Apple computers...help me out..

[sundizz]

Okay, finally thinking about making the switch. I know NOTHING about Mac's. All I know is I am in a foreign country and want to buy a mac laptop. I see people selling imacs, airs, ibooks, macbooks, all sorts of things. Don't want to spend 3 hours googlin it all and learning it if someone can help me out quickly.

Uses:
-Plug it into my 27 inch lcd monitor via hdmi or dvi simply and not lose quality. (most important)
-Surf the web, watch 1080p movies, do work (Excel, Word, basic programs)
-Video and picture editing (but extremely basic)

Ideally, I want something that costs less than 700-1k max (used of course). Can you torrent files on a mac? The screen size isn't too important as almost always I'll use it just at home (with external monitor) and would rather have something small to take with me rather than something big.

What you guys suggest/why/what's a good used price for it? What's so great about apple laptops?

[andgar923]

Okay, finally thinking about making the switch. I know NOTHING about Mac's. All I know is I am in a foreign country and want to buy a mac laptop. I see people selling imacs, airs, ibooks, macbooks, all sorts of things. Don't want to spend 3 hours googlin it all and learning it if someone can help me out quickly.

Uses:
-Plug it into my 27 inch lcd monitor via hdmi or dvi simply and not lose quality. (most important)
-Surf the web, watch 1080p movies, do work (Excel, Word, basic programs)
-Video and picture editing (but extremely basic)

Ideally, I want something that costs less than 700-1k max (used of course). Can you torrent files on a mac? The screen size isn't too important as almost always I'll use it just at home (with external monitor) and would rather have something small to take with me rather than something big.

What you guys suggest/why/what's a good used price for it? What's so great about apple laptops?

You can just buy the most affordable Macbook.

You can do everything you mentioned on a Macbook (or other Mac computers). Yes you can download torrents, you can run your MS suite (Excel, Word etc), if you must run some Windows only apps you can run them either natively via BootCamp or virtually with Parallels or VM Fusion.

There's many great image editing apps for OS X, and iMovie is a decent video editing app that's built into every Mac.

MacBooks usually get rated as the best Windows laptops as well. Performance in MacBooks usually beats windows based laptops with similar specs (at times beats better specced pc laptops). But imo what truly separates MacBooks vs its counterparts is the trackpad, and it's not even close. Macbook's trackpad destroys its competition.

Another reason worth getting a Macbook over another iem, is due to macbook's reliability and dependability. There's less maintenance involved as well, which makes the user's job easier.

[sundizz]

You can just buy the most affordable Macbook.

You can do everything you mentioned on a Macbook (or other Mac computers). Yes you can download torrents, you can run your MS suite (Excel, Word etc), if you must run some Windows only apps you can run them either natively via BootCamp or virtually with Parallels or VM Fusion.

There's many great image editing apps for OS X, and iMovie is a decent video editing app that's built into every Mac.

MacBooks usually get rated as the best Windows laptops as well. Performance in MacBooks usually beats windows based laptops with similar specs (at times beats better specced pc laptops). But imo what truly separates MacBooks vs its counterparts is the trackpad, and it's not even close. Macbook's trackpad destroys its competition.

Another reason worth getting a Macbook over another iem, is due to macbook's reliability and dependability. There's less maintenance involved as well, which makes the user's job easier.

Okay. Thanks :cheers:

What year model would be 'good enough?' I'm planning to buy used.

For example, is a Macbook Pro 2009..
4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 RAM, 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 500 gig hard drive, OS X version 10.7, MS Office 2011, etc. for $800 a good deal?

[joe]

Is it true that mac's can't get viruses?

[flipogb]

Is it true that mac's can't get viruses?
FALSE, viruses are made to affect as many computers as possible.

so they are usually made for PC. its not impossible to get a virus for a mac

[Rose]

Okay. Thanks :cheers:

What year model would be 'good enough?' I'm planning to buy used.

For example, is a Macbook Pro 2009..
4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 RAM, 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 500 gig hard drive, OS X version 10.7, MS Office 2011, etc. for $800 a good deal?
That's what mine has except my hard drive is the 128 gig version.

