Tagged Products - 2gb+5400rpm

Apple MacBook, 13-inch, 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - White - MB403LL/A

...

(or run Parallels, Fusion or Crossover) if you have one or two legacy Apps that you absolutely can't do without. A PC can't run OS X or any of its great applications, but a Mac can run Windows right along side Mac OS program with Parallels, VMWare Fusion or Crossover.

So, if you're trying to decide between a Mac for OS X and the easy of use I talk about below and a PC for old Windows programs, you can choose both by buying this or any Intel based Mac (which is all shipping models).

The Hardware is simply top notch. In its stock configuration you can do anything 99% of computer users do. And with a third party app, you can do the last 1%. OS X is Unix. Then you have the Mac OS (OS X) and you have he option of running Windows. So, really Macs these days are THE machine IT professionals are turning to in droves.

The Software (is what makes Macs shine):
OS X is extremely stable. It is a Unix OS, so advanced users can easily do anything from a command line they can do on any Unix system from a command line using the terminal application. If you don't understand the previous sentence you don't have to because the user interface as easy or easier than Windows and you never have to learn complex commands to unleash the power of the system.

The only time I reboot is when I install software that requires a reboot. (Currently My Uptime is over 21 days -- since I installed an OS Update, and I have no doubt the system could remain on for months without needing a reboot). That's almost unheard of in Windows land, where often the machine chokes on some process and the only option is a reboot.

You can't mess up the system by clicking the wrong button, or putting the wrong file in the trash -- OS X doesn't allow that and requires an administrator password to change any important settings.

Adding Users is as simple as clicking a new account button, typing in their name and a password. Then you can switch users with a click and be secure in the knowledge that your kids or grandma can't mess up the system or your settings (because they'll have their own set), or applications.

The system is very secure out of the box, and configuring to server web pages is a simple click and drag documents into a folder and flip the Sharing panel switch on. There's a built in Firewall that's extreme easy to configure. Wireless performance is top notch. There is zero downside to buying this machine.

Installing Applications is often a simple process of clicking and dragging the application into any folder or subfolder you want. Uninstalling is a simple matter of dragging thhe program, or program folder into the trash. No messy registry, no dicey uninstall apps that might delete a shared DLL, nothing like that at all.

Adding Other hardware to the machine is also a simple process of double clicking an installer (if it's even needed) and plugging in he hardware. You never experience hardware conflicts like you do in Windows. You just plug it in and it works.

If you've never used a computer or want to migrate from Windows or another Operating System, a Macintosh is an excellent choice. I've never had a person I recommended a Mac to come back and say, "This was a mistake, " or "I hate it" or "I can't figure out how to use it." They usually thank me and gleefully tell me they never realized using (and even administrating) a computer could be so easy.

Mac VS. PC (Real world stories):
I HAVE had many, many people come back to me after purchasing a Windows only Machine against my advice months or years later regretting it. They didn't realize a Windows based computer would be so much work, or that it wouldn't be reliable.

Windows XP is a bear to manage and Vista is the same bear, but just in a shiny coat with a bow. And all you can get on new computers these days is Vista. And I have yet to run into anyone, technician or layman, who even likes Vista. Sure you can downgrade to XP, but you have ot make sure there's XP drivers available for your system before you downgrade it, because if not, you'll end up with Audio or Wireless not working, and have to put Vista back on. A friend went through this exact experience.

There are some quality PC makers out there, but most are junk. If you're wondering why the MacBook costs hundreds of dollars more than a PC, remember, you get what you pay for. The margins Apple makes for a Mac are comparable to what PC manufacturers make nowadays. So, realize that most PC manufacturers are using cheaper (read "low quality") parts, and they're going to fail a lot sooner than a typical Mac would.

Viruses and Security:
Windows is way behind the Mac when it comes to security and virus prevention. Microsoft's solution was to pop up a dialog box for anything and everything a virus might do to try to gain control of a Windows PC. The effect: annoying the hell out of users. The OS X way: run in a mode where only things such as installing applications will bother the user. That and only check the first time if someone wants to run a new application. Once that's done the OS gets out of your way and let's you get your work done. Also, if this sounds too open, you can tighten down security simply by checking boxes in most cases. If you want to secure your machine's network connections even more try Lil Snitch.

Caveats:
Almost all computers will have problems. The Mac is no exception. You might get a lemon, but apple's return policy is great. With Applecare you're covered for the practical usable life of the computer (3 years). A hard rive might die on you: that's where backing up comes in. Backup your data. The more important, the more often you should backup. Other than that most Mac problems are simple and might just require a setting change or (at worst) a reinstall of the application. With Windows you might have to reinstall the OS and each and every application. For software and hardware problems Apple's tech support is top notch. If something needs ot be replaced -- like a bad LCD (which is rarer and rarer these days), you'll often have the machine back in a few days if you choose to ship it in for repair. Just get Applecare with your system and you'll be set.

