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Will I enjoy MacBook - Please Assist Me -- VIDEO!

aaron.lee2006

aaron.lee2006

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Feb 23, 2006
1,215
0
Ontario, Canada
Hello everyone. I need some help here. I will be switching a 1.83 MacBook Pro for a new MacBook. I don't use the graphics card in my MBP so I need to know if I will enjoy the MacBook.

I do:

Photography and Graphic Design which would require CS2/CS3
Counter-Strike 1.6
Counter-Strike Condition Zero
Counter-Strike Source - a little bit
Day of Defeat Source - a little bit

I also run a podcast which would mean using GarageBand

And then there is the basics like using Safari, iTunes, iMovie and MSN. Also Skype, iChat and Mail.

So for those that can help me! Will I enjoy MacBook?

Thank You
 
For the counter strike stuff, you might probably see a decline in performance. Games, particularly first person shooters, are where the video card becomes really important.

Then again, the Half Life engine has been around for so long, it may not demand very much, so the Intel graphics chipset may work just fine. Just bear in mind that if you decide to get into games that are more demanding, or run virtual worlds like Second Life, the Intel GPU probably won't make the cut.

The other items you list, even Photoshop, do not put very much of a demand on the graphics card. Those apps are CPU intensive, so you will likely see an improvement there.

In short: unless you're extremely picky about gameplay and demand a lot in that department, you should be okay.
 
If it has the Intel Extreme Graphics 2 integrated chip then it will play Counter-Strike 1.6 very well as I used to play it on my mom's HP laptop some time after it was released. Very fast/smooth framerate at 800x600 and minor fps dips just below 30, just enough to notice it at 1024x768 from time to time, still greatly enjoyable. It also ran Natural Selection mod really well at 800x600 which I think is one of nicest looking HL mods. Never tried running source on it, but my guess would be a no.
 
aaron.lee2006 said:
Hello everyone. I need some help here. I will be switching a 1.83 MacBook Pro for a new MacBook. I don't use the graphics card in my MBP so I need to know if I will enjoy the MacBook.

I do:

Photography and Graphic Design which would require CS2/CS3
Counter-Strike 1.6
Counter-Strike Condition Zero
Counter-Strike Source - a little bit
Day of Defeat Source - a little bit

I also run a podcast which would mean using GarageBand

And then there is the basics like using Safari, iTunes, iMovie and MSN. Also Skype, iChat and Mail.

So for those that can help me! Will I enjoy MacBook?

Thank You
Click to expand...

Why do you want to switch? The work in Creative Suit requires big and high quality display. You already have a nice one for it, but MacBook's displays have pathetic viewing angles and they are not very color-accurate, not to mention they are smaller.

Also, CS:S should slow down considerably, probably to the "unplayable" level. CS 1.6 should be fine, because the game's so old.

So do you want to sacrifice a comfortable working environment and a real graphics card for slightly smaller case and slightly faster CPU?

:rolleyes:
 
eXan said:
Why do you want to switch? The work in Creative Suit requires big and high quality display. You already have a nice one for it, but MacBook's displays have pathetic viewing angles and they are not very color-accurate, not to mention they are smaller.

Also, CS:S should slow down considerably, probably to the "unplayable" level. CS 1.6 should be fine, because the game's so old.

So do you want to sacrifice a comfortable working environment and a real graphics card for slightly smaller case and slightly faster CPU?

:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

It is the fact that I have gone through repair after repair after repair. Every time I repair it, something else goes wrong. So what is going to happen when it finally goes out of warranty. Apple isn't going to replace this machine! If they did I would be so happy but it is not going to happen. As why am i choosing the MacBook? It is because the cost of a 1.83 CD MBP is all that a new MB can be covered by.
 
aaron.lee2006 said:
It is the fact that I have gone through repair after repair after repair. Every time I repair it, something else goes wrong. So what is going to happen when it finally goes out of warranty. Apple isn't going to replace this machine! If they did I would be so happy but it is not going to happen. As why am i choosing the MacBook? It is because the cost of a 1.83 CD MBP is all that a new MB can be covered by.
Click to expand...

Well, there's no guarantee that you won't have these same problems with a MacBook.

And, do you have AppleCare? If not, then why not just get that before your warranty expires? That would certainly cost a lot less than a whole new computer. One would HOPE that after three years, you'd have all the kinks worked out. Though realistically, three-four years seems to be average useful life of most laptops, and if that's how old your system is getting, it would then make sense to get something new.
 
scaredpoet said:
Well, there's no guarantee that you won't have these same problems with a MacBook.

And, do you have AppleCare? If not, then why not just get that before your warranty expires? That would certainly cost a lot less than a whole new computer. One would HOPE that after three years, you'd have all the kinks worked out. Though realistically, three-four years seems to be average useful life of most laptops, and if that's how old your system is getting, it would then make sense to get something new.
Click to expand...

