Great Deals on Dell Laptops w/ Win7
- Average user rating:
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
-
23 out of 23 people found this review helpful
5.0 stars
"The Best Computer I've Ever Used"
Pros: Simple & productive Mac OS X & included apps, stunning design, slot loading DVD+-R drive, FireWire 400 & 800, Bluetooth, illuminated keybaord, ambient light sensor for screen brightness, light weight
Cons: Mac OS X doesn't always have easier shortcuts than Windows, Hard drive doesn't get big enough, Only 2 USB & 1 FireWire 400 ports, slot loading drive is in front rather than on the side, no right-click
Summary: This is the most amazing computer that I have ever laid my eye on. Originally intended for editing and graphic work, within a week it became my primary computer, and I take it EVERYWHERE with me. Mac OS X is much more intuitive and user friendly than Windows XP, by leaps and bounds. The environment allows for more advanced video, website, photo, and graphics programs, that are industry-leading software titles (namely, Final Cut). Plus, the Mac OS X has some amazing features like Expose, which shows all your windows instantly, and "command-tab," which acts like "alt-tab" on Windows but rather than giving a disgusting gray box with no purpose, lets the user interact with it by the keyboard arrows or mouse. The one thing I miss is how Windows lets you navigate through almost everything with the keyboard, and this is not the case with Mac OS X.
Anyone who argues a Mac is slower because it's processor clock speed (GHZ) is lower has no idea what he is talking about. My Dell had a 2.0 ghz P4 (maybe two years old) and the PowerPC blows that thing away. The only problem I have had was with some corrupt hard drive files, which was replaced, no questions asked, at an Apple Store in a nearby mall. I have had so many hardware failures with Dell and the like, having to send in for parts and deal with Customer Service Reps that can't speak English. Never again. Granted, the 90-day free tech support is definitely chinsey.
From the design standpoint, this is a beautiful piece of art, besides for being a technical marvel. It has BOTH style AND substance, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The ports are placed along the side with the main fan unexposed, hidden behind the big, crisp 17 inch display. Made out of aluminum, the case would never get hot enough to cause any "damage" down below, unlike some of our PC friends. Below there is an exposed button on the battery that gives a status of charge level with five LED's. The 802.11b/g ("Airport") and bluetooth Antennae are built into the bevel of the display allowing them to receive a clearer signal. The power adapater is tiny, and has a smart system for swtiching tips for other countries or for an included extension, along with clutter control for the cord. There is a ring on the plug for the laptop that elegantly glows amber or green according to the charge status. The keyboard automatically illuminates from underneath fiber optic lighting when it gets darker, thanks to the ambient light sensors that also automatically adjust screen brightness to match one's surroundings. The display stays shut with an ingenious magnet system, and while "asleep" the LED indicator on the button to pop it back open slowly fades in and out, as if breathing. Finally, the APPLE logo on the front cover lights up when the computer on, using the light from the LCD display, which is just a brilliant final touch to the package.
The design is amazing, but not perfect. The slot loading DVD/CD +- R/RW drive, despite it's coolness and convenience, is located on the front panel of the computer, making it hard to access while the computer is on one's lap. There are no shortcut keys for iTunes or DVD playback or anything; instead, the Function keys are smaller and double as brightness, volume, display, and keyboard illumination controls, despite the fact that there is tons of room for something else.
The other big problem, though not design related, is the hard drive limit. When I purchased my PowerBook, it was limited to 80GB and I constantly have to move files over to an external drive, and usually have only a few gigs (once, only a few hundred megs) open. I do a lot of video work, which is definitely one of the things that the PB tears apart, but that of course requires tons of space regardless of the platform.
You've probably heard everyone cry about Mac users are gay, they aren't compatible with anything, and now the latest claims that viruses are attacking macs. All lies. The first one doesn't need any explaining, just people being naive as usual. If anything, Macs are MORE compatible than Windows computers. Mac OS X runs the critically acclaimed iLife suite and advanced Mac apps like Final Cut. It runs every industry standard productivity and art program, including Microsoft Office (which clearly has more features than its Windows counterpart). Documents produced in multi-platform programs are almost 100% of the time compatible with each other. The Mac can write and read any DVD or CD, can connect to any Flash drive, can connect to Windows networks and printers (well... internet connection works seamlessly but file and printer sharing, while it works, is rather cumbersome). The virus hype is untrue, there are no viruses at this time that run on Mac OS X and maliciously just kill the computer and steal and delete data. That's hype for Symantec, who wants your money (even though there are cheaper and even free alternatives that are better... check download.com, Windows users).
And finally, price. Yes, it is expensive. But I ask you this: have you heard anyone who has bought a budget computer be completely satisfied with speed, with crashes, with tech support? Even partially satisfied is rare. I went the budget route with Dell a few years ago, and it was just frustrating and I wound up spending more money on support and new parts to make it work for what I needed it to, and that money easily makes up the difference between bucking up now for an amazing computer running the uncomparable Mac OS X or buying a computer that is slow, hard to use, and full of viruses and scams and spyware and crashes and other problems. Is it worth your sanity to buy a good computer you love or a bad computer that makes you hate technology?
Well, you either read that whole thing, or scrolled to the end, so in one sentence: Get this computer; get any Mac, and you will never go back to Windows and will actually enjoy your computing experience.
- 5 replies to this review
-
Thanks for your honesty and truthfulness. I my self am considering buying a mac. I am tired of the viruses and spyware so all I have to do is order one. I seriously considered going mac instead of windows when I brought my dell, but was talked out of it by my sisters son. So here I am finally doing what I should have done a year ago .
-
when will apple put the G5 processor in the Powerbooks?
-
It is so refreshing to read a lovely appraisal of a piece of art. The main reason that Apple have always been 'hand in hand' with the gay community is their commitment to produce truly artistic products rather than dull boring computers that heteros just find sooo comforting. Be proud of yourself 'hatandglasses' !!
-
Hey everyone, this report is very true, However, with the Hard Drive, I bought my 17" 1.67GHz PB with 100GB. It now comes standard. Mac was the best choice I have ever made, and I am not Bias because I was a previous PC User, though I will never go back. My only dissappointment is that Mac doesn't have as much software availiable on the Internet than Windows...
Cheers Everyone (Another Kiwi from Auckland...New Zealand (Aotearoa-Land of the Long White Cloud)) -
I will be buying a new 17 G4 Powerbook as I am suffering loss from Msn due to validation problems with no acceptance of my reg code. I can put up with current standard of my PC as I can hook up to it from the Mac. I am a home Power User (retired) and I value all the Information I get off all the experienced techs on this site.Learning every day....completely hooked! Thank to All..Love Jeni(Rotorua..New Zealand)
