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Internet & Tech: Calling all Mac users - I need an opinion
1 to 35 of 35
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I'm considering getting my first Mac and don't want to dump a whole lot of money into this until I'm positive I like the platform. This is leading me towards the Mac Mini.
I know it's not the most robust computer in the world, but I don't need it for much. Basic graphics & website editing with Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver - but nothing heavy, not too many "large" graphics. Other then that, just basic word processing, spreadsheets, etc. - I don't do ANY gaming on my computer since i have the Xbox 360.
Would this be suffice as an entry level Mac for a first timer? I'm dying to know, I think I'm ready to give it a shot.
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I'm only a 'sometime' Mac user, but I've always really liked the product offerings (but can't get away from having my Office files fully compatible with the outside world, not to mention the plethora of freeware/shareware). Look at the entry level specs, I'd say that it seems like it would do what you described, providing you're not trying to do Photoshop and Illustrator at once :-) I'd suggest adding more memory (at least 1GB) and a larger hard drive.
Investoid - Finance and Investing in Perspective -
They are awesome for design, I have seen it at work. I sell them quite a bit to people as well. The major benafit is that it is such a stable operating system. It is also much more simple than windows will ever be.
It's funny you are thinking about getting one, I am looking at a macbook right now as well.
I am a Young Go Getter! -
Me too:)
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Ok so I think I am going to spring for the 13" macbook just to try it out. I should be getting mine mid next week!
I am a Young Go Getter! -
I'm in the same boat Eric.
I've actually been cruising around Craigslist looking at getting a used PowerBook G4.
I've seen some used ones stocked with all kinds of design software for like $1000. And frankly, I'm not to concerned about the external condition. The guts are another story (and thats my one concern - validating the guts of a computer and its functionality).
While the intel chips in the MacBooks are great, I hear they make running standard Apple facing programs (and by that I mean shit that works better on Macs) slow: like Adobe CS2, Dreamweaver, Flash and Final Cut.
EntrepreneurGirls Business, from the female perspective -
Photoshop seems to run OK for me right now on my MacBook. You can be sure that Adobe will be releasing a native Intel platform very quickly. They're software is mainly used on a Mac, they can't afford to let that go by the wayside. Dreamweaver runs OK too. I have both of them on my MacBook and they run alright and I still only have the stock 512MB RAM. When I upgrade to 2GB this Christmas I'm sure I wont even mind.
I'd be careful buying an older platform - they're probably not going to be releasing as many updates/new software for the old gear. Apple isn't looking back, you can see that by todays news of the new MacBook Pro featuring Core 2 Duo processors. The software will catch up, but the hardware isn't going to revert back. Do the right thing...buy a MacBook :)
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No way. I'm not spending $3K on a macbook.... not right now.
EntrepreneurGirls Business, from the female perspective -
Macbooks start at $1100 approx here. It is the Macbook Pro you are thinking of that costs around $3000.
I am a Young Go Getter! -
Yeah I just have a MacBook. It cost $1,235 + $249 for 3 years of AppleCare - out the door for around $1,500. You can skip the AppleCare if you don't want to pony up for that, but the $1,235 isn't relaly that bad of a price. I got the middle of the road, white 2ghz core duo with 60gb hard drive and 512mb ram. The 60GB is a bit skinny, but I'll just upgrade in the future when I need to.
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Yup, the new MacBook Pros just launched today. For what you described MsNadi, graphic intensive apps, a desktop would really be your best bet. Mac or PC. When it comes to bang for the buck and performance, a desktop computer will always beat a notebook. If being mobile is more important than capability then look to the apple notebooks.
Original Young Go Getter -
HAHA... I should've included a disclaimer - that I'm not a pro by any stretch of the imagination.
More just looking for something that I can learn and create layouts, pamplets, etc. Plus I've had it with my Dell and am ready to throw it out the window. It's the little things, like I love Keynote (compared to PowerPoint) and the iLife suite. Not for heavy duty computing power.
I think I'm going to go with a later model powerbook, and then upgrade to a macbook in about a year.
Based on this though: has anyone every worked in an Apple based environment (work or something) where everyone was using mac's instead of pc's? Or are any of you considering setting up a Apple environment? Why/Whynot?
EntrepreneurGirls Business, from the female perspective -
I can tell you right now that if my MacBook had 2GB of RAM it would run circles around my PC desktop as far as Photoshop and Dreamweaver is concerned. The only problem is the 13" screen makes it a bit difficult to work on large graphics but for basic web design stuff, it works fabulously.
Even with the crapy 512 I'm able to run GarageBand and put together quite a composition without running into problems. iPhoto runs smooth too. My BIGGEST problem is the 60GB...it's just not nearly enough these days.
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The agency I worked for was almost entirely mac based. We had about 15 or so Macs and another dozen or so PCs networked to share the same font management, files, e-mail, etc... I switched between a mac and pc at my desk when needed. PC for the office suite and rare apps. Mac for all graphic work.
