#281527 - 19/05/2006 21:14
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: FireFox31]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 30/04/2000
Posts: 3810
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I've got one of those Lenovo X41 tablets, and it's good but has several annoying problems.
- Suspend works. Hibernate seems broken.
- My sysadm people spent a week trying to get rid of the stupid "emergency restore" partition and ended up only getting me that partition back, empty, as a D: drive rather than getting me one large partition.
- If the CPU is slammed, the mouse motion is jerky and unpredictable.
- With the default 512MB of RAM, it was unusable. With 1.5GB, it's usable, but a whole lot of that memory is being wasted by all of the IBM cruft.
If I could run OS X on my X41 tablet, I'd be thrilled. If Apple shipped a product with similar hardware specs and OS X worked well as a tablet system, I'd be strongly tempted to jump ship.
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#281528 - 19/05/2006 22:13
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: DWallach]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 12/02/2002
Posts: 2298
Loc: Berkeley, California
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All of your problems (aside from the OS) seem fixable with a reformat and reinstall. Should be standard procedure when you get a new windows computer. I thought dell was the worst until I sat down in front of a new Hewlet Paqard, that was a new low. The people who create the factory images will be among the first up against the wall when the revolution comes.
Matthew
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#281529 - 20/05/2006 01:18
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: CrackersMcCheese]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14491
Loc: Canada
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Quote:
I'm also totally out of date with laptop technology. How does 2Ghz compare to my Dell desktop which is a P4 2.4Ghz?
The 2GHz P-M is (considerably) faster than the P4-2.4Ghz, but the notebook hard drive is undoubtedly considerably slower. The 2GHz Duo gives you about 1.5X that (P-M) again.
Quote:
Or my Dell Notebook (x300) with a Pentium M 1.7?
Well obviously that one is slower than the 2GHz one, but it should be slightly quicker than the P4 2.4GHz.
Cheers
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#281530 - 20/05/2006 02:11
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: matthew_k]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 23/08/2000
Posts: 3826
Loc: SLC, UT, USA
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Quote:
I havn't encountered a "normal computing need" that can't be done on a mac. If you insist that email has to be read in eudora, then you might have a problem. If your company insists you run lotus notes, then you might have a problem. If there aren't any specific applications you have to have, and you just want to accomplish tasks, the likelyhood that you can find a task that can't be accomplished is minimal.
I'll one up ya and say I have found that not only are there not many normal computing needs that can't be done on a mac, MOST if not all of them can be done better. I've found the quality of software is heads and shoulders above pretty much everything I use on the PC. It may take a month or so more for a mac version of some random task filling app to come out, but once it does you can bet it will be easier to use and better written. MP3TagStudio is the one I can't find a match for, but it's interface was super clunky, though incredibly utilitarian. I honestly haven't looked too hard though.
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#281531 - 20/05/2006 02:48
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: loren]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
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iTunes has always had better tag editing than typical MP3 software for WIndows used to have. So you'll find a severe lack of stand-alone tag editors for Mac OS. I've searched a few times (though not recently) for something as good as Tag & Rename and Dr.Tag (I bought and use both for Windows). Those two programs offer a lot more beyond empty fields within which to type.
I suppose that's one more thing I'll use a virtualized copy of Windows for when I get the new MBP. It should easily beat using VNC.
Bruno.
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#281532 - 23/05/2006 17:14
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: sein]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 06/02/2002
Posts: 1904
Loc: Leeds, UK
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Just placed my order. White 2.0, 1gb, 80gb.
I didn't like the look of some of the black ones I have seen on the net, and I like having to pay a premium even less!
What was really great is I qualified for their educational discount. Even though I work full time for openreach (BT) I study for a degree with a Uni in London in my spare time and have a student card etc... this discount was much better that the discount I got though BT and has saved my quite a chunk! PM me if you want to know how much.
They are doing 6 months 0% finance until the end of May too. I don't think deals get much better than that from Apple?
Cheers
Cris.
PS - Anyone want a G4 mini, 512Mb, 80Gb, BT (No WiFi)? Open to offers.
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#281533 - 25/05/2006 08:01
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: sein]
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old hand
Registered: 07/01/2005
Posts: 893
Loc: Sector ZZ9pZa
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k, well my MacBook arrived this morning! First impressions are, I like the magnetic latches, I like the keyboard, I would have never known that it weighs more than my Powerbook, and it is lovely and slim. I love the extra width over the 12", it really is the right size. Can't pass judgement on the screen yet, it is still charging - but as it is, I generally like X-Bright and other 'reflective' screens a lot. It appears my power adapter has been used before, the cord is all wrapped in a very non-Apple fashion, and there are a couple of small black marks there. It was a BTO, so maybe they used it for testing. I don't care that much. Slightly annoying is a cosmetic manufacturing defect. There is a bulge above the F10 key where the vents are. It doesn't affect the lid opening or closing, but still mildly irritating. Lame Treo pic: 
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#281534 - 25/05/2006 09:04
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: sein]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
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Quote:
Slightly annoying is a cosmetic manufacturing defect. There is a bulge above the F10 key where the vents are. It doesn't affect the lid opening or closing, but still mildly irritating.
