Techsurvivors

Archives => 2006 => Topic started by: pendragon on October 24, 2006, 10:06:00 AM

Title: New MacBook Pros
Post by: pendragon on October 24, 2006, 10:06:00 AM
Order today. cheer.gif

New MacBook Pros
Title: New MacBook Pros
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 25, 2006, 02:54:53 PM
My wife is making noises about my continued use of her laptop twice a week and one other time a month. Now she's also saying it would be nice to take it into the bedroom when she's playing FlipWords ( I think she wants to upload her scores! ). So it looks like an Airport router is in the future, also. But I doubt that we'll opt for a MacBook Pro. Only thing that bothers me about the 'consumer' models is that the screens are smaller, there is no longer a 14" model...but she may not even notice the .666 inch difference! smile.gif
Title: New MacBook Pros
Post by: pendragon on October 25, 2006, 04:22:41 PM
I'm a bit surprised (and disappointed) that Apple dropped the BTO option for a 7200 RPM drive in the 15" MacBook Pro.

The 100GB serial ATA drive @ 7200 is still available on the 17" model, but isn't that the same drive that had been available on the "old" 15"? If so, why drop it? Heat, space, cost, battery performance? dntknw.gif  Thinking.gif
Title: New MacBook Pros
Post by: Parker on October 28, 2006, 05:25:47 PM
the 4200rpm performance in the 200gb HD on the MacBook Pro's going to BLOW!
Title: New MacBook Pros
Post by: Mayo on October 28, 2006, 05:58:26 PM
I have used iBooks for over four years (going on five actually...) and even though I have had multiple warranty (and one non-warranty) repairs on both my G3 and G4 iBooks, I think that they were o.k. (particularly the G4, which I bought new for only $650.)

However, I wouldn't buy a MacBook.  They look and feel cheap and the new design for the heat dissipator makes them run hotter than previous models.  On the other hand, the MacBook Pro doesn't look and feel cheap and it utilizes a different heat dissipator design than the MacBook so it is cooler to the touch.  The screen is brighter and 15" is a nice size for most uses.  Remember when a 15" CRT monitor was the norm for desktop computers?

Right now might be a good time to pick up a MacBook Pro because the previous models will likely be discounted to move the old stock.  Folks eligible for educational discounts should be on the lookout for special offers at college bookstores, because there can be excellent deals on recently discontinued portable Macs; that is how I got the G4 iBook for $650.

At any rate, figure-in an extended AppleCare warranty when calculating the total cost of a new portable Mac.  I am normally against extended warranties, but when it comes to Mac hardware these days I think that an extended warranty is essential rather than optional...  The L.A. Computer Company consistently has the best prices for AppleCare; they seem to price it at the educational discount level, which is the best deal that I have found online or at brick-and-mortar stores.

Now I am off to the U of O Bookstore Web site to see if there are any MacBook Pro specials posted!