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I'm looking at getting a Macbook. 2.23Ghz, 4Gb ram, 500Gb hard drive. It's basically the cheapest computer they have with the best specs they offer on that model. Is it worth the $1800 to own a Mac? Would I need the 4Gb ram?

Basically looking at using it for video chat, everyday internet use, facebook, and photo programs.

Next question is about digital cameras. How many megapixels would you need to beable to print out high quality, poster sized pictures. And is Megapixels the only thing I should be looking for? I'm looking for a camera that will beable to take some amazing shots of the mountains, while still being under $1000. I don't understand what half the specs mean on digital cameras

DSLR Camera With 18-55mm IS Lens Kit?
ISO 100-3200 (in 1 Stop Increments)?
TTL-CT-SIR AF-Dedicated CMOS Sensor?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions

[_StephenBB81]

Well you are not looking for Computer people :P cause you are looking at a Mac.
But for the 4Gb of Ram I bet that is the minimum you can get on a Mac as I am sure they have gone to all 64Bit.

I personally don't think $1800 is worth it at all for a Mac, as a similar PC Notebook could be had for $1200.


Now for Camera's what size Poster are we talking, 11" x 18", 18" x 27", 5' x 8'

Really you are probably looking at a 10-12MP Camera, DSLR, The 18-55mm lens if for low quality DSLR pics, not a great lens for any 1 kind of shot, but still better than most point and click stuff.

if you know WHAT you want to take pictures of primarily you should just buy a Camera body, and pic out a lens for it, but chances are, you'll go over your 1000, because a good lens will cost you 1000, and your camera body will be 600-800.

I've tried taking landscape shots with my 18-55mm lens and have never been impressed

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Well you are not looking for Computer people :P cause you are looking at a Mac.
But for the 4Gb of Ram I bet that is the minimum you can get on a Mac as I am sure they have gone to all 64Bit.

I personally don't think $1800 is worth it at all for a Mac, as a similar PC Notebook could be had for $1200.


Now for Camera's what size Poster are we talking, 11" x 18", 18" x 27", 5' x 8'

Really you are probably looking at a 10-12MP Camera, DSLR, The 18-55mm lens if for low quality DSLR pics, not a great lens for any 1 kind of shot, but still better than most point and click stuff.

if you know WHAT you want to take pictures of primarily you should just buy a Camera body, and pic out a lens for it, but chances are, you'll go over your 1000, because a good lens will cost you 1000, and your camera body will be 600-800.

I've tried taking landscape shots with my 18-55mm lens and have never been impressed

The minimum on a Mac is 2gigs of ram. But it runs faster with 4, right? So for the $100 to double it, why not... I know it costs alot more money, but I'm completely sick of Microsofts stuff.... EVERY single time I turn this thing on there's something else wrong with it. Just going to start fresh with everything. I don't want to be spending more money to get my pc wiped, and new pos batteries... Maybe Apple is a little more deserving of my money.

I was thinking like... 2' by 3.5' or so? Reasonable? If I have to spend over a $1000, that's alright... As long as it's worth it What's the best brand of camera?

[_StephenBB81]

Have you used Windows 7? I was about to Drop Microsoft from my personal life until I got the Beta of Windows 7 last March, been using it on multiple computers at home and loving it.

The computer wont "Run Faster" by having more Ram, but you'll be able to do more with it having more Ram, for 100 bucks I would so go with the 4Gb over 2Gb.
You can still have Battery Issues with Macs by the way, but best of luck to ya, I can't Stand using them, They make me do things their way, not my way which infuriates me.

To figure out your Megapixel needs I think the formula is the size in inches by the DPI required

so a reasonable DPI is 100 and you want a 2' (24") x 3.5' (42")
24 * 100 x 42 * 100 = 4200 x 2400 so you need a 10,080,000 or 10MP Camera.


NOW, as what Brand, really if you have no loyalties, you have only 2 Options, Canon and Nikon.
Both have lots of options in lens qualities, and after market stuff.

[Back-space]

Have you used Windows 7? I was about to Drop Microsoft from my personal life until I got the Beta of Windows 7 last March, been using it on multiple computers at home and loving it.

The computer wont "Run Faster" by having more Ram, but you'll be able to do more with it having more Ram, for 100 bucks I would so go with the 4Gb over 2Gb.
You can still have Battery Issues with Macs by the way, but best of luck to ya, I can't Stand using them, They make me do things their way, not my way which infuriates me.

To figure out your Megapixel needs I think the formula is the size in inches by the DPI required

so a reasonable DPI is 100 and you want a 2' (24") x 3.5' (42")
24 * 100 x 42 * 100 = 4200 x 2400 so you need a 10,080,000 or 10MP Camera.


NOW, as what Brand, really if you have no loyalties, you have only 2 Options, Canon and Nikon.
Both have lots of options in lens qualities, and after market stuff.

Oh Okay I was looking at a Canon the other day.

