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    Questions before I purchase a Mac...

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by nike45, May 9, 2010.

  1. nike45

    nike45 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok my first question I would like to not necessarily be answered by a mac fanatic because I would like an unbiased answer.
    1.) How well does windows 7 really run on bootcamp?? I will most likely be purchasing the new 15" i5 or if I feel thats too much money the new 13".

    2.) Next, to use bootcamp will I have to purchase a copy of windows 7? This seems like a pain...

    3.) Lastly the new macs say they have a "built in battery". Does this mean it can never be replaced? Thanks alot!
     
    nike45, May 9, 2010
    #1
  2. jszurley

    jszurley Notebook Enthusiast

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    2) Yes you have to buy windows 7. Why are you under the assumption that boot camp somehow comes bundled with windows?
     
    jszurley, May 9, 2010
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  3. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

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    Buying a Mac is pointless if you're only going to be using Windows 7 on it. Just thought I'd point that out.

    To answer 3...The battery CAN be replaced but you have to open up the MacBook to do it.
     
    EviLCorsaiR, May 9, 2010
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  4. ATC

    ATC Notebook Deity

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    1) Windows runs well on any Mac these days. I have Windows 7 installed on all our Macs without any issues but there are a few things worth noting. One of the biggies for me is the Windows power management on Macs is no where near as polished as it is on OSX. Under Windows my MBPs run a little hotter, the fans run a little louder and the battery life is not even close between Windows and OSX. Also, the trackpad drivers under windows are good but again not excellent. Sensitivity seems a little less smooth and touchy compared to under OSX where it's buttery smooth. Of course I see none of these issues on Windows running on my iMac.

    2) Yes you need to buy a copy/license of Windows. BootCamp is merely a vehicle that allows you to install Windows and dual boot to it.

    3) Yes you can replace it yourself but I think it voids the warranty (someone correct me if I've wrong) and it might be difficult to get the replacement batteries; are they even available for purchase to consumers? It can be replaced for a fee through Apple directly, an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service shop. The fee is reasonable IMO, covering the cost of the battery itself and the replacement process.

    Having said all that, as others here and elsewhere have mentioned, if you're buying a Mac to use only Windows on it, I think you should strongly consider buying a Windows notebook instead.

    EDIT: A link to a video showing battery replacement on a unibody MBP.
     
    ATC, May 9, 2010
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  5. nike45

    nike45 Notebook Enthusiast

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    i would be only using the windows part sparingly....i would only switch into windows mode when truely needed....maybe for a game or two and a few windows only programs. thanks
     
    nike45, May 9, 2010
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  6. yuio

    yuio NBR Assistive Tec. Tec.

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    just to point this out windows power management is fine. Apple's ability to code a driver for it to work with there hardware is the problem.
     
    yuio, May 9, 2010
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  7. nike45

    nike45 Notebook Enthusiast

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    What does this mean? lol thanks
     
    nike45, May 9, 2010
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  8. ajreynol

    ajreynol Notebook Virtuoso

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    it means it is Apple's fault that the MBP doesn't get better battery life under Windows.

    he's probably correct.
     
    ajreynol, May 9, 2010
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  9. nike45

    nike45 Notebook Enthusiast

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    ok thanks
     
    nike45, May 9, 2010
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  10. HLdan

    HLdan Notebook Virtuoso

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    What exactly is your point? It doesn't matter who's at fault, if the Power Management sux under Bootcamped Windows due to Apple's poor drivers or due to the Windows OS the OP still gets the same end result.
     
    HLdan, May 9, 2010
    #10