23 replies to this topic

[jram]

I'm in my glory, my next laptop, can't wait..

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Apple claims the MacBook Pro delivers up to four times the performance of a PowerBook G4, with Apple CEO Steve Jobs hailing it as the fastest notebook ever. The 5.6-pound system is housed in a one-inch thick aluminum enclosure and features a 15.4-inch LCD screen that’s 67 percent brighter than the PowerBook’s screen; Apple says the MacBook Pro’s display is as bright as the company’s desktop Cinema Displays.

The company will offer two versions of the MacBook Pro—one with a 1.67GHz Intel Core Duo processor, and the with a 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo processor. A new iMac, also announced at Macworld Expo, features Intel processors as well. The system architecture has been altered for faster performance—the laptop features a 667MHz frontside bus, that is four times as fast as the PowerBook G4. The new laptop also ships with 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory, twice as fast as the old PowerBook. The 1.67GHz model ships with 512MB of RAM while the 1.8GHz model has 1GB installed; both systems can hold up to 2GB of RAM.

The MacBook Pro comes with a built-in iSight video camera, iChat AV, iLife ’06, the Apple Remote, and Front Row, the multimedia management application introduced last year. MacBook Pro also includes Photo Booth, an application that lets users take quick snapshots with the built-in iSight video camera, add visual effects, and share pictures with the touch of a button.

The new notebook also debuts Apple’s MagSafe magnetic power connector, designed especially for mobile users. The MagSafe power connector makes charging the notebook’s battery easier by magnetically coupling the power cord to the MacBook Pro. The MagSafe power connector safely disconnects from the notebook when there is strain on the power cord, helping to prevent the notebook from falling off its work surface if the power cord is inadvertently yanked.

Each MacBook Pro comes standard with an ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 PCI Express graphics card, featuring either 128MB or 256MB of dedicated GDDR3 graphics memory. The MacBook Pro models also include built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), integrated AirPort Extreme 54Mbps 802.11g WiFi wireless networking, a scrolling TrackPad, and Apple’s Sudden Motion Sensor technology for protecting the hard drive in case of a fall.

While Apple is taking orders now, the MacBook Pro won’t begin shipping until February. The 1.67GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro sells for $1,999, while the 1.83GHz is priced at $2,499. Build-to-order options will be available as well.

[frazzm737]

Get your order in early JMAC and before you know it, you will be the proud owner of your dream machine!! I'm thrilled for you and will be so glad to help you with Tiger. LOL!! Me help you??

Fran

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[jram]

I have to wait awhile to they get the bugs out, new iMacs to.. I'm a laptop person, I like to be able to move around..

[fairlopgirl]

How are you doing, Fran...was it diffiult to switch from windows to mac?

PS - Hope you are feeling better!
:duck:

[jram]

I have to make a comment here.. On all Mac forums these Mac geeks always say how much better Tiger is than XP, or how much better Mac is than Windows.. Which is fine, it's nice they are sticking up for their OS, I do the same thing .. But before and after the new IntelMacs, they all keep wondering if they will be able to use XP on their new Macs..All OS have their faults and security flaws, this is just the way it is, I don't believe it when people say there isn't a virus or spyware because there isn't enough users using Mac.. I look at this way, if a person were to write a virus to infect the Mac, that person would be a hero and make tons of money on talk shows. I think when Vista comes out the Windows OS will be almost as secure as Mac (UNIX) Most security flaws in Windows are leaked, that is the problem, the writers know the flaw.. Most of the problem with spyware is people don't have a clue, I know I didn't know what spyware was the first time I fired up my machine, I was just lucky and installed FF.. I hated FF at first, then just took the time to set it up to my liking and never looked back.. Intel & Mac teaming up is great for Mac, more so because Mac was at a stand still for performance and hopefully down the line Mac can use some of windows programs, games, free software etc etc

[fairlopgirl]

That's something coming from you, jram!!! In effect, you are saying that MAC isn't better than a PC!!!