The Bottom Line:
Macs are far superior to PCs. Take it from a guy who makes money off of repairing computers. If this is to be your first computer, you probably couldn't make a better choice. If you're a Windows user considering a sea change, you couldn't pick a better time to do it -- especially considering that with a third party App you can still run Windows apps if you want to. And believe me you won't want to after experiencing the level of usability of the standard OS X application. And if you're one of those RARE Mac users considering saving money, and thinks computers are all the same: save your sanity and not just a couple of bucks, and turn away from Sony, Dell or HP.

Sony VAIO Laptop with Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor T2390 - Nightfall Blue

...

(or run Parallels, Fusion or Crossover) if you have one or two legacy Apps that you absolutely can't do without. A PC can't run OS X or any of its great applications, but a Mac can run Windows right along side Mac OS program with Parallels, VMWare Fusion or Crossover.



So, if you're trying to decide between a Mac for OS X and the easy of use I talk about below and a PC for old Windows programs, you can choose both by buying this or any Intel based Mac (which is all shipping models).



The Hardware is simply top notch. In its stock configuration you can do anything 99% of computer users do. And with a third party app, you can do the last 1%. OS X is Unix. Then you have the Mac OS (OS X) and you have he option of running Windows. So, really Macs these days are THE machine IT professionals are turning to in droves.



The Software (is what makes Macs shine):

OS X is extremely stable. It is a Unix OS, so advanced users can easily do anything from a command line they can do on any Unix system from a command line using the terminal application. If you don't understand the previous sentence you don't have to because the user interface as easy or easier than Windows and you never have to learn complex commands to unleash the power of the system.



The only time I reboot is when I install software that requires a reboot. (Currently My Uptime is over 21 days -- since I installed an OS Update, and I have no doubt the system could remain on for months without needing a reboot). That's almost unheard of in Windows land, where often the machine chokes on some process and the only option is a reboot.



You can't mess up the system by clicking the wrong button, or putting the wrong file in the trash -- OS X doesn't allow that and requires an administrator password to change any important settings.



Adding Users is as simple as clicking a new account button, typing in their name and a password. Then you can switch users with a click and be secure in the knowledge that your kids or grandma can't mess up the system or your settings (because they'll have their own set), or applications.



The system is very secure out of the box, and configuring to server web pages is a simple click and drag documents into a folder and flip the Sharing panel switch on. There's a built in Firewall that's extreme easy to configure. Wireless performance is top notch. There is zero downside to buying this machine.



Installing Applications is often a simple process of clicking and dragging the application into any folder or subfolder you want. Uninstalling is a simple matter of dragging thhe program, or program folder into the trash. No messy registry, no dicey uninstall apps that might delete a shared DLL, nothing like that at all.



Adding Other hardware to the machine is also a simple process of double clicking an installer (if it's even needed) and plugging in he hardware. You never experience hardware conflicts like you do in Windows. You just plug it in and it works.



If you've never used a computer or want to migrate from Windows or another Operating System, a Macintosh is an excellent choice. I've never had a person I recommended a Mac to come back and say, "This was a mistake, " or "I hate it" or "I can't figure out how to use it." They usually thank me and gleefully tell me they never realized using (and even administrating) a computer could be so easy.



Mac VS. PC (Real world stories):

I HAVE had many, many people come back to me after purchasing a Windows only Machine against my advice months or years later regretting it. They didn't realize a Windows based computer would be so much work, or that it wouldn't be reliable.



Windows XP is a bear to manage and Vista is the same bear, but just in a shiny coat with a bow. And all you can get on new computers these days is Vista. And I have yet to run into anyone, technician or layman, who even likes Vista. Sure you can downgrade to XP, but you have ot make sure there's XP drivers available for your system before you downgrade it, because if not, you'll end up with Audio or Wireless not working, and have to put Vista back on. A friend went through this exact experience.



There are some quality PC makers out there, but most are junk. If you're wondering why the MacBook costs hundreds of dollars more than a PC, remember, you get what you pay for. The margins Apple makes for a Mac are comparable to what PC manufacturers make nowadays. So, realize that most PC manufacturers are using cheaper (read "low quality") parts, and they're going to fail a lot sooner than a typical Mac would.



Viruses and Security:

Windows is way behind the Mac when it comes to security and virus prevention. Microsoft's solution was to pop up a dialog box for anything and everything a virus might do to try to gain control of a Windows PC. The effect: annoying the hell out of users. The OS X way: run in a mode where only things such as installing applications will bother the user. That and only check the first time if someone wants to run a new application. Once that's done the OS gets out of your way and let's you get your work done. Also, if this sounds too open, you can tighten down security simply by checking boxes in most cases. If you want to secure your machine's network connections even more try Lil Snitch.



