand new Macbook 2.16 Ghz with 1GB RAM and 120 GB HDD on an educational discount and opted for the free Nano and Printer option which i'll probably just give to my buddies :).

This is the first time i have ever been on a mac and i'm almost kicking myself for not making this transition earlier. I can actually summarize OS X in one word....EASY. Anyways, i'm just glad that i decided to make the switch! Apple has some fantastic help pages on making the switch from a PC to the Mac and it helped me immensely in understanding mac basics in such a short time. Here's the link incase anyone's interested:

Switchers Guide

I'm glad to be a part of this great forum where everyone's just so helpful. Look forward to some good times!

Cheers.

P.S. I also got myself a Speck case for my white Macbook and it's simply great!
 
Yep. Black's an absolute finger magnet and i'm a little obsessive comuplsive ;)
 
I keep going back and forth between the BlackBook and a 15" MBP, but keep leaning towards the MBP 15" as the fingerprint issue on those black cases would drive me absolutely nuts. Unfortunately, my personal preference isn't for the white case, so again, my credit card begins to slide out of my money clip when I see the new MBP 15". But the problems with these new machines is making me very, very leary about purchasing a MBP anytime soon...

Oh well. I'm just nuts. Have fun with your new MB though!!
 
sanzaborn33 said:
I keep going back and forth between the BlackBook and a 15" MBP, but keep leaning towards the MBP 15" as the fingerprint issue on those black cases would drive me absolutely nuts. Unfortunately, my personal preference isn't for the white case, so again, my credit card begins to slide out of my money clip when I see the new MBP 15". But the problems with these new machines is making me very, very leary about purchasing a MBP anytime soon...

Oh well. I'm just nuts. Have fun with your new MB though!!
Click to expand...

I have a Black MB, and even tho they show fingerprints, it isn't as bad as it looks.

And also, the new MBPs problems is difficult to say it is a general problem. Since the people with problems come to the forums and the ones without problems does not come, it's difficult to say what percentage is having problems.

But either one you choose, you are going to love it.:)
 
sanzaborn33 said:
I keep going back and forth between the BlackBook and a 15" MBP, but keep leaning towards the MBP 15" as the fingerprint issue on those black cases would drive me absolutely nuts. Unfortunately, my personal preference isn't for the white case, so again, my credit card begins to slide out of my money clip when I see the new MBP 15". But the problems with these new machines is making me very, very leary about purchasing a MBP anytime soon...

Oh well. I'm just nuts. Have fun with your new MB though!!
Click to expand...

It really comes down to what you need to do with it. I did an EXTENSIVE research before deciding on the Macbook. i didn't care for gaming on hard-core media editing and hence felt the Macbook fitted my needs. Besides, i prefer the Macbook's keyboard way more than MBP. Also, the 13.3" is plenty if you intend to use it for day to day work as compared to the large MBP which can become a pit of a pain to lug around.

Good luck with your purchase!
 
docc said:
It really comes down to what you need to do with it. I did an EXTENSIVE research before deciding on the Macbook. i didn't care for gaming on hard-core media editing and hence felt the Macbook fitted my needs. Besides, i prefer the Macbook's keyboard way more than MBP. Also, the 13.3" is plenty if you intend to use it for day to day work as compared to the large MBP which can become a pit of a pain to lug around.

Good luck with your purchase!
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree more here. You really like the new keyboard though? I can't tell after playing around with the Macbook at an Apple store near me if I would get used to the the newer style versus the old, pro style keyboard that's currently on my 12" PB G4?
 
Yea, i was a little concerned about the new keyboard myself but i didn't notice any difference at all. Infact, i actually make less mistakes thanks to the fact that the keys are space out as compared to the "in-line strip" like keyboard layout on most notebooks.

I suggest you try out the keyboard at your local Apple store a couple of times if you have your doubts. I love the Apple store...everyone there is really friendly and no one really bothers you however long you decide to stay and play with their products!!!

Do let us know what you end up getting. GL!
 
