Buying A Laptop
Posted on August 28, 2006 - Filed Under Tech | 8 Comments
Or rather, MacBook, since I’m pretty set on Apple’s sleek black number. However, I still have some questions, and I’d be gratefull if people could advise me on certain matters pertaining to the purchase of said laptop.
1) Is it definetly the case that the new MacBooks offer you the choice of running either Windows or OSX every time you turn them on?
2) Will all PC compatible software be able to run of the Macbook when operating it via Windows?
3) How much does Microsoft Office cost for Windows?
4) Could Microsoft Office files from the Mac version be used (edited, etc…) on the Windows version.
5) How much is Windows XP to buy (or can I get it for free somehow, since I already have it for my PC)?
6) Would games that are not graphically demanding of computers (Civilisation 4, Championship Manager, etc…) run fine on a MacBook or would even these be limited owing to the MacBook’s lack of a deicated graphics card (or something like that)?
7) While it undoubtedly saves a lot of hassle in the event of disaster, is it necessary to buy one of those extended warranty ‘Protection Plans’? I mean, under consumer legislation the retailer should be liable for all defects in the product for a considerably longer length of time than just one year. If I do get a MacBook I’ll probably end up buying this, but frankly I would question how legally neccessary it is. The idea that you pay around 1,500 Euro (WordPress won’t do a Euro symbol for me) for only one year’s use of a laptop is absurd.
How do you right-click something while in Windows on a MacBook?
9) Is the fact that MacBook get very, very hot really that big an issue or just a minor inconvenience?
10) Is it worth paying an extra 100 Euro to increase the hard drive to 100 GB from 80
GB?
11) Will I be able to transfer data from the Macbook to my PC via memory sticks and other such devices?
12) Is there any other laptop that I should seriously consider before buying this?
Advice will be appreciated.
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8 Responses to “Buying A Laptop”
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Why do you want a macbook? What are the pros exactly?
They look cool. Aren’t apples meant to be more resistant to viruses and other such devious things too?
So I’ve heard. They’re powerful too. I find them a bit over-priced unless you’re going to be using the processor to its potential with video/audio editing and the like. For casual internet use with a few games it’s a bit overkill. Just my 2 cents.
Apparently they’re not much when it comes to gaming…
Still though, they do look cool.
http://hyperreality.wordpress.com/2006/07/17/10-tips-for-new-mac-users-switching-from-windows/
1. Yes, as long as you have your own copy of Windows XP.
2. Yes
3. 2-300 euros
4. Maybe, but it’s illegal. New it’s 99 euros.
5. Yes, all .doc or .rtf
6. Should run fine.
7. Stick with the one year.
8. See the link added.
9. Minor inconvenience.
10. Depends on your needs, but not needed IMHO.
11. Yes. Or just email stuff to yourself.
12. A Dell Inspiron 6400. Cheaper and higher specced but not as good looking.
Thanks for that. I don’t quite understand the answer to 5, but for now it’s enough that’s it’s a yes.
Extended warranties on laptops are a very good idea. On desktop machines no. Laptops are prone to breaking down and fixing a broken laptop is almost as pricey as going out and buying a new one.