Caveats:

Almost all computers will have problems. The Mac is no exception. You might get a lemon, but apple's return policy is great. With Applecare you're covered for the practical usable life of the computer (3 years). A hard rive might die on you: that's where backing up comes in. Backup your data. The more important, the more often you should backup. Other than that most Mac problems are simple and might just require a setting change or (at worst) a reinstall of the application. With Windows you might have to reinstall the OS and each and every application. For software and hardware problems Apple's tech support is top notch. If something needs ot be replaced -- like a bad LCD (which is rarer and rarer these days), you'll often have the machine back in a few days if you choose to ship it in for repair. Just get Applecare with your system and you'll be set.



The Bottom Line:

Macs are far superior to PCs. Take it from a guy who makes money off of repairing computers. If this is to be your first computer, you probably couldn't make a better choice. If you're a Windows user considering a sea change, you couldn't pick a better time to do it -- especially considering that with a third party App you can still run Windows apps if you want to. And believe me you won't want to after experiencing the level of usability of the standard OS X application. And if you're one of those RARE Mac users considering saving money, and thinks computers are all the same: save your sanity and not just a couple of bucks, and turn away from Sony, Dell or HP.

Sony VAIO NR260E/W Laptop (Refurbished)-Sony VAIO VGN-NR260E/W Notebook

...

(or run Parallels, Fusion or Crossover) if you have one or two legacy Apps that you absolutely can't do without. A PC can't run OS X or any of its great applications, but a Mac can run Windows right along side Mac OS program with Parallels, VMWare Fusion or Crossover.





So, if you're trying to decide between a Mac for OS X and the easy of use I talk about below and a PC for old Windows programs, you can choose both by buying this or any Intel based Mac (which is all shipping models).





The Hardware is simply top notch. In its stock configuration you can do anything 99% of computer users do. And with a third party app, you can do the last 1%. OS X is Unix. Then you have the Mac OS (OS X) and you have he option of running Windows. So, really Macs these days are THE machine IT professionals are turning to in droves.





The Software (is what makes Macs shine):


OS X is extremely stable. It is a Unix OS, so advanced users can easily do anything from a command line they can do on any Unix system from a command line using the terminal application. If you don't understand the previous sentence you don't have to because the user interface as easy or easier than Windows and you never have to learn complex commands to unleash the power of the system.





The only time I reboot is when I install software that requires a reboot. (Currently My Uptime is over 21 days -- since I installed an OS Update, and I have no doubt the system could remain on for months without needing a reboot). That's almost unheard of in Windows land, where often the machine chokes on some process and the only option is a reboot.





You can't mess up the system by clicking the wrong button, or putting the wrong file in the trash -- OS X doesn't allow that and requires an administrator password to change any important settings.





Adding Users is as simple as clicking a new account button, typing in their name and a password. Then you can switch users with a click and be secure in the knowledge that your kids or grandma can't mess up the system or your settings (because they'll have their own set), or applications.





The system is very secure out of the box, and configuring to server web pages is a simple click and drag documents into a folder and flip the Sharing panel switch on. There's a built in Firewall that's extreme easy to configure. Wireless performance is top notch. There is zero downside to buying this machine.





Installing Applications is often a simple process of clicking and dragging the application into any folder or subfolder you want. Uninstalling is a simple matter of dragging thhe program, or program folder into the trash. No messy registry, no dicey uninstall apps that might delete a shared DLL, nothing like that at all.





Adding Other hardware to the machine is also a simple process of double clicking an installer (if it's even needed) and plugging in he hardware. You never experience hardware conflicts like you do in Windows. You just plug it in and it works.





If you've never used a computer or want to migrate from Windows or another Operating System, a Macintosh is an excellent choice. I've never had a person I recommended a Mac to come back and say, "This was a mistake, " or "I hate it" or "I can't figure out how to use it." They usually thank me and gleefully tell me they never realized using (and even administrating) a computer could be so easy.





Mac VS. PC (Real world stories):


I HAVE had many, many people come back to me after purchasing a Windows only Machine against my advice months or years later regretting it. They didn't realize a Windows based computer would be so much work, or that it wouldn't be reliable.





Windows XP is a bear to manage and Vista is the same bear, but just in a shiny coat with a bow. And all you can get on new computers these days is Vista. And I have yet to run into anyone, technician or layman, who even likes Vista. Sure you can downgrade to XP, but you have ot make sure there's XP drivers available for your system before you downgrade it, because if not, you'll end up with Audio or Wireless not working, and have to put Vista back on. A friend went through this exact experience.





There are some quality PC makers out there, but most are junk. If you're wondering why the MacBook costs hundreds of dollars more than a PC, remember, you get what you pay for. The margins Apple makes for a Mac are comparable to what PC manufacturers make nowadays. So, realize that most PC manufacturers are using cheaper (read "low quality") parts, and they're going to fail a lot sooner than a typical Mac would.