I've always owned pcs. My sisters computers they spent $1200 on are all filled up with viruses. The one can't get her battery to charge over 50%... I'll see what Mac is like

[_StephenBB81]

Oh Okay I was looking at a Canon the other day.

I've always owned pcs. My sisters computers they spent $1200 on are all filled up with viruses. The one can't get her battery to charge over 50%... I'll see what Mac is like

Good Luck with that Mac,

Hope it works and you don't need support.

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Good Luck with that Mac,

Hope it works and you don't need support.

You don't sound too optimistic But having a computer that doesn't close my music folder every 3 minutes for whatever reason will be nice And one that doesn't sound like it's about to explode when I load Starcraft My friends got a Mac and it's crazy how well it still runs. I can't get mine to speed up. I delete programs, I run all these anti-viruses... Im gonna have to reformat it

[_StephenBB81]

I can do all that and more with my PC,
I also have no problems with Networking or network sharing with other computers.

You just need to stay off the porn sites and warez sites :P

I reformat my main notebook once a year, not because I have to, but because with over 200 different wireless networks it is faster to format and then it is to manually delete old ones, plus it forces me to update all my other software.

but as I said, good luck,
Apple - Support - Replacing the Battery in your MacBook Pro (2009 models with built-in batteries)

let us know what Camera and lens you choose.

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I can do all that and more with my PC,
I also have no problems with Networking or network sharing with other computers.

You just need to stay off the porn sites and warez sites :P

I reformat my main notebook once a year, not because I have to, but because with over 200 different wireless networks it is faster to format and then it is to manually delete old ones, plus it forces me to update all my other software.

but as I said, good luck,
Apple - Support - Replacing the Battery in your MacBook Pro (2009 models with built-in batteries)

let us know what Camera and lens you choose.

I've had my pc for 3 years and haven't reformated it yet. I also let it go about 2 years before downloading an anti-virus

I'll let ya know. Probably go check whats at best buy tomorrow

[Coruptyed]

You need other imput then one person who straight supports pc, I like mine but I'm into stats from what I've read Mac is the future just at moment I would be Leary how there system runs but it is definitely faster. Don't forget to text me when your going

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[_StephenBB81]

You need other imput then one person who straight supports pc, I like mine but I'm into stats from what I've read Mac is the future just at moment I would be Leary how there system runs but it is definitely faster. Don't forget to text me when your going

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

I do agree more than just my input would be advisable, as I am very Anti being told HOW I have to use my computer. but I VERY VERY much want to read where you are reading that Macs are the future? Market Share values for Mac have yet to break double digit world wide at my last check, I suspect linux desktop installs are on Par with Mac usage globally,

[Coruptyed]

Look up the technology behind the Macs hdd and ram, its way ahead of PCs and windows laptops. That's what I'm referring too, the technology in them is deemed the future

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[_StephenBB81]

Look up the technology behind the Macs hdd and ram, its way ahead of PCs and windows laptops. That's what I'm referring too, the technology in them is deemed the future

Posted from my CrackBerry at
wapforums.crackberry.com

WHHAAATT??

SSD HDD's are the latest and greatest, Not what is currently being used in main stream Macs

RAM, they are running Core 2 Duo Processors, in the bulk of the MacBooks, which run on DDR3 Ram, you can buy PC's running Intel i7's and DDR3, which again is currently the latest and greatest,

ONE thing I have to give Macs credit for are the monitors, OLED is the future, and that is what Mac has banked its self in, but the under pinnings of Mac are far from what they were back in the day, Mac is PC innards, with a Pretty shell, and a controlling OS.

I can't fault Macs on hardware, because they use the same hardware as a PC for specs. the only thing that MIGHT be different are chipsets, I have not seen if Macs use intel chipsets or there own chipsets.

EDIT

Sorry I was Bored So I went to apple

It appears I can build a
MacBook Pro 15.4"
# 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
# 8GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x4GB
# 256GB solid-state drive
# SuperDrive 8x (DVD�R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW)
# NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
for $3849USD
I can go to Alienware who are overpriced PC builds but luckly they have the lastest and greatest together and can build this
Alienware M15x,
# Intel� Core™ i7-820QM Quad Core Processor 1.73GHz (3.06GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache)
# 1GB NVIDIA� GeForce� GTX 260M
# LCD PANEL 15.6-inch WideHD+ 1600x900 (900p) WLED
# 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz – 2 x 4096MB
# 256GB Solid State Drive
# Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
# Primary - 9-cell (85Watt) Lithium-Ion Battery
This Can be built for $3044USD

You'll get a Better processor, Better Ram, better Graphics card for less money,
GeForce M Series - Ultimate Notebook PC Experience to support my better graphics card claim


EDIT 2:

I do want to clarify, Macs are Good machines, I just feel they are over priced, and I hate having to work with them, I am NOT a fan of OSX, but I also am Not a fan of my ipod Touch interface.

[Back-space]

WHHAAATT??

