Ok. It’s summer time, and even though I can’t afford it, I need to buy a laptop and get mobile. Right now, I’m using a desktop Dell PC with a DSL line.
But I’m so disgusted with PC’s that I want to turn to Macs. I used Macs in college, so I’m somewhat familiar with them.
What kind of laptop should I buy. And who has the best wireless service?
I’m partial to Macs. We have an iBook, and so far have loved it.
The iBook can do almost everything a PowerBook can do, but the PowerBook has a few extra features and a larger screen.
If a single screen with 1024 x 768 pixels is sufficient for you, then the less-expensive iBook should do just fine, if you’re doing graphics, or CAD, or other stuff that needs more screen real estate, or if you need to hook up a second monitor, then you’ll want a PowerBook.
For almost everything except really intensive graphics, processor speed is just about irrelevant these days.
I have a 12-inch one that is the envy of my clients whenever I travel (light and tiny!). Never gives me any trouble, and it comes in bigger screens for folks who like lots of real estate…
I don’t know about the wireless service.
and how much is it?
Thanks. PCs take up so much space and I’m tired of all
those patches from Microsoft.
It weighs 4.6 pounds (according to apple), and runs $1499 with a cd/dvd drive ($200 more for a dvd-writing drive). I heartily recommend (like others already have here) that you bump up the RAM…
If you know someone who is a student or a teacher, you can get about $200 bucks off at Apple. Ibooks are less, but I like the PB keyboards better.
14inch iBook. $1299 but you’ll need to buy more memory.
If you’re a student, Apple has great discounts. It can be for continuing ed, too, not just full-time. Great deals.
And while the price is higher than PCs, if you count the time and energy spent just keeping your PC running, free of viruses, tracking down dll’s, etc, the costs even out.
As far as wireless, where do you want to use it?
If you live in a city, you may find it free. In NYC, you can check with NYCwireless and see if you have a hotspot near you. I think you can find other places from there, too.
You can also buy this, connect it to your DSL and have wireless at home for your new Apple laptop. (You’d connect your Dell to the router and both will share the DSL.)
Moving to Mac is a good idea, just on security alone. You’ll be safer and happier. No dll’s, no blue screens. A solid operating system (Unix) under the covers.
But I guess I don’t have to tell you that….
When you go wireless, there’s some security measures you should take, that aren’t always set “out of the box.” The Mac is secure, but the connection to the wireless device may not be (so, for example, you’re neighbor may be able to “sniff” your booman password.)
for anyone to buy a home computer that isn’t a Mac, IMHO.
I am a computer programmer in real life, and my family uses computers heavily at home. So I’m IT support at home. We had a succession of PC laptops and desktops, then we got a Mac cube.
I’ve really had nothing to do in the way of support at home for about three years. The frustrating thing is, I’d love to upgrade to a newer Mac–Powerbooks are excellent–but I really can’t justify it. Apple keeps making the OS faster on the same hardware, and even on an old G4-500, nothing is so slow as to be annoying. Yes, the OS keeps getting faster–Microsoft, you listening?
I write code for Linux and work with Solaris, Linux, and *BSD all day. It’s a relative joy to work on the Mac at home, and it’s a decent UNIX platform too. OS X 10.4 (Tiger) is what everything else aspires to.
No reason not to buy one now. Give Apple two years to complete their switch to Intel hardware. Then there’ll be plenty of reason not to buy one. The PowerPC’s a much nicer chip, and OpenFirmware a much nicer architecture. Heaven knows why Jobs has decided to throw that all away – though I strongly suspect it’s all about Intel’s “miraculous” new DRM technology.
I seriously doubt it, but I’m willing to wait and see. It really depends on how they use it, but I expect they’ll start capitalizing on the DRM quickly. I think Jobs finally encountered a reality distortion field more powerful than his own – that put out by Big Content.
I can think of only 1. AMD64
Right now I am using AMD64 3000+ at 2.2 ghz, 1800mhz system bus,1g ram, on SuSe 9.3 X86_64. And it couldn’t be better. I find macs way too slow.
Get a Mac…I’ve got a 14″ G3 Ibook but had to add RAM, would rec.a min of 512 to 640M…NO PROBLEMS!!! Coming up 2 yrs.
The new G4 Ibooks are very nice, lots cheaper than the PB’s and will probably do every thing you want. [ note: beware G5 PB’s…heat build-up problems ] OSX is very tasty and stable and I hear the new Tiger version is way cool. Macs are a bit more $’s up front but you solve 99.9% of your viral/security prob’s. What’s that worth?…to me “priceless”.
I have an Actiontec DSL wifi modem, no problems either. You just need to secure the access…no biggie.
I have a 1 & 1/2 year old G4 1ghz aluminum PowerBook 12″. I love it. The processor is not quick enough for pro-level multimedia work, but for home use it is fine. Current processors are faster, but still nowhere near the power of a desktop model (G5).
