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PC user looking to convert...

W

Woody56292

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 6, 2006
18
0
Alright, I am convinced. Macs look cooler, run faster, and perform better than Windows; however, which one should I get?
I am a internet junkie ( use firefox )
Media user ( podcasts, music, videos )
and occassional pc gamer ( must be able to run spore at least )
I have never upgrade a pc before ( always buy a new one ) so upgrading probably isn't a factor. (although the mac pro makes it look so easy, I might start)
I travel to my dad's house every weekend, so I would like it to be somewhat portable. ( also travel alot )
so I am at a bind... should I get a 24" iMac ( because I don't have an HDtv, and would to use it as a tv and to play my xbox 360 on )
or should I get a macbook ( or macbook pro )...
can someone offer me assistance in finding the right mac for me, and also what upgrades I should get? ( maxed out 24" is kinda expensive, wanna know what upgrades I would have to make )

also, I know I am going to be flamed for this, but will a Mac be able to dualboot vista? only reason I ask is because I like some of its 360 features. ( although probably won't do much good without tv tuner )

thanks in advance for all the help.
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If you're planning on traveling a good bit then you should get a MacBook or MacBook Pro. That only makes sense. As to which one ... well, that's up to you. The MacBook is a fine machine and is priced very attractively. Not too sure how the video card is (I hear it'll play most games decently).
 
breakfastcrew said:
don't get a mac they are terrible.
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ok now that I have heard from the peanut gallery....
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anyways... to respond to the other person.
But what about 24". As much as I try to convince myself I should get a laptop, the new imac doubling as my tv/monitor is too great a temptation.

Macbook/Pro users... care to comment? How is it for traveling? ( plane rides, car rides, general around the house )
How long does it last before you have to recharge?
Can I use it as a tv/monitor? ( even though it would be much smaller, and have to have clunky tv tuner on the side )
 
It really comes down to how much portability you need. If you need a lot then you need a portable. On the other hand, if you just want to move it around occasionally an iMac is a better machine. There is quite a size differential between a Macbook and a 24" iMac. How about a 17" iMac? Easily transportable if you save the box (although I wouldn't take it on a plane).
 
emptyCup said:
It really comes down to how much portability you need. If you need a lot then you need a portable. On the other hand, if you just want to move it around occasionally an iMac is a better machine. There is quite a size differential between a Macbook and a 24" iMac. How about a 17" iMac? Easily transportable if you save the box (although I wouldn't take it on a plane).
Click to expand...

well yeah but I am looking at either ultra portable 13" imac ( fully loaded except for 80gb harddrive )
or a monitor for my 360 that also doubles as a flippin sweet pc.
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edit: oops called it a pc, I mean mac.
and the iMac would be almost maxed out. $3384 vs $1897 macbook.
I can't decide. =*(
 
You'd need to add a clunky TV tuner to the iMac too - it has no video inputs. There are TV tuners with the ability to plug a console into them but there is quite a bit of lag as the tuner decodes and recodes the signal.

You can't plug a 360 into the iMac.
 
Chundles said:
You'd need to add a clunky TV tuner to the iMac too - it has no video inputs. There are TV tuners with the ability to plug a console into them but there is quite a bit of lag as the tuner decodes and recodes the signal.

You can't plug a 360 into the iMac.
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you just ruined my day.
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oh well, then I guess it is the macbook for me.
is this good enough for my use?
Apple Wireless Keyboard M9270LL/A 1 $59.00
Apple wireless Mighty Mouse MA272LL/A 1 $69.00
MacBook 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo - White Z0D5 1 $1,897.00
Apple Mini-DVI to VGA Adapter 065-6504
SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW) 065-6231
Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English 065-6235
2.0GHz Intel Core Duo 065-6307
60GB Serial ATA drive 065-6226
iWork '06 preinstalled 065-6292
2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB 065-6305
Accessory Kit 065-6313
 
Chundles said:
You'd need to add a clunky TV tuner to the iMac too - it has no video inputs. There are TV tuners with the ability to plug a console into them but there is quite a bit of lag as the tuner decodes and recodes the signal.

You can't plug a 360 into the iMac.
Click to expand...

wait so I can't use a vga adapter?
 
Woody56292 said:
wait so I can't use a vga adapter?
Click to expand...

EDIT - poorly explained.

The VGA adapter you can purchase from Apple is designed to let those people who own a second monitor with a VGA input to use that monitor in conjunction with the screen on an iMac or MacBook. You plug the adapter into the mini-DVI out on the MacBook or the iMac and plug the second monitor into the adapter and voila - you now have two screens for more desktop space.

No Mac with a built-in screen has the ability to use that screen to display anything except what the computer is out-putting to that screen. You can plug in a USB TV tuner to watch TV but you can't plug an external video source in and use the built-in screen as a monitor.
 
