Dude - I'm gettin a Mac...
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My Dell notebook is dying - one year after I bought it, the screen suddenly became blurry and bad sectors are starting to show up on the hard drive. I’m disappointed since I can usually keep a laptop for about two years, but this is my first Dell - so lesson learned. I am thinking of getting a MacBook Pro and using Parallels with it to do my work. I do mostly server-based work using VS, BizTalk, SQL Server, and others like Commerce Server. I could install XP on a separate partition, but Parallels seems to do really well since Mac OS X is not Windows :) and the MacBook provides hardware support for virtualization. I am thinking of going with a MacBook Pro because it’s not a Dell, it is fast, and looks great. I am still undecided. I am on the fence and don’t mind falling on the MacBook side - but I’d like to know of your experience or if you know of someone’s experience with it. Erik
Erik Westermann - wWorkflow.net
Erik Westermann wrote:
I am thinking of getting a MacBook Pro and using Parallels with it to do my work.
Wouldn't it be cheaper (and more performant) to get a non-Dell laptop, but not necessarily a MacBook? I have nothing against the MacBook, but I must confess I've also never had any problems with Dell hardware. I've been using them (both desktops and laptops) for close to 10 years now at both home and work. Maybe I'm in the minority? /ravi
My new year resolution: 2048 x 1536 Home | Articles | My .NET bits | Freeware ravib(at)ravib(dot)com
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My Dell notebook is dying - one year after I bought it, the screen suddenly became blurry and bad sectors are starting to show up on the hard drive. I’m disappointed since I can usually keep a laptop for about two years, but this is my first Dell - so lesson learned. I am thinking of getting a MacBook Pro and using Parallels with it to do my work. I do mostly server-based work using VS, BizTalk, SQL Server, and others like Commerce Server. I could install XP on a separate partition, but Parallels seems to do really well since Mac OS X is not Windows :) and the MacBook provides hardware support for virtualization. I am thinking of going with a MacBook Pro because it’s not a Dell, it is fast, and looks great. I am still undecided. I am on the fence and don’t mind falling on the MacBook side - but I’d like to know of your experience or if you know of someone’s experience with it. Erik
Erik Westermann - wWorkflow.net
Consider also the Toshiba notebooks. A little more expensive but extremely reliable.
The narrow specialist in the broad sense of the word is a complete idiot in the narrow sense of the word.
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Erik Westermann wrote:
I am thinking of getting a MacBook Pro and using Parallels with it to do my work.
Wouldn't it be cheaper (and more performant) to get a non-Dell laptop, but not necessarily a MacBook? I have nothing against the MacBook, but I must confess I've also never had any problems with Dell hardware. I've been using them (both desktops and laptops) for close to 10 years now at both home and work. Maybe I'm in the minority? /ravi
My new year resolution: 2048 x 1536 Home | Articles | My .NET bits | Freeware ravib(at)ravib(dot)com
I haven't had any problems with Dell either. I've had 2 XPS desktops and 2 XPS Laptops that have been and still are fine. Of course, I have a 12" iBook from 2003 that has worked flawlessly since I got it without so much as even one hard drive format. It also still has greater battery life than any of my newer machines that both have the 9 cell battery upgrade. The iBook has been a great machine for when I'm traveling and only need/want internet access or the ability to watch some movies. It's gotten old enough that I don't mind it getting roughed up a bit!
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Erik Westermann wrote:
I am thinking of getting a MacBook Pro and using Parallels with it to do my work.
Wouldn't it be cheaper (and more performant) to get a non-Dell laptop, but not necessarily a MacBook? I have nothing against the MacBook, but I must confess I've also never had any problems with Dell hardware. I've been using them (both desktops and laptops) for close to 10 years now at both home and work. Maybe I'm in the minority? /ravi
My new year resolution: 2048 x 1536 Home | Articles | My .NET bits | Freeware ravib(at)ravib(dot)com
Ravi Bhavnani wrote:
Maybe I'm in the minority?
Doubt it.. There are always good running old Dells on ebay all the time. I have two older laptops and they are still ticking right along. I would not have an Apple for one reason, I do not like the company and its culture/sub-culture and since I would not have anything to do with their modified Unix OS, it is just an overpriced (along with accessories) replacement of a Intel PC. -- Long live the right mouse button and scroll wheel! :)
Rocky <>< Blog Post: Sites and Domains for sale! Tech Blog Post: Microsoft Live Writer Plug-ins! Photo Stuff Blog Post: CHDK Motion Detection and other stuff - Quick notes!
