PC World Community: Thinking of the MacBook or MacBook pro ...

17 Replies Last post: Jul 2, 2007 3:52 PM by smax013 1 2 Previous Next

Kooler

49 posts since
May 21, 2007

Jun 20, 2007 8:09 PM

Thinking of the MacBook or MacBook pro instead of ThinkPad P

Really needing some some expert help. Several questions so I will number them out in a straight-forward way. If you have not seen my many FAQ and FAQ-like posts around, do a search (please) for Kooler and you will see it.

1. For purposes of a basic, fast, no frills, hard working, high quality notebook, would you think I could get as much out of the new MAC Book notebook opposed to the New MAC Book Pro? I am aware of the differences (I think most of them, but all of the main ones), even if the Pro is maxed out with 4 GB RAM. I am aware how much faster it could be with the faster processor and more RAM, but in regards to a fast and good machine not the fastest and the best. Furthermore, I do no video stuff so the card in the Pro would seem like a lot of where the money is going. I would not max out RAM at 4 but 2GB for now.

2. Has anybody actually used Parallels program to install in a relatively new MAC or MAC Pro notebooks? How did it go. is it true you can run Vista and Microsoft programs at the same time as Tiger OS and Apple Programs?

3. Is the quality of a MAC notebook considered "work horse" quality?

4. They have some special with printers when you purchase a MAC or pro notebook. Are there any suggestions? The link is http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...ies=1156088259. Click on "see all printers" I have a small fitness studio and will be using the printer to print out fitness evaluation reports for clients, food record analyzes. I will also need a scanner, fax, and copier but if there is not a good one in the bunch, I would just purchase them separately.

5. My choice was the Think pad T61 !5.4" Santa Rosa but by the time I got to the warranty and all of those choices, most of which I do not understand the notebook was way more than the Mac Book and about the same as the Mac Book pro but with 2 GB of RAM, opposed to 4 GB.

Thanks tons., I appreciate it. I had the think pad T61 ready but the expense is incredible for what I need and I cannot even get help from shop.lenovo.com to help with what the choices are after the warranty choices.

Any negative people please just pass my post on go to someone else.

Thanks and Peace Be With You

smax013

3,604 posts since
Jan 28, 2007

1. Jun 21, 2007 8:33 AM

in response to: Kooler

Re: Thinking of the MacBook or MacBook pro instead of ThinkP

Kooler wrote:Really needing some some expert help. Several questions so I will number them out in a straight-forward way. If you have not seen my many FAQ and FAQ-like posts around, do a search (please) for Kooler and you will see it.

1. For purposes of a basic, fast, no frills, hard working, high quality notebook, would you think I could get as much out of the new MAC Book notebook opposed to the New MAC Book Pro? I am aware of the differences (I think most of them, but all of the main ones), even if the Pro is maxed out with 4 GB RAM. I am aware how much faster it could be with the faster processor and more RAM, but in regards to a fast and good machine not the fastest and the best. Furthermore, I do no video stuff so the card in the Pro would seem like a lot of where the money is going. I would not max out RAM at 4 but 2GB for now.

2. Has anybody actually used Parallels program to install in a relatively new MAC or MAC Pro notebooks? How did it go. is it true you can run Vista and Microsoft programs at the same time as Tiger OS and Apple Programs?

3. Is the quality of a MAC notebook considered "work horse" quality?

4. They have some special with printers when you purchase a MAC or pro notebook. Are there any suggestions? The link is http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...ies=1156088259. Click on "see all printers" I have a small fitness studio and will be using the printer to print out fitness evaluation reports for clients, food record analyzes. I will also need a scanner, fax, and copier but if there is not a good one in the bunch, I would just purchase them separately.

5. My choice was the Think pad T61 !5.4" Santa Rosa but by the time I got to the warranty and all of those choices, most of which I do not understand the notebook was way more than the Mac Book and about the same as the Mac Book pro but with 2 GB of RAM, opposed to 4 GB.

Thanks tons., I appreciate it. I had the think pad T61 ready but the expense is incredible for what I need and I cannot even get help from shop.lenovo.com to help with what the choices are after the warranty choices.

