| 
 enlarge | Brand: Apple
Category: Personal Computer
List Price: $1,499.00
Buy New: $1,478.99
You Save: $20.01 (1%)
New (5) from $1,478.99
Rating:  140 reviews
Sales Rank: 16
Color: Black
Media: Personal Computers
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Operating System: Mac OS X
CPU Manufacturer: Intel
CPU Speed: 2.4
CPU Type: Intel Core Duo
Processors: 1
System Bus Speed: 800
System Memory: 2000
Memory Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Hard Drive Size: 250
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Native Resolution: 13.3
Modem: None
Display Size: 13.3
Shipping Weight (lbs): 20
Dimensions (in): 17.3 x 17.1 x 5.4
Warranty: 1 year warranty
MPN: MB404LL/A
Model: MB404LL/A
UPC: 885909214297
EAN: 0014100088066
ASIN: B0013FNZ1M
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Customer Reviews:
 A great first or second Mac (also does Windows) September 26, 2008
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I'm a PC/Mac Technician/Administrator by trade. So I have plenty or experience with Windows and Macs. I've used PCs since there were PCs and I always say I'll use the best tool for the job, and time after time the best tool is a Mac. Whether you're an aspiring programmer, designer, artist, musician or simply just want to surf the web, view e-mail, IM friends or and get your job done easily, a Mac will suit your needs.
I bought this model refurbished off the Apple Store. Anything I say about the computer's Operating System (OS X) usually applies equally to other Macintosh models.
First the Hardware:
For a consumer machine it's surprisingly solid and the weight feels good. The built in camera (standard on Mac laptops and iMacs) is pretty decent as far as web cams go. After months of heavy use the hinges are still snug and the screen is just as bright. 2GB will take care of most people's needs.
Also, and this is very important, since this is an Intel based machine you can install windows (or run Parallels, Fusion or Crossover) if you have one or two legacy Apps that you absolutely can't do without. A PC can't run OS X or any of its great applications, but a Mac can run Windows right along side Mac OS program with Parallels, VMWare Fusion or Crossover.
So, if you're trying to decide between a Mac for OS X and the easy of use I talk about below and a PC for old Windows programs, you can choose both by buying this or any Intel based Mac (which is all shipping models).
The Hardware is simply top notch. In its stock configuration you can do anything 99% of computer users do. And with a third party app, you can do the last 1%. OS X is Unix. Then you have the Mac OS (OS X) and you have he option of running Windows. So, really Macs these days are THE machine IT professionals are turning to in droves.
The Software (is what makes Macs shine):
OS X is extremely stable. It is a Unix OS, so advanced users can easily do anything from a command line they can do on any Unix system from a command line using the terminal application. If you don't understand the previous sentence you don't have to because the user interface as easy or easier than Windows and you never have to learn complex commands to unleash the power of the system.
The only time I reboot is when I install software that requires a reboot. (Currently My Uptime is over 21 days -- since I installed an OS Update, and I have no doubt the system could remain on for months without needing a reboot). That's almost unheard of in Windows land, where often the machine chokes on some process and the only option is a reboot.
You can't mess up the system by clicking the wrong button, or putting the wrong file in the trash -- OS X doesn't allow that and requires an administrator password to change any important settings.
Adding Users is as simple as clicking a new account button, typing in their name and a password. Then you can switch users with a click and be secure in the knowledge that your kids or grandma can't mess up the system or your settings (because they'll have their own set), or applications.
The system is very secure out of the box, and configuring to server web pages is a simple click and drag documents into a folder and flip the Sharing panel switch on. There's a built in Firewall that's extreme easy to configure. Wireless performance is top notch. There is zero downside to buying this machine.
Installing Applications is often a simple process of clicking and dragging the application into any folder or subfolder you want. Uninstalling is a simple matter of dragging thhe program, or program folder into the trash. No messy registry, no dicey uninstall apps that might delete a shared DLL, nothing like that at all.
Adding Other hardware to the machine is also a simple process of double clicking an installer (if it's even needed) and plugging in he hardware. You never experience hardware conflicts like you do in Windows. You just plug it in and it works.
If you've never used a computer or want to migrate from Windows or another Operating System, a Macintosh is an excellent choice. I've never had a person I recommended a Mac to come back and say, "This was a mistake, " or "I hate it" or "I can't figure out how to use it." They usually thank me and gleefully tell me they never realized using (and even administrating) a computer could be so easy.
Mac VS. PC (Real world stories):
I HAVE had many, many people come back to me after purchasing a Windows only Machine against my advice months or years later regretting it. They didn't realize a Windows based computer would be so much work, or that it wouldn't be reliable.
Windows XP is a bear to manage and Vista is the same bear, but just in a shiny coat with a bow. And all you can get on new computers these days is Vista. And I have yet to run into anyone, technician or layman, who even likes Vista. Sure you can downgrade to XP, but you have ot make sure there's XP drivers available for your system before you downgrade it, because if not, you'll end up with Audio or Wireless not working, and have to put Vista back on. A friend went through this exact experience.
There are some quality PC makers out there, but most are junk. If you're wondering why the MacBook costs hundreds of dollars more than a PC, remember, you get what you pay for. The margins Apple makes for a Mac are comparable to what PC manufacturers make nowadays. So, realize that most PC manufacturers are using cheaper (read "low quality") parts, and they're going to fail a lot sooner than a typical Mac would.
