Mac Book vs. Dell Inspiron or XPS: (all new dells come with vista so if i get a dell im going to have to manually install xp)...can anybody help me choose and give me some advice?
1726629
Unfortunately I disagree with Dell fixing anything without extensive hassle. At work, we are mostly a Mac shop, but our only non-Apple laptop is a Dell. Considering our business account and next-day, on-site, repair contract, the laptop experienced more than 1 dead motherboard in the same year and was repeatedly replaced with known-defective, used parts. Not new. And on more than one occasion, they took nearly 3 weeks before their on-site tech even showed up and nearly 1 full week each time before it was fixed. After almost 3 months within the first year of down time and about 5 repairs, they finally offered a different model refurbished replacement. During this process, they also replaced the bottom pan plastics and took the Windows COA, offering only marker to replace the install code. Dell is inferior hardware. Dell support is even worse, even with an expensive corporate contract. Excluding a few documented defects, Apple hardware has always been superior to any PC and is nearly always cheaper over time due to less frequent need to buy a new one.
1111987
Some computer companies ship XP restore disks with Vista computers. Dell offers the ability to buy some computers with XP installed. If you get a computer with Vista, I think you legally have the right to replace it with XP, and you can always download XP from some software pirate site. If you get a laptop that already has Vista, chances are you're not going to have too many problems, unless you have something that's not Vista compatible. You could also disable all the stupid "security" pop-ups. You should also consider buying a Mac laptop. Most people really like them, and with it you can duel-boot with XP, Vista, Linux, whatever (but you would have to buy the XP DVD).
477480
I have upgrade both versions of the iBook and also the new MacBook. There is no comparison, the MacBook is the easiest Mac laptop ever for upgrading the hard drive. (The iBook being the worst!) You might need a Torx 8 (??) screwdriver, I can't remember now, but it was in my standard Mac toolkit. :-)
2009562
In response to your post. The processor difference in terms of ghz won't be major, the ram should compensate for that although it serves a different purpose. Check what cache and front bus speed is for the HP, the apple's is 600+ mhz and 4 mb cache. So check those up. It really depends on ur use. If u require a larger screen then go for the hp. If u want more portability and a better os (my opinion at least), go for the mac. Just remember that if u go for the hp, u can't load mac os on it, whereas with the mac u can load both vista and tiger. Also, I would say the build quality on the apple is much better than Hp's i've seen (the plastic is much higher quality). Be sure check the model out IN PERSON to see the build quality. Check if ur down with that new shiny fimsy plastic Hp's been using.
1634180
I was able to "customize" the Mini 10 at Dell's site, and the standard version comes with XP and the standard 1024x600, but was able to select Windows 7 starter for an additional $30 and the 1366x768 HD screen for an additional $50. Brings the price up to $454 however.
176533
Don't get me wrong I think macbooks are a great computer and I own an early 2008 model. However, while these new aluminum look really nice and have new features such as trackpad, graphics card, etc....the price has gone up 20% over earlier 2008 macbooks with the same processor speed(checkout macworld's benchmarks). This is revision 1 of these new macbooks....thus you are going to pay top dollar for something that has a few known bugs already(screen, trackpad). Like anything else, you will get more bang for your buck if you wait until early next year when revision 2 comes out at cheaper price points. I love the macbooks but can't recommend this one to ppl based on value for your money. Not to mention apple's new improved snow leopard OS will be coming out mid next year too.
514838
Cindy that would depend on how you define better, only considering speed and weight the 2009 13.3 old version is the winner but honestly most people would not really notice the difference except for the larger 17inch screen so in the end it is entirely up to and you cannot go wrong with either one. The Macintosh is far superior to most Windows laptops.
890461
Without a doubt this is an excellent laptop. That being said, if your daughter plans to use OS X on the laptop it might be slower because programs like photoshop have not yet been written in universal binary for the new intel chips. The INCREDIBLE upside to this laptop is that there currently exists a simple download that will allow Windows XP to run on this laptop, making it immediately incredibly powerful and fast, running all XP programs at full speed.
