MacBook questions from a second-time Apple buyer

[Einrel Koral]

Last year, I bought my first Apple computer, a 17-inch iMac G5. It was sort of an impulse purchase for me, but I've never looked back: I love it! The only, only thing I don't like about my iMac (which is really more of my fault) is that I miss the portability of a laptop. Granted, it's easily the most portable desktop in the world, but I still can't set it on my lap on the couch. So, I'm considering a white MacBook to fill my laptop needs. I have a couple of questions about it before I go and buy one. I'll find out about the glossy LCD and the keyboard when I visit the Apple Store this weekend to try one out, so my questions don't really concern those.

1. What issues have people been having with their MacBooks? Obviously there are some, I just want to see how serious (and how frequent) they are. Is there any reason (at all) I would regret purchasing a MacBook at this time?

2. The on-board graphics don't really concern me too much, as I'm not really much of a computer gamer (I prefer consoles), but what ramifications (if any) does it have for a normal user?

Thanks!

 

[dextertangocci]

There have been some reports of the MB "mooing" which apparently really does sound like a cow mooing! This is a heat related issue. Also, some people have been complaining about the heat, which apparently isn't as bad as the MBP, but is worse than the iBook's. But I still think the MB is a brilliant machine!

 

[yankeefan24]

… Also, some people have been complaining about the heat, which apparently isn't as bad as the MBP, but is worse than the iBook's. But I still think the MB is a brilliant machine!

I had a MBP for just under 2 weeks (returned it), and I can say that the heat on that was like a cook top. Although Core Duo Temp reports temps only about 10-20ºF less, because of the plastic finish, it feels more like 50-90 degrees on my lap. I have only heard one case of 'mooing' on a black MacBook, and many more on the whites, btw. Overall, I think this machine is better than the MBP for any sort of portability. I have no problems with it, (except for a sleep issue that has seemingly gone away). I would recommend this machine to everyone who needs a laptop.

Using Mac OS X generally, I have generally had no problems with Integrated Graphics, and I haven't tried any (more) modern games yet (I forgot my bootcamp disks at my house, I'm on the road now). Do not buy it if you're a gamer (which you say your not), but it can handle games nicely on it, but not as well as a dedicated card.

 

[Einrel Koral]

Thanks for the replies! It sounds like the MacBook is the right laptop for me, then. I actually have one other question that might actually be better suited to another board, but I suppose I'll stick it here anyway.

I've purchased quite a few songs on iTunes, and I'm well aware that they use a protected format. Is there a way to transfer these to a new Mac or will I have to buy them again?

 

[Hobbit]

I've had my macbook for 5 days now and to be honest not entirely happy. Here are a few of the downsides of the macbook.

1. Compared to my previous iBook G4 1.33...i would say the MacBook is probably 5 times slower than the iBook. This is because intelmac uses a program called Rosetta which allow u to use programs designed for powerpc (G4) on intelmacs. Think of it as 'virtual pc' but this one is 'virtual powerpc'. Using a program through another program slows down performance and add to that the fact that Rosetta uses alottt of RAM so 512MB is simply not enough. Having said that, some users reported that upgrading the RAM will improve speed dramatically. The annoying thing is that apple produced the macbook knowing that the RAM is NOT enough. Now i have to spend extra money to add more RAM.

2. Some peripheral hardware may not be compatible yet with intelmacs. I had the unpleasant surprise of finding out that my internet modem (manufactured by Thompson) is not compatible.. and i had to buy a new modem costing me an extra £60.

3. The MacBook does get hot more than ibook..this is only felt if you put feel the bottom side so it's not a big deal if u normally put the laptop on a desk rather than your lap. The problem however is that the fans sometimes keep turning on and off quickly hence producing 'whining' noise. it's not there all the time though...i only heard it twice and i hope it doesn't het worse.

4. The edge of the macbook (where the white shell ends) is really sharp compared to the ibooks. this means that resting your hands on the laptop is very uncomfortable. (in a way it's good because it forces you to keep your hands in the correct typing position!!)

5. Compared to the iBook, the macbook has more vibration on the right hand rest area when you use the CD/DVD drive. (personal feeling, others might disagree).


6. i personally feel that the ibook trackpad and click button were more comfortable and at a perfect size. it will take me sometime to adjust to clicking the extralong clicking button on the macbook.

Having said all the that, i still like the Macbook simply because of the glossy widescreen (others might disagree). No problems with the keyboard and also no real advantage either.

If u want to get a macbook, bear in mind the real price is with a ram upgrade.

Good Luck.

 

[Music_Producer]

I have an MBP, and I just purchased a MacBook 2 days ago. Its perfect (just like my mbp) and to someone who posted that its slower than an ibook I'd like to know what medication he's on. This thing has 512 mb RAM and Microsoft Office (under Rosetta) is way faster than my powerbook g4 1.5 ghz with 1.25 gb of RAM. Can't wait to put 2 GB in this sucker.

Its beautiful, stunning, absolutely quiet.. I can't hear anything except when the cd/dvd is being accessed.. and its SUPER fast! Yes, it does get a little warm, but when it does.. I shift it from my lap to a table.. or change the position.. it only gets warm on the left side. Its a dual core, I would expect it to get warm (I leave the processors on highest performance)

Reading the posts out here, I was quite hesitant in purchasing my MBP and MacBook, but as Apple products have always worked for me, these 2 are even better than any Apple product I have ever owned.

 

[Einrel Koral]

If u want to get a macbook, bear in mind the real price is with a ram upgrade.

Yeah, I'm keeping the price of a RAM upgrade in mind. I'm toying with the idea of getting 2GB of RAM from NewEgg, but I'm not entirely sure yet. A whole lot cheaper than getting it from Apple, but I'm not sure 2GB is going to be necessary.

Anyway, thanks everyone for your answers!

 

[reh]

I've purchased quite a few songs on iTunes, and I'm well aware that they use a protected format. ...will I have to buy them again?

Nope, just authorize the new Mac (iTunes username and password).

 

[plutnicki]

Thoughts

I've had my BlackBook now for about 2 days and I'm really enjoying it. I upgraded from a 1Ghz TiBook, and this thing just blows that system away. I've done some iPhoto, Tunes, Mail and Safari, plus running OpenOffice.org and Thunderbird. It get's way better Airport reception than the TiBook. No heat issues really, my TiBook's fan came on more often, I don't think I've heard the MacBook's fan yet...

No fit issues, no wierd noises. Maybe I got a really good one, or maybe I just haven't pushed it hard enough yet. But I'm a happy customer thus far...

Plus, I sold my TiBook in like 10 minutes.

 

[Zman5225]

I have been to the Apple store a few times to play around with the macbook, and to the comment from Hobbit who says it is 5x SLOWER than the iBook, wow, you must have been using a different machine than I have used. The Macbook makes my iBook (the same one you mentioned as using) look like a joke. The speed that it opens all the programs with, and does things like use handbrake to rip dvds(for example) is so much faster its slap you in the face obvious.

Z