Hey, how do you use the iPod rebate AND the printer rebate at the same time? They both require the Macbook UPC code.
 
Yea, thats exactly what was on my mind when they first told me i could get 2 free products on rebate. You need to send the UPC code for one product and a copy of the UPC code and invoice for the other product. Confirm this with your Apple retailer before you send these in, just incase policies vary store by store.
 
docc said:
It really comes down to what you need to do with it. I did an EXTENSIVE research before deciding on the Macbook...
Click to expand...

So true. As the owner of two MacBook Pros and one (white "ultimate edition", Core Duo) MacBook, I have to admit that even though I personally prefer the MacBook Pro, the regular MacBook is a better value for the money. It's lighter, travels better, more durable and rugged, and seems to suffer from fewer quality control issues. While I had to return several MacBook Pros before getting a problem-free unit, my white MacBook has never given me a bit of trouble. My wife's MacBook is also perfect, as is my father's. In fact, I've recently considered selling my MacBook and my 15" MacBook pro, and using the money to buy one of the updated black MacBooks. (Keeping the 17" SR MBP as the primary laptop, using MacBook for travel, testing code, etc.)

So congratulations on your purchase. It's a solid model that will serve you well.
 
Very good information here everyone. All info is much appreciated by people (like myself) waiting and lurking in the wings with credit card in hand...
 
sanzaborn33 said:
Do you find yourself cleaning the palm-rest area daily and if so, are you just using a damp cloth or something?? Thanks!
Click to expand...

I clean the palmrest area quite often, but not daily. Maybe at first I cleaned it almost every 3 hours, but you get used to it.;)

By no means does it looks ugly, it is just that maybe I am too anal about keeping my things clean.
You won't regret getting a Black MB, it is a great computer and everywhere I take it they say how beautiful it looks. So don't decide which Mac to get by how fingerprints would show up, but more by how much you need the best hardware in the MBP.

BTW, I use iKlear to clean it.
 
A high end MB (white) costs about $1300 while a high end MBP costs $2500 which is almost twice the price. For 2x the price, all you get is a slightly faster processor, an extra gig of RAM (which can be purchased for 40 bucks btw), 40GB larger HD (big deal) and a dedicated GPU. I agree that the GPU is where the real value is but paying 2x the price for all of this is unacceptable to me. I didn't mention the larger screen because that really wasn't a big deal to me since 13.3" more than serves my purpose.

Also, the whole thing about Santa Rosa doesn't really get me excited because the improvement in performance is just marginal. I think the next generation of MB and MBP's will be the real upgrade and the recently announced upgrades are just space-fillers. Whatever the situation, both are fantastic notebooks and we should be proud to be a part of the wonderful Mac community.
 
sanzaborn33 said:
Do you find yourself cleaning the palm-rest area daily and if so, are you just using a damp cloth or something?? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Little alcohol pads work very well on the palm rests. Please do NOT use them on the display.

iKlear to clean and a Marware protection pack to keep clean and add comfort (if you don't mind the looks of the thing).
 
docc said:
A high end MB (white) costs about $1300 while a high end MBP costs $2500 which is almost twice the price. For 2x the price, all you get is a slightly faster processor, an extra gig of RAM (which can be purchased for 40 bucks btw), 40GB larger HD (big deal) and a dedicated GPU. I agree that the GPU is where the real value is but paying 2x the price for all of this is unacceptable to me. I didn't mention the larger screen because that really wasn't a big deal to me since 13.3" more than serves my purpose.

Also, the whole thing about Santa Rosa doesn't really get me excited because the improvement in performance is just marginal. I think the next generation of MB and MBP's will be the real upgrade and the recently announced upgrades are just space-fillers. Whatever the situation, both are fantastic notebooks and we should be proud to be a part of the wonderful Mac community.
Click to expand...

My preference for the MBP is based on the larger screen but more on the NON-GLOSSY screen, because I dislike glossy displays. I also prefer the MBP keyboard, although I like both keyboards. But you're absolutely right: the hardware differences really don't justify the price difference.
 