Any negative people please just pass my post on go to someone else.

Thanks and Peace Be With You

With regards to item #1, it really comes down to two things in my opinion...screen size and graphics requirements. There is really not much difference in basic processor power (yes, the MBP does have slightly faster processors and a faster front side bus, but for most typical applications you will not likely notice much of a difference). I suppose that other difference is that ability to go to 4 gb of RAM on the MBP. So, I would say it depends on what size screen you can live with, what your video graphics requirements are, and how much memory you want or need. If you cannot live with a 13" screen, then the MB is not for you and you will want a MBP. If you want to play 3D games with the most speed or do other SERIOUS graphics intensive stuff, then you will want the MBP. And if you need more than 2 gb of RAM, then you will want the MBP. From your what you describe as your main use, it would seem that a MB would likely work fine...assuming the 13 inch screen is fine.

For item 2, while I have not used Parallels on the absolute latest MBPs, I do use it on my first generation MBP (1.83 mHz core duo) and have used it on my dad's second generation MBP (core 2 duo). And it runs fine. I have only run Windoze XP on it, but it works for all the applicatins that I need to run in it (some structural engineer apps, but also Micro$oft Office and a few other commonly available programs). I know that other have run Vista in it (you might want to check out the Parallels [url]forums...http://forums.parallels.com/_ for some solid input). You do want to be aware that if you want to run Vista in Parallels, then you must run Vista Ultimate or Vista Business as Micro$oft's EULA for Vista does not allow Vista Home Basic or Vista Home Premium to be run in a virtualization system. They had switched their thoughts briefly on that but switched back to no allowing it. But, the end result is that Parallels has allowed me to run Windoze XP and Windoze programs just fine on my MBP with hardly any speed hit. And it will now supposedly run 3D games as well, but I have yet to test it (just have not had time).

For item #3, I would say that is largely a question of opinion. In my opinion, it is "work horse" quality. But, I don't use it nearly as much as I use my Windoze Dell desktop...at least right now. That might change as I might make my MBP my primary computer (i.e. hook it up to a keyboard, mouse, and external monitor). I have travelled relatively often with it and it has survived fine.

For item #4, the link did not work. I assume that you are talking about the $100 rebate that you can get on certain printers when you buy a printer with a Mac from the Apple store. If so, then I would personally suggest an HP all-in-one. I have had good results with my HP D135 and when I need to replace it, it will likely be one of the newer HPs. The HP Photosmart C6180 looks like it might be a fairly good model. The reviews on the Apple site seem to be generally good. I tend to scan through such reviews to get a feel for how people like it. I do that a lot with review of products on Amazon (search for that same printer on Amazon and see what people say). I tend to look at reviews that offer detailed comments (i.e. not stuff like "great printer...as must buy)...short stuff does not offer much. I do know that the HP OfficeJet line has traditionally gotten good reviews. The OfficeJet Pro L7680 was just reviewed in a couple of magazines (both competitors to PCWorld, but one was a Mac specific magazine) and got good reviews. But, it is not one of the printers with the rebate and it might be overkill for what you need (it is about $400 with no rebate...although you can get it for about $370 on Amazon).

In general, I would suggest that you visit a local computer or office store to look at printers. You can get a feel for how they work and what kind of cartidges they use (I tend to like seperate cartridges for seperate colors...that way if your blue ink runs out be for the yellow ink, then you don't have to buy a new cartridge for all colors and waste the remaining yellow ink...unless you refill). That could help you decide which printer might be best. You also need to decide if you want an all-in-one (which seems to make sense from what you said your needs were) or if you want a portable printer...or want both.

With regard to #5, this reinforces my belief that Windoze computers are not always dramatically cheaper than Macs as some claim and can be more expensive. But, you do need to be careful when making such comparisons/claims that you are comparing apples to apples as much as possible (and yes, the pun was intended). In reality, my opinion is that you need to determine what features you need and then determine what computers have those features and then decide which computer best fits your need for the price. It appears that might be a MacBook or MacBook Pro in your case based upon what you have said. If so, the only thing to really assess is whether or not a Mac will do what you need it to do. And it seems to be that case, unless you are running rather specific programs that only run in Windoze, but even then you can run Parallels with Windoze and handle that situation on a Mac (although it does add cost since you have to buy Paralllels and Windoze). I certainly cannot tell you what you should definitely do...but I will say that when I need another computer in the future, it will be another Mac now that I can run my necessary Windoze programs on a Mac (and the fact that Dull, er, Dell, pissed me off on my last computer from them...all over a $20 program).

