Debating between a T series and Mac

Message

wanna_IBM · #1 Post by **wanna_IBM** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 7:22 am

I know this is a thinkpad forum but just wondering if anyone had a mac powerbook and which they prefer and why? Thanks.

Steve007 · #2 Post by **Steve007** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 7:24 am

wanna_IBM wrote:I know this is a thinkpad forum but just wondering if anyone had a mac powerbook and which they prefer and why? Thanks.

It depends on your needs. For everyday tasks then I'd opt for a Windows machine (or the TP in this case).

GoyoNeuff · #3 Post by **GoyoNeuff** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 7:48 am

Hi wanna_IBM,
What are you needs? What are you going to use the laptop for? Macs are great machines, but Thinkpads are also. Mac OS is far more stable than Windows, and it has more stile, but, which software are you going to use? What is your budget range?
K.

wanna_IBM · #4 Post by **wanna_IBM** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 8:01 am

I will use it for internet use and also work. will need to play sales videos on it to show my clients. Most of all I will use it as a desktop replacement but also mobile as mentioned above.

matyst · #5 Post by **matyst** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 8:32 am

I love Macs' design and OSX and I was considering 15" Powerbook, but finally got T40 and I am very happy with my choice. You can't go wrong with Powerbook either; keep in mind, however, that they get very hot, especially new models with faster CPUs. A friend of mine has one and he keeps his PBook bottom raised (by putting spacers under the rear edge) to keep it cooler. And it is just impossible to keep them on your lap, especially that their metal chassis is a great heat conductor. And Centrino seems to be a faster platform too (although some Mac fans would disagree).
It's your choice.

T41mbi · #6 Post by **T41mbi** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 9:03 am

I reckon the only reason Mac's actually sell is because they look so [censored] sleek, that, and all the advertising it gets in Hollywood movies

Look buddy, I aint knocking Mac they are great computers but the fact is that 90% of computer users run Microsoft operating systems. So hardware/software manufacture when inventing new technology will always cater for the PC market first because thats where the most money is to be made.

#7 Post by **jdhurst** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 9:04 am

If you are working with Clients, then the ThinkPad is a good choice because 99 percent of us use Windows. MAC is an excellent choice for specific work but I like to be in the mainstream with my clients.

And I would not be concerned with the statement that MAC OS is far more stable than Windows. Properly set up on a certified IBM ThinkPad, Windows XP Pro is essentially unbreakable and it is physically impossible to be "far more stable" than a machine that never fails.

... JDHurst

rocketman · #8 Post by **rocketman** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 9:04 am

My brother in law recently got a new 15" Powerbook. I have to say it is a beauty, I've never seen such a good looking computer before, it's so sleek I'd almost call it a "designer". computer. I've played with it a couple of times, first the keyboard is fantastic, I'm not sure if it's exactly the equal of the Thinkpad keyboard but if it isn't its very close. The lid opens so smoothly and easily ( you could open it with your pinky finger!), you would almost think that it would fall over but it stays where you put it. The display seems nice but I won't swear that it's the best out there. Being made out of aluminum I'm not sure how it takes abuse, my former Thinkpad took alot of abuse. Maybe someone who has had a Powerbook for a while can chime in about this. All in all I have to say I was impressed.

wanna_IBM · #9 Post by **wanna_IBM** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 9:51 am

I think the main reason I want it is it is a beauty and will seem like I got something new rather than another black one. However I dont like the warrenty it is one yr. like most but 399.00 if you want a 3 yr. so that is kind of turning me toward the T42 or T42p. Thanks for all your responses.

mattfromomaha · #10 Post by **mattfromomaha** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 10:03 am

Macs are stylish - but if you're going for sexy and stylish, look for a Sony VAIO X505...

The Thinkpad is in my opion the best choice for you. Well built, good reliability, extremely good software compatibility, and the T-series has both VGA and s-video outputs for presentations.

Macs have their place in the world. Serious video editors and graphics designers like the specialty software. I hear most newspaper companies use Macs because of the same reason. They are also popular in grade schools. But, the choice is different for a business user. I'd go with compatibility and reliability.

rocketman · #11 Post by **rocketman** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 10:13 am

It's kind of hard to compare. The stock 15" Powerbook direct from Apple.com is $2499, it has a 1.5 GHz processor, 64mb ATI 9700 video card and 512mb ram. It has an 80gb 4200 rpm hard drive but can be upgraded to 5400 rpm for $50. The video card can be upgraded to 128mb vram for an extra $100. The extended warranty which adds an additional 2 years to the standard one year warranty is $349. These are US $ prices.
I have no idea how Apples telephone customer support compares to IBM's.

GoyoNeuff · #12 Post by **GoyoNeuff** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 10:57 am

OK. jdhurst is right. A Thinkpad property set with Windows XP Pro is a reliable machine, but Mac OS is Unix based and I believe in some cases more stable. I love Macs, but you better go with your clients, and in so many cases, they'll be PC base, so better a Thinkpad. They're great, reliable, and very well done laptops. There are not better PC base laptops outhere. PB are great too, more design, music, and photo-design oriented. Truly, they get hot. Their design and look is much better.