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Ravi Bhavnani wrote:
Maybe I'm in the minority?
Doubt it.. There are always good running old Dells on ebay all the time. I have two older laptops and they are still ticking right along. I would not have an Apple for one reason, I do not like the company and its culture/sub-culture and since I would not have anything to do with their modified Unix OS, it is just an overpriced (along with accessories) replacement of a Intel PC. -- Long live the right mouse button and scroll wheel! :)
Rocky <>< Blog Post: Sites and Domains for sale! Tech Blog Post: Microsoft Live Writer Plug-ins! Photo Stuff Blog Post: CHDK Motion Detection and other stuff - Quick notes!
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Ravi Bhavnani wrote:
Maybe I'm in the minority?
Doubt it.. There are always good running old Dells on ebay all the time. I have two older laptops and they are still ticking right along. I would not have an Apple for one reason, I do not like the company and its culture/sub-culture and since I would not have anything to do with their modified Unix OS, it is just an overpriced (along with accessories) replacement of a Intel PC. -- Long live the right mouse button and scroll wheel! :)
Rocky <>< Blog Post: Sites and Domains for sale! Tech Blog Post: Microsoft Live Writer Plug-ins! Photo Stuff Blog Post: CHDK Motion Detection and other stuff - Quick notes!
Rocky Moore wrote:
Doubt it..
I agree. Still, I feel bad for Erik. I think I know how he feels. My 15 month old Sharp Aquos just died on me and I've sworn never to buy another Sharp TV. I'm sure they're a good company, but I don't want to risk getting burned again. (I ended up buying a Samsung and love it.). /ravi
My new year resolution: 2048 x 1536 Home | Articles | My .NET bits | Freeware ravib(at)ravib(dot)com
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Mike Mullikin wrote:
ended up dual-booting with Vista instead.
What do you do about the lack of a "right-click" button? Don't Mac laptops only have one button?
Just get a regular mouse and use it with the Mac. It handles right clicks, scroll wheel, etc.
-- Kein Mitleid Für Die Mehrheit
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My Dell notebook is dying - one year after I bought it, the screen suddenly became blurry and bad sectors are starting to show up on the hard drive. I’m disappointed since I can usually keep a laptop for about two years, but this is my first Dell - so lesson learned. I am thinking of getting a MacBook Pro and using Parallels with it to do my work. I do mostly server-based work using VS, BizTalk, SQL Server, and others like Commerce Server. I could install XP on a separate partition, but Parallels seems to do really well since Mac OS X is not Windows :) and the MacBook provides hardware support for virtualization. I am thinking of going with a MacBook Pro because it’s not a Dell, it is fast, and looks great. I am still undecided. I am on the fence and don’t mind falling on the MacBook side - but I’d like to know of your experience or if you know of someone’s experience with it. Erik
Erik Westermann - wWorkflow.net
If you're going to do just do Windows (or Linux), I wouldn't bother with a Mac - the design *is* nicer, but probably not enough to justify the different keyboard and single button trackpad. If you want to get into OS X (and why wouldn't you?!), then just buy a Mac already. I've got a PowerPC Mac, an iBook, which I only got because I had the chance to buy it cheaply. I used to like Windows before I got it....but now, I really don't intend buying another Windows PC.
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If you're going to do just do Windows (or Linux), I wouldn't bother with a Mac - the design *is* nicer, but probably not enough to justify the different keyboard and single button trackpad. If you want to get into OS X (and why wouldn't you?!), then just buy a Mac already. I've got a PowerPC Mac, an iBook, which I only got because I had the chance to buy it cheaply. I used to like Windows before I got it....but now, I really don't intend buying another Windows PC.
Nice timing...I think I finally clicked Buy as you were posting your reply. Part of my motivation is to expand my horizons, so to speak. I have been living in the Microsoft hemisphere for a long time now, but I have visited the Unix hemisphere - Ubuntu, Kbuntu, and some flavors of Solaris and did not experience any culture shock at all. So, as good as Windows is, I want to regularly use something else - Mac OS X is a great place to start. A little off-topic - I have been using vim instead of notepad (when I am not in a huge rush)..it's nice to get back to something that focuses on keyboard commands rather than adding them as an afterthought. Thanks everyone for your comments...I'll write about my experiences on my site.