Original Young Go Getter -
That's one thing that runs like pure shit on my Mac...OfficeMac - it's horrible. I nuked it and went with NeoOffice, a free alternative. I'm much happier with that.
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Get the Mac Mini Core Duo but make sure you load it with at least 1GB of ram. 2GB would be ideal. At 512mb, you'll wish you never got it. It's just a different beast when you add memory to it. ;)
Kineda - The Fabulous Lifestyle Only Bling Can Bring -
This guy got a temp keyboard replacement for his macbook. They gave him a white one until the black part was available. I think it looks cool.
Original Young Go Getter
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I think it does too, that's awesome...
And yeah...512mb just doesn't cut it for a lot of things.
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HAHA....its true.
And to think but two years ago, 512 MB was a good thing.
I had to get upgraded from 1GB to 2GB.
I hate Dell. :/
EntrepreneurGirls Business, from the female perspective -
all you have to do, is buy your mac with the most basic things. upgrade yours CPU on the mac site. after that, buy all your other chips like ram at a local computer store. much cheaper.
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Posted By: alexall you have to do, is buy your mac with the most basic things. upgrade yours CPU on the mac site. after that, buy all your other chips like ram at a local computer store. much cheaper.
Yes, MUCH cheaper. Actually there are some great places online that have some huge discounts!
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Hmm...good point.
But what happens if you don't feel like doing all the upgrades?
:::i'm female - remember:::
EntrepreneurGirls Business, from the female perspective -
The mac mini is a nice looking box but you have to look at the specs at the end of the day. It is a nice starting point and probably enough for a lot of people.
You'll find that osx thrives on added RAM unlike windows. In windows you will close apps that you aren't using but on osx you will probably end up running quite a few at once quite easily.
I've got a 15" 1.33ghz powerbook g4 that I'm looking to sell so that I can pick up the new core2duo macbook pro :D (near melbourne, australia, chat in pm if interested) The specs are amazing on the new one, and while my powerbook doesn't feel slow at all the new MBP is 7x faster! Woah.
I've outgrown my 60GB HD, and upgraded ram from 256mb standard to 1.5gb. Battery needs replacing. It was my first mac and I can't say I'll be switching back to the dark side soon :)
I'm Ross Hill. I interview business folks at HatchThat. -
I was listening to a Leo Laporte podcast yesterday and they all said they love Mac refurbs. I just came across a post for those refurbs on Digg and there are some great prices on macbooks.
Original Young Go Getter -
Got my first mac today! A macbook pro 2.16 core duo 100GB harddrive ect....
What are some apps out there that you guys would suggest? Some tips?
Its my first time having a mac!
I am a Young Go Getter! -
Holy shit man, nice!!! Aren't you in love already?!
Definately download Camino (www.mozilla.com), it's a great browser and very Mac-like.
Download NeoOffice instead of using OfficeMac - it runs faster on the intel macs (although still not that great). It's free!
Definatley get Quicksilver - a simple search should find it. It blows Mac's Spotlight feature away.
The only chat program you'll probably want to use is Adium - iChat is cool but Adium is more compatible with other a variety of services.
I think iAlertU is a cool little ap. It uses the shock sensor in the MacBook's to create a car-alarm style security system for your mac. It works with your remote (just hold the menu button to arm/disarm). Nifty little app, more novelty than anything but I suppose it'd work at a cafe!
Ok..this is important. MORE THAN IMPORTANT: DONT BE RECKLESS WITH YOUR FONTS.
And do not, I repeat, do NOT just copy your windows fonts over to your MacBook - you'll get owned!
Congratulations man, I'm so happy for you. You're about to actually ENJOY computing again, something most windows users haven't done for a very, very long time.
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thanks dude. I am sure I am gonna really love it.
ALso I get the keys to my first office space tomorrow! Finally somewhere I can use without distraction to get my stuff done. exciting week of first for me!
I am a Young Go Getter! -
Posted By: Justinthanks dude. I am sure I am gonna really love it.
ALso I get the keys to my first office space tomorrow! Finally somewhere I can use without distraction to get my stuff done. exciting week of first for me!Impacto Blog - Fresh Opinions
Congratulations! Where's your office at?! You need to post up pictures!
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I will get some pics up on November 1, 2006.
I am a Young Go Getter! -
Awesome. Congrats on the office and becoming a mac-a-holic.
Original Young Go Getter -
thanks for the reccomendations. Eric, ever plan on running boot camp on your machine?
I am a Young Go Getter! -
Hell no...what is Windows?
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ooo so its like that now :P
I am a Young Go Getter! -
WOW I absolutely love it, windows is sooooo lame compared to this. It's just like the commercials. Glad I went MAC!!!
I am a Young Go Getter!
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