Mac or Tablet?

[daniel1113]

When I leave my job for law school this fall, I'll have to turn in my company laptop. So, I'm in the market for a new notebook. I already have a desktop and a file/web server, so this computer will only be for me to use while in class (research, internet, note taking, etc.) and to use while traveling. It needs to be portable (15" or smaller) and have enough battery power to last the day (5-6 hours). Taking my needs into consideration, I looked at a bunch of notebooks, including the Dell Studio series, MacBook Pro, and ThinkPad T500. I also looked into a few tablet computers, namely the ThinkPad X200, HP 2730p, and Dell XT2.

I've since narrowed my list down to two options: the new 13" MacBook Pro and X200 Tablet. Now I need some input from AT to help me decide. Basically, I have little experience with Macs and tablet PCs.

I'm a long time Windows user and would definitely consider myself an expert when it comes to Windows. I've played with OS X on my desktop before, and I'd really like to give OS X a try on a proper Apple system. Naturally, I plan on installing Vista or 7 using Bootcamp or Fusion/Parallels as there's no way I'll be able to completely give up Windows (I do a lot of .NET web development with Visual Studio and SQL Server). So, I'm curious if there is anyone else out there that is primarily a Windows user with an Apple computer, and if so, do you regret your purchase? Do you have any issues (drivers, etc.) running Windows on your MacBook?

My other option is the X200 tablet computer. Basically, I've never used a tablet PC aside from a HP tx2 that was on display at Best Buy this weekend, and I wasn't impressed with it. The multitouch screen looked terrible and wasn't very responsive, and the overall build quality was terrible. On the other hand, it seems like a quality tablet computer could be extremely useful for school. So, for those of you that have used tablet PCs in the past, how would you rate the overall functionality of tablet PCs? Do they work as promised, or are they still not up to par when it comes to note taking and other tablet features? In other words, are they usable?

With both computers, I'll be trying something new, but I'd appreciate any feedback you may have. Peace.

 

[fatpat268]

Go for the MBP.

I've had both a tablet (2 years ago) and (recently) a mac. A tablet sounds great in theory... taking and digitizing notes on your computer, and then you realize it's a lot more trouble than it's worth. In a lot of classes that I took, I found that I much preferred to type my notes. I handwrote my notes on my tablet for my Calculus 3 class, and that's about it. Besides, it's much simpler to just use a standard notebook and pencil or type your notes. Trust me. That's not to say tablets are bad, quite the opposite actually, but I just find the process of it to be more of a burden than anything.

As far as the mac goes... if you have the money and want one, get the MBP. I've never owned a mac before, and I recently purchases a 13in MBP. I absolutely don't regret the purchase. Sure, I can get a laptop with better specs for cheaper, but there's just something about the MBP that exudes quality. It's quite hard to explain. That said, it's not for everybody. Go play with the new MBPs at Best Buy or the Apple Store before you blindly go in. Perhaps a windows laptop will suit you better based on what you'd use it for.

 

[Rottie]

Being a lawyer i dont see any lawyer carry a macbook pro. i could be wrong i dont know why you decide not to choose thinkpad. Anyway if you decide to go with macbook pro then thestu will be here shortly and he will be happy to talk with you....hes a hardcore macbook lover.
good luck

 

[daniel1113]

Originally posted by: fatpat268
I've had both a tablet (2 years ago) and (recently) a mac. A tablet sounds great in theory... taking and digitizing notes on your computer, and then you realize it's a lot more trouble than it's worth.

That has been my overall impression of tablet PCs as well. While a great idea in theory, I don't think the technology is quite to the point where they are really useful. I have a feeling I would probably play around with it for a few weeks and then ditch the tablet features when classes actually begin.

Originally posted by: fatpat268
That said, it's not for everybody. Go play with the new MBPs at Best Buy or the Apple Store before you blindly go in. Perhaps a windows laptop will suit you better based on what you'd use it for.

Well, I've been following Apple and their MBPs closely for years, so I'm pretty familiar with their line. I've just never made the Mac plunge mostly for the reasons I stated above (I am a big Windows user). I think it goes without saying that the new MBPs are probably one of the nicest laptops out there, Mac or otherwise, especially in the 13" size. I played around with one last week at the Apple store, and aside from the internal battery (seriously, Apple?) it is a solid machine.

Originally posted by: Rottie
Being a lawyer i dont see any lawyer carry a macbook pro. i could be wrong i dont know why you decide not to choose thinkpad. Anyway if you decide to go with macbook pro then thestu will be here shortly and he will be happy to talk with you....hes a hardcore macbook lover.
good luck

I'm not sure why it should matter what other lawyers use. I don't know any other lawyer that is also a web programmer, graphic designer, database developer, and overall technophile like me. Also, as I tried to explain in my original post, I'm more curious than anything to try a proper Apple computer. ThinkPads are great, and would definitely be my laptop brand of choice if I didn't want to give OS X a try.

 

[fatpat268]

Originally posted by: daniel1113

Well, I've been following Apple and their MBPs closely for years, so I'm pretty familiar with their line. I've just never made the Mac plunge mostly for the reasons I stated above (I am a big Windows user). I think it goes without saying that the new MBPs are probably one of the nicest laptops out there, Mac or otherwise, especially in the 13" size. I played around with one last week at the Apple store, and aside from the internal battery (seriously, Apple?) it is a solid machine.

Well to be honest... I love the internal battery. I get absolutely wonderful battery life in osx at around 6-7 hrs surfing the internet on my MBP 13. Around 4 hrs watching DVD's and such. Windows battery life isn't nearly as good on this laptop, but it's a respectable ~4hrs or so surfing the net.

That said, I don't know of anyone who has multiple batteries out there that switches them out regularly. Perhaps you're one of those individuals that do, but most of the outrage is really just random complaining. The battery life is so good, I'm honestly not worried at all about switching it.

 

[daniel1113]

Originally posted by: fatpat268

Originally posted by: daniel1113

Well, I've been following Apple and their MBPs closely for years, so I'm pretty familiar with their line. I've just never made the Mac plunge mostly for the reasons I stated above (I am a big Windows user). I think it goes without saying that the new MBPs are probably one of the nicest laptops out there, Mac or otherwise, especially in the 13" size. I played around with one last week at the Apple store, and aside from the internal battery (seriously, Apple?) it is a solid machine.

Well to be honest... I love the internal battery. I get absolutely wonderful battery life in osx at around 6-7 hrs surfing the internet on my MBP 13. Around 4 hrs watching DVD's and such. Windows battery life isn't nearly as good on this laptop, but it's a respectable ~4hrs or so surfing the net.

That said, I don't know of anyone who has multiple batteries out there that switches them out regularly. Perhaps you're one of those individuals that do, but most of the outrage is really just random complaining. The battery life is so good, I'm honestly not worried at all about switching it.

I don't think it will be an issue, since ~6 hours will be plenty for me. Of course, back when Dell made laptops that could two batteries after removing the optical drive I would often use my computer for 12 hours by swapping out my three batteries.

Swapping batteries is one of those things that you rarely need to do, but when you need it, it's very convenient. I understand Apple's rationale for going with the internal battery, but I still like the comfort of knowing I can always get a secondary battery. Oh well.

Long story short, I'm leaning towards the MBP. I can always sell it and get a decent amount of my investment back if I don't like it.