K.

schk · #13 Post by **schk** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 11:51 am

I think regardless if you get a Powerbook or Thinkpad, both are good laptops. I have a 12" Powerbook and I primarily do web development/design. There are times when I still favor XP over OS X. For example, the Macromedia suite runs OK on OS X, but the UI lacks the tabbed window environment that the PC versions have, and it's a pain to work with those programs on the Mac versus PC.

From personal experience, I find that I baby my Powerbook much more than I would the Thinkpad due to it's aluminum enclosure and the fact you don't want to get any scratches, etc. For durability you are better off with a Thinkpad or iBook if you choose to try out a Mac. Being an anal person about laptops fit and finish, I also find there are more issues to complain about with Powerbooks versus Thinkpads. Also keep in mind if you are already PC based, you will have to spend money to buy Mac versions of the software which will add up the cost of switching.

rocketman · #14 Post by **rocketman** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 2:19 pm

I found something that seems to be nice with the 15" Powerbook. It has a DVI port to use with a digital LCD external monitor.

teknerd122 · #15 Post by **teknerd122** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 8:08 pm

Judging from these forums, IBM has just as many, if not more, quality issues than Apple. Unfortunately, the "issues" that Apples have can't be fixed with business-card shimmies or by filing down plastic.

When it comes to the software...I vote Mac. WinXP is just as solid as OSX when you get it configured correctly. Therein lies the caveat. I install OSX and just go...haven't had a single OS crash or drop in performance. With WinXP...you start it up, install all your drivers and junk, then configure it and watch it work wonders...for a while. After you install and uninstall a few programs (games, emulators, etc.) the [censored] thing begs for a format and clean install. WinXP can be a hassle (if you have a tech support guy at work, then he could do all of this for u). The most hilarious thing in the world was trying to get a Bluetooth dongle to work with XPpro the other day...had 2 download drivers, unpack and install, then configure the [censored] thing. I took it out of my XP machine and popped it into my old powerbook and all I had to do was turn it on via the Bluetooth emblem that appeared in the status bar. Just an example of how OSX tends to be easier. However, IBM's hardware is worth the XP hassle. =P I'm currently looking into an iBook or a T42, so if I sound undecided, I am.

rocketman · #16 Post by **rocketman** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 8:27 pm

However, IBM's hardware is worth the XP hassle. I'm currently looking into an iBook or a T42, so if I sound undecided, I am.

If the choice is between a T42 or an iBook I'd go for the T42. If the choice is between a T42 and a Powerbook, well that could be a harder decision.

wanna_IBM · #17 Post by **wanna_IBM** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 8:51 pm

Yes, it is a hard decision. Choices are T42 or Powerbook, Ibook is out, I hate the looks of them.

teknerd122 · #18 Post by **teknerd122** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 9:20 pm

wanna_IBM wrote:Yes, it is a hard decision. Choices are T42 or Powerbook, Ibook is out, I hate the looks of them.

If looks are important...it's the PowerBook, hands down. I like the black t42, but the smooth surfaces of the PowerBook cannot be beat (even the underbelly is completely smooth, which no other pc that I know of can claim).

Skywing · #19 Post by **Skywing** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 9:48 pm

too bad looks are the only thing going for apple, proprietary software on proprietary hardware, which they charge out the [censored] for. if there werent so many people buying things based on looks apple would be near bankruptcy, it seems that everyone excuse i hear for buying a powerbook is because it "looks pretty"

teknerd122 · #20 Post by **teknerd122** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:02 pm

Apple has a great OS. Microsoft never did catch up in the easy-to-use GUI game, although XP came close. Too bad people aren't willing to pay for a better engineered product. Also, an IBM forum is hardly the place to complain about high prices.

rocketman · #21 Post by **rocketman** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:37 pm

too bad looks are the only thing going for apple, proprietary software on proprietary hardware

You mean as opposed to Microsofts "proprietary" software? I've used my brother in laws Powerbook and I had my Thinkpad and I like both. If you need software that only runs on a PC then by all means get the Thinkpad. Otherwise it could be a tough choice, the Apple OS X isn't only good looking it's extremely functional as well.

hhy2k · #22 Post by **hhy2k** » Sat Sep 25, 2004 1:18 pm

I used MACS a few times in my life and surprisingly never had a good experience. may be i am too addicted to MS systems.

Among the few times I used a PWBOOK. Crashed two times during typing emails. I bet it is an exeption.

I think XP a good OS, need maintenance tho, that is for sure, but with the IBM hardware it never crashes. I think MS has his quasi bad reputation b/c of the lausy hardware many manufacturers use to build PCs.

