View Full Version : Yuck... New laptop needed. Go Mac?


JackK
11-11-2011, 10:01 PM
Sigh... My dell has finally kicked the bucket, I fear... I think one of the hard drives is shot (RAID config). Was making odd clicking noises and running slowly... Restarted it, it would boot to the vista load bar, go through two and a half cycles then I'd get a blue screen of death flash for a millisecond (no way to read what it said), then it'd attempt to boot again... This would repeat ad nauseum.

I tried doing Windows repair- Now when the computer boots it just goes to a black screen with a pointer icon- I can move the mouse around, but nothing happens, can't see anything other than a little pointer.

So, barring a miraculous fix that's offered by someone on this site, I may be in the market for a new machine. Dell is right out- I had nothing but problems with this computer from the get-go (had to get two MBs replaced, thankfully under warranty). I haven't shopped for a computer in a long while. I used to computer game, but I think I'd rather get a cheaper laptop for web browsing, word processing, photoshop work, watching movies, etc, and save the extra $$$ for an eventual PS3/decent TV. My priority is something with excellent customer service, fast, reliable.

Pretty much every sign has pointed me towards Apple- While it'd be a radical shift from PC, I'm kinda tired of all of the Windows BS- Vista was a travesty, and I have no experience with 7. The base 13" Macbook Pro might suit my needs- but pricey at $1200. The alternative to it would be the 13" Macbook Air- a hundred more, but a flash ssd, and I have no issue with attaching peripherals if needed. To those Apple users out there- worth the price tag? Or am I just paying for a name? Any suggestions on a PC that won't make me tear out my hair with constant issues?

Nebe
11-11-2011, 10:06 PM
Go Mac Kevin... You will never look back.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

timmah
11-11-2011, 11:15 PM
It's worth it, and it's not a radical shift at all, Plus you can boot windows on mac if needed. They are expensive because they use quality components.

Raven
11-12-2011, 05:22 AM
the death of a dell... music to my ears...

Macs have come a long way

JohnR
11-12-2011, 08:12 AM
It's worth it, and it's not a radical shift at all, Plus you can boot windows on mac if needed. They are expensive because they use quality components.


Yawn. They use a few more quality components but otherwise it is the same stuff and hard to justify on price at 2-3x as much money.

Processors, Hard Drives, Video Cards, Chipsets, Screens are all the same. Better construction in some of the non electronic components perhaps - the unibody is a thing of beauty for example.

No, truth is Apple has done a fine job building a closed source operating system GUI (Wrapper) on top of a different variations of Unix. And they charge a lot for it - all the way to the bank.

spence
11-12-2011, 09:39 AM
Macs deliver a nice simple user experience, great display and excellent battery life.

They're also pretty fragile. My wife is on her third MacBook in 18 months. Don't spill any liquid on them or put ANY pressure on the display.

Unless you value the Apple Brand, I'm not sure they're worth it.

basswipe
11-12-2011, 10:07 AM
You could always buy and older laptop from say Newegg for short money and go with a Linux distro.Like the Mac you can boot multiple OSs but its much easier to do with certain Linux distros.

Not trying to start anything here as I've taken on a full assault in the past for suggesting Linux.Just offering an option,nothing more.

striperman36
11-12-2011, 10:13 AM
You could always buy and older laptop from say Newegg for short money and go with a Linux distro.

Not trying to start anything here as I've taken on a full assault in the past for suggesting Linux.Just offering an option,nothing more.

It's a good choice if you know what your'e doing.

Still getting soomething for short money isn't a be idea. Most companines sell nice refurbs

JohnR
11-12-2011, 11:19 PM
Interesting deal:HP Pavilion dv6-6135DX Notebook: AMD Quad Core A8-3500M 1.5GHz, 6GB DDR3, 640GB HDD, 15.6" 1366x768, Radeon HD 6750M, Blu-ray ROM, WiFi N, 6-cell Battery, Win 7 Prem (refurbished) $520 + Free Shipping - Newegg Deals, Coupons and Promos (http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/62246)

(Timmy - I'm typing this from my Hackintosh)

TheSpecialist
11-13-2011, 04:35 PM
Interesting deal:HP Pavilion dv6-6135DX Notebook: AMD Quad Core A8-3500M 1.5GHz, 6GB DDR3, 640GB HDD, 15.6" 1366x768, Radeon HD 6750M, Blu-ray ROM, WiFi N, 6-cell Battery, Win 7 Prem (refurbished) $520 + Free Shipping - Newegg Deals, Coupons and Promos (http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/62246)

(Timmy - I'm typing this from my Hackintosh)

Love my Mac....

magster
11-13-2011, 07:39 PM
If time allows , look through the Mac Store online and wait for the Mac Book Pro of your choice . Listings of the day are limited but change daily.
Good Luck

Nebe
11-13-2011, 08:52 PM
if you can get a pro, get it, as the mouse pad is far superior to a macbook... you dont have to 'click'... you just tap the pad lightly. its a lot easier.

JohnR
11-13-2011, 09:07 PM
If you are going to get a MAC, keep an eye on MicroCenter in Boston (OK, Cambridge) as they are usually 100-200 cheaper than the Apple Store

JackK
11-14-2011, 09:27 AM
Thanks everyone... I am going to do some research on that HP as the price is amazing, but still looking at Apple as well. Went to the store in Peabody yesterday, what a clusterf*ck!! I waited around for about a half hour for someone to answer questions, but then realized I was still 9th in line so said eff it. At least I got a chance to use the different machines & find out what felt best.

The Dad Fisherman
11-14-2011, 11:03 AM
Yawn. They use a few more quality components but otherwise it is the same stuff and hard to justify on price at 2-3x as much money.