[frazzm737]

I think we can only say that both the Mac and the PC have their advantages. I am really liking the Mac. Once you begin to understand the new system, terminology, etc., it seems much easier to use. It is a joy not to have to add all the protection programs and spend time updating and scanning. The Mac comes with most of the software the average person will need, but there are many types of software unavailable for the Mac--for example, I have to maintain my old PC to keep my genealogy up to date. And I have not yet found a greeting card program that works as well as the Hallmark program on the PC. My opinion is that the average home user--one who uses the machine mainly for Email, searching the web, photos, etc.--would be better off with a Mac. People who play extreme games or who need specialty software are probably better off with the PC. Every so often, I must still fire up the old PC and spend considerable time catching up on the updates. I do have an anti-virus program on the Mac (just in case). It updates automatically so I am free to enjoy the machine. From now on, my main computer will be a Mac!

Fran

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[jram]

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isn't better than a PC

I won't say Mac is better, in my opinion Mac is more secure and as Fran says easier to use, less maintenance , no defragging, no registry, no add or remove program list, the list goes on. But for gaming, pc wins hands down, mainly because it's faster and has more games..I'm on my pc laptop right now, my power book has a better graphics card that came with it, is faster to respond opening programs, but the pc lap top is faster doing a speed test and starting up and shutting down.. I like both pc and Mac, but prefer Mac.. There is just something I can't explain , maybe it's the full size keyboard, or the way the keyboard gets lighter or darker depending on the light condition.. The fonts are clearer also.. But I also saw a fast pc laptop a couple of weeks ago that killed my power book in everything just mentioned except reading the fonts.. That's why IntelMac will be great for Mac users, all Macs were at a stand still in performance, of course the Mac geeks will deny this.

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[jram]

This is funny and sad at the same time.. loooooool

[Smokey]

That's a good article mlurp and it explains exactly why I feel the way I do about Mac's.
If it wasn't for Bill Gates we would all be held hostage by Apple and computers would cost five thousand and above. People criticize Bill Gates all the time including me, but things would of been much worse if he didn't come along and create Windows.

Jr has many valid, good points about a Mac but this company

[jram]

I agree but Fred is a jerk in my opinion, ever since I received his news letter and was bombarded with spam.. I wrote him and he didn't even have the Gaul to e-mail me back.. I know he sold my e-mail address because at the time no other place had it and I had never received spam.. But to get back to computers, I have said Mac needs Intel more than Intel needs Mac.. Mac power books were at a stand still in 3 years they went from 1.5 GHz to 1.67 GHz, that's laughable.. MacPro is a rip off because they took a-lot away from the Machine, first off no 17 in , no firewire 800, no dial up modem, no dual layered DVD, that's just a few things.. You don't get much software like you do when you buy a PC. I still love my Mac, it works great and is secure.. Now a days all we here is microsoft flaws, now there saying the flaw was created on purpose by microsoft.. So I'm glad I have a Mac for that reason. I will probably get the new MacPro but not anytime soon. I'll get a new PC first.. Steve Jobs had a MacIntel for years just waiting, they couldn't build power books that ran as fast as their desk tops, in the Mac world power books makes up more than half of the computers and everyone was complaining.. Another reason Intel is in the act is because if they didn't do it, AMD surely would have. Mac people are mostly 2 faced (not me or Fran) because they said all the time how much they hate Windows, but the first question on all the Mac forums is can MacPro run XP.. Just my 2 cents

[jram]

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If Fred, is the reason you turned to the Mac, So be it, it is your choice.

I didn't say he is the reason I went to Mac.. I went to a mac Power book because they are a beautiful
built machine.. If you ever used one, which I doubt, you would see the difference. I'm not talking about speed here but the way it operates, the nice clear fonts, the ease of using one, no registry, no defrag, no control panel, the list goes on.. The software is better to.. The reason I dislike Fred is because I know he sold my e-mail address.. If you never got spam, then subscribed to a news letter
then started to get spam.. It was no big deal, on a Mac you don't get spam. You don't have to buy a program to stop it.. You say the Mac is more costly, this is probably true. The new Mac doesn't cost more, I priced it.. About 260 bucks less than mine, but that's a 15.4, mines 17 in. I just think the Mac, all of them are beautiful built machines.. I also have a 5 year old gateway in April it will be 5 never had a problem with that. You shouldn't put down a machine if you never tried it, I know you don't have a Apple store in hicksville USA

[Tonto (RIP)]

.....is that were you moved mlurp.....?

never heard of it.....

