Oh goodness. Talk me out of buying a macbook.

I absolutely agree with you.....Microsoft needs competition to improve themselves....Macs have their good sides too

I don't mean to offend mac-users...Macbooks are really nice computers that work and are known to be reliable for most of the part...I for once even had a thought about buying them...but now....IMHO....I don't think they even offer a bit of bang to buck they have been advertising on their webpage....you could easily configure centrino 2 laptops with integrated graphics that is a lot lower in price....don't mention about laptops with older processor that are a lot cheaper....and please don't compare macbooks' price to that of business line laptops....business laptops are made to last therefore they cost more. Here are the reasons why you might consider not buying a macbook:

1. You pay more to use an OS which looks nice but also has many security flaws and are now being targets to hackers.
2. You pay more for the same hardware
3. Macs do crash and have problems like windows machine
4. You will still be using Microsoft Office like you do on windows (for people who switch)
5. No simple right clicks in Bootcamp XP???!!!....Better go with XP with the right clicks right?
6. They are not the only one with good designs....HP offers good designs too
7. Too much to mention here...this forum is not for bashing....just for pointing out facts and tips...so search it for yourself in Google

 

Actually, the Dell you've configured is much more powerful than the MB. The CPU is significantly better (Montevina versus Penryn). It's [the mac] got a lower FSB and less L2 cache. Lastly, the Mac has a GMA X3100 (or does this one have the 8400M GS?) Either way - the E6400 with have a better GPU. I would bet you can get a dell comprable to the MB you configured for sub-1000 dollars if you filled out the FAQ.

 

This was the biggest deal-breaker for me, it might sound lame, but I need a lappy with a finger print reader, I've got so many passwords, I pay all my bills online, so I just need one. I was in Best buy a month or so ago, talking to the "mac" guy, who looked like a "mac" guy, but somehow lacked the "Mac guy intelligence", anyways, I asked him if they make a make with a fingerprint reader, he said no, they don't, they don't need a finger print reader because macs are secure already... I thought... (maybe mac people like to type their passwords), and so that was it for me, Plus when you think about it, Mac has been the underdog for a long time, and really it's ever since Apple came out with the IPOD, that Mac has been becoming more popular, To me, I just think its a social status, I think people buy Macs because perhaps it makes them look smarter, kinda like the same people that wear glasses, that don't need them.

 

I could definitely pick up a $600 HP that would get the same job done--agreed. I did my undergrad and masters in electrical engineering and worked 6 years as an engineer, so I've had WAY more than my share of "Performance has decreased, is the bus saturated?" discussions.

But thats the problem. I dont care anymore. If gmail works and I can access class webpages, outlook and office--I'm good to go. I should clarify that the cost of the laptop is not the concern. I left a 6 figure job to instead pay $30k a year for school for the next 3 or so years. The $600 difference in price doesnt even show up in my cost/student loans/omgwtfdidIdo calculations.

 

So why not spend the money on something really powerful and small, not something really flimsy and with a poor price/performance ratio. Just because you have a lot of money doesn't mean you shouldn't be smart with it

 

I should clarify: I wasnt trying to imply I had a lot of money, trust me I dont. I was suggesting that in the scheme of things the money isnt my biggest concern--thats all.

I think my question may have already been answered... besides cost and build quality, there doesnt seem to be any huge downsides to a macbook.

Please--next time you see a lame macbook guy, think of me and be nice to him. He may have been one of us before.

 

I am a fan of compention, and I have nothing wrong with all other OS systems like Ubuntu, but Apple is not considered compentition to me, but instead a huge hassel...

 

Whenever I have had to use things that COULD run Windows rather than being specifically designed to RUN Windows, I have experienced performance hits. And I like my speed. Want OSX, buy a MAC. Want to run Windows, buy a Dell or Lenovo

 

Macs don't have the nipple in the middle of the keyboard like the E6400. That thing is addictive (in a good way)..

 

Well the dell has a better build quality (not plastic), montevina platform, more configurable options if you decide you want a better graphics card, and the option for that battery slab that goes under the computer if you want it.