Viruses and Security:
Windows is way behind the Mac when it comes to security and virus prevention. Microsoft's solution was to pop up a dialog box for anything and everything a virus might do to try to gain control of a Windows PC. The effect: annoying the hell out of users. The OS X way: run in a mode where only things such as installing applications will bother the user. That and only check the first time if someone wants to run a new application. Once that's done the OS gets out of your way and let's you get your work done. Also, if this sounds too open, you can tighten down security simply by checking boxes in most cases. If you want to secure your machine's network connections even more try Lil Snitch.
Caveats:
Almost all computers will have problems. The Mac is no exception. You might get a lemon, but apple's return policy is great. With Applecare you're covered for the practical usable life of the computer (3 years). A hard rive might die on you: that's where backing up comes in. Backup your data. The more important, the more often you should backup. Other than that most Mac problems are simple and might just require a setting change or (at worst) a reinstall of the application. With Windows you might have to reinstall the OS and each and every application. For software and hardware problems Apple's tech support is top notch. If something needs ot be replaced -- like a bad LCD (which is rarer and rarer these days), you'll often have the machine back in a few days if you choose to ship it in for repair. Just get Applecare with your system and you'll be set.
The Bottom Line:
Macs are far superior to PCs. Take it from a guy who makes money off of repairing computers. If this is to be your first computer, you probably couldn't make a better choice. If you're a Windows user considering a sea change, you couldn't pick a better time to do it -- especially considering that with a third party App you can still run Windows apps if you want to. And believe me you won't want to after experiencing the level of usability of the standard OS X application. And if you're one of those RARE Mac users considering saving money, and thinks computers are all the same: save your sanity and not just a couple of bucks, and turn away from Sony, Dell or HP.
I have gone Mac. September 22, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is my first experience with a Mac. After an incident with a defective Gateway laptop with Vista, I switched to Mac and have never looked back. The transition from pc to Mac took a little getting used to, but I think Mac is far superior. The computer boots up quickly and doesn't have all the programs running in the background (that slow down the computer!) that most of the pc's come with today. Plus, the threat of viruses is almost nonexistent for Macs.
I did upgrade to the 250 gb hard drive just to make sure that I had enough room for all of my music and I enrolled in AppleCare just to be on the safe side. I also purchased the iWork software to replace Microsoft Office, but when I exported files in .doc or .xls formats, the file changed enough that my professors started deducting points on my assignments. I decided to get the Microsoft Office for Mac software and haven't had an issue since.
I was a little hesitant at first to order a 13.3 inch laptop after having one that was a 15 inch widescreen, but the smaller screen is just fine. I mainly use my computer for surfing the internet and for completing assignments for school, and this 13.3 inch size suits my needs just fine.
I've had the computer for 2 months now and I couldn't be happier! I am so glad that I made the switch!
Love my new mac book September 21, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
After years working with Pc , I got my mac at last, and it is so much easier to work with and it looks so cool, I love it
The best personal computers out there September 21, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Why would anyone buy anything other than Apple computers? They just work. No monkeying around.
This is my 3rd Apple laptop.
Nothing else is needed.
Best computer I ever owned.... September 21, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I bought a macbook in April (bigger hard drive than the ones listed here), and I also have Parallels and Windows XP on it. Now after using windows for 20 years, I figured there would be a learning curve. I was very surprised how easy this computer is to use. Somethings I had to learn, but for the most part I took it out of the box and I was up and running.
After 5 months of use, I never had a problem with my system. I have over 5,000 photos, about 1,000 videos, 5,000 songs, and a bunch of other software for work/school/church ministry (30,000 or more documents). With the mac apps I have switched to, I find that they are more stable and more intuitive than MS Windows based apps.
I recommend this computer very highly. In fact, because of the quality and stability - I bought my wife a mac mini (she did not want a laptop).
Buy this computer and you will be very pleased. You can do anything that MS can do, and better with the right native mac OS X apps. and if it is not on a mac, well.... you can still run Windows on this computer in bootcamp or a virtual machine like VMFUSION or PARALLELS...
Everyone I know that has tried a mac, or has seen mine, now wants one.
As for those posts about a mac crashing - ok maybe 1 or 2 in a manufactoring run may have a defect (but that is the nature in electronics in general); but everyone I know who has switched to a mac never has had a problem. I do suggest the Applecare warrenty, just in case. But unlike other laptops - this is the first one that something did not break, nor have I had to reformat the hard drive after a few months.... 5 months of everyday use for 4-5 hrs or more and still running like the day I took delivery on it.
With mac os x, I found I did not need all the software I had - as a lot is built into the operating system and iLife that comes with the computer.
Time machine backups is great. It makes an exact copy of the hard drive, then copies of every files. I could just unplug the external hard drive and plug it into another computer (PC or MAC) and browse right to the file - unlike other backup software that requires special disks and mounting the drive.
also, I bought a Wacom Bamboo tablet and plugged it in. recognized it with no problems. Turned on the inkwell and handwriting recognition in the preferences for OS X, and now I have a tablet-like PC. while I cannot write directly on the screen, this is the next best thing.
Switching from windows to this was a breeze.
|
|
|