Viruses and Security:


Windows is way behind the Mac when it comes to security and virus prevention. Microsoft's solution was to pop up a dialog box for anything and everything a virus might do to try to gain control of a Windows PC. The effect: annoying the hell out of users. The OS X way: run in a mode where only things such as installing applications will bother the user. That and only check the first time if someone wants to run a new application. Once that's done the OS gets out of your way and let's you get your work done. Also, if this sounds too open, you can tighten down security simply by checking boxes in most cases. If you want to secure your machine's network connections even more try Lil Snitch.





Caveats:


Almost all computers will have problems. The Mac is no exception. You might get a lemon, but apple's return policy is great. With Applecare you're covered for the practical usable life of the computer (3 years). A hard rive might die on you: that's where backing up comes in. Backup your data. The more important, the more often you should backup. Other than that most Mac problems are simple and might just require a setting change or (at worst) a reinstall of the application. With Windows you might have to reinstall the OS and each and every application. For software and hardware problems Apple's tech support is top notch. If something needs ot be replaced -- like a bad LCD (which is rarer and rarer these days), you'll often have the machine back in a few days if you choose to ship it in for repair. Just get Applecare with your system and you'll be set.





The Bottom Line:


Macs are far superior to PCs. Take it from a guy who makes money off of repairing computers. If this is to be your first computer, you probably couldn't make a better choice. If you're a Windows user considering a sea change, you couldn't pick a better time to do it -- especially considering that with a third party App you can still run Windows apps if you want to. And believe me you won't want to after experiencing the level of usability of the standard OS X application. And if you're one of those RARE Mac users considering saving money, and thinks computers are all the same: save your sanity and not just a couple of bucks, and turn away from Sony, Dell or HP.

Compaq Presario C770US Laptop Computer

...

take a few hours to clear the crap off of the computer.

Sony VAIO Laptop with Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor T2390 - Nightfall Blue

...

I'm very sure you won't be regret if you decide to buy this VAIO. Check the technical specifications for more details on the hardware. And then just choose a color!

Apple MacBook, 13-inch, 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - White - MB403LL/A

...

just works as advertised.

The MacBook is not the first or only laptop to use Intel's Penryn CPU, but it's the only one running a highly optimized OS with excellent power management. With the stock Li-Ion battery, I never get less than four hours of runtime, with the backlight turned up three quarters of the way, and Wi-Fi enabled. When I am in writing mode, working in my word processing application, with the backlight turned down to one notch above the "off" setting (which is still plenty bright to see your stuff just fine in most lighting conditions), and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off, battry life is over six hours, touching seven hours on occasion. There's simply no Vista laptop, even with a similar C2D Penryn CPU and comparable hardware, that can match this kind of field endurance. A laptop's purpose is mobility, and battery life is one of its most important attributes. With the MacBook, you can realistically be away from a power source all day, putting the system to sleep when you're not actively working, and you'll be able to get by on a single battery charge. With most Vista laptops, you have to haul that power brick around with you, and stay plugged in most of the time.

Speaking of sleep mode: the MacBook goes to sleep instantly when the lid is closed, and it wakes up before you have time to completely open the lid and put your fingers on the keyboard. ACPI power management on Windows is such a kludgy mess that most Vista laptops don't even wake up properly from sleep 25% of the time, and when they do, it takes them almost as much time to get back into action as a reboot would have taken. You can't even put a dollar value on the ability to just close-and-go, and being able to open your laptop again to pick up where you left off, without waiting or worrying.

Lastly, there are the many subtle design touches that make the MacBook so much fun to use. The MagSafe adapter is a genius idea--no more worn-out power plugs, or tripping over cords. The iSight camera works seamlessly with Leopard, iChat, and other A/V applications, and the PhotoBooth application really makes you want to use that camera. The keyboard improves on one of the main complaints I had with the iBook, which was flex and "mushiness". The MacBook's keyboard has individually attached keycaps mounted directly into the chassis, and the keyboard feels extremely solid as a result. There's also no room for stuff to get under the keys, and the keyboard deck is very easy to clean. The slot-loading optical drive means no more broken trays or non-closing tray latches. The overall design is pleasing in its minimalism: just a white slab with a keyboard and a power button, and no superfluous switches, latches, or protrusions. The power brick is a bricklet, the smallest power supply you'll find short of an integrated PSU, and it comes with pop-out hooks to wind up your power cord. The latch is magnetic, so the MacBook opens like a cell phone, with no mechanical latches that can break or stick.

