The official thread for any and all discussion related to Apple Inc.

[IronManForever]

Ya offcourse MACBOOK PRO 13. Just wrote in short.


Actually my confusion starts here.

DEll XPS 13 has 2 options.

1) Integrated NVIDIA® GeForce® 9400M graphics [Included in Price] (No size mentioned)

2) 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 9500M-GE with Hybrid SLI® Technology [add Rs.2,678.94]

And MacBook Pro 13 has

1) NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory3 (Read that shared with Main Memory. Is that means its going to cut away 256MB of my ram?)

I would prefer to go with the one with better Graphic card as i feel Graphic card plays a vital role on computer performance.

And can anyone say for the Dell XPS what difference will SLI card bring out?

Look, I think you are missing a big point here.

What do you want to do with the computer?

And if you dont plan to use Mac OS, then it is advised for you to not buy any Apple machine ever. There's just no point to it.

If you do plan on running Mac OS instead of Windows, then by all means, there's no reason for you to compare it to a Dell.

Dell is one of several available PCs. The MacBook Pro 13" is a Mac, only made by Apple.

And there's no reason to bring the Graphics card into the question here, because the comparison is between two machines in two vastly different leagues, running different OSes. any performance gain because of a GPU will be different in different OSes.

Take it for granted, your MacBook Pro would run and feel faster with Mac Os than a Dell with Windows Vista (or 7). That sums everything.

@Sunny
On the contrary, the new 13 inchers are getting praises and acclaims everywhere. The only glitch is a common audio in/out port and lack of digital audio-in (which is there in the older AluBooks). So, if that doesnt bother a person, then by all means the new machine is vastly superior.

 

[aryayush]

As someone who’s just placed the order for a Sony HTCT100 Sound Bar, I’m sorely missing a digital audio port as well.

 

[IronManForever]

^ Why are you missing a digital audio port? The Unibody MacBooks have them, eh?

 

[the.kaushik]

Look, I think you are missing a big point here.

What do you want to do with the computer?

And if you dont plan to use Mac OS, then it is advised for you to not buy any Apple machine ever. There's just no point to it.

If you do plan on running Mac OS instead of Windows, then by all means, there's no reason for you to compare it to a Dell.

Dell is one of several available PCs. The MacBook Pro 13" is a Mac, only made by Apple.

And there's no reason to bring the Graphics card into the question here, because the comparison is between two machines in two vastly different leagues, running different OSes. any performance gain because of a GPU will be different in different OSes.

Take it for granted, your MacBook Pro would run and feel faster with Mac Os than a Dell with Windows Vista (or 7). That sums everything.

@Sunny
On the contrary, the new 13 inchers are getting praises and acclaims everywhere. The only glitch is a common audio in/out port and lack of digital audio-in (which is there in the older AluBooks). So, if that doesnt bother a person, then by all means the new machine is vastly superior.

I agree i am a windows only user and did used Mac (Pirated) on my desktop for sometime and felt uncomfortable due to my habit of using windows. But the reason for taking a mac pro is mainly because of style and feature like metal body and multi touch touchpad and after all the brand apple. Basically i will use it for windows 7(Vista) only and may be in between if i became a mac fan i will surely use mac. Also i need a power full device because of the type of work i do but again my work is basically on open source staffs and those can runs on mac also..

Also Dell XPS looks dead man in front of this white beauty. Sony new series is good but again price is more and i feel apple better than sony when it comes for computers

Also read through the following review http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/apple-macbook-pro-13-inch.aspx
and very satisfied. Its has gaming comp with dell XPS.

 

[legolas]

Okay, after being a long-time windows user, I decided to go for mac this time.
I got macbook pro 13'' just about 3 weeks back, which came along with a free ipod-touch.

There are some things I find very interesting and a very few things annoying. I would like to point them here, with the hope that some of the things that annoy me might have a solution...

Awesome:
1) The packaging (I remember how my sony vaio package was).
2) The LED display is bloody brilliant (along with brightness control with ambience).
3) The keyboard light is awesome. The keyboard by itself, the touch, I feel the difference (with my Sony Vaio, Lord curse this company and their horrendous service).
4) The "TRACKPAD". Its just BRILLIANT. With just 1 week of using my macbook pro 13'', I suffered a lot from unavailability of shortcuts using the trackpad on laptops using windows.
5) The customer service. After I called to ask where my laptop was at the moment, the SAME person called me the next day to ask if my laptop has arrived!!! This is the first time it has happened to me.
6) Of course the free ipod-touch 8GB... Awe......some!
7) Widgets are cool and awesome. Battery stays for 4-5 hours for me at the moment.