It's a great idea but it can't work. The MacBook won't be costing me any money. This is a trade at a local store for a new one if they want my MBP. I don't have the money for AppleCare.
 
A 2.0 C2D MacBook will likely be faster than a1.83 CD MBP which will improve the performance of Photoshop - CS3 is universal, so get that rather than CS2. You don't need a dedicated graphics card for Photoshop - it's entirely processor bound.

One problem you might have is if you start to use Aperture. That might be sluggish, but someone else will have more idea than me. I haven't actually tried it yet.

As to the games, I have no idea, but the rest of the stuff will be fine.
 
Personally, I use both aperture and Photoshop CS2 on my C2D MBP, and I could not be happier with this setup. I previously owned a 2.0 CD blackbook, but I found the lack of graphics power was nothing near what I needed. Despite the fact that I had 1.5 gigs of ram loaded on the machine, Performance was still sluggish whenever I had more than two programs open beside Photoshop. The Macbook may be a C2D, but keep these things in mind before making the switch:

You may miss the MBP extra screen real estate
Your gaming performance will suffer
You will need to upgrade your RAM to get comparable performance from the MB
Overall, the MB seems to have more "problems" than the MBP

I would encourage you to take yourself to a local Apple store, and check out the C2D MB yourself. See if you can't find one with photoshop on it, and see how it runs compared to your current machine.

Just my $.02.
 
I appreciate the input but I don't think you are all still understanding the problem. The MBP is falling apart. Every time I have it repaired the thing just creates another issue for me. So what is going to happen when my warranty runs out in a few months and then I will have no where to turn if it continues to have issues.:(
 
so , basically your MBPro is falling apart and you do not have the cash for applecare, right? it seems to me that you actually have two choices, first keep you laptop and when you're out of warranty,well too bad or exchange it now for a macbook, i guess the second choice is the only one :D
 
aaron.lee2006 said:
I appreciate the input but I don't think you are all still understanding the problem. The MBP is falling apart. Every time I have it repaired the thing just creates another issue for me. So what is going to happen when my warranty runs out in a few months and then I will have no where to turn if it continues to have issues.:(
Click to expand...

What repairs have you had done to the macbook? Seems like you may be exageratting it a bit. Seems like your willing to sacrafice a better graphics card, more screen real estate and a better case for about $250. Seems a little unreasonable, how many months till your applecare ends up? If you have a few months then eat it up whatever you have too and save for the apple care.
 
nateDEEZY said:
What repairs have you had done to the macbook? Seems like you may be exageratting it a bit. Seems like your willing to sacrafice a better graphics card, more screen real estate and a better case for about $250. Seems a little unreasonable, how many months till your applecare ends up? If you have a few months then eat it up whatever you have too and save for the apple care.
Click to expand...

LOL (Before you read please understand that if the store takes my MBP they could have it serviced because they have more power then I do)

Here is what I have had done:

Keyboard
Hinge (Didn't Fix)
MagSafe Adapter

Things Outstanding:
14 dead pixels
Case coming apart
CPU whine started
Display Hinge is extremely loose
Audio Jack is starting to go on me
Top part of LCD where iSight sits is becoming to come apart so I can see full green lighting through the top of the display casing


The last few things have only recently developed
Pixels have developed over time. So 3 repairs pkus the things I still need to have done to it. I am 15 and do not currently have a job. I left my job after 7 months so I have no time to raise $400 CAD for AppleCare.
 
Cant comment on the games but everything else works great on my cd mb.
However, as previously stated, you will miss the 15.4 screen.
 
aaron.lee2006 said:
LOL (Before you read please understand that if the store takes my MBP they could have it serviced because they have more power then I do)

Here is what I have had done:

Keyboard
Hinge (Didn't Fix)
MagSafe Adapter

Things Outstanding:
14 dead pixels
Case coming apart
CPU whine started
Display Hinge is extremely loose
Audio Jack is starting to go on me
Top part of LCD where iSight sits is becoming to come apart so I can see full green lighting through the top of the display casing


The last few things have only recently developed
Pixels have developed over time. So 3 repairs pkus the things I still need to have done to it. I am 15 and do not currently have a job. I left my job after 7 months so I have no time to raise $400 CAD for AppleCare.
Click to expand...

Should have stuck it out longer at Tim Horton's you bum.
 
Get it replaced.

And whatever you do, avoid a CoreDuo Mac with your life. They're fine sometimes, but most of they time, they end up being an absolute nightmare! My CoreDuo 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro is also giving me tonnes of issues:

Incredibly excessive heat (got worse over time)
Screen fades out after sleep
Trackpad goes nuts after sleep
Crashes when I insert certain CDs (not OS X related, tried fresh install etc...)
Refused to go to sleep
Processor Whine

Apple then did a Logic Board swap, as the processor whine is a basis for new Logic Board (you might be able to get a new laptop if you push hard enough with all the faults you're having). Since then, with mine:

Whine gone
Screen still fades out
Trackpad still goes nuts, although to a lesser extent
Still crashes
Right hand fan assembly has failed
CDs get stuck in Drive
Still crashes
Case has warped
Screen Rattles when latched down (didn't do this originally)
Battery life is now at about 30% it's original full capacity, after just under 100 loadcycles.


