Next gen of Mac Books - worth waiting for?
 

So the Mac Books and Mac Book Pro's are due for a refresh here soon, but I'm wondering if they are worth the wait. The current line are some of the best performing machines (esp the Mac Book Pro). The MB's are lacking in the video performance, which does matter to me since I am mainly a Windows user (and Vista is a vid performance hog) but I'd think a MBP would be good to go for many years in it's current state...

Thoughts?

I didn't hesitate to pick up a MacBook Pro recently, and I haven't regretted it a moment. Well, except when I saw the credit card statement... Still! It's an awesome machine.

Which one did you go for? I am thinking about going for a fully loaded 17" and making it my last computer for the next three years. I usually buy every one to two... so that'd be my justification for going all out. :D

(I know... what ever helps me sleep at night:))

I'm considering the upgraded 15" Pro (2.33 Core Duo, Radeon X1600 with 256, 3GB RAM, 160GB HD) with a decent 19-20" lcd that has a 5 ms or faster response. Mac screens are too slow. The 17" is too big to move around for me.

I've used several of these things (MBPro), and they are FAST and DEPENDABLE. I played around with Logic Pro on one at an Apple store and was very impressed. I can't wait to see what some decent RAM can do.

I have a Macbook 1.83 Core Due (not Core 2). I stuck 2 gigs of RAM in it and it runs like an absolute dream. You really can't go wrong with any model, performance-wise. RAM ftw!

I have a MacBook Pro 15" with the 2.15 core duo. I couldn't justify the extra cost for a sliver more speed. I bought it with 1gb of ram and just put a second gig in it (because what they charge for that second stick of ram is absolutely absurd).

I've got to say this--everything about this computer just reeks of quality. From the moment you open the box you realize that you're not just unpacking a computer, you're partaking in an experience engineered with care and craftsmanship by the gentlemen and ladies in Cupertino.

I have a first revision Macbook Pro 2.0 GHz Core Duo (with the 256MB vide card and 1 gig of ram) that I bought last May and I really like it. I'll be honest, I use Windows in it a lot more than I use OS X, but OS X is still really nice, except I get the occassional kernel panic for no real reason. I just ordered another gig of ram and I can't wait because the machine is already really fast and can play every game I have. I would honestly recommend a 15" over the 17" and just get a nice LCD display like willravel said. Then you have the large screen and portability.

The only problem I have had is the whining noise when in OS X, it starts to get pretty annoying, but that is a problem the older non Core 2's have and won't be a problem with a new one.

Agreed about the LCD display. I have a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse, and a 23" widescreen LCD that transform my MacBook into my "primary" computer when I'm at home. When I'm away, the MacBook becomes its own interface to itself.

I don't travel with my current laptop very often, so I don't think the 17" portability will be an issue. I had a G4 Powerbook which was almost exactly the same outside, but had the 1.33 Ghz PowerPC proc. It wasn't quite the performance I was expecting (and wouldn't run windows). I did love the form factor though... it was so much better then this piece of plastic HP I have now.

I think I need to head over to the Mac store and play with em both and see if the extra real estate the 17" gives is worth the money...

Thanks for the opinions!

No problem. Also, you should know that the next version of OS X, Leopard, will have something amazing called Boot Camp. This will allow you to run Windows natively on a Mac with an Intel processor. All you do is hit the hold down option alt on startup and the screen will prompt you with two choices: Mac OS X or Windows. When you want to go back, just restart. I can't wait to try it myself, as I've heard that Macs run Windows natively better than most PCs.

To me, it's the best of both worlds. I think Apple has the hardware nailed, and while I think OS X is OK as an OS - I am a bit of a tinkerer, so being able to boot OSX, Vista, XP, Linux all from one box... :thumbsup:

Jason

In terms of the OP question... I'd wait unless you NEED the machine now. Updates seem imminent, and even if they're merely evolutionary, why not get more computer for the same or less money?

Besides, there's no guarantee that the next round will have some of the blockbusters we're expecting (LED backlighting, ss hard drive option, blu-ray, higher res screen). It's worth waiting to find out.

Personally, I'm set on getting an MBP, but not until at least a couple of the above materialize. Because I don't have a TV, a blu-ray player would be a big deal to me. But then, I'm actually set on computers as the ones I currently have work adequately for the next 2 years or so... This would be a luxury purchase.

EDIT: Will's right about the likely coolness of 10.5 - but that shouldn't be a deciding factor. Obviously you can upgrade later. A lot of people will wait for the 10.5.1 release. Besides, boot camp is available in beta now. They're dropping support soon, but I think that is because it'll be officially integrated into the system and likely even sweeter with Leopard.

So that's the thing - Apple is always hush hush on new hardware, and speculation only goes so far. I'm one of those people that when I make up my mind, I'm like Cartman waiting for a Will... I just can't wait. :D Damn instant gratification desires! :mad: ;)

They haven't even given a date yet (that I know of...)

I don't have to have it now, this laptop works... I am just tired of its sub par performance and crappy look and feel... in other words... cuz I want it now. :D

Someone needs to kick Apple in the arse to get them to spill the beans!

Jason

<----Will
http://www.createdigitalmotion.com/i...06/dec/wii.jpg<---Wii

LOL!!! ROFLMAO!!!:thumbsup:

Twizted: I'd say it is extremely likely that updates will be announced at the Developer's Conference, which is June 11-15. In fact, I'll go so far as to speculate that they'll be announced on June 11 between 10AM and 11:30AM P.S.T. If it's not then, it'll be some time.

Of course, that doesn't mean they'll be shipping the machines that day.

I can wait until June - it'd make sense for them to announce then. Like I said.. it's a want more then a need.

Any word on the next gen iMac's? I am replacing a desktop soon too!

Apple is crazy about keeping things under wraps. The shuffle was leaked like a week before it came out and that was rare. All we usually know is that *something* is coming.

I'm pretty sure they will be using LEDs to backlight the screen instead of CFTs. That is what the iPods use and Jobs just said that in his reponse to Greenpeace yesterday.

There is a small chance that OS 10.5 will come out in June, but it is more likely to be shipped in October. That is what I ou b waitgfor

I figured this would be about the best place to put this so here goes.

I can walk into an Apple store and get a sales pitch, I just want a hands on user review of what you like or dislike and what you can and cannot do on your macbook.

I am looking at purchasing a new laptop to replace an old Dell and am considering going with a mac, I won't be dual booting with Windows so how much functionality will I lose and will any of my old files be able to come with me (90% pics of family and friends) the Dell was used for school, but since school is done there will be little to no actual work done on the new system, just checking mail, browsing the 'net and some remote logging into work system to check mail and update time sheets. The work system is a windows based system so will that cause any problems or no since it is all done through a web browser interface?

I would wait the month in only for the new display. I have a 15" MBP/2.33 and the screen backlighting is the most obvious annoyance. Not a big deal, but it doesn't fit with the rest of the system.

If we're lucky the new version will get Santa Rosa (new chipset) to fix Intel's 945PM 3GB RAM limit. (among other benefits) If it does I'm trading up.

Montana, I use my MBP continually with both Mac and Windows software running side-by-side. Dual-booting is more interesting than useful since I'm not a gamer. Right now I'm using Parallels to run Windows, but VMWare's offering is looking excellent in beta form. Fast.

If your work systems are all web-based you shouldn't have any problem. Worst case you can run their Windows tools using virtualization, but check with your work IT dept. They may have tips or policy restrictions we can't know about.

Your Windows pic files will be a simple drag-copy. Other things will depend on the file type.