Basically, I like the look and the feel of it. There are so many more things I absolutely love about, but I would like to tell/ask more about the problems I find.

So, now the annoyance part
1) This "unibody", being just an "aluminium body" registers the marks of my palm (no my palm does not weigh a ton), where I place them while typing and its already ugly. I am really annoyed. I couldn't help but think this is a very primitive issue to have taken care of. In 3 weeks, the spots to the left and right of my trackpad is already ugly.
2) The CUT-COPY-PASTE issue. I don't understand why I have to always copy-paste but not have a cut-paste option. And its really annoying to open two windows EVERY time I have to move something. May be there is a solution to this?
3) The fact that I have to use "cmd" to open a folder (using keyboard shortcut) or to launch an application with cmd + o and not just an "enter key" is annoying.
4) Another thing is that, I have to put all my "movies", "tv-shows" and "music" in Mac-deciding-folders for it to be recognized when I use the "Remote" to play them. Why can't I have my own folders for them and it just understands where to read the files from... (or am I wrong?)
5) why does iPhoto have to take a copy of the whole of my photo album (30GB) to its folder... ??? when its already reading/caching from this directory, which means it knows what and where a directory is...
6) I don't know the real purpose of the software "photo booth".
7) I have never used the "hibernate" option. But I don't see one here. Doesn't hurt to have the option I suppose.
8) I don't see the real purpose of the x(in-to) mark when closing the application by clicking it doesn't "really" close the application. You have to either use cmd+q or go to the application on the top and hit "quit".
9) NTFS support.. Come on! I had to install a 3rd party beta version which promises no warranty claim what-so-ever (of course)... to recognize my external hard disk. Its working fine till now though. But NTFS support looks more important than say an in-built ZIP utility...
10) The finder is ugly and in NO-WAY close to being as useful and configurable as WINDOWS EXPLORER. But I still have fun forgetting it by swiping away back and front while browsing with my trackpad.
11) Why can't I just right click a picture and set it as my desktop background?

This is all I could think of at the moment. But I am sure I will have many other questions along the way. I hope to get solutions for those available and get used to the ones where there aren't any.

thank you.

 

[FatBeing]

Okay, after being a long-time windows user, I decided to go for mac this time...

(etc.)

For your annoyances:
1. Yeah, get used to this. I was neurotic for ages about the whiteness of my white MacBook being sullied.

2. If you want to cut and paste, hold down Cmd just before you drop the file into its new location. It's not Ctrl+x and Ctrl-v, but it's something. As for using the same Finder window, you can use "spring loaded folders" — while you're dragging, hover your cursor over a folder in the current window, and it'll open. Keep doing this till you've reached the folder you want to drop the file into, and drop.

3. Try Cmd + down arrow. At least that way your fingers are closer together. The "Enter to rename" thing is probably the only feature of OS X you won't get used to. (I still hit Enter to open sometimes, and it's been nearly a year)

4 & 5. You might find these settings in the programs. I know you have to specifically set iTunes to not copy your music to the Music directory. I've never had to use iPhoto or Front Row, though.

6. Take crazy/scary pictures of yourself.

7. It's called "Sleep". OS X doesn't do hibernate the way Windows does, but Sleep mode is perfect — it consumes almost no power, and you can switch in and out of it way easier than hibernate.

8. I have a theory that this "unexpected" behaviour is the reason the X button is so tiny and on the left corner (both of which are bad HCI decisions, according to Fitts's Law). It's hidden up there so that it's inefficient to click it, and so you're less inclined to click it. Ergo, don't click it. Again, this is just a matter of getting used to it.

9. This is because NTFS is MS proprietary. For Apple, native NTFS support = pay Microsoft = hell no. The silliness of big companies.

10. Once you get used to using Spotlight and/or QuickSilver (which is a must-install, btw) you won't really need the Finder the way you needed Explorer.

11. I don't remember that you could do this in Windows. In OS X, you can make an Automator action for this. (Automator is good. It makes OS X less rigid than it initially seems).