HTH

[soapbox] Backup good...no backup bad!! [/soap box]

Kooler

49 posts since
May 21, 2007

2. Jun 21, 2007 9:28 PM

in response to: Kooler

hey,thanks

I am at the point when I post a question I have already put in about 8 months of research and the question represents one that remain(s). I think if I get the MBP, I will have no trouble worrying about RAM, speed and a few other areas--take or give the graphics card. I will be doing no audio, games, picture editing, so the graphics card is a waste. However, I am concerned that the MB will not hold up well if I get Vista or XP, put my 2 programs for work, MACs OS, Parallels or the like and whatever else. I am not sure even if I maxed out the poor MB it could handle it.

I cannot imagine that Microsoft will continue to give the attention they should be to the other OS's (other than Vista). 80% of their labor in programming work on Vista stuff now. In 2 years will they even be spending much time on XP with XP Pro?

Who knows.

I am concerned to get a copier, fax, scanner, printer but for a small business it makes the most sense. I have not had good luck (if luck exists) with HP deskjet printers. I have had 4 and after about 1 year or 2 a page will print out and all of the sudden this loud crack. it has happened all 4 times and I could never figured out what happened.; I think the paper falls off one of the smaller guider on its way out and is forced out so it gets pushed into a kind of ball and breaks a minor but critical part for the paper to come out and fall into place correctly.

Anyway, I have no idea if I should get a MAC or a think pad. that is really what it boils down to.

thanks

smax013

3,604 posts since
Jan 28, 2007

3. Jun 21, 2007 11:33 PM

in response to: Kooler

Re: hey,thanks

Kooler wrote:I am at the point when I post a question I have already put in about 8 months of research and the question represents one that remain(s). I think if I get the MBP, I will have no trouble worrying about RAM, speed and a few other areas--take or give the graphics card. I will be doing no audio, games, picture editing, so the graphics card is a waste. However, I am concerned that the MB will not hold up well if I get Vista or XP, put my 2 programs for work, MACs OS, Parallels or the like and whatever else. I am not sure even if I maxed out the poor MB it could handle it.

I cannot imagine that Microsoft will continue to give the attention they should be to the other OS's (other than Vista). 80% of their labor in programming work on Vista stuff now. In 2 years will they even be spending much time on XP with XP Pro?

Who knows.

I am concerned to get a copier, fax, scanner, printer but for a small business it makes the most sense. I have not had good luck (if luck exists) with HP deskjet printers. I have had 4 and after about 1 year or 2 a page will print out and all of the sudden this loud crack. it has happened all 4 times and I could never figured out what happened.; I think the paper falls off one of the smaller guider on its way out and is forced out so it gets pushed into a kind of ball and breaks a minor but critical part for the paper to come out and fall into place correctly.

Anyway, I have no idea if I should get a MAC or a think pad. that is really what it boils down to.

thanks

While I admit that I don't have personal experience with a MacBook, the fact is that it should not be a problem to run Parallels...assuming that you don't care about seriously graphics intensive programs (and even then, they will likely work just not as well as on a MacBook Pro). In the first generation of MacBooks and MacBook Pros (from about a year ago), the ONLY functional difference between the two was screen size, graphics sub-system/card, and the lack of an expansion card slot on the MacBook. In terms of processors, memory, front side busses, etc, there was no difference.

That has changed slightly since then. The newest version of the MacBook Pro does have faster processors and front side busses than the MacBook's. The point is that I have a first generation MacBook Pro and it runs Parallels just fine...and since current MacBooks are likely faster than my first generation MacBook Pro (other than for graphics intensive things), a MacBook should have no problem running Parallels.

