Michael Sherlock » macbook

Why Apple Computer’s are Worth the Price

Michael Sherlock — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:35:04 +0000

A big topic around the web regarding macintosh computers is why pay more? I have been told so many times “I can buy or build my own machine for less then a mac” and sometimes that is true. In other instances, the hardware cost is the same as a PC from another vendor. But why not just buy the machine with the lowest cost for the hardware? Well, among other things, an Apple computer has the advantage because of the additional benefits you get with every Mac.

The Software. Mac OS X is the most complete operating system I have used in many years. It has the eye candy everyone wants but is also responsive. Apple doesn’t preinstall junk-ware from third-party manufacturers on your machine either. They simply install the functional media suite iLife, free of charge, to get you on your way.
Applecare. Let’s say you are a new user and for some reason your machine is not working correctly. Nothing is perfect all of the time but apple doesn’t put you through the annoying hoops other companies call customer service. All you have to do is call Apple and a representative will do their best to help you. Do you live by an apple store though? If so, just go to the store and a ‘genius’ will help you fix the problem. If they can’t, they will replace the faulty component and in some cases give you a completely new machine. Even on the apple website you can find hundreds of tutorials to help you with any issues you are having.
Security. With new viruses, trojans, and spyware hitting the web every day it’s imperative to keep yourself protected. Apple made this a priority and uses an operating system designed more securely from the ground up than windows could ever be. Besides that, there are only a handful of viruses for the mac platform so the chance of getting infected is extremely low. With apple releasing security patches frequently, you can rest easy at night knowing your data is protected.
Quality. Apple has been leaps and bounds above the competition when it comes to making reliable products. The new unibody design for their laptop line is extremely durable and it’s single piece of aluminum is bound to keep your laptop running for years to come. From the past though, apple machines are still chugging along today. A friend of mine uses a three year old powerbook G4 as his primary machine and it can still do everything he needs it to do. From school to work to play, you can expect your mac to keep up with your needs.
Design. Apple machines are known for their sleek look and have been trend setters for years. Companies have tried over and over again to capture the sleek look of an Apple PC but few have matched what Apple has done. Functionally, Apple first brought firewire to their notebooks many years ago and now firewire is the gold standard for connecting high-speed devices to a computer. When apple began installing iSight cameras on all of their notebooks, the competition noticed. It’s almost common now to see webcams installed on mobile computers. When apple does it, you can expect other companies to follow suit.

It’s not an issue of being biased when making a choice to buy a mac. You can run windows or linux on your apple machine but you also get the benefits that no other company besides apple can supply.

Spotlight Turns to Notebooks: Apple Event Racap

Michael Sherlock — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:00:38 +0000

The apple event “Spotlight Turns to Notebooks” brought an entirely new look to apple’s notebook line-up. Mostly for the better, this event revamped the macbook and macbook pro lines, updated the macbook air and announced a new monitor. However, there are some major issues in these new products that are uncharacteristic of apple.

Problems

Glossy screens only.
Prosumers need a monitor that displays colors accurately, which this glossy screen does not, and one that can be used in different lighting environments without being crippled by glare. Have a choice was good, a matte only option would be fine, but Glossy only is a problem.
Cinema Display Connectivity
Although this new display does have a 3 port usb hub built in along with an isight and speakers it is only compatible, out of the box, with the new macbook’s and macbook pro’s. For any other machine, you need an adapter which costs extra money.
Firewire 400
The macbook does not have any firewire options and the pro variety has firewire 800 only. This is a huge problem. Macbook users will no longer be able to use their external hard drives or video cameras and pro users are down a port. Come on apple, it’s just one little port but would be wonderful for many people.

Watch the keynote .

Apple’s Notebook line to see physical redesign

Michael Sherlock — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:43:34 +0000

It’s become clear that over the next few months Apple inc. will be redesigning the macbook and macbook pro lines respectively.
As you can see, the current models have not changed since their release in 2006. In fact, the current macbook pro looks very similar to the powerbook G4 from 2001. Also, the macbook looks almost exactly the same as the iBook G3 from 2001. In both instances, major cosmetic upgrades have been simply slimming the design and adding an isight camera. (New keyboards have also been added.) The macbook has been updated with a magnetic latch too. Nothing too amazing has changed the overall physical aspect however.

Similar to the redesign of the iMac and the all new macbook air, it is apparent that an aluminum macbook is in the works. “Shedding their plastic enclosures for ones constructed from more eco-friendly materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel” state people familiar with the matter. This not only makes for a more uniform notebook line but it’s clear this would also put Apple in a position to accomplish the goal of becoming a greener company.

Not only would a redesign freshen up a dated but classy line-up, it would also allow apple to make logic board changes. All of apple’s notebook lines are expected to receive “Montevina” (Penryn version 2) based CPU’s, which require ‘socket b’ logic boards. This upcoming Centrino 2 platform will feature 1066MHz front-side bus and run briskly from 2.26GHz – 2.8GHz. (These new processors are expected sometime this June.)

This only adds to current apple rumors with the inevitable refresh of the iMac and Mac Mini lines which are set to receive penryn processors the same way the macbook/pro lines have. Plus, with apple expected to update the iPhone with 3G capabilities, it makes for very juicy apple rumors to come.