Ultimately, Apple has not made me a happy bunny, although I'm sticking with a MacBook Pro because I cannot use a PC for what I do, I don't like Windows at all in comparison to OS X, and I need a large screen/lots of power. Hopefully Apple will replace it with a Rev. B model, it looks hopeful from what the guys in the store have said...
 
aaron.lee2006 said:
...The last few things have only recently developed...
Click to expand...

I completely understand your reasoning for doing this. I've done similar transactions with cars as I neared the end of the warranty I'd trade it in for a slightly newer one with a longer warranty - it's saved me a lot of money.

However, I think you have an extremely strong case here for a replacement. Most of the issues you've mentioned here MUST be corrected by Apple. They are all known and accepted defects with the machine and you are covered under the original warranty. If your Apple Store will not accept it, call Apple and go as high as you have to go - at this stage in the game you have nothing to lose. The worst they can do is refuse (although I would report to BBB if they do as you have a validly defective machine) and then you can continue as planned.

If the machine is replaced with a brand new one, but they don't extend the warranty, eBay it and buy the Macbook you're talking about...with AppleCare.
 
DigitalAx said:
I completely understand your reasoning for doing this. I've done similar transactions with cars as I neared the end of the warranty I'd trade it in for a slightly newer one with a longer warranty - it's saved me a lot of money.

However, I think you have an extremely strong case here for a replacement. Most of the issues you've mentioned here MUST be corrected by Apple. They are all known and accepted defects with the machine and you are covered under the original warranty. If your Apple Store will not accept it, call Apple and go as high as you have to go - at this stage in the game you have nothing to lose. The worst they can do is refuse (although I would report to BBB if they do as you have a validly defective machine) and then you can continue as planned.

If the machine is replaced with a brand new one, but they don't extend the warranty, eBay it and buy the Macbook you're talking about...with AppleCare.
Click to expand...

I don't live near an Apple Store. Could I call them or will they make me send it in for evaluation? Also I did dent the MacBook Pro a while ago but other parts of the case are coming apart... Will they try to blame it on me? Oh. And the lid does not lay flat I just put up with it. I think I have a strong case for a replacement. Don't you?

P.S. Welcome to the boards CJ.
 
aaron.lee2006 said:
I don't live near an Apple Store. Could I call them or will they make me send it in for evaluation? Also I did dent the MacBook Pro a while ago but other parts of the case are coming apart... Will they try to blame it on me? Oh. And the lid does not lay flat I just put up with it. I think I have a strong case for a replacement. Don't you?

P.S. Welcome to the boards CJ.
Click to expand...

lol ya, thought I would register since I am planning on buying in a few months.

Also, I would agree with calling them and trying to get a new MBP out of it. Just tell them all this stuff is going on, and you are still under warranty. If you can talk them into it, you will have to send it in to prove what is up most likely and as long as everything checks out, they would send you a new one.
 
aaron.lee2006 said:
I don't live near an Apple Store. Could I call them or will they make me send it in for evaluation? Also I did dent the MacBook Pro a while ago but other parts of the case are coming apart... Will they try to blame it on me? Oh. And the lid does not lay flat I just put up with it. I think I have a strong case for a replacement. Don't you?

P.S. Welcome to the boards CJ.
Click to expand...

Well you're definitely going to have to send it in so they can look at it. The defects with the case you've described don't sound like the result of being banged up by you. But if you're really worried about it, make a bigger deal about the cpu whine and other defects and then just casually mention the case.

Honestly, I can't believe you haven't already sent this back to Apple for repair. It's truly amazing how much abuse consumers are prepared to take because they assume that's just the way it is. This is why there's a warranty to begin with, Apple should take care of you on this.
 
Here is the deal. They will not replace it because I have not had enough repairs done. If I take it to a local service center (not apple) and explain to them what I told the guy over the phone they are going to rip it apart and basically make me a new computer...

Items to be replaced:

Logic Board
Screen
Case
Audio inputs
Heat Assembly
Probably the display bezel.
 
aaron.lee2006 said:
Here is the deal. They will not replace it because I have not had enough repairs done. If I take it to a local service center (not apple) and explain to them what I told the guy over the phone they are going to rip it apart and basically make me a new computer...

Items to be replaced:

Logic Board
Screen
Case
Audio inputs
Heat Assembly
Probably the display bezel.
Click to expand...

Is Apple going to cover this cost?
 
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