Apple sells a blue zillion of these for a reason: they are extremely well designed laptops, mature technology that improves on the already great and proven iBook that preceded them. They're also durable, tough, easy on the eyes, and easy to upgrade, including hard drive replacement. (The iBook needed to be pulled apart almost to the last screw to replace the HD, while the MacBook HD sits under a hatch below the battery compartment, user-swappable in five minutes.)

Overall, I think the MacBook will be regarded as one of the best Apple portables of all time. There's simply nothing else on the market that offers the same synergy of size, power, battery life, durability, build quality, and ease of use.

Apple MacBook Pro, 17-inch, 2.5GHz - MB166LL/A

...

just works as advertised.



The MacBook is not the first or only laptop to use Intel's Penryn CPU, but it's the only one running a highly optimized OS with excellent power management. With the stock Li-Ion battery, I never get less than four hours of runtime, with the backlight turned up three quarters of the way, and Wi-Fi enabled. When I am in writing mode, working in my word processing application, with the backlight turned down to one notch above the "off" setting (which is still plenty bright to see your stuff just fine in most lighting conditions), and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off, battry life is over six hours, touching seven hours on occasion. There's simply no Vista laptop, even with a similar C2D Penryn CPU and comparable hardware, that can match this kind of field endurance. A laptop's purpose is mobility, and battery life is one of its most important attributes. With the MacBook, you can realistically be away from a power source all day, putting the system to sleep when you're not actively working, and you'll be able to get by on a single battery charge. With most Vista laptops, you have to haul that power brick around with you, and stay plugged in most of the time.



Speaking of sleep mode: the MacBook goes to sleep instantly when the lid is closed, and it wakes up before you have time to completely open the lid and put your fingers on the keyboard. ACPI power management on Windows is such a kludgy mess that most Vista laptops don't even wake up properly from sleep 25% of the time, and when they do, it takes them almost as much time to get back into action as a reboot would have taken. You can't even put a dollar value on the ability to just close-and-go, and being able to open your laptop again to pick up where you left off, without waiting or worrying.



Lastly, there are the many subtle design touches that make the MacBook so much fun to use. The MagSafe adapter is a genius idea--no more worn-out power plugs, or tripping over cords. The iSight camera works seamlessly with Leopard, iChat, and other A/V applications, and the PhotoBooth application really makes you want to use that camera. The keyboard improves on one of the main complaints I had with the iBook, which was flex and "mushiness". The MacBook's keyboard has individually attached keycaps mounted directly into the chassis, and the keyboard feels extremely solid as a result. There's also no room for stuff to get under the keys, and the keyboard deck is very easy to clean. The slot-loading optical drive means no more broken trays or non-closing tray latches. The overall design is pleasing in its minimalism: just a white slab with a keyboard and a power button, and no superfluous switches, latches, or protrusions. The power brick is a bricklet, the smallest power supply you'll find short of an integrated PSU, and it comes with pop-out hooks to wind up your power cord. The latch is magnetic, so the MacBook opens like a cell phone, with no mechanical latches that can break or stick.



Apple sells a blue zillion of these for a reason: they are extremely well designed laptops, mature technology that improves on the already great and proven iBook that preceded them. They're also durable, tough, easy on the eyes, and easy to upgrade, including hard drive replacement. (The iBook needed to be pulled apart almost to the last screw to replace the HD, while the MacBook HD sits under a hatch below the battery compartment, user-swappable in five minutes.)



Overall, I think the MacBook will be regarded as one of the best Apple portables of all time. There's simply nothing else on the market that offers the same synergy of size, power, battery life, durability, build quality, and ease of use.

NR360E/T Intel Pentium Dual Core T2370 1.73GHz Notebook - Granite

...

just works as advertised.





The MacBook is not the first or only laptop to use Intel's Penryn CPU, but it's the only one running a highly optimized OS with excellent power management. With the stock Li-Ion battery, I never get less than four hours of runtime, with the backlight turned up three quarters of the way, and Wi-Fi enabled. When I am in writing mode, working in my word processing application, with the backlight turned down to one notch above the "off" setting (which is still plenty bright to see your stuff just fine in most lighting conditions), and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off, battry life is over six hours, touching seven hours on occasion. There's simply no Vista laptop, even with a similar C2D Penryn CPU and comparable hardware, that can match this kind of field endurance. A laptop's purpose is mobility, and battery life is one of its most important attributes. With the MacBook, you can realistically be away from a power source all day, putting the system to sleep when you're not actively working, and you'll be able to get by on a single battery charge. With most Vista laptops, you have to haul that power brick around with you, and stay plugged in most of the time.





Speaking of sleep mode: the MacBook goes to sleep instantly when the lid is closed, and it wakes up before you have time to completely open the lid and put your fingers on the keyboard. ACPI power management on Windows is such a kludgy mess that most Vista laptops don't even wake up properly from sleep 25% of the time, and when they do, it takes them almost as much time to get back into action as a reboot would have taken. You can't even put a dollar value on the ability to just close-and-go, and being able to open your laptop again to pick up where you left off, without waiting or worrying.