It is a very visible and obvious defect so I'd take it back. You're going to be staring at that forever if you don't...
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#281535 - 25/05/2006 09:31
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: tman]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 2489
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Yes, plus the power adapter situation. I'd not be happy. Back it goes I'm afraid...
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#281536 - 25/05/2006 09:54
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: sein]
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addict
Registered: 24/07/2002
Posts: 618
Loc: South London
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Am I the only here who thinks "Spectrum 48K" everytime I see a picture of the keyboard?!
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#281538 - 25/05/2006 23:52
Anti-virus for mac?
[Re: Taym]
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addict
Registered: 02/08/2004
Posts: 434
Loc: Helsinki, Finland
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Ok, grabbed one of these for SWMBO. Both of us are complete MAC newbies. What sort of anti-virus should be installed on a MAC? Any recommendations? Thanks!
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#281539 - 26/05/2006 00:37
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: sn00p]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 30/04/2000
Posts: 3810
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Quote:
Am I the only here who thinks "Spectrum 48K" everytime I see a picture of the keyboard?!
I was in an Apple store today for the first time in a while. The MacBook keyboard is a bad joke and, for that reason alone, I'd never get one. And you'd think that, for all the pro photographers who use Apples, you'd think they'd have a way you could put a CF card into the laptop without needing an external Firewire/USB card reader.
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#281540 - 26/05/2006 04:27
Re: Anti-virus for mac?
[Re: petteri]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 06/02/2002
Posts: 1904
Loc: Leeds, UK
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Quote:
What sort of anti-virus should be installed on a MAC? Any recommendations?
I wouldn't bother with anything to be honest. Windows viruses don't effect the Mac, and there are very few viruses written for the mac. I am not sure if I know anyone with a mac who runs antivirus software.
But, if you install windows on it (using bootcamp) you will need some for of virus protection for the windows side, just as you would for any other windows install.
Enjoy your new mac 
Cheers
Cris.
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#281541 - 26/05/2006 06:04
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: DWallach]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 12/02/2002
Posts: 2298
Loc: Berkeley, California
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Quote:
you'd think they'd have a way you could put a CF card into the laptop without needing an external Firewire/USB card reader.
You'd think. But then you'd pretty much be wrong even with a powerbook. A PCMCIA card adapter is horribly slow and brings the computer to a crawl (same with a windows computer too). While cardbus readers are available, it took them six months to support tiger, and as it is now the drivers are horribly buggy to the point that they give the machine a kernel panic one in five times you take it out even when properly dismounted. I've nearly tossed mine out the window countless times now. I'd hate to carry a USB/firewire reader, but it's not the expresscard slot that would be driving me to it.
Matthew
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#281542 - 26/05/2006 07:50
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: DWallach]
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old hand
Registered: 07/01/2005
Posts: 893
Loc: Sector ZZ9pZa
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Quote:
The MacBook keyboard is a bad joke
I did a little comparison at home with my old 12" Powerbook, my sisters G4 iBook and my new Macbook. The Powerbook keyboard is definately better (I rate it 5/5), the iBook keyboard is definately worse (3/5). The Macbook gets a solid 4/5. Sure, it could be better - but it is by no means 'bad' or unusable. My typing speed is about the same on my Macbook as it is on the Powerbook, accuracy will probably be better when I am more used to it - the keys are spread out a little bit more instead of butted up together.
It is streets ahead of the mush that is the iBook.
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#281543 - 26/05/2006 08:06
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: tman]
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old hand
Registered: 07/01/2005
Posts: 893
Loc: Sector ZZ9pZa
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Quote:
It is a very visible and obvious defect so I'd take it back. You're going to be staring at that forever if you don't...
A little update on that. I emailed Applecare a photo of the bulge, and they called me back in about 30 seconds. They offered to replace it, refund it or give a gesture of goodwill. The bulge didn't bother me so much, it looks worse in the photo than in real life. We are talking about < 1mm. I took the gesture of goodwill, and a nice big fat amount has gone back to my card.
Rock on.
As for the marks on the power adapter, they were tiny and rubbed off. Then I stepped on the cable a few minutes later and put some marks on it of my own. Meh.
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#281544 - 26/05/2006 11:18
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: sein]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
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You can probably push most of that dent out yourself as well. If it doesn't make it worse, it'll probably make it better.  I know, perhaps not too helpful, but I'd try if it were my machine. I can say one thing for sure, I think Apple are more helpful and offer better support in the US than they do in Canada. Since there are so many people picking up Mac lately let me reiterate a warning I made last year. Unless you own your own Apple Authorized dealership, or you or a friend do your own Apple Authorized repairs, do not take your computer for repair to any place than a real Apple Store if at all possible. In the US I believe you may also have a chance to return the system by mail directly to Apple if there's no store in close proximity. I had nothing but repeated horrible experiences last year and the year before with third-party Authorized facilities. So much so that the only original parts on my machine are the LCD and its attached case along with the CD-ROM. Everything else has been replaced at least twice. YMMV. Even if the problem is an easy one to diagnose/fix (internal hardware), the G4 Powerbook is obviously too tricky to open and put back together again for most people and invariably you'll end up with a machine that does not look like it did when you first bought it. Mine was mangled six ways from Sunday. Bruno
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#281545 - 26/05/2006 21:56
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: sein]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/01/2002
Posts: 3996
Loc: Manchester UK
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Quote:
It is streets ahead of the mush that is the iBook.