Thanks mates, i intend to. I really wish i had made the transition to a Mac a long time back. I used to be one of those Mac haters and now after using a Mac, i'm in search for a "I love Mac" t-shirt :D. Oh well, as the corny ol' saying goes...."Better later than never..." :)
 
Yep, I'm a recent switcher too and I have to say I'm very glad with my choice of a 2.0Ghz 2GB 120GB Whitebook - the last laptop I had (PC/Windows) had panels on the back which fell off after a few weeks, it needed a booster for the internet connection as the dongle which came with it was so crap.

But now, everything is built-in on the macbook, I can run Final Cut (when I tried Avid on my last machine it wouldn't work, as the sound card isn't compatible) and I can actually carry the thing about without my arm breaking off! Oh the days of getting sores on my hands from my leather laptop case, running around airports and constantly feeling the strain of my lappy all the way :D

I did have a problem within the first few days - DVDs wouldn't play for some reason. After a quick run of the disk utility it was all back to normal.

It's so true that, once you go Mac, you never go back ;)
 
sanzaborn33 said:
I keep going back and forth between the BlackBook and a 15" MBP, but keep leaning towards the MBP 15" as the fingerprint issue on those black cases would drive me absolutely nuts. Unfortunately, my personal preference isn't for the white case, so again, my credit card begins to slide out of my money clip when I see the new MBP 15". But the problems with these new machines is making me very, very leary about purchasing a MBP anytime soon...

Oh well. I'm just nuts. Have fun with your new MB though!!
Click to expand...

i got the blackbook and i love it and the fingerprints are really not that bad because you can just wipe them off with your palm and it leaves no mark. this blackbook is amazing
 
Thanks everyone for help with my questions. And docc, I'm sorry I totally hi-jacked your thread here with my own questions. You have been very helpful.

After much thinking (as many of you know how long it took you to make your final buying decisions) I am going to go to the Apple store near me tomorrow morning or Friday and pick up....What's that?!?! A shiny new BlackBook!

I already have 2GB of memory and a Logitech VX mouse on it's way and being overnighted. Here's the memory I have ordered:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231116

And I have to get the new Brenthaven shoulder case for the Macbook, as my older Brenthaven covering my current 12" PB has seen better days.

I'll post some pics after the purchase is made!
 
sanzaborn33 said:
Thanks everyone for help with my questions. And docc, I'm sorry I totally hi-jacked your thread here with my own questions. You have been very helpful.

After much thinking (as many of you know how long it took you to make your final buying decisions) I am going to go to the Apple store near me tomorrow morning or Friday and pick up....What's that?!?! A shiny new BlackBook!

I already have 2GB of memory and a Logitech VX mouse on it's way and being overnighted. Here's the memory I have ordered:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231116

And I have to get the new Brenthaven shoulder case for the Macbook, as my older Brenthaven covering my current 12" PB has seen better days.

I'll post some pics after the purchase is made!
Click to expand...

nice choice, you definitely wont regret it
 
sanzaborn33 said:
Thanks everyone for help with my questions. And docc, I'm sorry I totally hi-jacked your thread here with my own questions. You have been very helpful.

After much thinking (as many of you know how long it took you to make your final buying decisions) I am going to go to the Apple store near me tomorrow morning or Friday and pick up....What's that?!?! A shiny new BlackBook!

I already have 2GB of memory and a Logitech VX mouse on it's way and being overnighted. Here's the memory I have ordered:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231116

And I have to get the new Brenthaven shoulder case for the Macbook, as my older Brenthaven covering my current 12" PB has seen better days.

I'll post some pics after the purchase is made!
Click to expand...

Don't worry about it, we're all here to help each other :) Congrats on making a decision...now the waiting starts! Also, any specific reason you chose to go with the Black color? Do you really think the color warrants the premium you pay for it? Well, if money is no object, then go nuts! :D

Whatever the case, enjoy your new toys! Wahoo!
 
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