Lastly, there are the many subtle design touches that make the MacBook so much fun to use. The MagSafe adapter is a genius idea--no more worn-out power plugs, or tripping over cords. The iSight camera works seamlessly with Leopard, iChat, and other A/V applications, and the PhotoBooth application really makes you want to use that camera. The keyboard improves on one of the main complaints I had with the iBook, which was flex and "mushiness". The MacBook's keyboard has individually attached keycaps mounted directly into the chassis, and the keyboard feels extremely solid as a result. There's also no room for stuff to get under the keys, and the keyboard deck is very easy to clean. The slot-loading optical drive means no more broken trays or non-closing tray latches. The overall design is pleasing in its minimalism: just a white slab with a keyboard and a power button, and no superfluous switches, latches, or protrusions. The power brick is a bricklet, the smallest power supply you'll find short of an integrated PSU, and it comes with pop-out hooks to wind up your power cord. The latch is magnetic, so the MacBook opens like a cell phone, with no mechanical latches that can break or stick.





Apple sells a blue zillion of these for a reason: they are extremely well designed laptops, mature technology that improves on the already great and proven iBook that preceded them. They're also durable, tough, easy on the eyes, and easy to upgrade, including hard drive replacement. (The iBook needed to be pulled apart almost to the last screw to replace the HD, while the MacBook HD sits under a hatch below the battery compartment, user-swappable in five minutes.)





Overall, I think the MacBook will be regarded as one of the best Apple portables of all time. There's simply nothing else on the market that offers the same synergy of size, power, battery life, durability, build quality, and ease of use.

Satellite A205-S5871

...

just works as advertised.







The MacBook is not the first or only laptop to use Intel's Penryn CPU, but it's the only one running a highly optimized OS with excellent power management. With the stock Li-Ion battery, I never get less than four hours of runtime, with the backlight turned up three quarters of the way, and Wi-Fi enabled. When I am in writing mode, working in my word processing application, with the backlight turned down to one notch above the "off" setting (which is still plenty bright to see your stuff just fine in most lighting conditions), and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off, battry life is over six hours, touching seven hours on occasion. There's simply no Vista laptop, even with a similar C2D Penryn CPU and comparable hardware, that can match this kind of field endurance. A laptop's purpose is mobility, and battery life is one of its most important attributes. With the MacBook, you can realistically be away from a power source all day, putting the system to sleep when you're not actively working, and you'll be able to get by on a single battery charge. With most Vista laptops, you have to haul that power brick around with you, and stay plugged in most of the time.







Speaking of sleep mode: the MacBook goes to sleep instantly when the lid is closed, and it wakes up before you have time to completely open the lid and put your fingers on the keyboard. ACPI power management on Windows is such a kludgy mess that most Vista laptops don't even wake up properly from sleep 25% of the time, and when they do, it takes them almost as much time to get back into action as a reboot would have taken. You can't even put a dollar value on the ability to just close-and-go, and being able to open your laptop again to pick up where you left off, without waiting or worrying.







Lastly, there are the many subtle design touches that make the MacBook so much fun to use. The MagSafe adapter is a genius idea--no more worn-out power plugs, or tripping over cords. The iSight camera works seamlessly with Leopard, iChat, and other A/V applications, and the PhotoBooth application really makes you want to use that camera. The keyboard improves on one of the main complaints I had with the iBook, which was flex and "mushiness". The MacBook's keyboard has individually attached keycaps mounted directly into the chassis, and the keyboard feels extremely solid as a result. There's also no room for stuff to get under the keys, and the keyboard deck is very easy to clean. The slot-loading optical drive means no more broken trays or non-closing tray latches. The overall design is pleasing in its minimalism: just a white slab with a keyboard and a power button, and no superfluous switches, latches, or protrusions. The power brick is a bricklet, the smallest power supply you'll find short of an integrated PSU, and it comes with pop-out hooks to wind up your power cord. The latch is magnetic, so the MacBook opens like a cell phone, with no mechanical latches that can break or stick.







Apple sells a blue zillion of these for a reason: they are extremely well designed laptops, mature technology that improves on the already great and proven iBook that preceded them. They're also durable, tough, easy on the eyes, and easy to upgrade, including hard drive replacement. (The iBook needed to be pulled apart almost to the last screw to replace the HD, while the MacBook HD sits under a hatch below the battery compartment, user-swappable in five minutes.)







Overall, I think the MacBook will be regarded as one of the best Apple portables of all time. There's simply nothing else on the market that offers the same synergy of size, power, battery life, durability, build quality, and ease of use.