The only real concern I would say is the case of the MacBook. If you mean that you are "rough" on your laptops when you say you want a "work horse", then the MacBook Pro might be a little better as its case is not plastic/composite, but metal. So, it might take a little more "banging" than a MacBook. But, considering that most laptops are made of plastic/composite cases, this would likely make a MacBook not that much different than most Win laptops.

Now, I cannot comment on how well Vista runs in Parallels as I don't currenlty run Vista in Parallels and don't plan on doing it since my only option under the Micro$oft EULA would be Vista Ultimate...and I refuse to pay that kind of money for something that I don't really need...Win XP works fine for me. I will note that you can still purchase Win XP to run in Parallels, so it is not like you HAVE to run Vista. Yes, WinXP will not have any further major upgrades, but Micro$oft will still support it for at least several years to come. So, unless there is some feature that you REALLY need in Vista, then WinXP would still work fine for you.

As to the printer, if you have had bad experience with HP, then try a Canon or some other printer. I personally have had rather good experience with HP printers. I am still using my roughly 10 year old LaserJet 6MP. While I am on my second OfficeJet D135 (an all-in-one), my origingal one lasted at least 3 years or so and this second one is actually my dad's old one, which he has had for about the same amount of time and gave to me when mine died and he upgraded to a newer HP all-in-one. I also have about a two year old HP DeskJet (or could be a DesignJet) that I use for photos and printing 11x17...and I have had no problems with it.

The potential downside of an all-in-one is that if one function "dies" and renders the who piece of equipment useless, then you have to replace the who thing. If you do different items (i.e. seperate printer, scanner, fax/copier), then you only have to replace one item that breaks. But, then you have 3 or 4 pieces of equipment sitting on your desk. I rather like the all-in-one in general, but I don't really use it as a printer.

The end result on the Mac vs. PeeCee issue is that I don't see anything that would cause you problems from what you have said if you go with a Mac. It should function as you need it to function. So, you decision will have to come down to other reasons (i.e. price, available features, personal preference , etc. But, I see no reason why a MacBook (or MacBook Pro) would not work fine your purposes.

[soapbox] Backup good...no backup bad!! [/soap box]

Kooler

49 posts since
May 21, 2007

4. Jun 22, 2007 3:35 PM

in response to: Kooler

Reply with some more questions

there seems to be a big deal with MB and MBP if I need to install Vista, parallels, my 2 nutrition/fitness programs, office, etc. I cannot find that the MB comes more than 2GB. You have to pay about $750 from Apple to get the 1GB but they have you because there is already 1GB in the cost so why go to a less expensive place to get a whole new !GB of RAM.

I thought the ability to run MAC and PC operating systems and programs on the same machine was a new thing. why am I just now reading all the hype over it from Wall Street, and here in the forums?

Just curious.

thanks. I might have more questions but I have to reread your reply.

do you know about thinkpads. I want an apple but it seem like it might be too risky since it is for a job that will not tolerate risk much. I heard the think pads were awesome and now people are saying all over stay away from the T61 think pad.

sorry for the spelling and errors but I am in a major rush.

Peace.

smax013

3,604 posts since
Jan 28, 2007

5. Jun 22, 2007 5:47 PM

in response to: Kooler

Re: Reply with some more questions

Kooler wrote:there seems to be a big deal with MB and MBP if I need to install Vista, parallels, my 2 nutrition/fitness programs, office, etc. I cannot find that the MB comes more than 2GB. You have to pay about $750 from Apple to get the 1GB but they have you because there is already 1GB in the cost so why go to a less expensive place to get a whole new !GB of RAM.

I thought the ability to run MAC and PC operating systems and programs on the same machine was a new thing. why am I just now reading all the hype over it from Wall Street, and here in the forums?

Just curious.

thanks. I might have more questions but I have to reread your reply.

do you know about thinkpads. I want an apple but it seem like it might be too risky since it is for a job that will not tolerate risk much. I heard the think pads were awesome and now people are saying all over stay away from the T61 think pad.

sorry for the spelling and errors but I am in a major rush.

Peace.

