Mac versu PC,{snicker,snicker}

Have thought about a Hackintosh? Mac OS on intel processor or vmware. Fun and challenging project to do. Snow leopard installed on i7 920 overclocked to 4.2 ghz 6gb mem and 1t HD. Also running snow leopard in vmware. Get the best of both worlds. Snow leopard only cost $35 for the os.

[Ron99]

Originally Posted by ealbay

Have thought about a Hackintosh? Mac OS on intel processor or vmware. Fun and challenging project to do. Snow leopard installed on i7 920 overclocked to 4.2 ghz 6gb mem and 1t HD. Also running snow leopard in vmware. Get the best of both worlds. Snow leopard only cost $35 for the os.

Might be fun but for long term compatibility and stability it is not the best way to go. you have to jump through hoops every time Apple releases a system update (which they do frequently) and there is no guarantee that future updates will be able to be hacked onto non Apple hardware.

As for the difference between the Macbook and the Macbook Pro, the main ones are:

1. Macbook has USB I/O vs. USB + Firewire + SD card slot in the Pro

2. Macbook supports up to 4GB Ram, Pro is up to 8GB

3. Pro can be configured with faster graphics chips and more VRAM and I think has more BTO configurations and options but that may not be important to you.


The other thing to remember is cost of extras you may need such as virus protection software etc. that you have to factor into the Windows PC costs as well. Make a list of total cost rather than just the cost of the machine itself.

[lastlight]

Never write-off the unibody aluminum case like that! Pick one up and then pickup the sony...you'll be sold. Much like I was with my nikon after i held it's canon competition.

[Doug]

Originally Posted by Ron99

Might be fun but for long term compatibility and stability it is not the best way to go. you have to jump through hoops every time Apple releases a system update (which they do frequently) and there is no guarantee that future updates will be able to be hacked onto non Apple hardware.

As for the difference between the Macbook and the Macbook Pro, the main ones are:

1. Macbook has USB I/O vs. USB + Firewire + SD card slot in the Pro

2. Macbook supports up to 4GB Ram, Pro is up to 8GB

3. Pro can be configured with faster graphics chips and more VRAM and I think has more BTO configurations and options but that may not be important to you.


The other thing to remember is cost of extras you may need such as virus protection software etc. that you have to factor into the Windows PC costs as well. Make a list of total cost rather than just the cost of the machine itself.

Thanks Ron. I have considered those into the mac. But do many not say viris protection will be needed one day? As for pc, I have, what I think is good protection available from my cable service provided. Its F-Secure but it was just to large for my desktop, so had to take it out and just use avg free for now. Thats one reason I need enough speed and memory, is to handle the F-Secure is I go pc.

I was impressed with the Macs photo software, which I would have to purchase for a pc to have the same quality.

[Crytone]

Another consideration should be for Asus. I own one of their laptops and it's been good for me. For the money it offered good options. I believe all Asus laptops (excluding their netbooks) include a 2 year warranty on everything but the battery (may include the battery for 6months, I forget) and I think 1 year 'accidental' warranty- spills, drops, power surges, etc..! Most manufacturers only offer 1 year and none of the accidental coverage (or very little). Might be worth looking into if more warranty interests you.

[Skimmerking]

Hmmmmmmmmm Doug just take the money and buy a new skimmer. problem solved

[Doug]

Originally Posted by asmodeus

Hmmmmmmmmm Doug just take the money and buy a new skimmer. problem solved

Well actually I am. A SWC 160 cone. Should do my 30 sps cube just nicely and still fit in my 20g sump.

[spikehs]

Just a quick note about the Macbook Pros... they are currently overdue for a refresh, so the price/specs right now are pretty poor. I'd imagine the new ones are out in the next couple of months with better specs, making it a better value (although value wise, PC is the way to go).

That is if you are thinking of the macbook route. One thing to think about that made my decision to switch MUCH easier. Bootcamp. I have windows 7 and osx loaded up on my macbook, best of both worlds!

In general if you are looking at buying ANY apple product, check this page out first. Measures the average refresh cycle for all their products.
http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

[Doug]

Originally Posted by Crytone

Another consideration should be for Asus. I own one of their laptops and it's been good for me. For the money it offered good options. I believe all Asus laptops (excluding their netbooks) include a 2 year warranty on everything but the battery (may include the battery for 6months, I forget) and I think 1 year 'accidental' warranty- spills, drops, power surges, etc..! Most manufacturers only offer 1 year and none of the accidental coverage (or very little). Might be worth looking into if more warranty interests you.

I was looking at one here after someone mentioned the same thing in a previous laptop thread. Then went back and it was sold. No more have come in since. Suppose I can always buy from Future Shop online.

It was equal to the Toshiba I mentioned, in almost everything but $200 cheaper.

[karazy]

Originally Posted by Crytone

Another consideration should be for Asus. I own one of their laptops and it's been good for me. For the money it offered good options. I believe all Asus laptops (excluding their netbooks) include a 2 year warranty on everything but the battery (may include the battery for 6months, I forget) and I think 1 year 'accidental' warranty- spills, drops, power surges, etc..! Most manufacturers only offer 1 year and none of the accidental coverage (or very little). Might be worth looking into if more warranty interests you.

i agree 100%
like some aqaurium companies asus is a company that doesn't advetise much in north america, or much at all for that matter, but they are great.
i have played on a few and they are sweet.
everyone i know that has one is happy with it.
now you could look into alienware...but i wont get into that