I don't know which iBooks you've used but I've been really happy with the one on mine. I've not used a Macbook yet but those inital shots of the keyboard have put me right off. Assuming they have one at the apple shop I'll probably have a look next week. But I think I'll probably go for the Pro.
_________________________
Cheers,
Andy M
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#281546 - 26/05/2006 23:09
Re: New 13" Macbook
[Re: andym]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 30/04/2000
Posts: 3810
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For grins, I stopped into a nearby Sonystyle store and played with their sub-3 pound notebook (with a forgettable name, built-in Cingular EDGE service, and a wide-aspect 12" screen), and found that keyboard to also be unusable. Maybe I've just had good luck, but all my previous laptops and my present IBM/Lenovo X41 Tablet all have wonderful keyboards.
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#281547 - 27/05/2006 07:14
Definite reason to get a mac book
[Re: DWallach]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 09/08/2000
Posts: 2091
Loc: Edinburgh, Scotland
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_________________________
Rory
MkIIa, blue lit buttons, memory upgrade, 1Tb in Subaru Forester STi
MkII, 240Gb in Mark Lord dock
MkII, 80Gb SSD in dock
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#281548 - 27/05/2006 11:23
Re: Definite reason to get a mac book
[Re: frog51]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14491
Loc: Canada
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Quote:
Brilliant!
Better than Light Sabers, too!
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#281549 - 27/05/2006 12:37
Re: Definite reason to get a mac book
[Re: frog51]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 23/09/2000
Posts: 3608
Loc: Minnetonka, MN
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Very neat. They should make it so you can map whatever buttons you want to the motion sensor then you could so something like forward and back in a webbrowser.
_________________________
Matt
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#281551 - 30/05/2006 04:37
Re: Definite reason to get a mac book
[Re: tfabris]
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old hand
Registered: 07/01/2005
Posts: 893
Loc: Sector ZZ9pZa
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Amit Singh got most of that stuff working. See here. If you look at the Motion-HID page there are videoclips of playing games and scrolling in Safari (and Google Maps).
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#281552 - 30/05/2006 22:56
Re: Definite reason to get a mac book
[Re: sein]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31596
Loc: Seattle, WA
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Quote:
Amit Singh got most of that stuff working. See here. If you look at the Motion-HID page there are videoclips of playing games and scrolling in Safari (and Google Maps).
Ah yes! Exactly what I was talking about.
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#281553 - 31/05/2006 00:52
Re: Definite reason to get a mac book
[Re: tfabris]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/12/2000
Posts: 2665
Loc: Manteca, California
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Quote:
Quote:
Amit Singh got most of that stuff working. See here. If you look at the Motion-HID page there are videoclips of playing games and scrolling in Safari (and Google Maps).
Ah yes! Exactly what I was talking about.
Neat video, did you notice, a couple of times the ball seemed to be rolling uphill.
_________________________
Glenn
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#281554 - 05/06/2006 19:05
Delay in shipping
[Re: Cris]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 06/02/2002
Posts: 1904
Loc: Leeds, UK
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Apple have pushed back the delivery of my Macbook to 22/06. This is the second time the order has been pushed back. They say it's because of demand, but I have a feeling they are trying to sort the heat issues out.
Has anyone else had an order pushed back?
Cheers
Cris.
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#281555 - 05/06/2006 21:42
Re: Delay in shipping
[Re: Cris]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
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I don't know about the Macbooks, but I know for a fact the Pro models are supply constrained and have been since they launched.
I think if they fix the heat issues you'll be glad you were made to wait a little longer. One of the reasons I'm holding off on the purchase of a 17" MBP is in hopes Apple will get their stuff together and make some revisions in the next month or so. Waiting until I launch my new site and start bringing in a little bit of income doesn't hurt either.
Bruno
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#281556 - 15/06/2006 18:03
Re: Delay in shipping
[Re: Cris]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 06/02/2002
Posts: 1904
Loc: Leeds, UK
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It arrived today.
First impressions...
Not as much wow factor as when opening the MacMini or iBook, build feels cheap (lift one corner and the other 3 stay on the desk). Magsafe is esp cheap and nasty. There also a few springy bits around the screen.
It runs very very hot, mine gets too hot to touch the underside under normal use, I am slightly worried by this as the fan doesn't seem to kick in at all ??? It does cool down very quickly when turned off and charging.
Windows went on ok, but I get the impression I'm gunna get stiffed by apple by having to buy the next upgrade to continue use.
The no catch lid works really well.
I prefer the new keyboard, feels nice.
Cheers
Cris.
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