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Macbook as a windows machine
- Thread starter Hexaea
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I can understand you wanting to use Windows and I'm not going to tell you to use Mac OS X, but why do you want a MacBook then? why not get a similarly spec'd laptop for less to run Vista? Most people pay such high prices for Macs because of OS X, you obviously aren't one of those people, so why a MacBook? They use the same parts as other Windows laptops and quality control on them seems to be going downhill, and I do believe (at least from my experience using XP, not sure about Vista) battery life is way lower running Windows on a MacBook.
Care to elaborate?
Skippy, unresponsive, something with the buttons(lack of, rather), or something else?
I have the new Alum MB and I agree-the track pad in windows is HARD TO USE. I am not using Vista but I can't see how it is any different.
Selecting text blocks (like you would to cut and paste) is difficult, if not impossible. Gesturing does not work nearly as well either, it is MUCH MORE LIMITED in what it will do in Windows than in OS X.
In fact, I generally hook up a mouse when in XP-just easier. Other than that, it would make a fine-albeit expensive, Windows Laptop machine. PC world gave it their highest rating (the last generation)-beating all others from Dell, HP, Gateway, etc.
I know that is your money and all... but I think that buying a MacBook to run Windows is the dumbest thing I've ever seen. I see it like someone buying a Ferrari and changing the engine for a Toyota.... Maybe later on you'll get an iPhone and use it with Windows Mobile...
Sorry but that's how I see it...
Sorry but that's how I see it...
I know that is your money and all... but I think that buying a MacBook to run Windows is the dumbest thing I've ever seen. I see it like someone buying a Ferrari and changing the engine for a Toyota.... Maybe later on you'll get an iPhone and use it with Windows Mobile...
Sorry but that's how I see it...
Like he said, he wants to buy the MacBook because it is aestheticly pleasing and well built machine. A perfectly good argument. No need to run OS X. And no need to ridicule him for that.
1) Yes, I believe you can install Vista SP1 directly without using BootCamp because Vista SP1 has boot support for EFI.
2) and 3) People seem to be complaining about the TrackPad in Windows. My understanding is that it is not so functional as in OS X. (Apple of course wants to give you the best experience in OS X)
5) I am unsure if Apple distributes drivers other than from BootCamp on the OS X Install/Recover DVD and Apple Software update. Some drivers you always need to get from Apple, to support things like backlit keyboard, etc. Other you can download yourself, like the nvidia driver.
6) People say battery life is worse in Windows, and Mac users like to take this opportunity to ridicule Windows as power inefficient compared to OS X. Personally, I think it is more truth in that Apple does not provide really optimized drivers for Windows. They have no reason to do that, since they want OS X to seem superior. This is also true in one sense, since Apple have better control over their hardware, and can perform precise measures to downclock certain devices, etc.
7) The 9400M will handle the games you mentioned just fine.
Overall, Windows on a MacBook has proven to run just fine. There are guides and blogs on the net that discusses Windows installations without BootCamp, and how you extract BootCamp drivers on your own to install later, etc.
If you buy a Macbook I would keep a small OS X partition for Firmware updates and hardware troubleshooting. But I think you can make a better purchase for a Windows machine. If I was a windows uswe I would have one of these... http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/toughbook-products.asp
I know it seems like it would take a lot to learn it...but having been a windows user my entire life and switching to a unibody MBP less than a month ago, I can honestly say it isn't difficult at all. It's basically very simple changes like the shrink, restore down and close buttons on the top right of any window on vista are on the left on osx. Applications go in the applications folder, and are shown as 1 file instead of multiple. There's a lot of little changes really but it truly isn't difficult. I'm running vista ultimate 64 bit and osx manages memory better and is snappier IMO.
Ok, sorry about that I am just trying to get you to reconsider. I've built machines since 286's and have only used windows until this machine. Already I want to boot less and less into windows and would if it wasn't for games.