 

[legolas]

Fatbeing, thank you for your answers
2) for moving and deleting permanently (shift+del), now I am using quicksilver and its pretty easy and convenient.
3) cmd + down arrow is much better, thank you.
4&5 have to check it out yet.
9) I understand. 11) yes, this option was there. But I will try Automator for this as you suggested.

Edit: I found about how to add Movies to Front row from custom folder. Just create an alias of your folder and copy/move it to default "movies" folder.

best.

 

[ashu888ashu888]

ok guys, sorry for interrupting ur dialogue exchanges in between.. but i need sum suggestions on Ipod Touch ..

Im planning to buy Ipod Touch (8 GB) ...so jus wanted ur views..

1.) i mean shud i go for a 8GB Ipod touch (the touch screen is really good i suppose for a PMP) or shud i stick with the older iPod Classic 120GB version.. (i think, both are equally priced at Rs.14.5K)...

2a.) My sole purpose wud be MP3 (ofcourse) and movies (not much, jus occassionally)... also, can it play mpeg-4 types of movies or jus the normal ones (.avi format) ..??

2b.) irrespective of the movie format (be it .avi or mpeg-4 types).... do i hv to convert the movies into jus another format to run it on the ipod (on iPod touch)... ??

so i jus am confused.. and yes plz be easy on me guys, this is my 1st time buying an Apple product, so any Apple tech lingo shud be clearly explained and me spared (to say the least)..

3.) i hv alot of songs on my PC (specs in my siggy) so, i guess transferring them to the Ipod (be it a classic 120GB or a touch8GB version) wud be a piece of cake using the ITunes s/ware...right..??
-------

awating ur replies...

================

@legolas:

hey dude, congrats on ur new MacBook Pro...jus wanted to ask u, tat did u make tat purchase in India (coz the free 8GB Ipod Touch ad, i saw only on the Apple's US Site) .. plz confirm... and wat price u paid for the lappy.. ??

edit: yup, me too a windows user, but wud love to get my hands on a mac book pro later this year..
=============


Cheers n e-peace....

 

[SunnyChahal]

1. iPod Touch is the ultimate PMP! Nothing matches it's awesomeness.

2. iPod Touch can play only MP4 video format. You can easily convert videos with some free application. There are really a lot of them over the internet.

3. Transferring songs from Mac/PC to iPod using iTunes is very simple. 2-3 clicks and you're good to go.

There is much more than listening music and watching movies you can do on your iPod touch. You can use it as your wireless mouse, use it as a VNC device to control you PC, use it as an iTunes remote, surf internet, play games. The list goes on! It's the best device to kill free time.

 

[desiibond]

ok guys, sorry for interrupting ur dialogue exchanges in between.. but i need sum suggestions on Ipod Touch ..

Im planning to buy Ipod Touch (8 GB) ...so jus wanted ur views..

1.) i mean shud i go for a 8GB Ipod touch (the touch screen is really good i suppose for a PMP) or shud i stick with the older iPod Classic 120GB version.. (i think, both are equally priced at Rs.14.5K)...

2a.) My sole purpose wud be MP3 (ofcourse) and movies (not much, jus occassionally)... also, can it play mpeg-4 types of movies or jus the normal ones (.avi format) ..??

2b.) irrespective of the movie format (be it .avi or mpeg-4 types).... do i hv to convert the movies into jus another format to run it on the ipod (on iPod touch)... ??

so i jus am confused.. and yes plz be easy on me guys, this is my 1st time buying an Apple product, so any Apple tech lingo shud be clearly explained and me spared (to say the least)..

3.) i hv alot of songs on my PC (specs in my siggy) so, i guess transferring them to the Ipod (be it a classic 120GB or a touch8GB version) wud be a piece of cake using the ITunes s/ware...right..??
-------

awating ur replies...

================

@legolas:

hey dude, congrats on ur new MacBook Pro...jus wanted to ask u, tat did u make tat purchase in India (coz the free 8GB Ipod Touch ad, i saw only on the Apple's US Site) .. plz confirm... and wat price u paid for the lappy.. ??

edit: yup, me too a windows user, but wud love to get my hands on a mac book pro later this year..
=============


Cheers n e-peace....

Delay your buy till middle of september

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2...ggests-new-apple-device-iprod-coming-soon.ars

also, as every year you may see a change in pricing in a way that 16Gb will be available for price of 8Gb and 32 for 16 and may see new 64Gb version of ipod Touch.

or maybe it will be replaced with this new device codenamed iprod.

