Thinking about making the switch

Question

Hello, my name is Bryce. I purchased an HP Pavilion tx 1000 Tablet PC about 8 months ago, and while I love the model, I've been very unhappy with Vista, and with the HP tech support policy. Recently, I've learned of a widespread problem with the motherboard used in my laptop's model - this issue is well documented online but not recognized by HP, and I'm beginning to see the symptoms in my laptop (the failure progresses from a wifi card failure to a motherboard failure, apparently caused by the use of bad materials in the NVIDIA motherboard/HP overclocking of the AMD processor to sell it off as a more powerful machine). At the moment I am hoping that my now-updated BIOS and the new wifi card HP is sending me will tide me over, but I fear that the issue is worse and I'll be stuck dealing with this for awhile.
So, I have been thinking about switching over to Mac. I used to have a G3 iBook (back when they were new), and I was quite unhappy with it. I'm hoping that I can get some feedback regarding the following questions. My budget is around 2,500 dollars.
1.) Generally, when I'm on a computer it's to use Microsoft Office, IRC, AIM/MSN/YIM, HTML/CSS editors, Gimp and web surfing. I occasionally play computer games, but nothing too high end. What Mac laptop would best be suited for me? Does Mac sell Microsoft Office 07 pre-installed? How expensive would that be? What IRC clients are available for Mac? What AIM/MSN/YIM clients? HTML and CSS editors? Does Gimp run on Mac?
2.) What's the latest Mac OS? Is it a real resource hog?
3.) How much does a full accidental damage warranty for a Mac cost? Can Mac tech support be contacted online?
4.) I'm sick of NVIDIA components. I've just had too many problems with them in my life. Are NVIDIA chips used in Macs?
5.) Is WiFi standard on Mac laptops these days? When I bought my G3 iBook, I had to buy the Airport Exterme card separately. Additionally, I regularly reside in locations with weak WiFi signals. Which Airport card would be best for long range/weak signal detection? Is bluetooth and ethernet standard on Macs?
6.) I am often on the move, and dragging my laptop with me. How sturdy are Mac laptops? Which laptops will scratch easily, and which are more stolid? How much would a good, sturdy laptop case go for?
7.) Are webcams/microphones standard on Macs? One of my favorite things about my current laptop is the plethora of USB/headphone ports. How many can I get on a Mac?
8.) How is the Mac networking software?
9.) What type of anti-theft systems can I get for a Mac? Lo-jack?
10.) I use my laptop 8-10 hours a day. I need whatever computer I have to run relatively quiet and relatively cool. How are Mac cooling systems?
11.) I'm on the move a lot. I need a computer that can go to sleep and wake up quickly. How fast can a Mac wake up from sleep mode?
12.) Are most of the Mac laptop ports on the sides of the laptop, or the back?
Thanks for your time.
EDIT:
13.) I've used my iPod Mini (It's ancient, I know) on Windows. Can it be converted to Mac? It's a sentimental item so I'd rather not retire it (Engraved for my graduation).
Message was edited by: Ephriam Grey

