when will apple join everyone else and upgrade MB/MBP to Core 2?

[otispunkmeyer]

when?

im having a tough time deciding what i want. i sold my rig and ill need something to replace it soon

i would like to try Mac book pro, since i can use OSX and XP and get a laptop of superb quality

or i could save money/get more features by going windows only laptop like Acer TM 8210.

or i could build a SFF based on shuttles new core 2 boxes

so many decisions!

 

[Commodus]

There's nothing definite - the most likely answer is that you'll probably see updated models before "Black Friday" (the day after Thanksgiving).

Also, don't be so quick to assume that Apple's charging an arbitrary premium. There are little features that mean quite a bit, like the MagSafe power connector, the backlit keyboard, the excellent two-finger trackpad scrolling, and the quick sleep/wake response time. Apple's tech support is generally considered better than Acer's as well.

 

[TerryMathews]

Originally posted by: Commodus
Also, don't be so quick to assume that Apple's charging an arbitrary premium.

Very true. Apple still carries the stigma of being an 'expensive' system from the 68040 and early PPC days, but they've really been cost competitive with legit computer resellers since the late PPC days.

By legit, I mean OEMs who actually install legitimately licensed Windows software other applications - Dell, Compaq, HP, etc.

Apple doesn't usually have a competitive bargain basement configuration, but if you equip a Dell to match up to Apple's specs, they're very close.

 

[andrewbabcock]

I hated Dells for a while but i've actually grown to like them some what. At least with a dell you know what your getting: a great screen and better speakers that most at an affordable price. I will definitely by another dell someday if its that much cheaper.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: Commodus
There's nothing definite - the most likely answer is that you'll probably see updated models before "Black Friday" (the day after Thanksgiving).

Also, don't be so quick to assume that Apple's charging an arbitrary premium. There are little features that mean quite a bit, like the MagSafe power connector, the backlit keyboard, the excellent two-finger trackpad scrolling, and the quick sleep/wake response time. Apple's tech support is generally considered better than Acer's as well.

yeah it makes sense, apple laptops are a little more expensive in m view, but it seems entirely justified especially considering the build quality which ive heard is pretty much 2nd to none.

now im studying to become an engineer and theres nothing i like more than kit that is built properly

 

[slugg]

^^ ibm/lenovo's build quality is 2nd to none.

 

[pkme2]

:Q
Steve Jobs would have a heart attack and then Apple would be swallowed up by Intel.

Can't let that happen. Apple is doing fine the way they are. Leave them alone. They seem to be alright at present. IMO, please, we need somebody to keep everybody and everything honest.

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
when?

im having a tough time deciding what i want. i sold my rig and ill need something to replace it soon

i would like to try Mac book pro, since i can use OSX and XP and get a laptop of superb quality

or i could save money/get more features by going windows only laptop like Acer TM 8210.

or i could build a SFF based on shuttles new core 2 boxes

so many decisions!

If you really don't like windows that much, you could always go for a flavor of Linux (better than Mac or Windows once you learn how to use it IMHO) I'm currently running off of a 2 month old TM 8204 and the performance is sweet. I can't imagine what's going to happen when they put a Core 2 + Blueray drive in the 8210.

Couple of things though: If you buy an Acer, you only get windows OEM (although Acer does allow you to restore factory settings/conditions from a hidden partition). Also, uninstall Acer's eNet management. Useless IMO. Also, the webcam driver's defaults are for high quality low framerate., and are very jerky. However, you can get > 15 fps andbstill have a pretty nice picture if you tweak the driver enough.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: irishScott

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
when?

im having a tough time deciding what i want. i sold my rig and ill need something to replace it soon

i would like to try Mac book pro, since i can use OSX and XP and get a laptop of superb quality

or i could save money/get more features by going windows only laptop like Acer TM 8210.

or i could build a SFF based on shuttles new core 2 boxes

so many decisions!

If you really don't like windows that much, you could always go for a flavor of Linux (better than Mac or Windows once you learn how to use it IMHO) I'm currently running off of a 2 month old TM 8204 and the performance is sweet. I can't imagine what's going to happen when they put a Core 2 + Blueray drive in the 8210.

Couple of things though: If you buy an Acer, you only get windows OEM (although Acer does allow you to restore factory settings/conditions from a hidden partition). Also, uninstall Acer's eNet management. Useless IMO. Also, the webcam driver's defaults are for high quality low framerate., and are very jerky. However, you can get > 15 fps andbstill have a pretty nice picture if you tweak the driver enough.

cool

i am getting alot more interested in mac book pro though, alot more. i like its looks, i like its build, i like the way you can have OSX and XP on the same machine.

seriously contemplating the move.

 

[Commodus]

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer

If you really don't like windows that much, you could always go for a flavor of Linux (better than Mac or Windows once you learn how to use it IMHO).

I disagree - hardware and software installations are still harder on a day to day basis with Linux than on a Mac. I have a friend who was (and still is) a big Linux user, but he got tired of spending 3 hours trying to add a device on the weekend. He now has a 24-inch iMac and he's loving it.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: Commodus

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer

If you really don't like windows that much, you could always go for a flavor of Linux (better than Mac or Windows once you learn how to use it IMHO).

I disagree - hardware and software installations are still harder on a day to day basis with Linux than on a Mac. I have a friend who was (and still is) a big Linux user, but he got tired of spending 3 hours trying to add a device on the weekend. He now has a 24-inch iMac and he's loving it.

i never said that btw lol! you chopped the quote too much. that was irish scott's comment

 

[Commodus]

You're right, I'm sorry. At any rate, the point still stands! To me, OS X has many of the advantages of Linux over Windows with fewer weaknesses.

 

[manly]

Current speculation is first or second week of November.

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: manly
Current speculation is first or second week of November.

If that's true then I'll be getting a Macbook Black when I get my tax returns next year.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: Megatomic

Originally posted by: manly
Current speculation is first or second week of November.

If that's true then I'll be getting a Macbook Black when I get my tax returns next year.

that time frame is also the target for sony's core 2 duo update of their 13.3 inch lappy (the one made from carbon fibre, has LED backlighting and switchable gpu's) the guy in the shop also said the pre-orders on that laptop were full!

its a nice machine, but to my knowledge it has no DVI output.... and thats definately a feature i want.

 

[Megatomic]

I'm just not impressed with Sony computers. It's always seemed to me that they were very expensive compared to other Wintel manus. for similar machines. And in my case, I'm giving up on homemade customizable gaming PCs, so I want to get something that I'll love using for a long time.

So if Apple has a Merom Macbook on the market when I'm ready to drop change for a new laptop I'll get one. If not, I'm getting an HP DV2000T, fully loaded of course.