Keep in mind that my MacBook Pro (first generation) is limited to 2 gb of RAM. The second generation could go to 3 gb. And the current versions (basically 3rd generation) can now got to 4 gb.

The point is that the MacBook Pro that I have and that I run Parallels on is not that much different than the current MacBooks. The primary function differences are that it has a 15 in screen, the more advanced graphics chipset, and an expansion slot. In terms of processor speed, amount of memory, front side bus, etc, my MacBook Pro is not really any different that a current MacBook. And Parallels runs JUST FINE on my MacBook Pro.

The only thing that I don't know about is if running Vista in Parallells would be problematic or not...and I am not going to be finding out that anytime soon since I will not be upgrading to Vista. But, I will note...again...that there is no real need for you to run Vista in Parallels...you can still get XP to run in Parallels if there is any chance that Vista will have problems. And frankly, I cannot see any driving reason why you would need Vista over XP anyways...either would seem to work fine for you. Just because there is a newer thing out does not mean that you must have it.

With out knowing the specific programs that you need to run (i.e. the two nutrition/fitness programs), I cannot with 100% confidence say that you would not have any problems with them. But, I frankly doubt that you would have a problem. I run a structural engineering program that requires a hardware dongle and it runs fine. So, unless those nutrition/fitness programs are serious graphic intensive, I doubt they would have any problems in Parallels on either a MacBook or MacBook Pro. In fact, your bigger problem with those programs might be problems with Vista. Not all programs are compatible with Vista. You might need to check to see if those programs are "aprroved"/compatible with Vista if you plan on run Vista on ANY laptop. In the end, you might be better off running WinXP.

I don't have much personal experience with ThinkPads. I do know that in general they are typically considered rather good. They are aimed more at business users rather than home users/consumers. If I were in the market for a Windoze laptop (but not a Mac running Windoze), then they would be at the top of my list.

[soapbox] Backup good...no backup bad!! [/soap box]

Kooler

49 posts since
May 21, 2007

6. Jun 23, 2007 3:52 AM

in response to: Kooler

thanks again

I am not at the stage in the notebook game where I am wondering things that pop into my hey. I have done a lot of research, and been at this for this purchase for 8 months. The 2 programs I have for XP, I already have the current dick for VISTA. The company kindly sent them to me since I told them I was possibly converting soon and I needed an update anyway.

I have a concern with running XP believe it or not. And to :"you do not need the latest gadget just because it is out," is a far cry from my situation. Vista I would not consider the latest gadget. I don't have your reply in front of me and I am worried if I go back I will lose what I wrote.

I have done some research and a lot of reading Microsoft blocs and i get the feeling the majority of their resources in the areas that work on the OS's that are out, with new updates, testing them, conflicts reported, etc., they have cut back so much work power i regards to actual people working on XP that one day soon rather than later, the fixes will be rare. so I do not look at Vista as a gadget. I look at it as something we are going to have to deal with if we like ti or not. If we decide not to now, would we continue to get the updates/patches to ake care of the millions, yes million of complaints they are getting now with XP, Vista, conflicts in all areas. If I had this article by Microsoft, take from their newsleter, you would understand. Also, I would use one of my 2 versions of XP for small business, I have no ide once I load thee 4 and 5 year old versions of XP how much thy would need to get them updated to the current situation in regards to space on my HD and RAM use which I think is minimal if I get the MacBook. By the time II add the XP, all the updates from 4 years, the software to let Mac and PC programs work together, my 2 academicc programs and o and on, would the MB be able to keep up?

I do not need the graphics but maybe I will treat my clients better down the road regaling better videos of muscles and

As you can tell I am falling asleep a he scene. Peace!

smax013

3,604 posts since
Jan 28, 2007

7. Jun 23, 2007 4:14 AM

in response to: Kooler

Re: thanks again

Kooler wrote:I am not at the stage in the notebook game where I am wondering things that pop into my hey. I have done a lot of research, and been at this for this purchase for 8 months. The 2 programs I have for XP, I already have the current dick for VISTA. The company kindly sent them to me since I told them I was possibly converting soon and I needed an update anyway.