Great deal. I paid 999 for it then(which was 100 off because of my student discount)


You could probably get a mac pro for slightly cheaper, but since it has MS office that's a big plus.



Is it true that mac's can't get viruses?
You CAN, BUT it's almost impossible I've had mine since fall 09, and haven't had any viruses or anything.

[Balla_Status]

I'm interested as well. I think I may go buy one today actually. Convince me.

I need it to surf the web and use Excel, Word etc. I assume that's not hard.

[Rose]

I'm interested as well. I think I may go buy one today actually. Convince me.
Rumor has it the Mac pros are getting refreshed in a couple months, if I were you I'd wait.


iMac just got a refresh last fall, so it's good for a couple years design wise.

As for the Air I have no news for that, and I've never used one either.

[andgar923]

Okay. Thanks :cheers:

What year model would be 'good enough?' I'm planning to buy used.

For example, is a Macbook Pro 2009..
4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 RAM, 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 500 gig hard drive, OS X version 10.7, MS Office 2011, etc. for $800 a good deal?
I guess it sounds like a good deal, if that's the best you can find, sure.

It all depends on your budget tho.

The thing about Macs (not Mac's people!) is that they last long, and their resale value is great.

[LA_Showtime]

Yes, you can do all of the above. I've got my Mac hooked up to a 23 inch Samsung LED monitor, and it's great for watching movies or just surfing the web.

[andgar923]

I'm interested as well. I think I may go buy one today actually. Convince me.

I need it to surf the web and use Excel, Word etc. I assume that's not hard.


Unless you do specialized 3D graphic shit on your computer, you can do 99% of the shit you did on pc on a Mac.

Naturally, there's Mac versions of many Windows apps, and there's very good quality Mac only apps alternatives as well, for just about anything.

But like I mentioned, you can always run Windows if you have too, or Linux. But basic shit like Office, can be ran on Mac OS X natively, since Windows makes OS X versions of it.

[Balla_Status]

Rumor has it the Mac pros are getting refreshed in a couple months, if I were you I'd wait.


iMac just got a refresh last fall, so it's good for a couple years design wise.

As for the Air I have no news for that, and I've never used one either.

Everything gets refreshed after a couple months it seems like. It almost seems like it's never worth it to buy a prouct. Thanks for the heads up.

[andgar923]

Yes, you can do all of the above. I've got my Mac hooked up to a 23 inch Samsung LED monitor, and it's great for watching movies or just surfing the web.
Do you have Plex?

If you don't, you have to get it now.

[Balla_Status]

Unless you do specialized 3D graphic shit on your computer, you can do 99% of the shit you did on pc on a Mac.

Naturally, there's Mac versions of many Windows apps, and there's very good quality Mac only apps alternatives as well, for just about anything.

But like I mentioned, you can always run Windows if you have too, or Linux. But basic shit like Office, can be ran on Mac OS X natively, since Windows makes OS X versions of it.

Cool. I'll probably just run the office software on it. I don't want to run windows on a mac. I just want the office software.

The only thing that would be a bitch is transferring all my music to the apple laptop.

[Rose]

Everything gets refreshed after a couple months it seems like. It almost seems like it's never worth it to buy a prouct. Thanks for the heads up.
I meant externally like how macbook pros are currently aluminum they may switch the casing up with the refresh, usually apple keeps the same build for their products for awhile. Just because it's a closed system they release phones, laptops, desktops, etc yearly.

[Balla_Status]

I meant externally like how macbook pros are currently aluminum they may switch the casing up with the refresh, usually apple keeps the same build for their products for awhile. Just because it's a closed system they release phones, laptops, desktops, etc yearly.

What do you mean externally? Are you talking in terms of how a macbook looks?

[Rose]

What do you mean externally? Are you talking in terms of how a macbook looks?
Yeah.

If that matters to you, you should wait

[Balla_Status]

Yeah.

If that matters to you, you should wait

Yeah, it doesn't really matter to me. I know steve jobs really cares about aesthetics...for me, not as much.

