Macbook for me?

I have talked to countless users of both pc and mac, and it seems like for my uses that mac would be a good choice. I mainly use Photoshop/Illustrator as well as a few of the macromedia programs like flash and dreamweaver. But all of these are on mac so thats no big deal. I'd like to stay under $1500 or so if at all possible, so that kind of rules out a MBP. I would like to be able to game, but thats what I have a desktop for. However, will it run basic games like WoW and the like? Im just trying to get as much info as possible before I take the plunge. Thanks for the help guys.

 

You can get notesbooks alot cheaper than the macbook for your needs,I was in the same condition as you,I thought Apple for Photoshop and such and not to mention I got a better graphics card,more ram,and more HDD space.I would just say look around alittle,unless you have your eyes set on Apple.

 

A MBP may fit you better. The extra screen real estate would really come in handy for the tasks you want to do, also I would not expect to play any games with the GMA 950. That is not to say it won't play them, but I don't think most will be pleased with the results. Do you know any students, that would knock the price down to 1800. Or check out the refurbs. Apple refurbs have a very good reputation.

 

Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, WoW, $1500.

I know we're supposed to be promoting Apple here, but you may actually be more suited to staying with a PC notebook. Adobe hasn't updated their apps to be Intel native yet so you won't get the best performance. Also, while WoW does run then its going to be a downgraded experience. And you'll also have to budget in a repurchase of all your PC software to get the Mac versions.

You can get a dual-core Dell notebook with 256mb video card for under $1000 that can run your current apps/games you want and just save the $500. You can put it towards a mac notebook next year when the Macbook will have a better video card and Adobe releases updates to their apps.

 

Hmm... as far as I know there is only one box for WoW and it says it's for PC/Mac, so the installer for both OS's must be on the same disc. If I'm wrong, please correct me, I'd like to know for sure actually

 

Ya you won't have to rebuy WOW. In fact, if the Universal thing is a problem or you don't want to repurchase all your software right away, there are several options for running Windows. For you, Parallels and and a copy of Windows should work very well and Parallels is around $50 I think and an OEM on Newegg of XP Pro is around $150. So $200, not $1500. Just gotta be a little creative!

 

Well you have to decide. You can get an Asus S96J for under your budget, and get it with an x1600 and really good specs. If you want an Apple, I would wait till you can get a MBP, with the student discount it brings it down to 1799. Maybe you can get lucky and fine one for like 1700 shipped w/o tax or something off ebay but I would do a lot of research of ebay and the sellers. You probably will get the best suited laptop as the Asus S96J and that is a really great notebook. With the x1600 and Core Duo, and I think the screen is a little better. Your gonna have to decide wether you want to game or not. Best of luck!
~Arman

 

Thanks for correcting me on the WoW thing. I didnt know that they did stuff like that. Are there any other popular apps that install to both PC and Mac because that would save potential switchers like me a ton of cash.

 

Macromedia Studio 8 at least has both Mac and Windows installers on the same CD's. I think the Adobe CS2 packages actually have both versions as well, but I'm not sure.

Blizzard is probably the most notable company that releases their games on hybrid CD's, generally.

 

I'm thinking of getting a macbook too, look's great.

 

The Macromedia apps do have both installers, but the license only allows you to legally install it on one. So if you want to follow the letter of the law, apps like that would still require you to buy another copy.

 

I think the packages are sold seperately, because when I look I always see on websites both aren't together.

 

Thanks so much for all of the respsonses guys. I really dont see myself as a "mac" guy, and I thought it was a little overpriced and underpowered for what I really wanted to do with it.

I've had my eye on a few "maxed out" gaming rigs for around the same price. No SLi or crossfire but with 7600/x1600 or x1800/7900gs. So going from 17"/high end dedicated GPU to 13"/Intel GMA, was a little dissapointing to say the least.

Once again thanks for the input guys, I really do appreciate it.

Cheers!
Blake Bonfiglio

 

Lol, If you had the Cash for something that much why not get a MBP, or a alienware!!! I always dreemed of getting one! One Day I will, even if it is the cheapest one they have!

 

Alienware is bad, very bad. I can't think of a time where I heard of a good thing about them. I read/hear nothing but problems.