Answer 1

Ephriam Grey wrote:
(the failure progresses from a wifi card failure to a motherboard failure, apparently caused by the use of bad materials in the NVIDIA motherboard/HP overclocking of the AMD processor to sell it off as a more powerful machine).
I don't think the Mac will help you much with hardware failures. While Apple's failure rate is half that of PCs, the overall failure rate is still pretty low. If the failure is with some 3rd party product, such as a video card, the problem will affect any machine that uses said card - HPs and Macs.
Mac hardware quality is statistically twice as good as PCs, and there is documentation for this. All the other aspects of the hardware - style, ease-of-use, etc is much better than that of PCs -but that is a purely subjective opinion
So, I have been thinking about switching over to Mac. I used to have a G3 iBook (back when they were new), and I was quite unhappy with it. I'm hoping that I can get some feedback regarding the following questions. My budget is around 2,500 dollars.
That iBook was one of the few machines that had serious quality problems. Still, mine ran with no problems for 4 years. It was a nightmare to take apart though. You can buy quite a bit with $ 2500.
1.) Generally, when I'm on a computer it's to use Microsoft Office, IRC, AIM/MSN/YIM, HTML/CSS editors, Gimp and web surfing. I occasionally play computer games, but nothing too high end. What Mac laptop would best be suited for me?
The most expensive one you can afford. Macbooks can play games and do video, but it really heats up the CPU and the fans get quite loud. Macbook Pros are more powerful but seem to have more quality and software problems. (I can't verify this as I don't have one - I'm just repeating what I read here - a place known to be inaccurate).
Does Mac sell Microsoft Office 07 pre-installed? How expensive would that be?
I don't think you can get it pre-installed. Apple reserves that for Apple products. However, it is now quite cheap (barely $100) and very easy to install. Office 2008 is a .0 product and has some flakiness, but at least doesn't use the "ribbon". I like it.
What IRC clients are available for Mac?
No clue.
What AIM/MSN/YIM clients?
iChat is the best as it also does video. Adium will work with just about any protocol out there, but no video.
HTML and CSS editors?
Only a couple of hundred. Personally, I don't like my editors to do too much and get in my way. I actually do my web sites in Xcode and Safari. You'll have to find out which one you like the best.
Does Gimp run on Mac?
Yes, but why would you want to? I am an admitted anti-Adobe bigot, but I have to admit that Photoshop Elements put Gimp, Pixelmator, and all the other tools to shame. I use Corel Painter for some things that Elements can't do. I use Preview and PDF Clerk Pro for a few things that are outside Element's realm of image expertise.
2.) What's the latest Mac OS? Is it a real resource hog?
10.5.5. Yes, in objective terms, no, in relative terms. 2 GB RAM is the minimum. 4 would be better. RAM it cheap so don't skimp on it.
3.) How much does a full accidental damage warranty for a Mac cost?
I don't know about accidental damage. I know that is explicitly excluded from AppleCare.
Can Mac tech support be contacted online?
Don't know - never needed it in 20 years of owning Macs. I guess that might be a factor in deciding whether to switch.
4.) I'm sick of NVIDIA components. I've just had too many problems with them in my life. Are NVIDIA chips used in Macs?
NVIDIA is the graphics card for Macbook Pros. You might want to consider a Macbook or Macbook air. You will either 1) save lots of money or 2) be really stylish and cool. Either way you don't want to play too many games.
3rd party video has never been well supported on Macs. You might be able to get a different card for a Macbook Pro. Good luck.
5.) Is WiFi standard on Mac laptops these days?
Yes.
Which Airport card would be best for long range/weak signal detection?
It doesn't matter as you have no choice about that. Welcome to Apple. If you had to, you could get an external wifi adapter with maybe a range booster. If you have a Macbook Pro, you can use some wifi cards, but not all.
Is bluetooth and ethernet standard on Macs?
Yes, but only turn bluetooth on when you need it as it will make the Mac a little flaky.
6.) I am often on the move, and dragging my laptop with me. How sturdy are Mac laptops? Which laptops will scratch easily, and which are more stolid?
They seem more sturdy that the plastic PCs. The Macbooks are still plastic so they can get scratched and broken. But there are far fewer little plastic pieces, flaps, and doors to break than on a standard PC. The Air and Pro are both metal.
How much would a good, sturdy laptop case go for?
Same as in town.
7.) Are webcams/microphones standard on Macs?
Yes - built-in.
One of my favorite things about my current laptop is the plethora of USB/headphone ports. How many can I get on a Mac?
How many headphone ports do you need? My Macbook only has two USB ports, but they are both powered.
8.) How is the Mac networking software?
As Apple makes both computers, cards, and hubs, they focus on Apple equipment working correctly with Apple equipment. For everything else they just code to the published standards and hope the 3rd parties do the same. Many 3rd parties don't do the same and only test with their own cards running XP. Consequently, Mac wireless isn't going to be as reliable as PCs. Whose fault that is should be discussed elsewhere.
9.) What type of anti-theft systems can I get for a Mac? Lo-jack?
Same as in town. You would be wasting your money. Nobody ever gets their stuff back.
10.) I use my laptop 8-10 hours a day. I need whatever computer I have to run relatively quiet and relatively cool. How are Mac cooling systems?
Very good at dissipating excessive CPU heat onto your lap. A Macbook Pro might be better for that. Macbooks run hot and loud when you push them.
11.) I'm on the move a lot. I need a computer that can go to sleep and wake up quickly. How fast can a Mac wake up from sleep mode?
2-3 seconds?
12.) Are most of the Mac laptop ports on the sides of the laptop, or the back?
On my Macbook, all the ports are on the left. The CD is on the right.
13.) I've used my iPod Mini (It's ancient, I know) on Windows. Can it be converted to Mac? It's a sentimental item so I'd rather not retire it (Engraved for my graduation).
I don't see why not. It might be additional work to move your purchased music over to the Mac. The iPod will be easy.