Erik Westermann - wWorkflow.net
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My Dell notebook is dying - one year after I bought it, the screen suddenly became blurry and bad sectors are starting to show up on the hard drive. I’m disappointed since I can usually keep a laptop for about two years, but this is my first Dell - so lesson learned. I am thinking of getting a MacBook Pro and using Parallels with it to do my work. I do mostly server-based work using VS, BizTalk, SQL Server, and others like Commerce Server. I could install XP on a separate partition, but Parallels seems to do really well since Mac OS X is not Windows :) and the MacBook provides hardware support for virtualization. I am thinking of going with a MacBook Pro because it’s not a Dell, it is fast, and looks great. I am still undecided. I am on the fence and don’t mind falling on the MacBook side - but I’d like to know of your experience or if you know of someone’s experience with it. Erik
Erik Westermann - wWorkflow.net
I've had a Dell Latitude D800 for the past four years or so that has been very kind to me. Also, several of my clients use Dells exclusivly. Some have nightmare stories, some have nothing but rave reviews. I'm not saying that I necessarily recommend, or even like Dells. Though I do support the fact that anomalies can occur in production that may effect quality, no matter what company. That being said, with the age of my current notebook, I have been looking at new machines and giving serious consideration to Mac's. I was wondering, has anyone (is it even possible?) to run a virutliaztion core such as Xen on a Mac, then run OS X, Windows, BSD, whatever on top? If so, that 8-core Mac Pro looks mighty nice!
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Nice timing...I think I finally clicked Buy as you were posting your reply. Part of my motivation is to expand my horizons, so to speak. I have been living in the Microsoft hemisphere for a long time now, but I have visited the Unix hemisphere - Ubuntu, Kbuntu, and some flavors of Solaris and did not experience any culture shock at all. So, as good as Windows is, I want to regularly use something else - Mac OS X is a great place to start. A little off-topic - I have been using vim instead of notepad (when I am not in a huge rush)..it's nice to get back to something that focuses on keyboard commands rather than adding them as an afterthought. Thanks everyone for your comments...I'll write about my experiences on my site.
Erik Westermann - wWorkflow.net
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I am just going through all of the scenarios...right-click - no problem ... accessing files on NTFS - no problem ... virtualization - no problem. It does not have a card reader for SD cards and the like, has just a few USB ports, and the ports are on both sides (I like to have ports at the back...but take good with the not so good).
Erik Westermann - wWorkflow.net
If it has come down to usb port location your done anyway so go ahead and click the button
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH
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If it has come down to usb port location your done anyway so go ahead and click the button
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH
Mycroft Holmes wrote:
so go ahead and click the button
You..done....my credit card is a lot heavier...hopefuly the lighter MacBook will offset that :)
Erik Westermann - wWorkflow.net
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I've had a Dell Latitude D800 for the past four years or so that has been very kind to me. Also, several of my clients use Dells exclusivly. Some have nightmare stories, some have nothing but rave reviews. I'm not saying that I necessarily recommend, or even like Dells. Though I do support the fact that anomalies can occur in production that may effect quality, no matter what company. That being said, with the age of my current notebook, I have been looking at new machines and giving serious consideration to Mac's. I was wondering, has anyone (is it even possible?) to run a virutliaztion core such as Xen on a Mac, then run OS X, Windows, BSD, whatever on top? If so, that 8-core Mac Pro looks mighty nice!
That's what nice about Dells...the work, or they don't - there is no middle ground. Dell customers are the same - you get the same reactions from them as you do about jazz music...there is no luke-warmness to it. The writing was on the wall when I got it though...I had a minor problem and had to call for support. A number of calls and supervisors later, I bought the part I needed even though it was supposed to come with the system and decided then and there not to deal with Dell until they improved. All of my laptops are HPs and they are great. I tried Toshiba too...nice laptops but had some really strange problems (one of them zapped me once in a while -- turned out that it had a short somewhere). So, this turned out to be an excuse to try something completely different. If it does not work out...lesson learned. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will get along with my new Mac.
