MacBook for $999 -- Time to buy?

Hello,

I have been looking to buy a notebook as my only computer (following the break of my very old desktop). My primary use of it will be academic, especially scientific text editing. Of course, I am also interested in some entertainment (simple games, dvd watching). My budget is around $1000.

I was thinking to go cheap and buy a Dell e1405 or an HP dv2000. For various reasons (like bad monitor, unreliable hardware, lack of style), however, they didn't look very satisfactory, so, I was hesitating to buy one of these two.

Then, yesterday, I found a deal at amazon.com, for an Apple MacBook MA245LL/A at $999 (after $100 rebate), just $100-$150 above the Dell and HP notebooks that I had considered. So, I am now thinking to finally place my order.

Is this deal as good as it looks?
Is there any reason for me NOT to buy this MacBook?

If I were to upgrade, I would certainly take care of the following:

- More RAM.
- Better dvd writer.

It is beyond my budget (and it doesn't look worth, anyway) to spend an extra $300 for the 2.0GHz version of this macbook (which would come with a better dvd writer).

Other than that, some specidic questions:

Shall I worry about the heat problems that people have reported?
I will often keep the notebook on for a very long time, as if it were a desktop.

Is the keyboard comfortable?
I am planning on a lot of typing...

How about the issue of 64bit processors?
I haven't followed it, but it seems to worry many buyers.
Personally, I would like to keep the notebook for 3-4 years.

Any buying tips?
Any necessary additions to this notebook?
Would a credit card extend the warranty?

Thank you in advance for all your advice!

Friendly,

GK. -- Nosferatu.

 

I would go with the HP dv2000t core 2 duo for 64 bit support, and speed that will make a Mac owner cry.

 

Is 64 bit support such an important issue?
When will it be necessary?

GK. -- N.

 

Don't buy it. I know you need a laptop. Save money to buy something better -- especially if you think you'll have it for 3-4 years. If that is the case you'll want to have 64bit support. And you'll want that 2.0ghz as well.

 

Well it all depends, I guess if you don't need it, then it won't become an issue till the 2009 or so update or upgrade of Vista which will be 64-Bit only.

I agree with Redsensi on this one.

 

2009 is 3 years away.. go ahead and buy it.. 1.83 GHz would be plenty for ur needs.. also since u need a dvd writer.. why not go for the 2.0 GHz model?? It could last a few extra years/months and would have a better resale value.. Instead of the ram and dvd writer upgrade use it on the 2.0 Ghz model.. U get a dvd writer,a faster computer,better resale value with it.. but in the end its up to u to decide according to ur needs and priorities..

 

Thanks,

It sounds good to know that I should not worry about future-proofing; 3 years is indeed a long time. It is annoying that computer companies render your machine obsolete so quickly...

As for the 2.0 GHz model, coming with a dvd writer, is it worth the extra $200? It doesn't seem so.

[In fact, if I were to spend $1200 to $1300, I would start considering a Dell xps M1210.]

GK. -- N.

 

I think it's worth it.

And that is the exact computer from Dell that I was trying to get before I gave up on them and orderd my MacBook. And to configure an M1210 it gets pretty pricey. Where as on a MacBook, all I would upgrade in your situation is the RAM up to 1GB.

 

Soilbleed19,

Of course, you think it is worth it, since this is the one you bought. Was it the white or the black version? Is there any difference between the two (other than the color)?

Anyway, thank you for directing me away from the Dell xps M1210, even though it does not appear pricier (given that you get more).

GK. / N.

 

I got the black one. The only thing that's different is the base models. The base model for the black one comes with 2.0GHz and 80GB HDD, where as the mid-line white model comes with 2.0GHZ and 60GB. (Entry level is 1.83GHz and 60GB and combo-drive) But, with my configuration, I could have gotten the white one to the same specs, but I like black a lot more.

I don't mean to drive you away from other options, I would have been happy with the M1210, but Dell's sub-par service wouldn't let me get the thing orderd.

 

well i think its worth it.. comparing the 2.0 GHz model with the dell xps m1210.. there is 1 major difference - OS X!

 

That too.

 

Remember that fi your budget is important, and you happen to like white, the white version is cheaper even if upgraded to the same specs of the black one (don't know about this amazon deal though). Now, this sudden discount perhaps is a sign that Apple will soon upgrade their line to Core 2 CPUs; even Averatec has done it by now and I can't see Apple staying that far behind on that matter for much longer, it is probably already hurting their sales. Unlike other people, I myself don't see such gains from upgrading the CPU to 2GHz, unless you want to do CPU intensive tasks a lot. Problem is that the 1,83GHz version lacks a DVD burner, which can be a nuisance to a lot of people.

 

Yeah, DVD burning comes in handy when it's time for backups of all your data.
I wouldn't consider a laptop without it as well as a 120 GB hard drive, but I am into video editing and need the drive space. Memory is something you can always order later and even the Macbook hard drive is easily replaceable from what I've read. Only reason I haven't bought one is the GPU and Merom; the MBP is a better choice for my needs.

One word of advice; $200 is not a lot of money for something that will be with you for at least a year or two or three. Stop looking so much at the dollar and consider the long run of something you will be happy with, whatever it is.

 

Another reason to go with the MacBook is Apple's customer service. There is no better service in the business. Not entirely sure what the first responder was taling about with the hp being faster. As I understand it, the hp also carries the GMA950 which means performance will be equal. You cannot beat what the MacBook offers.

 

You also have to think about buying 3-4 years worth of anti-virus services when you go with a pc, something you wont have to do with a mac. Also, if you can wait until the core 2 macbooks come out, out will probably see a significant drop in price on the core duo models.