The bundled software is great (iLife), and MicroSoft Office is available for Mac OS X. The Unix base of OS X is rock solid (never crashes and only needs rebooting after certain software/system updates) and much more secure than Windows; there are zero Mac OS X viruses in the wild (other than MS Office macro virii), no spyware, and no adware.
The CD burning is good, and you can get a DVD burner as an option (or hook one up via firewire or usb). You can buy a video-out adapter for hooking up to a TV for $20. Wireless networking is built in and works great. The screen is clear and bright, though small on the 12″ (but I wanted maximum portability, so I went with the smallest model). My screen has recently developed one stuck pixel (always red), but that’s not unexpected with an LCD (my last laptop had many stuck pixels after just 6 months).
My three complaints: battery life is not as long as advertised, the headphone jack is sketchy, the aluminum case is a little flimsy and warped slightly after I dropped it (but it kept on chugging along).
If you don’t need a laptop immediately, you may want to wait a year. Apple just signed a deal with Intel, so faster laptop chips should be on the way.
I replaced my old G3/366Mhz iBook with a G4/1.33Ghz iBook. Yes, I needed more RAM (comes with 256MB), so I went ahead and splurged on maxing it out in-house (bought it at one of the local Apple Stores). I’d just received a large check as part of my mom’s estate, so I figured I could splurge a bit; the really big check will be coming hopefully next month. 🙂
I also went ahead and got the Airport Express base station; here’s how I went wireless:
Cool thing about the Airport Express station is that there are two other plug receptacles; one is for powered speakers so I can play music from iTunes (including the Internet radio stations) through remote powered speakers, and a place to plug in a USB printer so I can print wirelessly. That will definitely come in handy after we get our desktop system (20″ iMac; we need two computers for domestic tranquility).
I haven’t taken my new baby out on the road yet, so I can’t testify to how easily it connects to outside WiFi setups (like at Starbucks); might give that a test drive after the spouse’s vacation…
works great. Used it at the National Conference for Media Reform in StL last month – could take notes on the iBook and switch over to internet from time to time. Found myself checking the schedule on FreePress’s web site cuz that was easier than digging around looking for the paper version they gave me.
I always use it in airports if I have a long layover, even though I have to pay.
Also always take the iBook along on trips, vacations, etc. It’s become kind of a ritual to download photos in the evenings and play with them when I’m traveling.
And I do so love playing music with iTunes through my stereo. Airport Express – it’s the coolest.
I suggest the Powerbook G4 with the 15inch display, in fact I’m looking to get one myself soon. Yes there can be a bit of sticker shock, especially if you really load it up with RAM, etc. I’m replacing a beloved VAIO and I figured about a US$800 premium for the PowerBook, including warranty. If you decide on the Apple, try to get one that it includes the latest operating system version: OS-X v10.4 “Tiger”.
I’ve used Mac, Windows and linux boxes for a long time, and have seen security problems in each. After the latest MS Service Pack 2 nonsense I decided to move back to the Powerbooks. If you stick around with WinXP, avoid IE in favor of the FireFox browser (with tight security settings). Actually I suggest FireFox on the Apples as sell, due to the high suckage factor of Safari.
As for wireless service, I’ve used many of them and found T-Mobile to be the most widespread. It is not particularly cheap, however, at US$49.95/month (although you may get a deal if you also use a T-Mobile cellphone). If you need to travel a lot to Europe or Asia the T-Mobile service can be handy since they seem to be everywhere (just like Starbucks).
Depending on how much you travel, and the availability of free wifi around your home and/or favorite hangouts, you may find it cheaper to buy daypasses if you find yourself somewhere with a different provider.
Finally, make sure that you use some kind of firewalling on the wifi connection. Especially if you use a lot of free wifi hotspots. WinXP has a built-in firewall, but I never use it, prefering to use the ZoneAlarm application. I’m not sure what, if anything, is needed for the current Apples.
Anyway, happy shopping!
We have replaced 2 blueberry clamshells with white ibooks. With actiontec I can BooTrib. in the tub- ha. Really, we just love these things. Never a problem.
I, too, recently got an iBookG4 and love it. I do some graphics on it, mainly just editing photos for the web, but it’s no problem, even on the small 12″er. I thought the 512 ram would be trying, but not so far. I do carry around a mouse, though. Much more comfortable for me to use.
Mack: thanks for the tip on t-mobile wireless. I’m going to check into it.
Ok you guys, this is weird. 11 posts, all Mac. Don’t have a laptop, but after ten years finally turned my WinDoze box into a paperweight. (Got an iMAC). I think you’ll find that if you compare feature-to-feature the prices equalize. And PCs generally don’t come close in performance.
12-in. I love it. Weighs 4.9 lbs. Tough, rugged. Here’s the tech specs page.
Upgrade! Get as much RAM and the biggest hard drive you can buy. The only thing I added that I haven’t used is Bluetooth.