I would honestly not recommend a macbook to only run windows. The trackpad was definitely not designed to work well within windows. I use a logitech mx518 when I reboot into windows so that takes care of that. It makes sense that you like the looks of the macbook, but if you plan on only running windows and you also want to play games...why would you do it with a 9400m?? That card won't be very good for a lot of newer games at all. The 9600M GT in the MBP can handle games well if you're a casual gamer. But then again, you can get a machine with a better video card for less with decent build quality. Check out Lenovo, they are supposed to be good or what about a dell xps? You probably don't want to hear this but I wouldn't have got this machine if it wasn't for OSX which is one of the reasons you pay a premium. Get at least a 2 ghz, 4gb ram and a 9800 video card to run windows and games...I'm sure you can find one for cheaper than this that will more than do what you want it to. Apple isn't the only company with good build quality. I'm not sure if I helped you any but I just wanted to give my opinion since it's a pretty big purchase.
Care to elaborate?
Skippy, unresponsive, something with the buttons(lack of, rather
Two major problems:
- Any slight movement of the thumb finger in the "button area" moves the cursor. So, it makes hard to click.
- When you try to select a text pressing touchpad with the thumb finger while moving the first finger. If you lift the first finger the selection you already made is gone. It makes impossible to select bigger then couple of lines block of text.
OS-X definitely has advanced partition management. In most cases you can change a hard drive partition size non-destructively, though I have never tried this with Windows partitions, so I don't know if you can do it with Windows partitions. I have done it with OS X partitions and it works fine.
As for sharing files in between the two-OS-X can read both NTFS and FAT (FAT 32) partitions, but can only write to FAT. I am sure there are 3rd paarty applications to write in NTFS but I do not know what they are called and I have never used them. In my Mac Mini configuration, I have a 500GB external with about 32 GB FAT partition, and a 20 GB NTFS partition on my intenal HD to boot XP from. I use the NTFS partition because it is supposedly more secure than FAT, though with XP that is clearly not saying much-there is PLENTY of NTFS malware as any windows user knows.
From the Windows side, there is a program called "Mac Drive" that I use that mounts your Mac drives upon booting to Windows. It allows you to READ AND WRITE to them from Windows. One of the bet $50 utilities I have ever bought.
All this being said, and someone posted this earlier, I find myself booting windows less and less. I have built PCs for friends, family, and small business owners since 486 days, and I just really love OS-X. Boots incredibly fast (and is ready to use when the desktop appears, unlike windows), I do not use a virus program or a spyware program, just feels slick and elegant. Simple to use-the dock, which I thought was lame the first time I saw it, is an amazing development. No more "full taskbars" like in windows. Spaces for real "multi-tasking". Time Machine. And iWork for $79 (I actually bought mine on Ebay for $50) is a great application if you are not a hard-core Excel Macro user. About the only thing I don't use is Safari-I am truly in love with Firefox 3.X.
I dunno-buy what you want, but OS-X is great and the more you use it, the more likely you are to use windows LESS. I do have a new Alum MB (Not Pro) and the track pad is a nightmare in windows. Good luck RIGHT CLICKING with it
I have bought a macbook recently and have been a Windows user for long (also touched on Linux desktops, but IMHO, that's no way near Windows / Mac in terms of user friendliness ) At first I had concerns towards migrating to Mac OS X for I had little experience on that platform; but having exposed to this lovely OS more I realized that it was the right choice; depending on your (OP) needs you may be able to find everything you need on the OS X platform; if not, there's always a way to use back your Windows apps via BootCamp or VMs
) At first I had concerns towards migrating to Mac OS X for I had little experience on that platform; but having exposed to this lovely OS more I realized that it was the right choice; depending on your (OP) needs you may be able to find everything you need on the OS X platform; if not, there's always a way to use back your Windows apps via BootCamp or VMs Hi
you can find freeware add-ons for OS X and Vista to allow using a EXT2 partition on all OSs. It's better than using FAT32.
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I meant not to get this machine for using it with windows only.
If you want it, go for it but try using osx for a month first =) after all, you are paying for the ability to run it, might as well try it and see. It will be sort of frustrrating at first but be open minded and good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Hexaea said:
I meant not to get this machine for using it with windows only.
If you want it, go for it but try using osx for a month first =) after all, you are paying for the ability to run it, might as well try it and see. It will be sort of frustrrating at first but be open minded and good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Don't get it for Windows
I put windows XP on my Blackbook and had it on there for about a month. I used it for the sole purpose of playing a couple games for windows (not over the internet).
