COMPLETELY New to Mac Questions

Hey guys, I've been eyeing a macbook pro for a while and after seeing the student discount prices I am seriously considering getting one, I had a few concerns however.

-I do a LOT of video capturing with an HD PVR, would I have any issues with it on a MBP?
-I also do a lot of video editing on Vegas 10, does a mac have anything similar available or would vegas 10 work without issues?
-*MAJOR* .. I hook my desktop to my 32" LG LE5400 (1920x1080) to watch movies and do general work a lot, Macbook has no HDMI I believe.. How would I hook it up to get full HD video and sound?
-Let's say something breaks... What steps do I take to get it fixed? Is it normally shipped off or brought to an apple store? How long does shipping usually take?
-I currently use wireless on two separate desktops (which I'm selling to make the switch to laptop).. One is via a Linksys WRT54GL running Tomato firmware and the other is using whatever FiOS's default "all in one" modem/router sends out... Would I have any signal issues or connectivity issues?

Those are just off the top of my head, I know a bit about macs but not enough to make a purchase (yet). I DO Know that I loved the few that I tried in Bestbuy (where I work) and they seem to be some of the best quality systems I've used.

 

According to specifications:
HD PVR Product overview
The HD PVR is not OSX compatible, so boot camping will be necessary. I think you knew this. There should not be any problem.
-Sony Vegas 10 runs on W7 using a MBP, of that I am pretty sure.
- There are Mini Display port to HDMI dongles available, I am unsure of prices.
- If you break it, you are not covered by standard warranty (nor Apple care extended warranty, I don't even know if Apple offers accidental coverage). If it's defective, then there are two things that can happen:
1. Replacement if within certain time period of purchase, however it is up to the Apple store, and they can offer repair instead of replacement.
2. They will take it in at the Apple store, and will repair it. It can take a few days to weeks, depending if the part is in stock or is backordered etc.
(earliest I have heard for major repairs was 3 days for a motherboard, longest I have heard was 2 months).
- Nope you shouldn't, the wireless adapter used in MBP's is the same used in PC's and I doubt Apple would have forgotten to add security/other features for the wireless management. So I'd say it's pretty certain you will be fine.

Edit: Forgot, yes sometimes have to ship the laptop off. But must of the people I know have been able to take it to the Apple store.

 

On the last three questions.

1. You use a mini display port to HDMI adapter. ~$29.00 Really simple. The new MB's even port sound through the connection.

2. If something happens, the options are more varied than you will typicaally find with another system. You can contact Apple and discuss the issue and resolution or take it into an Apple store. Often times if it is simple enough, they can help you while you wait. I had a bad mainboard a couple of years ago on a MB. The apple store replaced the whole computer on the spot, and even swapped the HDD, so I wouldn't lose anything (I couldn't backup).

3. Wireless Networking on the Mac could not be easier or more reliable. You will find it the easiest part.

 

1. I don't know. You shouldn't have any issues so long as there are drivers (or they are universal) for that hardware unit.

2. Yes, there are video editing alternatives for Mac OS X if Vegas isn't compatible (see Sony's website for more information about Vegas 10 OS compatibility).

3. You would need to buy a 3rd party mini-display port to HDMI adapter. Apple fully supports them and they would plug into the ThunderBolt port on the MacBook Pro. The adapter is capable of transmitting both video and audio at the same time.

Apple's website has a bunch of tutorial videos that you can watch if you ever have some free time. I have gone through many of them at work simply because I purchased a new 13" Core i7 MacBook Pro.

4. You have both options. I believe taking stuff to an Apple Store results in faster repair times but I could be wrong. You might also want to check out your local computer shops as there are many that specialize in Apple repair.

5. You shouldn't. The MacBook pro line, just like every other notebooks, works with all of the standard wi-fi signals except (I believe) 5GHz 802.11n. I think the MacBook Pros work only with 2.4GHz 802.11n, that shouldn't be an issue as that is the only 802.11n standard supported by many other companies as well.

 

1: that unit will not work natively in OSX you will need to get a copy of win 7 and bootcamp it.

you can use http://www.hdpvrcapture.com/cms/?q=node/1 but it does not work worth a darn in my experience with Hauppaug high def units and not worth the $30

2: Sony Vegas is not for OSX again. you may want to look into Final Cut or Final Cut professional depending on what your editing needs are. Vegas can be run in win 7 bootcamped again though.

( if your going to be running both the HD PVR and keep using Vegas .... get a proper windows PC and not the trash at BB)

3: you need an adaptor

4: many options and depends on where you are located. if there is an apple store handy they can be very helpful, if one s not close you may wind up sending it off an in my experience that can be a couple days to a few weeks. secondly as a reply to Crimsoned NO Apple has no accidental protection policy oncesoever.

5: shouldnt be any issues at all, wifi is pretty standard ( I run a 54GL with DD-WRT firmware and a Cisco N router in tandem )