I have a concern with running XP believe it or not. And to :"you do not need the latest gadget just because it is out," is a far cry from my situation. Vista I would not consider the latest gadget. I don't have your reply in front of me and I am worried if I go back I will lose what I wrote.

I have done some research and a lot of reading Microsoft blocs and i get the feeling the majority of their resources in the areas that work on the OS's that are out, with new updates, testing them, conflicts reported, etc., they have cut back so much work power i regards to actual people working on XP that one day soon rather than later, the fixes will be rare. so I do not look at Vista as a gadget. I look at it as something we are going to have to deal with if we like ti or not. If we decide not to now, would we continue to get the updates/patches to ake care of the millions, yes million of complaints they are getting now with XP, Vista, conflicts in all areas. If I had this article by Microsoft, take from their newsleter, you would understand. Also, I would use one of my 2 versions of XP for small business, I have no ide once I load thee 4 and 5 year old versions of XP how much thy would need to get them updated to the current situation in regards to space on my HD and RAM use which I think is minimal if I get the MacBook. By the time II add the XP, all the updates from 4 years, the software to let Mac and PC programs work together, my 2 academicc programs and o and on, would the MB be able to keep up?

I do not need the graphics but maybe I will treat my clients better down the road regaling better videos of muscles and

As you can tell I am falling asleep a he scene. Peace!

WinXP support is not going anywhere anytime soon. Microsoft only recently stopped official support for Win98/Me and I believe that they still support Win2000. You are correct that Vista is here to stay and is the default standard (you will be hard pressed to get a new computer without Vista on it...the exception is if you buy a business oriented new computer...companies that sell those types of system still offer XP as the vast majority of corporate America will not switch to Vista until they have done EXTENSIVE testing...so it will be a while fo most of the coporate world...corporate IT usually does not switch to new OSs until at least a year or two after they come...if then...there are a lot of companies still using Win2000).

Again, I don't believe that you would have a problem with a MacBook in your situation. But, then I don't really completely know what kind of resource demand your two specialized programs have. Hard drive space will not be an issue as you can customize either the MacBook or MacBook Pro to a 200 gb hard drive if you really need the space...and if that is not enough, then you can always buy an external hard drive to use with either. Thus, there is no difference in hard drive options. The only possible issue would be the memory. If your two programs are complete memory hogs and then you run them on Vista, then 2 gb of memory might not be enough. The general recommendation for Vista is at least 1 gb of memory (mandatory if you want to run Aero from what I understand). If you are really worried about the memory issue, then go ahead with a MacBook Pro, but I doubt that a MacBook would be a problem unless your two specialized programs are REAL memory hogs. Can you tell me the names of the program? If so, then I can potentially look them up and see if I can get a better feel for their resource demands and might be able to better gage if a MacBook would work or not.

And Vista IS new "gadget". New OSs tend to have "issues" for a while that need to be worked out. And Vista is no different. When a new OS comes out, especially if it has MAJOR changes, then there will be programs and hardware that is not compatible with that new OS initially. That is definitely the case with Vista. There are still some Anti-Virus programs that don't play nice with Vista, I believe. Lots of older hardware (some not even 1 year old) that will not work with Vista. This is precisely why the corporate world usually will not adopt a new OS for until a year or more after it comes out. They cannot afford to have "down time" dealing with problems, so they must spend a LOT of time testing all their software and hardware to make sure that the new OS will work. This is particularly true of Windoze OSs. Apple tends to do better with new version of the Mac OS, but that is strictly because Apple also controls the hardware/computers. If Microsoft has that same level of control, then they likely would have fewer issues with new OSs. And Apple still has issues at times depend on how many major changes in the OS they make (i.e there were MAJOR issues to deal with when Apple went from OS 9 to OS X a while ago, but they did handle it rather well).

[soapbox] Backup good...no backup bad!! [/soap box]

Kooler

49 posts since
May 21, 2007

8. Jun 28, 2007 2:16 AM

in response to: Kooler

sorry been so busy

I want to get this over. I appreciate your help. I really feel I need to go with Vista. I remember the change from Windows98 to XP?! to XP. there is some upkeep on the patches, fixes, updates, but not with all the new programs like there should be. If I am spending this kind of money, I better do it now cause the prices will just keep going up.

