| Product: |
Apple MacBook MA472B/A |
| Date: |
09.02.08 (139 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Small, Lightweight, Portable, Fairly Priced, Lots of Great Software Included
Disadvantages: Need to buy Windows if you need to run Windows Programs
If you're one of the many people who are becoming increasingly frustrated with Windows-based PC's, or are on the hunt for a new laptop, then Apple's Macbook could well be just be just what you are looking for.
At £699, the Macbook is by no means a budget laptop, but it may be reassuring to know that you are getting a well built, well designed and well thought out computer.
For those who have never owned an Apple PC, you may be surprised to know that the hardware inside an Apple is practically identical to that inside a standard Windows-based PC. In fact, all Mac's (iMac's, Macbooks, Macbook Pro's and the new Macbook Air) all ship with an application called Boot Camp which actually allows you to install Windows XP or Vista on your Mac and have the choice of running either Windows or MacOS X (Apple's operating system) so that you can continue to run any essential Windows-based program should it be needed.
MacOS X has been updated several times since its original release. The latest and greatest version; Leopard, has over 200 improvements on it's predecessor (Tiger). One of the many great things about Leopard is that it includes so many features you'd have to buy as extras with Windows, such as a very good e-mail client, Time Machine (a backup program that has managed to make the dreary job of backing your system up both fun and aesthetically pleasing!), and many many more! Furthermore, all new Mac's ship with a suite of programs called iLife. These are best-in-class applications that allow you to write websites, create and burn DVD's, organise and edit photos, and the list goes on!
In other words, straight out of the box, the Macbook has absolutely everything you need to hit the ground running. Microsoft Office comes pre-installed for a 30-day test drive, as does Apple's (in my opinion) superior office suite 'iWork'. Simply plug it in (using the magnetic power cable - brilliant!), set up your user account and away you go!
It's very true that once you have tried a Mac you won't look back! I have used PC's since my first 486dx2/33 many many moons ago, and must have had at least 10 more machines since then, but since I bought my first iMac just before Christmas and my new Macbook only a few days ago, I would never DREAM of getting another PC! Mac's just work!
Apple has quite a few stores now around the country, but you can also see their computers in most of the high street retailers so you can get a hands-on feel for this beautiful machine!
If you are going to be using the Internet, word processing or writing spreadsheets, this computer will do everything you need and much more. However, if you need a heavyweight computer for gaming or intensive video work, then you should investigate the Macbook Pro instead if you need portability, or even a PowerMac.
Summary: An ideal first Apple computer - plus, it's a Mac!
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