Jr must have cruised thru there with the Apple strapped to his back flaunting its wares.........he must be getting a comission from Steve.....

......

[jram]

lurp, you know I'm just busting your chops.. The only time my Gateway acts new is when I do a fresh install and before all those updates..

[Harry The Cat]

"and or harricanes..."

.....that was a typo, of course.....
.
.
Harry from Florida.......

[Harry The Cat]

Asked a friend who is Apple BIG TIME for his critique of the Langa response. Here it is:

I think Fred Langa, puts it all in prospective and simple understanding. This is his answer to the question of Mac going Intel. Please note the last paragraph which says a lot about Apple and it's founder. Another Billy (to rich) Gates, but not knighted!


Apple's MacOS On Intel PCs
Hi Fred, While not typical of the technical questions you usually address, your perspective would be much appreciated. We have a mixed marriage--my wife's PC and I'm Mac. I've appreciated your newsletter nonetheless as there is a tremendous amount of platform-independent, useful information (not to mention some specific trouble shooting resources when my wife has thrown up her hands...) Both of us do some work from home and because my work is graphic, Mac is my preferred mode. My wife has specific need for PC-centric applications like SPSS, so the Mac is not an option for her,

Wrong. SPSS is available for the Mac. <http://www.spss.com/spss_mac/>
but with the announcement Macs moving to Intel architecture, we're wondering if you have any advance hunches as to whether those machines will be practical to run a Windows(Vista?)/Mac hybrid OS? She's thinking about buying a new computer with more horsepower, but having gotten over Mac-phobia using my Powerbook, we're both thinking the Intel Macs might be worth waiting for. Thoughts? Thanks, Al McAtee

I think you may be disappointed, Al.

It's pretty early in the game and lots could change, but the Intel-based versions of the MacOS that are scheduled to start appearing next year probably will only run on special, Apple-branded PCs that contain a proprietary security chip. The MacOS will look for the security chip, and refuse to run if it's installed in a PC without the chip--- which is to say: It will refuse to run on any other brand PC, even if all the other hardware is identical.


Yes. But this wasn't the question. The question was about the intel Macs running Vista.

It would only be a small--- tiny--- additional step for Apple to make it so the PC will *only* run the Apple OS: Once you add a BIOS-level security chip, you can set it to monitor almost anything; and to only allow the PC to run if conditions are exactly what the vendor specifies. There's no technical reason why Apple couldn't cripple its PC so that they will work with only Apple-approved software.


BUT Apple has repeatedly and publicly committed themselves to not doing this. They will take no special precautions to prevent you from running VISTA.

It sounds a little paranoid, but it's in perfect synch with the company's long history of artificially restricting its hardware.


Wrong. I just means that the author has not been following the industry. Apple has protected it's software not hardware. It does not license others to produce it's software anymore than Microsoft allows others to sell windows. What is his logic here?

Consider: Why are there no Mac clones? There's no technical reason at all. It's that Apple won't allow it to happen, using legal measures to remain the sole provider of Mac hardware; thus allowing them to charge premium prices. Apple likes a captive audience.


And why are there no Windows clones. PC hardware clones yes. But there is no clone of the windows operating system. Same reason, the author is comparing Apples to Oranges. Hardware to software.


For sure, there will be hacks and cracks that will get around the security chips. But those hacks and cracks will be illegal: You'll be able to do it, but you'll most likely be breaking the license agreement.