Do you think I am crazy when I could get a PC, not have to deal with all these other programs, like a think pad, Dell, HP, and get on with life. I would love the MBP, but when I think about it, it is really because that would functions more as a toy rather than getting the replacement for my online coaching, which I have been looking into in some form for 9 months.

Anyway, the 2 programs are 1. Fitness Analyst, Retention Manager both by BSDI
2. Nutritionist Pro, use to be by First Data Bank (well it still is but they sold the Nutrition side of the business). I am not sure who is doing the updates and stuff now.
3. I will need some sort of Office too but I want to wait for the newer office if I go with MACs. I have an Office now or I would use that free office type program Neo or something like that.

I appreciate it. Again sorry it took me so long to get back to you.

Peace.

smax013

3,604 posts since
Jan 28, 2007

9. Jun 28, 2007 9:31 AM

in response to: Kooler

Re: sorry been so busy

Kooler wrote:I want to get this over. I appreciate your help. I really feel I need to go with Vista. I remember the change from Windows98 to XP?! to XP. there is some upkeep on the patches, fixes, updates, but not with all the new programs like there should be. If I am spending this kind of money, I better do it now cause the prices will just keep going up.

Do you think I am crazy when I could get a PC, not have to deal with all these other programs, like a think pad, Dell, HP, and get on with life. I would love the MBP, but when I think about it, it is really because that would functions more as a toy rather than getting the replacement for my online coaching, which I have been looking into in some form for 9 months.

Anyway, the 2 programs are 1. Fitness Analyst, Retention Manager both by BSDI

2. Nutritionist Pro, use to be by First Data Bank (well it still is but they sold the Nutrition side of the business). I am not sure who is doing the updates and stuff now.

3. I will need some sort of Office too but I want to wait for the newer office if I go with MACs. I have an Office now or I would use that free office type program Neo or something like that.

I appreciate it. Again sorry it took me so long to get back to you.

Peace.

Actually, in general, prices for computers tend to go down...at least for the same equipment with same level of "power". A computer that is $1500 today will likely be less than $1500 in a couple of months. Instead, there will be a newer model with newer/more/better features at that point that costs $1500.

And no, I don't think that you are crazy to not want to have to deal with the extra hassle of running Windoze programs on a Mac. While I personally prefer Macs, in the end, they are just tools...even if I consider them to be more "fun" tools than PeeCees. You should definitely go with what ever makes you the most comfortable. What works for me will not necessarily work for you. If you feel more comfortable with a true Windoze machine, then that is the route you should go. Only go with the Mac if that is what you really want.

I did look at the websites for your specific programs. The first ones (Fitness Analyst and Retention Pro) would appear likely have no issues with running on Windoze in a Parallels environment. The hardware requirements for those programs are extremely minimal (only needs something like 128 mb of RAM and 200 mb of hard drive space and would run fine on a Windows Me system, which means MUCH older processors). Thus, there should be no issues with the hardware requirements. The only potential issue would be if there was something like a hardware dongle (a little USB or parallel port device that is a copy protection device...you would have to have it attached to the computer for the program to run) or some other copy protection requirement. Even then it stil might work (my USB dongle for my structural engineering program works fine in Parallels). I could not find any hardware requirements for Nutritionist Pro, but from the description of the program, I suspect it would not be that much. And there is a Mac version of Micro$oft Office that you could run in the Mac OS (I have it and use it). There will supposedly be a newer version of Office for the Mac sometime this Fall. Or you can run Office for Windoze within Parallels (I run Office XP in Parallels and my dad runs Office 2003 in Parallels just fine).

Point is that I doubt that you would have any issues running the programs that you appear to want/need on a MacBook or MacBook Pro. I cannot say that you would not have any problems with 100% certainty...but then I cannot say that for any computer (you can always have problems).

In the end, while I think that a MacBook or MacBook Pro would work, they may not be the way to go if you don't want to deal with the extra hassle/work of dealing with Parallels. You should go with whatever you feel the most comfortable with.