 

[ashu888ashu888]

^^

thanx for that important update news desii..

will wait till sept to see wat apple launches... thanx 2 Sunny too..

 

[pickster]

uh, can you help me guys?
i have 6 documentaries (zeitgeist and the likes.. amazing stuff. you should watch it) and i wanted to make a DVD out of them. Unfortunately, when i used iDVD, the disk ran out of space with only 2 on board.
Each file is around 700 MB.
I tried Toast Titanium next and then while it was able to write 3 movies on a single 4.7 GB disk, it took many hours (also read as 'frigging long') to convert the videos. But i didn't get iDVD quality menus and all.

My question is, can i use some converting software like Handbrake to convert the movies into something more suitable so that iDVD will be able to write atleast 3 on one DVD? if yes, then which software and what settings?
I googled but only came up with Windows centric answers.

 

[FatBeing]

My question is, can i use some converting software like Handbrake to convert the movies into something more suitable so that iDVD will be able to write atleast 3 on one DVD?

There is indeed. Handbrake, Mac version.

http://handbrake.fr/?article=download first on the page.

 

[pickster]

Thanks FatBeing.
I was hoping on some pointers about the quality i should set, bitrate, blah blah as i have absolutely no idea about them.
I'm experimenting right now and encoding with target size as 450 MB. lets see how that turns out.

 

[ashu888ashu888]

Okay, after being a long-time windows user, I decided to go for mac this time.
I got macbook pro 13'' just about 3 weeks back, which came along with a free ipod-touch.

hey dude, congrats on ur new MacBook Pro...jus wanted to ask u, tat did u make tat purchase in India (coz the free 8GB Ipod Touch ad, i saw only on the Apple's US Site) .. plz confirm... and wat price u paid for the lappy.. ??

 

[the.kaushik]

Guys will we be able to use traditional headphones and mic with macbook pro as it has only one port. What is the difference and benefit for this?

 

[yash]

Guys will we be able to use traditional headphones and mic with macbook pro as it has only one port. What is the difference and benefit for this?

What do you mean it only has one port? http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs.html#connections check this out. it has one audio in and a separate audio out.

 

[din]

Just curious.

I heard the new macbook (13 inch) has battery that work for 7 hrs. Is that true ? Also, this battery (if we buy it separately) will suit for the old (white 13 inch) macbook ?

 

[the.kaushik]

What do you mean it only has one port? http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs.html#connections check this out. it has one audio in and a separate audio out.

No dude. am looking for macbook pro 13". It has only one port. It works for both audio in and audio out. So curious.

 

[legolas]

hey dude, congrats on ur new MacBook Pro...jus wanted to ask u, tat did u make tat purchase in India (coz the free 8GB Ipod Touch ad, i saw only on the Apple's US Site) .. plz confirm... and wat price u paid for the lappy.. ??

Hi ashu,

I am sorry for the late reply. I am in Germany. I bought it from here. The offer is also available here.
And to your other question about iPod touch, I second Sunny's reply. It is fraeking awesomeeeeeee. But probably you should wait if there is going to be these offers as some of them pointed out.

Just curious.
I heard the new macbook (13 inch) has battery that work for 7 hrs. Is that true ? Also, this battery (if we buy it separately) will suit for the old (white 13 inch) macbook ?

well, it might be true in the worst case. But nevertheless, its awesome. for me, just by dimming the brightness very little ( as recommended under mac faq ) I am able to get about 4-5 hours of life if I just work with firefox. and about 3-4 hours with firefox open and by watching movie/tv-shows till the battery is totally down.

The battery as far as I know is inbuilt and can't be used for older makes. It is not visible on the outside as in case of pc-laptops.

best.
-----------------------------------------
Posted again:
-----------------------------------------

What do you mean it only has one port? http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs.html#connections check this out. it has one audio in and a separate audio out.

This is strange. My macbook pro (about a month old now) just has 1 audio "port??" for headphones and an inbuilt microphone... but there is no audio in...
very strange!!!
-----------------------------------------
Posted again:
-----------------------------------------

No dude. am looking for macbook pro 13". It has only one port. It works for both audio in and audio out. So curious.

ah sorry, I have a 13 inch too. I havn't had any difficulty so far. In fact, I realized it just now, loool. Apple amazes me at times.