The very first time I went on the internet (facecbook.com of all places) I picked up a virus that installed "anti virus software" that disabled the windows update, all of my internet capabilities, and would force shut down my windows system every ten minutes. I ended up turning around and got rid of the windows partition all together.
Trust me, Windows isn't worth it. OSX a way better OS.
I put windows XP on my Blackbook and had it on there for about a month. I used it for the sole purpose of playing a couple games for windows (not over the internet).
The very first time I went on the internet (facecbook.com of all places) I picked up a virus that installed "anti virus software" that disabled the windows update, all of my internet capabilities, and would force shut down my windows system every ten minutes. I ended up turning around and got rid of the windows partition all together.
Trust me, Windows isn't worth it. OSX a way better OS.
I agree-unfortunately, Windows has numbers behind it and there is much software (particularly games) that will never be released for OS-X because of volume (or lack thereof) and Apple's tight control over hardware. Try getting ANY mac (other than Pro) with a 9800GT graphics card (or the next "faster" video card). Not gonna happen.
Fortunately for me-I no longer game, so OS-X is an easy (and pleasing) choice
I sat and watched as a new icon appeared in the bottom right of my screen, then the ensuing message that said my computer had a virus, and that I should upgrade for $59.99 from the trial version that was installed on my computer 10 seconds before that. It was an endless loop. You hit "no thanks" on the screen, and then the message would pop up again. The only thing I did before that was log into my facebook account. So if by do something, you mean access facebook.com, then yeah! You're right on.
Common sense... Trust me. I've got it. Say all you want, I'm simply telling the truth of the situation, and how lousy of an experience XP on my mac was for something that got used maybe twice a week.
Wipe OS X to only use Windows AND pay the Apple premium? What is wrong with you?
If I didn't have to pay extra for an Apple machine I wouldn't. Do yourself a favor and save a few bucks. Go buy a Lenovo.
If I didn't have to pay extra for an Apple machine I wouldn't. Do yourself a favor and save a few bucks. Go buy a Lenovo.
Did you have any personal firewall set up or broadband router in between? Having a Windows machine hooked up to the internet naked is the most dangerous thing that could be done to a computer ...
I have a router installed, but that's it. I hadn't done all of the windows updates if I remember correctly.
Anyway, I'm not really dwelling on the fact that XP on my blackbook was a massive disappointment. Honestly. It just backs up my claims of how easy it is for a computer to get a virus running a Windows OS, whether it is a Dell, Gateway, Mac, or whatever you may have.
I've been using a mac since I was 5, so I've always been partial/biassed towards a Mac OS anyway. Anything Windows has just been a hobby for me if anything.
And to the thread starter, you're insane if you are going to get a Mac for the sole purpose of running windows. Why would you waste the money on a system that could run a far superior OS (In my opinion) and then not use it for what it's intended? That's like buying a McClaren F1 and throwing a VW Bus engine in it.
Int he OP's defense, I understand why ppl are starting to get a Mac and dumping the OS for Windows. I mean PC World did say that the best Windows machine is a Mac. But now that I think about it, I don't think they were suggesting going out, buying a $2000+ Mac just to put Windows on it. Oh well
Just to throw off the people that say PCs are cheaper. They are not. Try matching the any Dell/HP/Lenovo's notebooks that are out there. Majority have jumped bandwagons to the Intel GMA chipsets which suck big time. I have their chipset, while it is not too bad, but will pale in comparison to the MB's nVidia graphics.
To OP: If you really want to use Windows, get a Lenovo. That's the only brand which actually uses a half decent graphics chip that doesn't suck. All the Dell's and HP's 13 inch notebooks use Intel (majority). Seriously, switch to Mac. No more viruses. No more BSoD, no more ****** IE 7/8 (8 is even worse) performance. Oh yea, Macs perform lighter and it looks 10x Vista's Aero junk which clogs up the entire OS.
To OP: If you really want to use Windows, get a Lenovo. That's the only brand which actually uses a half decent graphics chip that doesn't suck. All the Dell's and HP's 13 inch notebooks use Intel (majority). Seriously, switch to Mac. No more viruses. No more BSoD, no more ****** IE 7/8 (8 is even worse) performance. Oh yea, Macs perform lighter and it looks 10x Vista's Aero junk which clogs up the entire OS.