Macbook or new laptop??

[awelsh]

Well ive been having a look in pc world. I was thinking of getting either the macbook or a HP laptop.

Both are roughly the same price I think.


What would be the advantage of getting the macbook??? because they obviously look nice :P but how hard are they to use for apple beginners like me?

EDIT: this is the laptop - http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1210343869.125426123 4@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccjadeihfiflhicflgceggdhhmdfhj.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=552432&category_oid=-35054

Thanks

[GommeInc]

With Windows 7 literally around the corner, you might want to try that :)

[HotelUser]

It's a tough call if you've not used OSX before and are thinking of making the switch. Unless you have some sort of problem with Windows, if you haven't really used OSX before, you should give OSX a go, through means of a friend or hackintosh before considering buying a Mac.

In terms of how difficultly for a beginner, it's confusing for about the first hour (getting used to the major differences). OSX isn't any more difficult to use than Windows, each operating system just does certain things in different, and user friendly ways.

As Gomme said, Windows 7 is coming out soon, so you would probably be happy with either one (though macbooks are rather SEXY).

[Markeh]

I've got that HP laptop, except mine has a smaller HDD, no Bluetooth, slower processor and 3Gb of RAM, and its simply stunning.

The screen is HD, and stunning with it, and the HD 4530 is capable of 1080p when plugged into a HDTV via HDMI (there's an HDMI port).

The machine also has a built-in webcam and mic, touch controls for volume and Wi-Fi, and an included remote that fits into the ExpressCard slot.

The battery life with the included 6-cell battery isn't the best in the world, but if its a major problem, there is a 12-cell one available from HP for £129, but some places have sold it for £70, I think.

The keyboard has a number pad, and the mousepad has a button that can disable it.

The DVD drive is LightScribe enabled, and is quite speedy, and the pre-installed HP MediaSmart software is excellent. The MediaSmart TV part is compatible with WinTV USB sticks (if you download drivers yourself from Hauppage), and the Music part DID have the ability to play your iTunes library, though with iTunes 9 this is no longer doable.

The HP is a great little games machine, too, especially with the number pad and the HD 4530 graphics. It can run The Sims 3 on almost all High settings

As a small point, the HP does come with a Windows 7 upgrade voucher leaflet in the box, and would be eligible for HP's upgrade scheme.

MacBooks are very nice looking, and OS X is good, but if your unsure, you'd be best not paying out £700 for one if you've never used it before. I'd go for the HP.

You are aware that PC World sell MacBooks from £719, right? Well, I'd go for the HP at £549, you've got enough to get a 12-cell battery, and if you find one cheaper, enough for a new bag.

[Barmi]

If you do decide on a MacBook, I'd advise you not to buy it from PC World. If you buy it from Apple (either online, over the phone, or in store), you're entitled to an education discount.

[awelsh]

Ok, thanks for the replys :)

Im still wondering which one to get though, im looking more at the HP one because TBH it looks great :P and is pretty powerfull and cheaper :)

Whats the educational discount like though? Would I need an NUS card?

Also with PC World we have a business account, so im assuming that I get VAT back on the prices if I bought it through that? :)

[The Professor]

The hardware on the macbook is usually the real people buy it isn't it? Aluminium and keyboard sexyness. If you don't like OSX you can slap windows 7 on it anyway, I don't see a reason not to go with it!

[awelsh]

I wouldnt want to get a mac and then use windows on it, that would pretty much destroy the reason of getting it :P

Ill probably get the HP laptop now :) good spec, decent battery life and looks nice :)

[Metric1]

MACBOOK!!!!!!! I love mine :D

[HotelUser]

The hardware on the macbook is usually the real people buy it isn't it? Aluminium and keyboard sexyness. If you don't like OSX you can slap windows 7 on it anyway, I don't see a reason not to go with it!

Very true if you didn't like OSX you could put Win 7 on it, but (at least here anyway), macbooks are a lot more money than laptops. So buying it to install Windows is going to cost a lot more than just buying a Windows Laptop in the first place:P.

[Dan!]

If you do decide on a MacBook, I'd advise you not to buy it from PC World. If you buy it from Apple (either online, over the phone, or in store), you're entitled to an education discount.

you can get one in PC world, you just need to know how to play the System aka "fives" ;)

[The Professor]

Very true if you didn't like OSX you could put Win 7 on it, but (at least here anyway), macbooks are a lot more money than laptops. So buying it to install Windows is going to cost a lot more than just buying a Windows Laptop in the first place:P.

True I'm just assuming money is no object :P

[HotelUser]

True I'm just assuming money is no object :P

Dare to dream:(