If you want portability, get a laptop. Since you mentioned playing a few games on it, I'd recommend a MacBook Pro. They will most likely be updated here soon, so if you can wait, you may wanna give it a couple of weeks and see if they are updated.

If you want a monitor to play your 360 on, you could probably pick up a Dell 2007WFP. (20" Widescreen LCD) I'm pretty sure that you can hook up a 360 to that. Plus, you could use it as an external display for your MacBook Pro.
 
FadeToBlack said:
If you want portability, get a laptop. Since you mentioned playing a few games on it, I'd recommend a MacBook Pro. They will most likely be updated here soon, so if you can wait, you may wanna give it a couple of weeks and see if they are updated.

If you want a monitor to play your 360 on, you could probably pick up a Dell 2007WFP. (20" Widescreen LCD) I'm pretty sure that you can hook up a 360 to that. Plus, you could use it as an external display for your MacBook Pro.
Click to expand...

are macbooks ( regular ) not good enough for gaming?
I liked how small the macbooks are and the pros seemed like more stuff than I would need. ( and pretty expensive )
 
Woody56292 said:
are macbooks ( regular ) not good enough for gaming?
I liked how small the macbooks are and the pros seemed like more stuff than I would need. ( and pretty expensive )
Click to expand...

Depending on what your gaming needs are but I would say generally not.

The MacBook Pro, with it's dedicated graphics, is more suitable for game-play.
 
Chundles said:
Depending on what your gaming needs are but I would say generally not.

The MacBook Pro, with it's dedicated graphics, is more suitable for game-play.
Click to expand...
alright well what if we eliminated gaming as an option.
would a macbook be more cost-effective then. ( wouldn't a macbook pro just be too much for what I would need )
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Unless you care about gaming or a few other 3D intensive tasks (3D modeling, Motion, Aperture, etc), a MacBook should be fine, and a lot cheapter than a MBP.
 
Woody56292 said:
alright well what if we eliminated gaming as an option.
would a macbook be more cost-effective then. ( wouldn't a macbook pro just be too much for what I would need )
signquestion3xd.gif
Click to expand...

If you give up gaming, then yeah, a MacBook should be sufficient. As Chundles said, a MacBook Pro has a dedicated graphics card, instead of the integrated graphics, which use system RAM rather than having their own dedicated RAM.

If the games you'll be playing aren't too demanding, you may still be able to play them with the MacBook, but I don't really know from experience. I haven't tried to play any games on my mini, which also has the integrated graphics.
 
mduser63 said:
Unless you care about gaming or a few other 3D intensive tasks (3D modeling, Motion, Aperture, etc), a MacBook should be fine, and a lot cheapter than a MBP.
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ok decided then, I will save up for a White 2.0GHz Macbook ( core duo ) with 2gb ram, 60gb HDD, iWorks pre-installed, wireless mighty mouse, and wireless appleboard.
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Now if only I can get the money.
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oh and this one is cool.
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MacBook

I suggest for you to get a MacBook. I match a similar persona to yours. I currently have a MacBook Pro. I use mine souly for music. I am a bit of a traveler, so therefore a laptop is the utmost ideal choice for me. I am selling my MacBook Pro soon so that I can afford both a MacBook and an iMac. The MacBook is just the ideal Mac for you at this point. Also, if you are that stuck on Windows, you can install bootcamp and have the best of both world in your eyes, however I suggest getting away from windows while you still have a chance. Lol. Hope I was at service to you.
 
nagshay1818 said:
I suggest for you to get a MacBook. I match a similar persona to yours. I currently have a MacBook Pro. I use mine souly for music. I am a bit of a traveler, so therefore a laptop is the utmost ideal choice for me. I am selling my MacBook Pro soon so that I can afford both a MacBook and an iMac. The MacBook is just the ideal Mac for you at this point. Also, if you are that stuck on Windows, you can install bootcamp and have the best of both world in your eyes, however I suggest getting away from windows while you still have a chance. Lol. Hope I was at service to you.
Click to expand...
yes thank everyone for their help. Admittingly, I will probably continue to use windows on bootcamp, mainly for pc to 360 streaming. ( although I may just use my comp I have now for that )
I probably won't go cold turkey though, I will slowly learn Mac OS X until I am comfortable enough to use it primarily. Thanks for all the help and advice everyone, hope to have a macbook before Christmas.


oh yeah gotta add a pic.
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clevin said:
what are the sys reqs of spore?
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I don't know, but I remembered it is coming out for Wii and probbably for 360, so I am not worried about computer gaming specs.
ok good night I am going to shut my eyes now. ( must pull away from screen first)
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