The hack that will appear immediately is to get Winders running on the apple hardware. This is not an illegal hack but a necessary adaptation of windows to the more advanced hardware interface that apple is using. BIOS is dead, and Apple is using something called EFI. This actually is a GOOD thing and increases system security. VISTA will finally use EFI as well. Again the author is not all that well informed. Will he be able to run OS X on a discount crappy PC? No. But again that was not the original question. He wants to be able to steal Apple software and run it on "cheap" hardware. Of course that isn't a legal option. But again, you can't steal windows anymore and get updates.


Actually an interesting article about booting XP as a possibility with a bit of code
<http://www.apcmag.com/apc/v3.nsf/0/64E7EA353646669ECA2570F50012430B>


So: if you need a PC in the near future, I would not recommend waiting for the Apple PCs to come out. I could be wrong, but I'll be amazed if they turn out to be a good general-purpose computing solution. Rather, I suspect that, in keeping with a long history of similar moves, the Apple PCs will be premium priced devices that are meant to run only the MacOS, either mainly, or perhaps solely.


Obviously this was a rumor site that is acting on suppositions instead of the current information. Apple will sell you a 1.83 Ghz Duo core centrino computer with a 17" monitor, USB, firewire, ATI Radeon X1600 128 MB graphics card, 512 MB ram, 160 GB disk for $1300.

If you look at the lap tops, here is an interesting comparison.
Go on the Dell website and configure their intel core duo laptop so it matches the MacBook Pro in terms of hardware and software (Win XP professional, DVD burner, remote, bright screen, office basic etc.). Unfortunately, Dell only offers their intel core duo laptop with a 17" lcd screen, while the MacBook Pro is 15", so it's not a perfect comparison.


Still, if configured equally, the Dell laptop ends up something like 300-500$ pricier than the MacBook Pro, which makes up for the screen size difference. The MacBook Pro also has extra features like an illuminating keyboard, and it's much thinner than the Dell.



(If you get the feeling I dislike Apple's marketing, you're right. The wonderful thing about personal computing is that it places enormous power in the hands of us all. Companies that pursue elitist policies--- and Apple is far and away the worst in that regard--- work against the democratization of high-technology; and also appeal to some of the basest of human instincts: "I'm better/cooler than you because I 'think different'," or some such. Apple's technology is fine, but their approach to marketing just rubs me the wrong way. It always has.)


This is just BS. This is no more the domain of personal computing than any other consumer. People go shop at Dominos pizza who disagree violently with the corporate political philosophy. This is some guy who feels that his windows box is threatened by a better system. Thus the FUD and the old dishonest lie about it being more expensive. Yes you can throw together something that will boot a stolen copy of windows cheaper, but that is only if your time is free and you want an unreliable homebrew system as a hobby. If you buy a name brand (ie Dell) system you find that the prices are so close.

Bottom line: Apple's move to Intel is NOT for the end-user's benefit. It's solely for Apple's benefit.


Duh! If you thought any corporation is different I have some swamp land in our local state.....


If your interests align with Apple's, then you'll do great with their hardware and software. But if things like "bang for the buck" or wide applicability and broad compatibility are important to you, Apple has *never* been a good choice. And I'll be very, very surprised if that changes any time soon.


This is FUD <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FUD > pure and simple. It is an ignorant diatribe. He makes his living on PCs not computers in general and feels threatened. If he understood computers in general it would have been a more reasoned article.

He fails to actually respond to the question at the top which was the opposite of what he answered. Check the apcmag link above that has probably the most recent info I know of as to the actual question. I have seen this kind of response a lot. Mostly people who ONLY have used a PC, learned a few specific tricks and consider themselves an expert. So they don't actually use data and repeat things over and over. Apple has said repeatedly at all corporate levels that it will do nothing to prevent people from booting windows on the new apple macs. It has said repeatedly that it has no plans to market it's OS to run on generic hardware. MS has never said that it will make its OS run on a Power PC mac either. There is nothing new here.

Are Apples more expensive? Nope. Check out <http://www.systemshootouts.net> and you will see that about the same quality systems cost the same. Individual cases can be made for one or another system but sometimes for the same price you get less than Dell.