[PHX_Phan]

Is it true that mac's can't get viruses?

I have a feeling this question is just baiting another virus rant on Macs, but oh well...

In short...

Can Macs get a virus? Yes.

Will that happen? Highly unlikely.

Are the chances less than that of a Windows PC? Absolutely.

It's security through obscurity, but it works just fine for most users.

[rufuspaul]

I've had my Macbook pro for 2 years now. Recently added an iPad 2. I'll never go back to PCs.

[Rasheed1]

Macs cost more, but they give you more also. I have macbook, I even partitioned my hard drive and split it to run mac and pc. I think my mac runs pc programs better than most pcs do. It runs better than my wife's pc

:cheers:

if you can pay 1500 for a mac, you'll be satisfied with all that you'll get. Plus their service is great. My cord stopped working for some reason so I went to the Apple store and they gave me another one free. Macs are more simple to use also.

:cheers: try a mac, you'll like it

[ALBballer]

I've always been an apple hater but I'm looking to buy a new labtop/desktop and I really like the way the new iMac looks. I can't see myself dishing out 1k+ for a desktop though.....

[DeuceWallaces]

Macs give you less for more. You pay a premium for a dictatorship so you can gawk about being virus free or have a pretty ui because you're too big of an idiot to have the same for less on a PC.

That's great for my mom or little brother but I don't want a fischer price computer with a nice paint job.

Power is freedom and choice; gimme a pc every day all day.

My PC will smoke any Mac you can throw at it for about half the cost.

[ALBballer]

Macs give you less for more. You pay a premium for a dictatorship so you can gawk about being virus free or have a pretty ui because you're too big of an idiot to have the same for less on a PC.

That's great for my mom or little brother but I don't want a fischer price computer with a nice paint job.

Power is freedom and choice; gimme a pc every day all day.

My PC will smoke any Mac you can throw at it for about half the cost.

I agree with you for once. Apple is a lifestyle and Apple users don't mind paying the premium to be part of the lifestyle.

To be fair, their customer support is great from what I heard.

[LA_Showtime]

Do you have Plex?

If you don't, you have to get it now.

I have no idea what Plex is... details?

[LA_Showtime]

Holy ****ing shit. Thanks andgar.
:rockon: :cheers:

[andgar923]

Holy ****ing shit. Thanks andgar.
:rockon: :cheers:

They also have the mobile version as well. So you can basically stream content from your HD from anywhere with internet connection.

There's also skins that you can add to it and customize, plugins for just about anything from pron to MTV (if you like that). It's basically like XBMC, but created to run natively on a Mac.

And since you hook up your computer to the tv, I really recommend getting some apps (if you have an idevice) or a Magic Trackpad + bluetooth keyboard (I have them both along with the shit that unites them). You'd be able to control everything from your couch.

[Balla_Status]

Macs give you less for more. You pay a premium for a dictatorship so you can gawk about being virus free or have a pretty ui because you're too big of an idiot to have the same for less on a PC.

That's great for my mom or little brother but I don't want a fischer price computer with a nice paint job.

Power is freedom and choice; gimme a pc every day all day.

My PC will smoke any Mac you can throw at it for about half the cost.

What about just trying something different?

[Hazard]

Macs give you less for more. You pay a premium for a dictatorship so you can gawk about being virus free or have a pretty ui because you're too big of an idiot to have the same for less on a PC.

That's great for my mom or little brother but I don't want a fischer price computer with a nice paint job.

Power is freedom and choice; gimme a pc every day all day.

My PC will smoke any Mac you can throw at it for about half the cost.
Agreed, I have a laptop and a PC. I dual boot my laptop with XP and Ubuntu (for C programming) used it for 3 years and its still going strong. Had my PC for about that long as well, just installed windows 7 pro and installed a new bad ass video card for when I feel like gaming, no problems what so ever. If I get a virus I clear it within the day. Basically if you're at all competent and are willing to take care of your computer there is absolutely no advantage to having a mac.

[andgar923]

I've always been an apple hater but I'm looking to buy a new labtop/desktop and I really like the way the new iMac looks. I can't see myself dishing out 1k+ for a desktop though.....