Processors, Hard Drives, Video Cards, Chipsets, Screens are all the same. Better construction in some of the non electronic components perhaps - the unibody is a thing of beauty for example.

No, truth is Apple has done a fine job building a closed source operating system GUI (Wrapper) on top of a different variations of Unix. And they charge a lot for it - all the way to the bank.


Thank You...the voice of reason.

Din't know what drives me crazier...Macs....or the people who use them :hihi:

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj235/SandroCE/steve_koolaid2.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71jB2hxOCFw

JackK
11-15-2011, 10:56 AM
Here ya go TDF...:hihi:

The Simpsons - Steve Mobs - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZGIn9bpALo&feature=related)

Although not going to lie, leaning towards Apple. Keeping my eye out for refurbs at the moment.

timmah
11-16-2011, 04:26 PM
Thank You...the voice of reason.

Din't know what drives me crazier...Macs....or the people who use them :hihi:



You must be a PC repairman. :rotf2:

The Dad Fisherman
11-17-2011, 06:02 AM
You must be a PC repairman. :rotf2:

Use to be....moved on....

Nebe
11-17-2011, 07:57 AM
Theres a reason that there are a lot of PC repairmen... But I don't think I've ever heard of a MAC repairman. Hmmmmm
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

JohnR
11-17-2011, 08:51 AM
Theres a reason that there are a lot of PC repairmen... But I don't think I've ever heard of a MAC repairman. Hmmmmm
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

They are TOO expensive to fix. Ever see a bill from the Apple Store ?

But if you HAVE to have one the best deal is almost always at Microcenter in Cambridge - check them out online first and look in the specials. Maybe in RI you can haggle with TriCom - I knew a few people associated with them and they are good people.

The Dad Fisherman
11-17-2011, 09:54 AM
Theres a reason that there are a lot of PC repairmen... But I don't think I've ever heard of a MAC repairman. Hmmmmm
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

That's why I was an A+ Certified MAC Technician.....do you like your Kool-aid in Grape or Cherry?

http://www.crestock.com/images/blog/47a-mac-bomb.gif

http://byamoret.com/welcome/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/sad-mac.gif

The Dad Fisherman
11-17-2011, 10:04 AM
They don't get viruses either......:rolleyes:

http://www.mcafee.com/img/products/box-shots/virusscan-mac.png

JohnR
11-17-2011, 03:17 PM
They don't get viruses either......:rolleyes:

http://www.mcafee.com/img/products/box-shots/virusscan-mac.png

Plus they are ccarriers for PC viruses. The digital equivalent of that cute girl up at the bar after a few drinks :love: :yak5:

timmah
11-17-2011, 04:15 PM
That's why I was an A+ Certified MAC Technician.....do you like your Kool-aid in Grape or Cherry?

http://www.crestock.com/images/blog/47a-mac-bomb.gif

http://byamoret.com/welcome/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/sad-mac.gif

OS9 is long gone :) Although I have 3 Splash RIP print servers with os9 that have been running w/o issue for 7 years.

leptar
11-17-2011, 05:38 PM
Here ya go..
right now 2 hrs left...
Toshiba.. $399.99 from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KP0UVE?t=slickdeals&tag=slickdeals&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

LED, 5+ hrs of battery life... I3 Intel so it's not bottom of barrel...

timmah
11-17-2011, 07:36 PM
Here ya go..
right now 2 hrs left...
Toshiba.. $399.99 from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KP0UVE?t=slickdeals&tag=slickdeals&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

LED, 5+ hrs of battery life... I3 Intel so it's not bottom of barrel...

Toshiba = good machine Never had a problem with a Toshiba laptop.

JackK
11-28-2011, 10:22 AM
I went Apple. Decided to switch it up and try something new. High resale value was another determining factor.

I will play computer games every now and then- What's the cheapest place to find a copy of Windows 7? Newegg has OEM disks for $79, anyone seen better?

The Dad Fisherman
11-28-2011, 11:13 AM
No more YouPorn for you :hihi:

Philly Fan, Apple Owner.....is this some kind of twisted test I'm suppose to pass.

I swear to god, if I see you in a Yankmee's Hat...so help me....:wall:

fishaholic18
12-02-2011, 08:26 AM
if you can get a pro, get it, as the mouse pad is far superior to a macbook... you dont have to 'click'... you just tap the pad lightly. its a lot easier.

Tap to click has been around for years on pc notebooks...I personally don't like it and turn it off.

I've replaced many defective mb's on Macs...not worth it in mho.

You can get more out of a pc for a lot less $$$$$$

Matt D
12-07-2011, 04:02 PM
Tap to click has been around for years on pc notebooks...I personally don't like it and turn it off.

I've replaced many defective mb's on Macs...not worth it in mho.

You can get more out of a pc for a lot less $$$$$$

Yeah, my daughter just had to have a macbook. $1299 (I shudder when I think what she could've gotten for that much money in a PC laptop). About 4 months after the warranty ran out it started having motherboard cooling issues. Took it into the Apple Store and they were glad to fix it for $450.

Now a year later she's having screen and keyboard issues. And wants a Windows laptop for XMas. :wall:

JohnR
12-10-2011, 09:06 AM
You may be able to flip the damaged MACbook on Ebay for a few hundred.

Keep an eye on Slickdeals.net for laptop prices - define rought specs - define a budget - keep an eye twice a day and pull the trigger on something on the Front page or with lots of thumbs up

An idea of deals from the past week: Slickdeals: Search (http://slickdeals.net/newsearch.php#daysprune=7&vote=10&q=laptop&firstonly=1)