MacBook Pro...Likely Switcher...

[Hey Apple!]

Hey! I have been lurking around these forums more than once a day for a while now as I like to do a lot of research on a new computer.

I have been using Windows since I cannot even remember. So my Uncle has a Mac and when I asked he told me it was great so that influenced me put that on my possible buys list and watch all the videos about OSX on Apple's website. I have read a lot of the should I wait threads and will not ask that question as that is for me alone to answer and I say I am not going to wait because this system is fairly stable already and I do not like buying machines when they are first released.

Now for the questions.

1)) Will a MacBook Pro (2.33 ghz 15" 2GB RAM) fit my needs for until Summer 2010 and still run pretty good?

I will define my needs so I will not have to answer that question:

1) Gaming (For the games that are compatible with mac.)
2) Web Design (Not really hardcore yet, but could grow to that as I am going to learn a lot between now and 2010.
3) Internet Surfing, Email, Chat
4) Podcasts and Video Podcasts
5) Light video editing of the video podcasts maybe.
6) School Projects (I am getting iWork preinstalled)
7) Some music in Garage Band

2)) How do I set my current printer and my free with rebate printer up so that my new MBP can send signals for it to print wirelessly?

3)) Good sleeves or neoprene cases, whatever you call them, and a good messenger bag that does not look like a laptop bag. Suggestions please...not expensive ones please.

4)) Better to buy online Apple store or in Apple Store in large city?

5)) Good starting software for Macs?

6)) Anything else I should know and some good starter tips? And a link to common switcher mistakes as I am sure there is already a thread for that?

Well thanks,

Hey Apple!

 

[pianoman]

1)) Will a MacBook Pro (2.33 ghz 15" 2GB RAM) fit my needs for until Summer 2010 and still run pretty good?

yes.

4)) Better to buy online Apple store or in Apple Store in large city?

completely a preference thing. if you're more comfortable ordering online, go for it. if you want immediate satisfaction, the store's the way to go.

5)) Good starting software for Macs?

you'll probably want to get Microsoft Office. also check out Adium for chatting, VLC/Perian/Flip4Mac for video needs, and Quicksilver for general awesomeness. pretty much everything else you'll need is included.

 

[iSee]

1)) Will a MacBook Pro (2.33 ghz 15" 2GB RAM) fit my needs for until Summer 2010 and still run pretty good?

Yeah, I think the current MBP will hold up very nicely for three years. Get at least the 160 GB hard drive, if you can afford it. Maybe even 200 GB if you think you might use Bootcamp for Windows (this will greatly expand your gaming options). And hard disk space is always useful for video projects.

 

[Hey Apple!]

Thanks for your replies. One more question. If I decide to lower the resolution of the screen, it is possible right? will the MBPro still function properly? If so, and I change it back to the native resolution, will be a good quality picture even though I changed the res off it then back on the native?

I hope that makes sense.

 

[dartzorichalcos]

Thanks for your replies. One more question. If I decide to lower the resolution of the screen, it is possible right? will the MBPro still function properly? If so, and I change it back to the native resolution, will be a good quality picture even though I changed the res off it then back on the native.

Yes, go to System Preferences -> Displays and change the resolution from there. The MacBook Pro will still function properly so don't worry. One question though, why do you need to change the resolution?

I hope that makes sense.

Yes it does and don't worry.

 

[Hey Apple!]

Thanks for your response. The answer to your question is I don't like high resolutions because it makes things too small and I do not want to have to strain just to read the computer. I actually have never looked at one in person before and am planning on doing that tomorrow. Chances are, I probably will not have to change the res, but if I do, I will. The main reason is that high res= smaller things on screen= me straining to see it plus I am used to low resolutions so I may just "work" myself up if it is an adjustment problem.

 

[Spizzo]

It should fit your needs. I've had my powerbook since early 2004 and it's still going strong. It does everything you mentioned just fine. As far as a sleeve, I have used WaterField Designs 17" PB sleeve and am happy with it. Make the switch, you'll be glad you did.

 

[majordude]

Will a MacBook Pro (2.33 ghz 15" 2GB RAM) fit my needs for until Summer 2010 and still run pretty good?

Your needs may change and hardware will be leaps and bounds better than now.

A month ago the largest 2.5" 7200 HD was 100GB. Now it is 160GB.

New screens will be out. New processors. Cheaper memory. Maybe different memory (bubble, hologram, flash). Better batteries...

I end up buying a new computer every 1.5 years. I'm a fool for technology. Maybe you aren't.

All that said, my new MBP is sweet. I splurged for the 17-inch. Since you will be older in three years and your eyes fade with time, I'd opt for the larger screen, matte finish.

 

[jng]

1)) Will a MacBook Pro (2.33 ghz 15" 2GB RAM) fit my needs for until Summer 2010 and still run pretty good?

Re uses: 2-7, excluding 5 - definitely. It should be okay for 5 in 2010, but you might find it slow.

Re: Gaming (for non apple ones) you'll also have to invest in gettting Windows and bootcamp (wait until Leopard).

Re: web design, it should work fine too. I still use my 12" powerbook for design. The MBP is just faster and has a bigger screen.

The machine will definitely last you until 2010. It will be slower and outdated by then, but i'll make it.

 

[majordude]

Re: Gaming (for non apple ones) you'll also have to invest in gettting Windows and bootcamp (wait until Leopard).

Why wait until Leopard? What happens then?

 

[72930]

Why wait until Leopard? What happens then?

Bootcamp becomes a final application, out of beta, probably with multiple advantages

 

[Blubbert]

Thanks for your response. The answer to your question is I don't like high resolutions because it makes things too small and I do not want to have to strain just to read the computer. I actually have never looked at one in person before and am planning on doing that tomorrow. Chances are, I probably will not have to change the res, but if I do, I will. The main reason is that high res= smaller things on screen= me straining to see it plus I am used to low resolutions so I may just "work" myself up if it is an adjustment problem.

When Leopard comes along, this will be a thing of the past. You will be able to have the highest possible resolution while maintaining any size of objects you want, because of resolution independence.

 

[eluk]

…The main reason is that high res= smaller things on screen= me straining to see it plus I am used to low resolutions so I may just "work" myself up if it is an adjustment problem.

Cmd+'+' ups the font size in steps or Ctrl+'two finger' mouse zooms seemlessly.

 

[Hey Apple!]

Also, I have heard about something about a separate Visa warranty or something of that nature. I am interested in more details as half of it will be payed with a Visa.