Apple MacBook, 13-inch, 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - White - MB403LL/A

...

could go on describing the improved design, but let me give just one, seemingly trivial but representative, example. I never liked trackpads, so I use a mouse with my laptops. In Windows several steps were needed to disable the trackpad and enable the mouse. On a couple of occasions I forgot the mouse and had to enable the trackpad using keystrokes. Frustrating and time consuming. I ordered a wireless mighty mouse with the MacBook and had it enabled in 30 seconds. While searching Help to disable the trackpad, I noticed it was already disabled. Then I realized it was automatically disabled when the mouse was added. Then I learned it was automatically enabled when the mouse was turned off or moved away from the computer. Such a simple solution, but apparently lost on the Windows engineers.

Finally--the operating system and compatibility. The Mac OS is different from Windows and takes some getting used to. But not as much as I expected due to the intuitive nature of the Mac, the actually helpful Help menu and the hundreds of very well done tutorials on the Apple web site. As to compatibility, I expected to buy the Office for Mac suite, but after reading the critical reviews on Amazon I downloaded the less expensive iWork suite from Apple on a trial basis. It includes word processing (Pages), spreadsheets (Numbers), and presentations (Keynote). While those programs don't have all the bells and whistles of Word, Excel and Power Point, I had no problem opening and editing in iWork and sending them back to Windows.

In short, my apprehensions about making the switch proved groundless, while being treated to a distinct upgrade in product. Go ahead and do it. You'll be glad you did.

Smart Buy 6515b Mobile AMD Sempron 3600+ 2GHz Notebook

...

could go on describing the improved design, but let me give just one, seemingly trivial but representative, example. I never liked trackpads, so I use a mouse with my laptops. In Windows several steps were needed to disable the trackpad and enable the mouse. On a couple of occasions I forgot the mouse and had to enable the trackpad using keystrokes. Frustrating and time consuming. I ordered a wireless mighty mouse with the MacBook and had it enabled in 30 seconds. While searching Help to disable the trackpad, I noticed it was already disabled. Then I realized it was automatically disabled when the mouse was added. Then I learned it was automatically enabled when the mouse was turned off or moved away from the computer. Such a simple solution, but apparently lost on the Windows engineers.



Finally--the operating system and compatibility. The Mac OS is different from Windows and takes some getting used to. But not as much as I expected due to the intuitive nature of the Mac, the actually helpful Help menu and the hundreds of very well done tutorials on the Apple web site. As to compatibility, I expected to buy the Office for Mac suite, but after reading the critical reviews on Amazon I downloaded the less expensive iWork suite from Apple on a trial basis. It includes word processing (Pages), spreadsheets (Numbers), and presentations (Keynote). While those programs don't have all the bells and whistles of Word, Excel and Power Point, I had no problem opening and editing in iWork and sending them back to Windows.



In short, my apprehensions about making the switch proved groundless, while being treated to a distinct upgrade in product. Go ahead and do it. You'll be glad you did.

Lenovo ThinkPad X61 Notebook PC

...

could go on describing the improved design, but let me give just one, seemingly trivial but representative, example. I never liked trackpads, so I use a mouse with my laptops. In Windows several steps were needed to disable the trackpad and enable the mouse. On a couple of occasions I forgot the mouse and had to enable the trackpad using keystrokes. Frustrating and time consuming. I ordered a wireless mighty mouse with the MacBook and had it enabled in 30 seconds. While searching Help to disable the trackpad, I noticed it was already disabled. Then I realized it was automatically disabled when the mouse was added. Then I learned it was automatically enabled when the mouse was turned off or moved away from the computer. Such a simple solution, but apparently lost on the Windows engineers.





Finally--the operating system and compatibility. The Mac OS is different from Windows and takes some getting used to. But not as much as I expected due to the intuitive nature of the Mac, the actually helpful Help menu and the hundreds of very well done tutorials on the Apple web site. As to compatibility, I expected to buy the Office for Mac suite, but after reading the critical reviews on Amazon I downloaded the less expensive iWork suite from Apple on a trial basis. It includes word processing (Pages), spreadsheets (Numbers), and presentations (Keynote). While those programs don't have all the bells and whistles of Word, Excel and Power Point, I had no problem opening and editing in iWork and sending them back to Windows.





In short, my apprehensions about making the switch proved groundless, while being treated to a distinct upgrade in product. Go ahead and do it. You'll be glad you did.

HP Presario C769US Notebook-Pentium Dual Core T2370, 15.4

...

nice sensation of "travel" when you hit them. The delete key is in the extreme upper right hand corner making the CTRL ALT DELETE dance rather awkward if you are balancing the computer on your knees on the Metrolink, but I can adjust.

The battery seems adequate, but I have not really tested this yet. I have been able to transfer files, set my personal templates and have even started a new creative project. Normally it is months before I feel comfortable with a new computer to "trust" it this way.