Airport (wi-fi) card is included. Get an Airport Express for wireless. It’s about the size of a deck of cards and plugs directly into the wall. On the underside are inputs for your modem, printer, and stereo. Use your iBook anywhere, print from it wherever you are AND – all the music on your computer, you can play through your stereo. (I really, really love this part.)
Take my iBook everywhere. Lots of hot spots (many free) let me get on the internet with the Airport card – though if you’re in an actual airport, you have to pay. If it’s a long layover, though, I generally think it’s worth it.
Do you have the Tiger update by any chance? What do you think of it?
Think it’s way cool so far. Haven’t had any problems other than the usual housekeeping – all I’ve really noticed is that some of the icons in the dock needed to be dragged out and replaced because the app had been upgraded.
I’d read that Spotlight will change forever the way you look for things on your computer – I think I’m beginning to believe it. It took a little getting used to – I’ve been sorting through files and folders so long that it’s just a habit to start looking for things that way first. But I’m using Spotlight more and more, and it is definitely the best thing about Tiger. Watch the Quicktime demo at the link above – it makes it clearer how it works.
Widgets are kind of fun too. Going to go download some new ones after I quit blabbering about Macs here. (I’ve loved Macs since my supervising professor brought one of the first 128k Mac-in-the-boxes back to the lab back in eighty-whenever. (’85?)
If you had read my intro on Wednesday (parts 6 & 7) you’d know I’m happy as a clam to see this. BooMan, my man, you’ve gotten a lot of good advice so far, I’ll only add a couple thoughts. My setup, if you’re curious, is a 15″ PowerBook (Aluminum) with an Airport Extreme downstairs and an Airport Express upstairs. The second Airport is to extend the wireless range — the Aluminum PowerBooks, like their Titanium predecessors, don’t get excellent wireless reception, most likely due to their unusual case material.
I’d recommend the PowerBook over the iBook if you think you may be doing a bit of graphics work in particular. PowerBooks have more video memory (64MB, with an option for 128MB) than the iBooks (32MB across the board), allow a higher maximum amount of RAM (I’ve got 2GB in mine), and some of the internals are faster too. iBooks are undoubtedly more rugged, however, and that may be important if your laptop may be exposed to, er, rough handling (specifically, kids). Oh, and no doubt you’ve noticed iBooks are less expensive. As with any major purchase, you’ve got to think honestly about what you’ll be doing with this within its useful life, and try to fit specs to that. Do you really want a SuperDrive in it so you can burn DVDs? Maybe not now, but maybe next year you’ll be saying “Gee, I wish I had splurged for the SuperDrive.” (I speak from direct personal experience!)
Don’t sweat the whole “switch to Intel” thing. I was on record publically in more than one venue, and as recently as this past Sunday, saying it would never happen. “Never say never,” eh? For most users the fact that next year’s iBooks and PowerBooks may have Pentium-M’s in them rather than G4’s will make little difference. Macs are my bread & butter so I’m watching the situation more closely, but I’m not fretting as much as I was Monday evening!
I’m not entirely sure what you mean by “wireless service.” You already have broadband (DSL) and can pretty easily plug a wireless router into your modem and shortly thereafter be surfing from the couch or can or tub, as someone suggested. If you do set up a wireless point, do not neglect securing it so you don’t inadvertently allow moochers in the neighborhood to surf on your dime. This article at ArsTechnica is a couple years old by now, but is still very relevant and should be required reading for anyone setting up a wireless network at home.
Give me a holler if I can be of any more service — it’s the least I can do for the warm welcome I’ve received here this week.
but don’t assume that today’s Macs will have any more than a passing resemblance to the Macs you used in college. If you have any Unix experience, on the other hand, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to put it to good use.
I’ve had my wireless PowerBook for 3-1/2 years now and it’s still chugging along just fine. I take it everywhere. If there’s a wireless network, it just finds it and connects. I think I was on 4 different ones on a trip just last weekend.
It will take a bit to get used to after using a PC, but not long. The concepts are all the same–they’re just implemented more elegantly.
Hi Booman!
Late to this thread, but I’ve bought machines from these people and this classic model has a 15-inch screen. It’s older technology, but plenty good for internet and word processing. If you need to edit video, forget it–it’ll do it, but not as fast as the newer models.
go here:
http://www.baucomcomputers.com/
and get this:
Powerbook G4 500 (“Titanium”) (256 / 20GB / DVD / 15″) $599
Maybe put another 256 RAM in it (they’ll install it for you) and an Airport card (wireless) for $85 (they’ll install it for you). If you want to run OS X, buy the 10.3 Panther version, which is now very stable in the 10.3.9 version (buy the 10.3 CD, then update with online download of the “combo” version of 10.3.9).
Put the rest of the money in your pocket.
This place has more models available, but costs lots more:
http://www.powermax.com/cgi-global/generate_css_temp.cgi?i=PM_CU_PB_15