I was a big time Apple hater as well. Hated anything related to Apple (not sure why, I guess I hated the 'culture' around them more than anything), but everybody around me had a Mac. I stayed with my custom built pc proudly. But I kept noticing how their Macs were different, in a good way. It was simple basic stuff like installing programs, deleting stuff, the dock, and other stuff that kinda caught my attention. They never seemed to have any issues, and things just worked smooth for them. My boy convinced me to buy a Mac Mini, and I haven't gone back since.

Naturally, Windows has evolved since the XP days, and it's added more features and improved in other key areas. But I still don't see the dramatic change that'll make me wanna switch back. I tried Ubuntu briefly, but it felt unfinished overall.

Try a Mac, and if you don't like it, you can return it or sell it online. Apple products have a higher resell value. But give it a chance (around 2.5 weeks or so). It usually takes 1 week to sorta figure out the basics, and another week and a half to get used to it and some of the apps that replace your fav Windows apps.

If any of you need help, just let me know.

[Hazard]

Mac's have a super high tech mouse, I'm intrigued... not really. Everytime I try to get work done on mac, I feel like punching the computer in the face. Simple shit like opening a pdf or word file becomes an extremely irritating experience.

[ALBballer]

I was a big time Apple hater as well. Hated anything related to Apple (not sure why, I guess I hated the 'culture' around them more than anything), but everybody around me had a Mac. I stayed with my custom built pc proudly. But I kept noticing how their Macs were different, in a good way. It was simple basic stuff like installing programs, deleting stuff, the dock, and other stuff that kinda caught my attention. They never seemed to have any issues, and things just worked smooth for them. My boy convinced me to buy a Mac Mini, and I haven't gone back since.

Naturally, Windows has evolved since the XP days, and it's added more features and improved in other key areas. But I still don't see the dramatic change that'll make me wanna switch back. I tried Ubuntu briefly, but it felt unfinished overall.

Try a Mac, and if you don't like it, you can return it or sell it online. Apple products have a higher resell value. But give it a chance (around 2.5 weeks or so). It usually takes 1 week to sorta figure out the basics, and another week and a half to get used to it and some of the apps that replace your fav Windows apps.

If any of you need help, just let me know.

I'm sure I'd get used to it. I was using Ubuntu for a good half year but went back to windows because of issues playing videos and ironically havin some issues with itunes (which I hate using.) I figure I can get use to Apple.

I don't know if it's worth the money. I've never had issues with Apple because they are good products but they're overpriced. I can't get myself to spend $1200 on a iMac. for $1200 I could probably create some bad ass pc. with that said, I think I will make the switch once the new iMac comes out.

[Hazard]

I'm sure I'd get used to it. I was using Ubuntu for a good half year but went back to windows because of issues playing videos and ironically havin some issues with itunes (which I hate using.) I figure I can get use to Apple.

I don't know if it's worth the money. I've never had issues with Apple because they are good products but they're overpriced. I can't get myself to spend $1200 on a iMac. for $1200 I could probably create some bad ass pc. with that said, I think I will make the switch once the new iMac comes out.
Try sharepod instead of iTunes, gives you a lot more control. It just loads your music and you pick which songs you wanna put on.

[andgar923]

Mac's have a super high tech mouse, I'm intrigued... not really. Everytime I try to get work done on mac, I feel like punching the computer in the face. Simple shit like opening a pdf or word file becomes an extremely irritating experience.

How so?

A PDF or a Word doc can be previewed (quick look) by simply hitting the space bar, that's it. Macs also have a built in PDF viewer which is easy to use. Don't see how this could be extremely irritating.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OELah8lf938

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m62I4N2bf0
Irritating indeed.

[DeuceWallaces]

Built in PDF reader?? Sign me up!

[Hazard]

How so?