Erik Westermann - wWorkflow.net
modified on Friday, June 13, 2008 2:27 PM
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Mycroft Holmes wrote:
so go ahead and click the button
You..done....my credit card is a lot heavier...hopefuly the lighter MacBook will offset that :)
Erik Westermann - wWorkflow.net
<blockquote class="FQ"><div class="FQA">Erik Westermann wrote:</div>my credit card is a lot heavier</blockquote> Now how can I winkle a commission out of apple - and oh no I do not wish to discuss my ancestry with your wife/significant other. And you can tell her my parents were married
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH
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There is a certain culture associated with Macs, just as there is with PCs - and Macs have been off on their own for so long. Now that Macs use 'regular' hardware, they are part of the regular PC market. They are still overpriced -- but their back-to-basics design makes them hard to overlook.
Erik Westermann - wWorkflow.net
Overpriced? Don't agree; back in the early PowerPC days, possibly, but not now. I bought a top-of-the-line 3.06 GHz (64-bit, dual-core) iMac a month ago because the amount of care and feeding required on my existing laptops (a 3-year-old Acer and a year-old Lenovo) had grown to the point where it felt like I was spending an unacceptable amount of time not doing "real work". Most of my "real work" these days is either Web development with PHP and/or Python, C++ development using wxWidgets, or writing on various topics, using DocBook and/or TeX. The Mac has all these covered, and I can still do testing either by booting into Linux (hairy to set up but doable) or run XPSP3 with Boot Camp. My new iMac cost roughly what I originally paid for the Acer notebook, but the user experience is chalk-and-Friday different. I've booted up the old notebooks less than a half-dozen times in the last month, and don't anticipate wanting/needing to use either of them in any serious work-related capacity anytime soon. (Games? The iMac has an nVidia 8800; the notebooks both have Intel 915 chipsets.... need I say more? XP inside Parallels benchmarks almost FOUR TIMES the performance I was getting on the notebooks, and I'm told it can be tuned further....should I ever feel the need.) To the earlier poster who pointed out that Mac folk and Windows people have different cultures, that's absolutely true. In the words of a corporate IT manager I once worked with, "Windows usees like to tell you all they had to do to get their work done. Mac users show you all the great work they got done." A month into this after 20+ years of not touching Apple or compatible systems, I think he understated the difference. Good luck, and as the SuSE guys used to say, have fun!
Jeff Dickey Seven Sigma Software and Services Phone/SMS: +65 8333 4403 Yahoo! IM: jeff_dickey MSN IM: jeff_dickey at hotmail.com ICQ IM: 8053918 Skype: jeff_dickey
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Overpriced? Don't agree; back in the early PowerPC days, possibly, but not now. I bought a top-of-the-line 3.06 GHz (64-bit, dual-core) iMac a month ago because the amount of care and feeding required on my existing laptops (a 3-year-old Acer and a year-old Lenovo) had grown to the point where it felt like I was spending an unacceptable amount of time not doing "real work". Most of my "real work" these days is either Web development with PHP and/or Python, C++ development using wxWidgets, or writing on various topics, using DocBook and/or TeX. The Mac has all these covered, and I can still do testing either by booting into Linux (hairy to set up but doable) or run XPSP3 with Boot Camp. My new iMac cost roughly what I originally paid for the Acer notebook, but the user experience is chalk-and-Friday different. I've booted up the old notebooks less than a half-dozen times in the last month, and don't anticipate wanting/needing to use either of them in any serious work-related capacity anytime soon. (Games? The iMac has an nVidia 8800; the notebooks both have Intel 915 chipsets.... need I say more? XP inside Parallels benchmarks almost FOUR TIMES the performance I was getting on the notebooks, and I'm told it can be tuned further....should I ever feel the need.) To the earlier poster who pointed out that Mac folk and Windows people have different cultures, that's absolutely true. In the words of a corporate IT manager I once worked with, "Windows usees like to tell you all they had to do to get their work done. Mac users show you all the great work they got done." A month into this after 20+ years of not touching Apple or compatible systems, I think he understated the difference. Good luck, and as the SuSE guys used to say, have fun!
Jeff Dickey Seven Sigma Software and Services Phone/SMS: +65 8333 4403 Yahoo! IM: jeff_dickey MSN IM: jeff_dickey at hotmail.com ICQ IM: 8053918 Skype: jeff_dickey
Jeff Dickey wrote:
Windows users like to tell you all they had to do to get their work done. Mac users show you all the great work they got done
That really sums it up in just a few words!
Erik Westermann - wWorkflow.net