SSD HDD's are the latest and greatest, Not what is currently being used in main stream Macs

RAM, they are running Core 2 Duo Processors, in the bulk of the MacBooks, which run on DDR3 Ram, you can buy PC's running Intel i7's and DDR3, which again is currently the latest and greatest,

ONE thing I have to give Macs credit for are the monitors, OLED is the future, and that is what Mac has banked its self in, but the under pinnings of Mac are far from what they were back in the day, Mac is PC innards, with a Pretty shell, and a controlling OS.

I can't fault Macs on hardware, because they use the same hardware as a PC for specs. the only thing that MIGHT be different are chipsets, I have not seen if Macs use intel chipsets or there own chipsets.

EDIT

Sorry I was Bored So I went to apple

It appears I can build a
MacBook Pro 15.4"
# 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
# 8GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x4GB
# 256GB solid-state drive
# SuperDrive 8x (DVD�R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW)
# NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
for $3849USD
I can go to Alienware who are overpriced PC builds but luckly they have the lastest and greatest together and can build this
Alienware M15x,
# Intel� Core� i7-820QM Quad Core Processor 1.73GHz (3.06GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache)
# 1GB NVIDIA� GeForce� GTX 260M
# LCD PANEL 15.6-inch WideHD+ 1600x900 (900p) WLED
# 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz � 2 x 4096MB
# 256GB Solid State Drive
# Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
# Primary - 9-cell (85Watt) Lithium-Ion Battery
This Can be built for $3044USD

You'll get a Better processor, Better Ram, better Graphics card for less money,
GeForce M Series - Ultimate Notebook PC Experience to support my better graphics card claim


EDIT 2:

I do want to clarify, Macs are Good machines, I just feel they are over priced, and I hate having to work with them, I am NOT a fan of OSX, but I also am Not a fan of my ipod Touch interface.

Yeah, I noticed that with the price too. And they soak you for the 8GB Ram. It's $100 to upgrdade from 2 to 4. Then $700 to upgrade from 4 to 8

There's not much difference between a Macbook Pro 13" and a Macbook Pro 17" other than a better battery, more ghz and a bigger screen. But they also bump the price up over $1000 for that. But the regular Macbook is pretty competitive.

13" Screen
# 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
# 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
# 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
=$1374


Dell Adamo 13.4"
1.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU9300
2GB DDR3 RAM
128GB Hard Drive (guessing Solid State?)
=$1399

Both computers also come with Bluetooth. The Dell has a 4 cell battery, where the Mac has a 6, which I really want There's more differences but I don't know which ones are worth posting

[thinkamp]

Personally I love my Mac.

[Back-space]

Personally I love my Mac.

How long have you had it? Get any viruses or anything?

[thinkamp]

A little over a year now...and nope its doing just fine.

[xxtrrublexx]

We had Mac's at my high school and I could NEVER get used to them.

[Back-space]

Nice... My buddys had one for the same amount of time, but he bought his used It puts my pc to shame... It's old now. Behind the times

Probably ordering my Macbook today

[Back-space]

We had Mac's at my high school and I could NEVER get used to them.

I've gotten a bit better with them, using them in college. It's hard to get used to when you're always on Windows

[thinkamp]

You will love it...but if you want the Microsoft Software like powerpoint, ect, you have to order that.

I use a PC at work about 8 -9 hours a day and go home to my Mac. You will notice when you use your PC that you will be going to the top left corner to ex out of a screen and things like that.

[xxtrrublexx]

I've gotten a bit better with them, using them in college. It's hard to get used to when you're always on Windows

Haha. Good point. It's all I've ever owned.

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You will love it...but if you want the Microsoft Software like powerpoint, ect, you have to order that.

I use a PC at work about 8 -9 hours a day and go home to my Mac. You will notice when you use your PC that you will be going to the top left corner to ex out of a screen and things like that.

Lol, I started doing that with the refresh button when I moved from Explorer to Mozilla Another thing my computer wrecked Takes atleast 5 mins to load my homepage on Explorer. I don't get why, cuz Mozilla takes 3 seconds or so....

Haha. Good point. It's all I've ever owned.

Same here. $600 HP. Hard drive blew up after about 3 years. $1400 custom built. It's a peice of junk, other than the fact I've got it hooked up to my tv

[thinkamp]

Lol, I started doing that with the refresh button when I moved from Explorer to Mozilla Another thing my computer wrecked Takes atleast 5 mins to load my homepage on Explorer. I don't get why, cuz Mozilla takes 3 seconds or so....

Whats even better is when you have your Macbook trackpad set to Tap so you don't have to make a physical click and then you get on your work PC and start trying to tap the mouse. I did it for like a week.

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Whats even better is when you have your Macbook trackpad set to Tap so you don't have to make a physical click and then you get on your work PC and start trying to tap the mouse. I did it for like a week.

Lol, it'll be fun trying to figure it all out I've only got like 3 Gb's of stuff to move over. Favourite music and a couple movies. Then I'm going to reformat the pc and give it to my parents. They're in need of a new one Then not long after that, I'll be moved out