Also, I think XP has withstand higher demands than a MAC OS as it is used widely in far mor situation than MAC OS. The MAC OS is basically a standalone operation on one kind of hardware. Windows XP runs on 200 different hardware configuration, desktops, servers, gaming PCs, banking softwares.

XP <> UNIX stands
XP <> MAC OS, I think is not the same category

Sure my calculator and qurtz watch work very stable

Also, I like the black rim around the screen. It lifts the picture. I used other laptops with different color rims but the black is the sharpest for the eyes.

Also it is hard to believe that with all MS resources they can not match a MAC OS for 15 years. I personally think MAC is more like a myth than a real choice even if it looks good. Hack, there are very good looking PC laptops like NEC or PANASONIC... not to mention SONY. Also I think fileformats are transparent with some knowledge... as MS is shareholder in Apple

my dime

66GTO · #23 Post by **66GTO** » Sat Sep 25, 2004 4:01 pm

The Mac Powerbook and OSX are very nice to use. But...there is just too much software not available on the Mac platform. For me it is more important too have software choices ready to use. So the logical choice is T42.

goka · #24 Post by **goka** » Sun Sep 26, 2004 11:01 am

66GTO wrote:The Mac Powerbook and OSX are very nice to use. But...there is just too much software not available on the Mac platform. For me it is more important too have software choices ready to use. So the logical choice is T42.

I've been using Macs and PCs for along time, and I'm currently waiting for my new T42 (replacing an old 600E) which I'll be using for my daily work, and continue using my silent and stylish PowerMac Cube for ProTools, and some other work, not to talk about just playing around with OS X (with MySql, PHP etc etc).

I've never been in a situation where I needed a program on my Mac which was only available for Windows. What program would that be? Having a large amount of programs available doesn't help much if the best programs are available on both.

But still...I strangely enough like having the choice, and for me is a stationary Mac and portable TP absolut perfect!

rocketman · #25 Post by **rocketman** » Sun Sep 26, 2004 11:16 am

Yes I agree having a Mac and a T42 is the best of both worlds.

Plinkerton · #26 Post by **Plinkerton** » Sun Sep 26, 2004 3:01 pm

I vote TP if that helps any.

I have a lot of friends that use Macs. I think they're cool, especially the desktop. The way the little icons "bulge" when you mouse over them. They kind of look cool, but I definitely think the TPs look much better. Maybe not the bottom though.

I very much dislike the navigation on the Macs. The interface is just to simple. After using the UltraNav, I would have a hard time going back to something else. If you use a mouse though, I guess it doesn't matter.

Those one button Mac mouses are total garbage though, but you can always get a real mouse instead.

I have an iPod, and it's definitely a sleek little machine. Very Mac-Esque. I gotta have windows though, Macs just don't cut it for me.

Good luck.

teknerd122 · #27 Post by **teknerd122** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 4:32 am

If you're not getting a t42 with at least a radeon 9600 and an SXGA+ screen, then go with the apple. Both companies have good service, but a google search will turn up terrible reviews for both IBM and Apple support if you're searching for nay-sayers' opinions of either company.

Bob Collins · #28 Post by **Bob Collins** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 7:22 pm

hhy2k wrote: Also, I think XP has withstand higher demands than a MAC OS as it is used widely in far mor situation than MAC OS. The MAC OS is basically a standalone operation on one kind of hardware. Windows XP runs on 200 different hardware configuration, desktops, servers, gaming PCs, banking softwares.

XP <> UNIX stands
XP <> MAC OS, I think is not the same category

What!?

There are plenty of things that will crash XP.

XP UNIX and then Mac OS comparisons? Mac OS is so close to UNIX, while Windows is a wannabe UNIX. Check the history of Mac OSX.

But to answer the question, you truly have to ask which is best for you and the software you must run. For example, if you must have AutoCAD to make a living, you have to go with the Thinkpad, as AutoDesk no longer supports the Mac OS. That is a software issue that will help your decision.

Otherwise, all things being equal, I would go with the Mac due to it's FreeBSD Mach-kernel base.

rocketman · #29 Post by **rocketman** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 7:38 pm

I stopped over at my sisters house on the way home from work today, my brother in law bought a 15" Powerbook about three weeks ago. When I stopped over my nephew was playing on it, listening to iTunes etc, one thing I have to say the Mac OS has a very refreshing look to it, much more modern then Windows XP. I know thats not important to everybody but I wonder if Apple can do it why can't Microsoft?

Mofo Jones · #30 Post by **Mofo Jones** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 10:55 pm

I don't have any links for it, but it's possible to have an OSX theme while running XP. I've actually witnessed a theme of that nature running on a laptop a while ago...it was very close to OSX...looked a shade better than native XP. Unfortunately, I was in an airport and I didn't press the laptop owner for any further info. But..it can be done!

Debating between a T series and Mac

Debating between a T series and Mac

Re: Debating between a T series and Mac

Using machine for

Probably will go with T42p

Decision

Re: Decision

Who is online