Just a few questions?

Ok, so after being a PC guy for most of my life, and always saying that I would NEVER buy a Mac, I'm actually gonna get one. I've just had enough of all the problems I'm running into with Windows, and didn't know about some things that the MacBook could do. Anyways...

Is there a huge difference between the MacBook that has the nvidia 9400m and the ones that just use Intel Integrated? I mean I really don't play games on PC anymore. Rarely I will play TF2, but I've got my Desktop for that. I just wanted the nvidia over intel, for better video, or does that even matter?

A store around where I live have refurbished MacBook (Black) for only $799, but it doesn't have the nvidia.

And has anyone installed a 500GB in the MacBook, and haven't had any problems?

Thanks!

 

The Nvidia card is a whole lot stronger, such as up to 5 times faster. If you watch HD movies, or download HD content, then I would recommend the Nvidia. If you are just an average user with just web surfing and word documents, then the Intel will be just fine. I've haven't heard anything bad about the 500GB HDD's in the MB's, so you should be fine.

 

The 9400m in the new Macbook is an integrated chip.

 

I don't worry much about HD Content, cause I've got a desktop for that. What about like video editing and stuff like that?

 

For video editting you'll want the upgraded graphics...

Just out of interest, and I know this is gonna hurt, given that I'm posting it in the Mac forum, but have you thought about linux?

(Not trying to poach, just asking).

 

Oh I've used linux, but I'm not really into it a whole lot.

 

Fair enough.

 

Like has already been mentioned, if you go for the Macbook, you're stuck with integrated. To go dedicated, you'll need to upgrade to the Macbook Pro. It's not like the Nvidia is a pushover, though, it can take a fair bit of punishment.

I've taken a look at the new Macbook and they are beautiful, so I would fork over the extra cash rather than going for the black refurb if I were in your shoes.

 

Ok! Thanks for all the input. I found that Apple has the new macbook aluminum's refurbished for only $1099. I think I might just save up for that one. Hopefully if I get this job, I will be able to get the money faster.

Just one last question. Anyone that has the new version of the MacBook, since the screen is glossy, does it have a pretty bad glare?

 

There is glare but it hasn't been a large issue for me yet. I was always an anti-glare person but I've been very happy with the MBP.

 

Plain and simple, the Nvidia will be a step ahead in the graphics department. Whether it's encoding or just used to play HD material. (I'm not exactly sure if there really is a significant difference between the two when it comes to playing HD.)

But if you suggested that you have a desktop for HD purposes, could it not handle your video editing also? If money was a problem (with the economy in the shape that it is in today) then I would really consider the advantages of each unit. Will the price difference between $799 and the $1,299 entry level aluminum's justify the performance gap for what you are really trying to use the MacBook for. Overall I think this is a very subjective matter and you need to question your intentions before making the purchase. Regardless, we're hear to help with any questions.

The MacBook is a great portable unit and it does it job fairly well, however don't expect it to be the end-all/be-all laptop that God gave to the world as his second gift, next to his son.

As far as the 500GB drive, there are many successful stories about installation. Just keep in mind that when you do move to a faster rotating HDD, you will notice a difference in battery life. A compromise you will have to make indeed. I would recommend the Seagate drives. I've read a lot of great reviews on them and it seems to come with high praise.

 

Well see I've got a desktop, but most programs that I've used are terrible compared to the ones that Mac use.

And I just found out today that I got a new job, so I'll be able to just get the newer version! Now I'm just deciding if I want to go with the 13" or the 15". It would be cool to own that 17", but I might not be in that budget yet...

 

The 9400m doesn't cut it in TF2, in my own opinion. I had the Macbook for about a month before I returned it (NOT because of the poor TF2 performance, but for other reasons). Since I play TF2 about once every two weeks I installed it in Bootcamp and fired it up... I had to scale down the resolution before 2fort was running at 20fps. I don't remember the exact settings I had, but I know for a fact that it wasn't particularly demanding. But then again, it is an integrated card, after all.