MacBook as a desktop?

Hey, Im considering buying a MacBook as my new computer, but I want to use it as a desktop at home. Im gonna plug my flat screen, keyboard, mouse, speaker, probably an external hardrive, etc.

But with only 2 usbs its gonna be a problem and bluetooth accessories too expensive. I know theres some usb hub available, do does work well? Is it gonna be a pain to plug all of this on my laptop? Also, is there a dock station available? Is the Macbook quiet, Im a big noise freak! Can the superdrive really burn dvds at 4x or u have to go at a lower speed for a good quality? Finally, is it compatible with windows vista?

Tx guys

 

Hey, Welcome to the NotebookReview Forums! If you want to plug in your screen I am pretty sure you have to buy a cable called DVI or something, it cost about 19 bucks at the Apple Store. I have the Apple Wired Keyboard, got it for 25 bucks, and it connects via usb, but it has 2 usb ports on it so then I have a total of 4 and 3 open. That probably would be a good choice for you, The wired Apple Keyboard is pretty neat and I love it. I think it would only be a pain if you would have to unplug all those and then plug them back in later, I am wondering if you want it plugged in all the time, and want a Mac why not get an imac? They are about the same price and have a x1600 card, big HD and 17" screen for the basic one. My Macbook doesn't really make noise at all, but I don't really run big programs, when I loaded WC3 it does make some noise, but not nearly as much as my desktop. I am not sure about the superdrive, but it should run at the 4x speed. I am pretty sure it is compatible with windows vista. Best of luck!
~Arman

 

A USB hub would be good, they work very well. The problem is that with most companies you could shell out some dough and get a docking station that takes care of all of this for you. Apple though feels that since a notebook is a portable you will never want a docking station. Unfortunately that is not the case. I have been able to get it to three cords, power, USB hub, and video. Good luck!

 

What USB hubs are the best to use with an Apple? I ask this as I am about to jump to get a MB and "may" need a hub too.

Thanks.

 

I use my Macbook as a desktop when I'm at home.

I have a miniDVI-to-DVI cord and I plug it into my 19" widescreen and it automatically detects and sets it up, none of that driver bull.

My notebook is absolutely silent, I can't a hear a thing coming out of it, only time I heard the fans was when I put both cores under full load by running 'openssl speed'.

Personally I bought a wireless keyboard by Apple and it works great (bluetooth). So I got 1 free USB port, I don't like the idea of having so many external things using up ports it annoys me.