I admit to enjoying the pre-loaded games package. It seems very complete and all my favorites including Mahjong, Freecell, Spider Solitaire and other time-wasting favorites are available while I am thinking what to write next.

Apple MacBook, 13-inch, 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - White - MB403LL/A

...

nice sensation of "travel" when you hit them. The delete key is in the extreme upper right hand corner making the CTRL ALT DELETE dance rather awkward if you are balancing the computer on your knees on the Metrolink, but I can adjust.



The battery seems adequate, but I have not really tested this yet. I have been able to transfer files, set my personal templates and have even started a new creative project. Normally it is months before I feel comfortable with a new computer to "trust" it this way.



I admit to enjoying the pre-loaded games package. It seems very complete and all my favorites including Mahjong, Freecell, Spider Solitaire and other time-wasting favorites are available while I am thinking what to write next.

Apple MacBook, 13-inch, 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - White - MB403LL/A

...

nice sensation of "travel" when you hit them. The delete key is in the extreme upper right hand corner making the CTRL ALT DELETE dance rather awkward if you are balancing the computer on your knees on the Metrolink, but I can adjust.





The battery seems adequate, but I have not really tested this yet. I have been able to transfer files, set my personal templates and have even started a new creative project. Normally it is months before I feel comfortable with a new computer to "trust" it this way.





I admit to enjoying the pre-loaded games package. It seems very complete and all my favorites including Mahjong, Freecell, Spider Solitaire and other time-wasting favorites are available while I am thinking what to write next.

Sony NR360E/T Intel Pentium Dual Core T2370 1.73GHz Notebook - White

...

nice sensation of "travel" when you hit them. The delete key is in the extreme upper right hand corner making the CTRL ALT DELETE dance rather awkward if you are balancing the computer on your knees on the Metrolink, but I can adjust.







The battery seems adequate, but I have not really tested this yet. I have been able to transfer files, set my personal templates and have even started a new creative project. Normally it is months before I feel comfortable with a new computer to "trust" it this way.







I admit to enjoying the pre-loaded games package. It seems very complete and all my favorites including Mahjong, Freecell, Spider Solitaire and other time-wasting favorites are available while I am thinking what to write next.

Apple MacBook, 13-inch, 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - White - MB403LL/A

...

in Office.

Other features that I find quite useful are the magnetic power adapter and the very multi-functional mini-DVI port. Most PC laptops have more buttons and ports but they are buttons and ports that I don't see much use for. For example, my dad owns a Compaq laptop that includes a button to turn off the wireless card. You can do that by clicking an icon on the OSX desktop so why do you need an additional physical piece that could break? It is elements like this that make the MacBook's design so desirable.

The only trade off is a lack of multi-media card reader but I picked one up for $12. Also, the 13.5" screen is a little small. I suppose that's a trade off for a notebook that's the size and nearly the weight of a notebook. I put mine in a neoprene sleeve and carry it in a standard sized backpack.

I've observed battery life of just over five hours using wifi.

Apple MacBook Pro, 17-inch, 2.5GHz - MB166LL/A

...

in Office.



Other features that I find quite useful are the magnetic power adapter and the very multi-functional mini-DVI port. Most PC laptops have more buttons and ports but they are buttons and ports that I don't see much use for. For example, my dad owns a Compaq laptop that includes a button to turn off the wireless card. You can do that by clicking an icon on the OSX desktop so why do you need an additional physical piece that could break? It is elements like this that make the MacBook's design so desirable.



The only trade off is a lack of multi-media card reader but I picked one up for $12. Also, the 13.5" screen is a little small. I suppose that's a trade off for a notebook that's the size and nearly the weight of a notebook. I put mine in a neoprene sleeve and carry it in a standard sized backpack.



I've observed battery life of just over five hours using wifi.

Dell XPS M1330 Laptop (Black) Ultra Slim 13.3 Widescreen, Vista Premium, Intel Core 2 Duo at 2.0GHz, 200GB Hard Drive, 1GB DDR2 Memory, 13.3 Inch Wide Screen Wxga , 128mb Nvidia, Finger Print reader,

...

in Office.





Other features that I find quite useful are the magnetic power adapter and the very multi-functional mini-DVI port. Most PC laptops have more buttons and ports but they are buttons and ports that I don't see much use for. For example, my dad owns a Compaq laptop that includes a button to turn off the wireless card. You can do that by clicking an icon on the OSX desktop so why do you need an additional physical piece that could break? It is elements like this that make the MacBook's design so desirable.





The only trade off is a lack of multi-media card reader but I picked one up for $12. Also, the 13.5" screen is a little small. I suppose that's a trade off for a notebook that's the size and nearly the weight of a notebook. I put mine in a neoprene sleeve and carry it in a standard sized backpack.





I've observed battery life of just over five hours using wifi.