Lifetime windows user..buying a Macbook. Questions..

[Kinkokoro]

You've all heard it before..long time Windows user buying a Macbook, ect. Here's another one of those threads.

I don't know much about Macintosh as a whole, I'll be honest. The only real Mac user I know is my brother, he's a musician and creates amazing music with software on his Mac laptop. I grew up using windows and still use it today. However, I recently got a part time job in hope of saving up for a Mac laptop. And with the recent delay of Leopard I thought maybe I should just set my goals on a Macbook.

What is the main thing I'd need to know?
I'd like to get a decently future proof laptop, something I can use for many different things and not be slowed down.

Also, what is "Santa Rosa" I think it's a "new line" of Macbook and Pro laptops? I wouldn't be able to afford a Macbook for a couple of months, so would it be wise to just save up funds and set my sights on that?

Lastly, would it be worth it to save up the exta cash and go for Pro? I like the overall style of Macbook, the small and portability is a must. Traveling is where it's at. But I also like the power of the pro..

Thank you all very much! and I look forward to being part of the Mac community.

 

[iW00t]

Also, what is "Santa Rosa" I think it's a "new line" of Macbook and Pro laptops? I wouldn't be able to afford a Macbook for a couple of months, so would it be wise to just save up funds and set my sights on that?

The difference from Santa Rosa will probably be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but since you are currently not in the market, why not wait? It is always good to get more for the same amounts of money.

 

[CRAZYBUBBA]

IMO pro is always worth the $$.. better specs, better resale value, and the comfort of knowing that your computer, although 2 years old is still a world beater..

Source: My Powerbook is 2 years old, and I've never been happier with decision to 'go pro'

 

[iW00t]

IMO pro is always worth the $$.. better specs, better resale value, and the comfort of knowing that your computer, although 2 years old is still a world beater..

Source: My Powerbook is 2 years old, and I've never been happier with decision to 'go pro'

Not true, you also neglected the fact that you have paid close to twice as much in the first place. Do you ultimately get twice the resale value?

The Powerbook G4 was such a piece of **** when it last came out in October 2005. Good thing Apple decided to make the Intel switch, things were so bad during the day when you look at the prices of the PPC Macs in contrast to the faster (and cheaper) PC laptops.

For the extra money the difference in performance is really marginal. In the long run you'd be better served buying non-pro and snowballing the money into an early upgrade.

A Macbook from 2008 beats the crap out of a late 2006 Macbook Pro any day. Plus you still get to keep the money you get from selling your late 2006 Macbook for candy.

 

[chriscorbin]

IMHO leopard is not really a big deal its still OS X, it just has a few new bells and whistles, iChat stuff, Mail stuff,spaces, time machine- these are thing i personally would never use. I consider leopard a luxury, a nice upgrade but not at all needed untill it becomes standard for running Pro Apps like final cut. I would not let the poorly established time table for leopard worry me. Get it if you want but the upgrades are all show, kinda cool but all show. For Example I am buying a macbook pro the day after graduation leopard or not, because i need it for work i will buy leopard when i need to

and as for the decision to "go pro" it depends what you will use the computer for. Using Logic, Photoshop, Final Cut that kind of thing you need something with a little more power like the MBP, not saying these would not run on the macbook with the exception of Shake, but it would be very slow. if you plan to do any heavy gaming the macbook built-in graphics might make the game choppy or slow. the display glossy or matte will impact your decision(if you do anything involving photography or graphic design the color of the glossy display will be HELL) in the end you have to decide if you are a PRO level user

Wow i wrote a lot hope this helps

 

[kevinliu4]

Firstly, what will you be using it for?? That will determine how much power you need. The MacBook is no slouch.

If portability is the main priority, then that's easy - go MacBook.

I do a lot of work with images and photos, and don't have to travel too much so I have a MBP.

 

[Thouchy]

I currently upgraded from a powerbook to a macbook pro with an intel, and I love it! I installed bootcamp and windows so I can use both program (windows for work related reason) I am so glad I decided to do this instead of getting a windows computer. I love mac!! If you are looking to get a mac and you are so used to windows or need windows this might be an idea. I would go with a macbook pro with at least 2 gigs mem. That way if you want to do parallels you won't have too much of a mem prob. Mine is working great with bootcamp and I have heard that bootcamp is going to be more like parallels. It is like having 2 computers in one. Way worth the money IMO. If you have any questions about any of this feel free to pm me

 

[lovemymac4sure]

Welcome to the greatest machines in computing...sorry it took you so long..

Cheers!