[mroof1]

So I know a lot of you use mac computers but have you always used them or have you switched once upon a time? I was wondering b/c I am considering the switch from Pc to a Mac. I think it was those commercials that did it for me...
Anyways, I was looking at one of the new macbook pro 15.4'' and either 2.4 or 2.5 processor w/200 or 250gb HD. What are some specs that I should try or try not to get on the laptop? Or does it matter? Also, any software to add besides what comes with it? I know it depends on what kind of things that I plan to use it for like editing/creating music or movies. I am not familiar with some of the mac software so I was wondering if it was beneficial to get it all now when I purchased or buy it later. Thanks for any input. I hope to have one soon and join the Mac community.....also so I can JB sooner!!

[preston03]

welcome to the mac world, I just got a macbook and couldnt be more impressed, security is exceptional, hardware is great. As far as getting a laptop, the mbp is a great computer to get, it really doesn't matter about specs, just depends on how you plan to use it. osx software comes with pretty much everything you would want, and a plus with mac is the software is much cheaper than windows stuff

[marsman478]

Macs Pwn Hands Down!
Any Mac will destroy your Windows machine in terms of performance

[mroof1]

Hey thanks Marsman478 and Preston03 for your reply. I have heard that it will kill windoze on performance and just about everything else. Also, does anyone know about the refurbished macs? Are they still good or stay away from them? Any accessories that anybody would recommend getting? Thx. I am splurging while my wife lets me, so I am taking it to the bank!!!

[marsman478]

The Refurbished Macs are pretty much like new Apple has rigourous standards for fixing them
ENJOY MAC!
once you go to mac you NEVER go BACK!!!

[Broomhead]

Welcome to the MAC family

[Chase817]

Originally Posted by mroof1

Hey thanks Marsman478 and Preston03 for your reply. I have heard that it will kill windoze on performance and just about everything else. Also, does anyone know about the refurbished macs? Are they still good or stay away from them? Any accessories that anybody would recommend getting? Thx. I am splurging while my wife lets me, so I am taking it to the bank!!!

i got a refurbished macbook, and it looked and felt brand-new when i got it

[mroof1]

Thanks. I cant wait to get it.
Would you go with the macbook or macbook pro? I can see the differences in the specs but was wondering if the screen size or any of the other specs are that noticeable. I know the price is of course.
Also, another quick question. As I was researching macs, prices and features, I came across the Axiotron Modbook. Does anyone know anything about this tablet, have one or any use with one? I have looked at some Tablet Pcs and the Macbook but couldnt decide. What would be the benefit to getting this Modbook or a Macbook? I will be a student this coming fall and thought one pro for the Modbook was to be able to write notes but I dont know how easy it is to do that. So I dont know if that pro makes that much of a difference to get one over the more versatile and better Macbook Pro. Any comments or knowledge from use greatly appreciated!!

[pncntigger]

You'll be glad you switched. As far as a macbook or a macbook pro, really depends on what you are going to do. I have both and edited a video on both (both 2.4 with 4gb ram) and noticed the pro to be slightly better. Main difference being the screen size. The pro has better resolution too.

[Eurisko]

All Apple computers including the laptops also comes with iLife, which takes care of your iTunes, iPhoto, iDVD, iMovie and something else. But I'm sure you wouldn't have a problem finding other Mac software here and there on the Internet.

[marsman478]

I for one have no Experience with the modbook but I hear it is VERY expensive, it looks nice though! I would really recommend the regular macbook and if you are not satisfied with it you can go send it in so that they can change it into a mod book lol
GOOD LUCK
WELCOME!

[hartphoto]

First off, welcome to the Mac world. I've had both Macs and PCs for well over 10+ years now....but always prefer the Mac OS.

I recently switched to a MacBook Pro from the tower machines/iMacs. Lovin' it. Pretty much the same experience except for not having quite the 'internal' expansion capability. One of the nicest things is being able to run two monitors (one on the MBP, one external).

Also, if it helps with the $, buy refurb, or slightly used. I ended up with a 8 month old MBP, still with 3 years Apple Care, for $1000 less than new. Was from a college student looking to upgrade to a desktop system for video/music editing after he got his Masters.

And, as for info/apps out there available on the Mac, here's one of my other posts:

http://www.modmyi.com/forums/chit-ch...ml#post1349001

HTH.

[mroof1]

Thanks so far for everyones replies, opinions and suggestions.
Here is my research so far and dilemma:
From Mac Mall:
1. Hp Officejet printer(free), VMware-fusion(19.95), everki backpack(free), Microsoft office 2008 student(114.98), Roxio - Toast 9 (59.98)
2. Two laptop choices:
a. Macbook Pro 15.4", 2.5ghz, 2gb ddr2, 250gb HD, Nvidia 512MB and the other specs that are normal (Rebate Price = $2314.99)
b. Macbook Pro 15.4", 2.4ghz, 4gb ddr2, 200gb HD, Nvidia 256MB and the other specs that are normal (Rebate Price = $1929.99)
Total Price for 2a = $2509.90
Total Price for 2b = $2124.90
==========================
From Apple Store:
1. Student discount iPod Touch $299 but after rebates $0.00
2. Microsoft Office 2008 Student
3. Two Laptop choices:
a. refurbished MBP 15.4", 2.4ghz, 2gb ddr2, 200gb HD, Nvidia 256 and the other normal specs ($1699)
b. new MBP 15.4", 2.5ghz, 4gb ddr2, 250gb HD, Nvidia 512 and the other normal specs. ($2479)
Total Price for 3a = $2425.57
Total Price for 3b = $3205.57

Sorry for the long post I just wanted to give all my details to help with my decision. A couple of questions for anybody with the experience of this: is there much or a noticeable difference in Nvidia graphics 256MB or 512MB memory? Do you see much of a lag? Also, I want to get it now if so, because its harder to upgrade. As you can see the main differences are in the processor (2.4 or 2.5), HD(200 or 250), memory(2 or 4) and Nvidia (256 or 512). Thanks for your help!

[one1]

If you have to ask if you want a macbook pro, then you do not need it. these are serious machines for people who need them. Any macbook will do for most people, pro's are for......... pro's. If you work in the graphics field you can use the boost they offer.

[preston03]

I have a 2.4 2gb MB and it works just fine, no lag, like one said if you dont need the pro dont get it, a macbook will do fine if your just looking for a reliable laptop