A PDF or a Word doc can be previewed (quick look) by simply hitting the space bar, that's it. Macs also have a built in PDF viewer which is easy to use. Don't see how this could be extremely irritating.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OELah8lf938

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m62I4N2bf0
Irritating indeed.
Clearly the computers at my school did not have it installed. Didn't have a word processor either. Most software and games are built for PC. I do like that it has a terminal, I actually used that more than the GUI cause I found it to be annoying as hell and took forever to load on that piece of shit. Guess they didn't pay for enough to make the thing actually functional. Cheap school should have coughed up a couple more g's then it would at least load up safari in less than a half hour. Oh and Steve Jobs is a dick.

[andgar923]

Clearly the computers at my school did not have it installed. Didn't have a word processor either. Most software and games are built for PC. I do like that it has a terminal, I actually used that more than the GUI cause I found it to be annoying as hell and took forever to load on that piece of shit. Guess they didn't pay for enough to make the thing actually functional. Cheap school should have coughed up a couple more g's then it would at least load up safari in less than a half hour. Oh and Steve Jobs is a dick.
Preview comes built into every Mac, maybe the version of OS you used didn't have this version of Preview.

I do understand that schools usually have crippled Mac versions tho. I hated using them at school, but I'd get around the administrative privileges and change the settings to work like a normal OS. Some don't even have something as simple and basic as 'right click' enabled, which completely boggled my mind.

Under these circumstances I do understand how some might be put off, and it is very common for schools to have the most basic shit disabled.

[DetroitPiston]

I'll just answer what I like about Macs. I grew up using Windows PCs until 2006. Both systems have their upsides and both systems have their downsides. Everything does, really. However both Windows and Apple fanatics fail to see that.

- First off, durability. I've had my Macbook since 2006, only had to replace the hard drive once because it died out. It still runs like new and I've used it every day, several hours a day and have taken it everywhere with me. Still runs nicely. It was the most basic Macbook I bought and compared to most basic models running Windows, mine's still going. (more on that later)

- Accessibility. It's easier to install and uninstall programs on a Mac. You just want to uninstall a program, put it in the trash and then empty it. Same with music and videos and pictures, easier to access.

- No Internet Explorer. (As someone who has to use it at work, I just wanted to put it in there because I ****ing hate that browser) Safari is quite nice but Camino is nice as well.

- If you don't need a laptop, get a Mac Mini. Half the price of a Mac with the full thing but you get the OS and the apps and can hook it up to third party hardware. One job I worked used Mac Minis for such a purpose.

- I know price is a factor and Macs are expensive but so are high end PCs. I mentioned basic models, but I'd rather have the most basic Mac computer than the most basic PC. Too much hassle involved and the constant maintenance needed isn't worth it for me and it's going to be complex to someone who doesn't know what RAM is. Long term, it's worth the price because it's a lot cheaper to manage than a Windows machine.

- MagSafe charger is probably one of the most underrated things about Macs in regards to laptops. It prevents the classic case of tripping over the cord and yanking the computer to the ground. Magsafe cord gets tripped over, it gets pulled out of the computer preventing that.

- Finally, usability. I grew up using PCs, I know what I'm doing, but sometimes all I just wanted was to watch a movie and not have to do different things just to start a DVD. What I like about Apple's OS is that it does what technology was supposed to do, make our lives easier.

Hope this helps, good luck on your search.

[Hazard]

Preview comes built into every Mac, maybe the version of OS you used didn't have this version of Preview.

I do understand that schools usually have crippled Mac versions tho. I hated using them at school, but I'd get around the administrative privileges and change the settings to work like a normal OS. Some don't even have something as simple and basic as 'right click' enabled, which completely boggled my mind.

Under these circumstances I do understand how some might be put off, and it is very common for schools to have the most basic shit disabled.
Yeah no right click as well. I can see how people may like macs for the aesthetics and the simplicity, but still way too expensive and very limited in terms of software. Too bad apple and ms monopolize everything and open source isn't given much room to grow and compete with these two giants. I'm at a point where I refuse to learn .net even though there are tons of jobs for it on the market. Open source software is OS independent and its free, I would much rather hop on that wagon than bust my ass for some billion dollar corporation. Went off on a small tangent, my bad.