 

Hi again,

Thank you for all your advice. A few remarks, to clarify my situation:

- I need the notebook right now, no possibility of waiting for months.

- I do very little gaming; and I've better not start spending time on it...
- My mp3 library is quite limited, since I listen primarily to classical music.
- I do not do any photo or video editing; in the future, though, I would like to do some photo editing.

- I used a PC for years, but I have bought only one PC program (a game).
- I can get some microsoft programs from my university at no cost (including anti-virous), if I need to run some parallel applications.

I see therefore no reason not to switch to Mac OSx. In particular, it seems that I would not need extra processing power or hard-disc space. I may only need some extra RAM.

As for a dvd writer, I was thinking of the possibility to use the one installed at the iMacs at my university. Transferring data betwwen Mac's must not be that difficult, no?

Any further advice? Thanks!

GK. / N.

 

Let me also add what appears to be a deciding factor:

I had been thinking of getting a Dell e1405 (for around $800) when people adviced me strongly against it and in favor of HP dv2000. At the end, two things happened:

- I got arguments against both Dell and HP.
- None of these machines looked beautiful, especially the HP.

So, fearing that I might regret very badly, for following or not following my friends' advice, I decided to avoid any of these two machines.

Then, I saw the $100 discount for the MacBook, which made the price difference less of an issue. Since I have not received any strong advice against the MacBook (in particular, nothing regarding its hardware), I think that I will place my order tomorrow or on Saturday.

I am basically waiting to make a visit to an Apple store.

GK. / N.

 

Well, you seem like a perfect case of a guy who is not bound to Windows and will probably benefit a lot from OS X. If possible, make sure you get one of the newer Macbooks so the chance of having any of the problems the early batches had is minimal. As you put it, buy 1GB or 2GB of RAM and you're gonna be happy. As for the DVD-writer, I myself feel comfortable transferring data to my desktop (Linux/windows) in order to burn; it's not something I do all the time.

 

stay away from a windows pc you are going to have more problems with a windows pc. The macbook the white one with the dvd burnner and marware pack will be perfict for you and if you are in collage try the collage student discount it will be cheaper.

 

Apple have significant price drop? The only time Apple EVER has that is when they are gonna replace the entire thing with something totally new, they wouldnt do that for a processor change, they definitely didn't do it for the PowerPCs when they had them, I don't see any reason why they should start now.

 

The dv2000t has one issue that seems to be recurrent, and that's the issue with the touchpad. I can't imagine too many of those notebooks being produced now will have much of that issue, it's widely known about. Other than that, I've heard almost all good things about it.

The Macbook you're looking at is a good deal, if you want to use OSX for the next couple years (some people want to, some people don't). Entirely a preference thing.

 

I have seen this $100 rebate from amazon before on the macbook, nothing new to me, and I don't believe it's because they're going to upgrade. Infact I remember reading a press statement from apple saying that they would not upgrade to merom anytime soon because it's not necessary. The macbook is a beautiful machine, but also a real mind mixer..

 

Do they have this rebate almost all the time? It may very well be the case.

Can you be more specific? They use Core 2 Duo for all of their desktops.


GK / Nosferatu

 

C2D has a 2 different desktop varities. They have the Merom mobile chip for low power machines (as far as wattage) and then the Conroe for the big daddies. Those things are freaking badass...

 

ya, i think i read about C2D on Macrumors.com.. keep a watch of this http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/09/20060925104838.shtml
This is a list of the new conference happenings, and there's probably better places to look.. here's probably one of the snips i read earlier about C2duo http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/09/20060915171825.shtml
As for the rebate, I would say it's something Amazon does when stocks pile up since they order in bulk to get these huge discounts.

Oh,and just be careful when you order.. If you see a Free 10 Dollar coupon on your next order that you can't deny, It's a fishing scam from WebLoyalty. Major websites participate in this and give them your credit info(why i don't know). You won't know what hit you till you see monthly charges coming off your credit card.. The company is currently being sued.. Just google WebLoyalty. I got hooked at EBgames and didn't notice for several months.. I did get my money back by demanding a complete refund..bogus

 

Just how much bigger Pro is? According to the specs it's roughly 1"... I might can sell it for my wife - she wants something that you can lift, carry etc using one hand only but I realized that I can get a new Pro for $1,600 with my ADC membership... :apple:

PS: she's like 5'2" ~110lbs only...

 

If she can lift a macbook, I would think a MacbookPro would be little difference to her. The question is how far, or long does she want to carry it in one hand? I would say for any distance if you MUST carry it, lighter/smaller is always better. Here's a tip too. You can still find the 12" Ibook G4 computers online. http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=608 or at http://www.powermax.com which is highly recommended. It looks like you can also add Applecare through powermax also.. major plus. Consider it if she only needs ultimate portability and light weight. These ibook/powerbook G4s are still just as capable as any Macbook under basic use.

 

Heh, I think the MB is a bit easier to carry cause it's thicker. I cradle my MBP like a baby if it's not in it's backpack if I'm moving it around.

 

It is not much bigger or heavier. I think Pressure posted some pics side-by-side of the two. Search for them.

 

Glad I'm not the only one that Babies my Mac.

 

i'm just going to revive this tread for a bit...back to topic...does anyone think that the macbook will go sub-999 during the holidays? what about black friday and such?

 

I really don't anticipate Apple dropping the retail price below $999 for current rev Macbooks. You can get a MB for around $1000 if you look around (student discounts, Amazon, refurb, etc). When Apple releases the Rev B Macbooks you should be able to pick up a new Rev A for less than $1000 easy. You prolly won't be able to find a Blackbook for under a $1000 unless it's used.

 

Apple themselves are not into sales. The price is the price, no hoops to jump through or smoke. $999 is the cheapest you will see one.