1722479
I believe all dell computers come installed with windows. Sometimes it is pasted on the computer. These usually have windows 3. I have 6 of them. I bought one here 6 weeks ago and it works fine. A local computer technician that works on Dells should bring it right up.
200057
Iam still on the fence due to the price. Saw a nice looking toshiba for 629.00-any thought? He loves mac as opposed to microsoft. HHMM.
2165221
I've owned my MAC for 24 hours after using Windows for 24 years. Not much of a learning curve, which I'm happy to report! Don't be scared like I was...just dive into it. It's so nice to know it will never be obsolete like XP is about to be. Bill Gates, you should realize that people get mad when you discontinue a great OS like XP. Now I'll use a MAC forever.
246884
I wouldn't go with the manufacturer's assessment of your laptop if I were you. I have a four year old Dell Dimension (which I upgraded BEFORE running Dell's assessment program-processor, memory, video card, etc..) that Dell said I wouldn't be able to run Vista on. I'm running Vista Ultimate. Heck Microsoft said that I would only be able to run Vista Basic! Run Micrsoft's assessment tool...you might get a different answer
286481
Also, give BootCamp a shot. It's a free download on the Apple website. The only downside is that you would have to dual-boot the Mac, which means, if you want to use the Windows apps, you would have to reboot your Mac into the Windows OS. I would recommend Parallels, but if $80 is not in the budget, BootCamp is the best alternative.
216111
The best thing to do once you receive the computer is to call dell customer service by telephone and have them guide you though the upgrade to 8.1. You can configure 8.1 to boast directly to your desk top. It's a great upgrade from windows 8 which sucks.
1289453
It's now 12/28/07. So what's the situation w/ leopard etc? Has any one ordered a macbook from Amazon since nov 25th 07?Amazon.com? What's the deal with not stating what OS comes with the Macbooks you are shipping out? It might be actually causing drop in Macbook sales for you guys. Get with it and state that 'yes they do come with Leopard now!' I'd rather purchase from Amazon (less scary return policy) but I might have to order from Macconnection.com as the price is the same (actually with them you don't have go thru the hassle of the rebate as their price reflects $100 discount) and their site clearly states that they do come with Leopard and iLife 08.... It's now 12/28/07. So what's the situation w/ leopard etc? Has any one ordered a macbook from Amazon since nov 25th 07?Amazon.com? What's the deal with not stating what OS comes with the Macbooks you are shipping out? It might be actually causing drop in Macbook sales for you guys. Get with it and state that 'yes they do come with Leopard now!' I'd rather purchase from Amazon (less scary return policy) but I might have to order from Macconnection.com as the price is the same (actually with them you don't have go thru the hassle of the rebate as their price reflects... » Read More It's now 12/28/07. So what's the situation w/ leopard etc? Has any one ordered a macbook from Amazon since nov 25th 07?Amazon.com? What's the deal with not stating what OS comes with the Macbooks you are shipping out? It might be actually causing drop in Macbook sales for you guys. Get with it and state that 'yes they do come with Leopard now!' I'd rather purchase from Amazon (less scary return policy) but I might have to order from Macconnection.com as the price is the same (actually with them you don't have go thru the hassle of the rebate as their price reflects $100 discount) and their site clearly states that they do come with Leopard and iLife 08.... « Show Less
2153119
I did just that a couple weeks ago. I'm still getting adjusted but I really like the Mac. I liked Vista a lot but I was sick of it locking up on me. I've had IBM, Lenovo, HP, Dell and Compac, desktops and notebooks. It's still too soon to tell but this really seems to be quality. No regrets so far.
2167157
I would also like that information. I am sitting on the fence and wondering which I should buy PC or MAC?Also how do I transfer my folders? I also have a laptop that is a PC and want to be able to use it as well. My family all say get a desktop MAC. But I am not sure it is worth it for me. I am a writer and I get my e-mail and that is about it. I hate being on the learning curve with the MAC. What to do?