Thinking of getting the MBP 2.4GHz for 60% windows use

I was thinking of getting the MBP 2.4GHz which is selling for $2200 at ecomelectronics.
I'm a windows user and have a few questions that I don't think have really been covered - and yes, I've read Sam's Mac Switch guide.

- Does the MBP 2.4GHz (MA896LL/A) come with a glossy or matte screen?
- Does the Firewire 800 work in Windows?
- Are the 2 USB 2.0 ports close to each other and do I need both to connect to a 2,5 external enclosure drive?
- I was also thinking of replacing the HDD immediately, but it seems hard and would void my warranty. Is it free to have Apple do it for me and do I have to purchase the HDD from them (expensive)?
- Accordin to Sam's guide: "How well does the Mac run Windows?

As of right now, not as well as a Windows-based PC. There are drivers missing for some parts of the Mac, and there have been reports of increased heat and reduced battery time when running Windows through Boot Camp. These can be fixed in future releases of Boot Camp, and Boot Camp 2.0, the final version, is currently available as a feature of Mac OS X Leopard, the latest release of OS X.

However, if you plan to run Windows full time on the Mac, the majority of users will not advise you to purchase a Mac to be running Windows full time. We feel that only if you plan to use OS X either full time, majority of the time, part time or even "just trying out", should you get a Mac; if you only plan to use Windows, get a Windows-based PC."

So, have any of these problems been resolved in Leopard?
Are there any unexpected issues that might bottleneck Windows in Bootcamp or things software/hardware that simply won't work in Windows.
I plan to use the MBP with Windows 60-70% of the time (4-8 hours/day, all year around) - does this mean that buying a MBP might not be such a good idea for me? Maybe a MB + PC notebook would work better for me?

 

For %60 use of windows on a MBP, I'd get a much cheaper (and more powerful) PC laptop....and perhaps, one day, simply buy a cheaper Macbook for $1000.

Also, apple does not check student Ids much. I encourage you to buy it online and get $200 less, if you really want a MBP.

 

More importantly, why do you need to use Windows the majority of the time?

 

You can choose whether you want a glossy or matte screen, on any model of the MacBook Pro.

Firewire 800 should work on Windows. I'm not sure as I don't have a MBP, but I haven't heard complaints about the lack of it.

No, the USB 2.0 ports are actually on opposite sides on the MBP. As for whether the external drive will need two ports, it depends.

Yes, usually running Windows on the MBP, it gets hotter as the MBP fans are by default set at 1000 RPM (whereas in OS X, its by default at 1800 RPM).

As for the second statement, it is in general most of the forum users' opinions; if you don't plan to use OS X at all, you'll save some cash getting a Windows PC. Of course, if in the end you think that there is no notebook out there that compares with the MBP (and many do feel that way), and you really do need to run Windows full time on it, then by all means go for it.

As of now, the things haven't been fixed in Boot Camp 2.0 yet...as far as I know Boot Camp 2.0 is basically the same as the last Beta release of Boot Camp.

There's no major issues with running Windows in Boot Camp. I wouldn't worry about that.

And since you plan to use OS X, then getting a MBP is absolutely a good option. That's another good reason to get a Mac, you can run all the operating systems you may need or want in one machine...Windows, OS X, Linux and more.

 

I have eited my post about 5 times in two minutes, hope all is there now...

I have Adobe suite for PC, I can't just throw it away.
Also I will be using Windows for gaming.
Otherwise all Mac - and maybe switching completely as times go by.

- I can't find any information as to where you have the option between matte and glossy? Would that be the Apple store? I have been looking for resellers that don't charge tax. If I went to an Apple store it would cost $2500 + $200 California tax=$2700. ecomelectronics has it for Edit:$2200 (not $1800, sorry) and no tax. I guess I will have to ask them.
- Will a cooler pad help when using windows. I noticed how hot the MBP was at the Apple store and it wasn't even running any applications other than Safari.
- "you can run all the operating systems you may need or want in one machine...Windows, OS X, Linux and more."

 

Well, if you can make it to Oregon, then its sales tax-free there. As for option between glossy and matte, if you configure a MBP online at Apple.com, you will see the option to choose between matte or glossy.

Yes, a cooling pad will help. But heat's not really a big deal if you ask me...notebooks these days are all hot...and the heat isn't high enough to do any damage to your system. As long as you aren't putting it on your lap while wearing shorts .

 

if you buy a MBP with the student discount online, you will save $200...offsetting your taxes for the system

peace and love,

savage

 

I just bought a MBP 2.4 today at the Apple store in south Denver. I am three days away from deploying to the South Pole as a network engineer. The Dell Vostro I have been configuring for a month finally upset me for the last time and I RMA'd it and bought the Mac to take.


You can choose Matte or Glossy for the 15" screen, that I know. I opted for glossy, ater 6 yeas with a matte PowerBook and seeing the Votro and Vaios.

I am typing on the new machine for this message. My needs are UNIX for stable work, serial terminals to configure routers and servers, open source apps to live life and x86 Windows for modern games. Yes, I want to play Bioshock and Orange Box on my laptop.

If you can tolerate the cost premium, the experience is vastly greater and more sensible than the Windows world. Windows is always an option, either virtualized or native. But, after some time with a quality OS, the weaknesses on that "other" mainstream OS are highly evident. Just the fact that the dictionary indexes the text I am typing in Mozilla, where on x86 Windows it does not, is a good reminder of how 'Doze sucks rectum.

If you want a good gaming laptop, a stable platform for web and mail, and acess to your legacy apps, I can't find a better machine than the MBP. Money is hyper-tight for me, but failure is more costly. I bought the Mac for 60% uptime, 40% games. I think it's a fine choice. Wish it were black or titanium, though.

 

I'm in the same shoes with the OP. I found that you can get MBP from portableone.com.
I think several members here have bought laptops from the website with success.

 

why buy from them?

the prices are the same.

BUY from apple. use the student discount page. Save $200 for the MBP. problem solved.

 

Word of warning, I have 5 different kinds of 2.5 inch external HDD, and only two (60GB + 80GB) can be used on the power coming off a single usb (one on both side of the MBP), so if its bigger than 120GB and needs that extra bit of juice, then the macbook cannot power them external HDDs.

 

I was in this situation in July. I can tell you from 5 months of use....I use windows 100% of the time. It just a familiarity thing. I tried out OS X and there wasn't really anything better or worse. Factor in the gaming and certain progs that Windows has that mac doesn't, my time with OS X was short lived. I got my mbp with the student discount and don't regret it one bit. It runs windows like a windows pc.

In terms of heat, you can download inputremapper and control the fan speed yourself. Heat issues resolved. I think in the end, you'll probably find yourself on one end or the other. I tried the 60 40 thing but you end of having the troubles of file sharing. There are ways but its a hassle and in the end not worth it.

The one negative is battery life. You'll get a lot more in OSX than windows. Probably 4 hours to 2.5 hours. However, I don't know many windows laptops that have the specs of an mbp and can run for more than 2.5 hours. If you want the battery life, just boot up OSX and use it for internet and non-gaming stuff.