Problems with Boot Camp 2.1 update & Heat Generation with new MBP

Question

After spending a lot of time debating whether to go with a high-end mac or high end PC, I eventually went with a top spec MBP (17” 2.93 ghz). This was a difficult decision to make, not to mention expensive.
I figured - the Mac was the winner although lower spec then a similar priced PC it had a major advantage – to run Windows XP (which I use for some creative and recreational purposes).
I am now very frustrated and angry – the peace of mind, stability and straightforward Mac ideals that I admire have been non existent so far. It has been extremely stressful!
Problem 1 – when setting up boot camp I wanted to go with the NTFS option, so I partioned 50 gig of space. But after choosing this, the only confirmation option that was displayed was for FAT so I was left wondering if that was correct? (I was very slow and methodically following instructions).
*Problem 2* – After boot camp was set up, there was not Ethernet driver in the Boot Camp / OS Install Disk so I couldn’t connect to the net. It is just lucky one of my neighbours has an unsecured wireless network that I ‘hopped’ onto, to download the driver.
*Problem 3* – HEAT!!! when running an old spec video game (Unreal Anthology) the MBP became incredibly HOT. So much so that I had to stop after a few minutes because it was clear that damage was being caused. I have since read on other discussions that this is a problem many other MBP users running boot camp are experiencing.
*Problem 4* – I downloaded the Boot Camp 2.1 update hoping this would help, but all it did was cut all the sound and disable the keyboard apple keys. I had to uninstall boot camp then reinstall the older version to get the sound back (no ethernet connection again!)
I am extremely upset – I feel I have been miss sold. I brought the Mac with Apples reassurances (and their sales patter of ‘oh yeah, your windows programs will work better on a mac’) only to find this is NOT THE CASE.
I hope I have been doing something wrong, because then I can sleep better knowing I have just spent a lot of money on the right tool I need for my job. At the moment I have a nasty feeling of painful regret and stress – everything I hoped to avoided when buying a mac.
If any apple support people or other users can help I would really appreciate any feedback you may have. Thanks in advance…

Answer 1

Hi I too just bought a MacBook Pro 2 weeks ago. I settled on a Mac as I had so much problems running Mac OS on my Dell laptop.
I had OS 10.5 running on my work Dell Latitude D520, it was not a hack but a genuine retail version of Leopard. But I had issues with the keyboard / track pad not working, so I had to use external keyboard / mouse. Not fun on a laptop.
I’m now running OS 10.5.6 and XP 64 bit on my MacBook Pro. I chose XP 64 bit so I can take advantage of the 64bit CPU and the 4 Gig of RAM in my MacBook Pro.
It took me 2 days to get all the drivers to work properly well I say all, the bluetooth does not work but I don’t use bluetooth so don’t really care.
I chose XP 64 bit over Vista 64 bit as Visa is the worst OS Microsoft have come up with to date.
*If any Apple guys is looking at this please let me know if Apple will ever produce XP 64 drivers, I think I’m not the only one interested in the drivers.*
Nick9000 with regard to your problems.
Problem 1
The Mac will only format FAT32 as it cannot write NTFS only read it. You need to choose NTFS when you are installing from the Windows CD, you can still convert your FAT32 system to NTFS within Windows.
Problem 2
I had the same problem but then I was using a non-supported OS.
Problem 3
My laptop runs a bit hot at times but to me all laptops run hot maybe more so Mac laptops. You are running the 2.93 GHz so I guess it does run hotter than my 2.66 GHz.