[soapbox] Backup good...no backup bad!! [/soap box]

Kooler

49 posts since
May 21, 2007

10. Jun 29, 2007 1:45 PM

in response to: Kooler

Thanks. a few more...

OK. I appreciate your help. the Nutritionist Pro by First Data Bank is actually not by first Data Bank anymore. The program was put together by that company and they kept up with the tech support and updates well, but recently sold it to another company. I did not chose to pay another $350 for a year of tech support and updates.

With the fitness Analyst and Retention Manager from BSDI there is an MSSQL Server type icon that must be present for fitness analyst to run properly. it is downloaded and installed with the program. The company BSDI) have given me the latest DVD and the DVD people need who have Vista. I hope MAC can deal with this Microsoft SQL Server.

I am not sure I understand about "hardware dangle." it sounds nasty. sorry, inappropriate comment. lol

I am a Wellness Coach for the American College of Sports Medicine and Wellcoaches. In short I meet my clients, who are mostly very rich, or a film/TV star, famous person, executive for a major fortune 500 company, etc. Rather than getting into why these people I will try to give you a feel for the notebook i need. BTW, the organization only offers tech support with the web platform the client and I meet at and use to coach. they will not help me put together a notebook.

However after doing it for 8 years, I might not need anything fancy, I do know that I need as clean a machine as possible. the more programs, ad ware, games, DVD (movies) pictures, bloat ware, etc on the HD, even if they are removed and there are remnants in the Registry or somewhere else, it can really mess things up. that is why I need a dedicated notebook mostly for this job.

so we meet, sing-on to the platform, get our cameras/cam corders going, the double ear headset with a mic that comes in front of the mouth. we use the library o the platform, the way to send documents via the web platform, show pictures of

smax013

3,604 posts since
Jan 28, 2007

11. Jun 29, 2007 3:26 PM

in response to: Kooler

Re: Thanks. a few more...

Kooler wrote:OK. I appreciate your help. the Nutritionist Pro by First Data Bank is actually not by first Data Bank anymore. The program was put together by that company and they kept up with the tech support and updates well, but recently sold it to another company. I did not chose to pay another $350 for a year of tech support and updates.

With the fitness Analyst and Retention Manager from BSDI there is an MSSQL Server type icon that must be present for fitness analyst to run properly. it is downloaded and installed with the program. The company BSDI) have given me the latest DVD and the DVD people need who have Vista. I hope MAC can deal with this Microsoft SQL Server.

I am not sure I understand about "hardware dangle." it sounds nasty. sorry, inappropriate comment. lol

I am a Wellness Coach for the American College of Sports Medicine and Wellcoaches. In short I meet my clients, who are mostly very rich, or a film/TV star, famous person, executive for a major fortune 500 company, etc. Rather than getting into why these people I will try to give you a feel for the notebook i need. BTW, the organization only offers tech support with the web platform the client and I meet at and use to coach. they will not help me put together a notebook.

However after doing it for 8 years, I might not need anything fancy, I do know that I need as clean a machine as possible. the more programs, ad ware, games, DVD (movies) pictures, bloat ware, etc on the HD, even if they are removed and there are remnants in the Registry or somewhere else, it can really mess things up. that is why I need a dedicated notebook mostly for this job.

so we meet, sing-on to the platform, get our cameras/cam corders going, the double ear headset with a mic that comes in front of the mouth. we use the library o the platform, the way to send documents via the web platform, show pictures of

Looks like your post got cut off...

[soapbox] Backup good...no backup bad!! [/soap box]

Kooler

49 posts since
May 21, 2007

12. Jun 30, 2007 5:03 PM

in response to: Kooler

no, I fell asleep...

cute doggie.

no, I fell asleep. I wanted to see if you wold use the info that was there since I was nearly done. did you not because it is too long? I understand that. i explained my work.since it seemed like you were under the impression I had the typical office job or small business. I am not sure what I am saying but I thought you needed to know more about my work since it is far from the typical job.

It is just part of helping me.

Magazine

Jun 20, 2007 8:09 PM

Thinking of the MacBook or MacBook pro instead of ThinkPad P