[DetroitPiston]

Will add that the Macs are expensive thing is a myth, by the way.

[andgar923]

Yeah no right click as well. I can see how people may like macs for the aesthetics and the simplicity, but still way too expensive and very limited in terms of software. Too bad apple and ms monopolize everything and open source isn't given much room to grow and compete with these two giants. I'm at a point where I refuse to learn .net even though there are tons of jobs for it on the market. Open source software is OS independent and its free, I would much rather hop on that wagon than bust my ass for some billion dollar corporation. Went off on a small tangent, my bad.

I don't see how OS X has limited software when compared to Linux or other open source OS. I can see the argument being made that it has less software options than Windows, but not Linux.

[Hazard]

I don't see how OS X has limited software when compared to Linux or other open source OS. I can see the argument being made that it has less software options than Windows, but not Linux.
I'm talking about windows, I never compared it to Linux.

[andgar923]

I'm talking about windows, I never compared it to Linux.


My bad.

I guess since you were talking about open source I got it confused.

[Hazard]

My bad.

I guess since you were talking about open source I got it confused.
No need for apologies, honest mistake. Open source is very good, but not as user friendly as the corporate software. People have jobs and open source is a hobby type thing to people, so it really cant compete.

[andgar923]

No need for apologies, honest mistake. Open source is very good, but not as user friendly as the corporate software. People have jobs and open source is a hobby type thing to people, so it really cant compete.

Not sure what sort of open source apps you use, but here's two links that have a collection of open source apps for OS X:

http://www.digitaldarknet.net/thelist/
http://opensourcemac.org/

Although, I'm not sure how updated or complete this list is. But from my experience, the apps on OS X have been superior to Windows apps (that I remember), but Windows def has the edge on quantity.

[bdreason]

We lost another one boys.

[Hazard]

Not sure what sort of open source apps you use, but here's two links that have a collection of open source apps for OS X:

http://www.digitaldarknet.net/thelist/
http://opensourcemac.org/

Although, I'm not sure how updated or complete this list is. But from my experience, the apps on OS X have been superior to Windows apps (that I remember), but Windows def has the edge on quantity.
I don't make it a point to use open source because like I said it cant compete with Microsoft. I do like programs like sharepod, flux, I do pretty much all my coding in netbeans, textpad is another good one, etc. When I work on Linux all the software included is open source.

[LJJ]

I was a big time Apple hater as well. Hated anything related to Apple (not sure why)

My boy convinced me to buy a Mac Mini, and I haven't gone back since.

Considering what your opinion used to be, and what your opinion is right now, do you really think you should be the one giving any type of computer advice at all to anyone? You yourself know for a fact and have admitted that your own opinions have been all over the place, unreliable, baseless and completely illogical.

[Hazard]

Considering what your opinion used to be, and what your opinion is right now, do you really think you should be the one giving any type of computer advice at all to anyone? You yourself know for a fact and have admitted that your own opinions have been all over the place, unreliable, baseless and completely illogical.
He's an apple user and the thread title is "Apple computers...help me out.." so yes, I think he should be giving advice. In fact he would be the perfect candidate to be giving advice on Apple computers. But that was a nice post, people really give two shits about your opinion.

[LJJ]

He's an apple user and the thread title is "Apple computers...help me out.." so yes, I think he should be giving advice. In fact he would be the perfect candidate to be giving advice on Apple computers. But that was a nice post, people really give two shits about your opinion.

He used to completely hate Apple despite not knowing anything about the brand. This is how this guy forms his opinions, as he states himself.

He should not be giving advice to anyone.

[Hazard]

He used to completely hate Apple despite not knowing anything about the brand. This is how this guy forms his opinions, as he states himself.

He should not be giving advice to anyone.
You should start a petition...

[LJJ]

You should start a petition...

I don't give a damn, just stating the obvious here.

When someone explicitly tells you that their opinion on a subject is not to be trusted, don't trust their opinion.

Andgar has been a hopeless blind Apple stan for years on this site. That he used to be an equally blind Apple hater? Not surprising. Still nice of him to admit it though, but why does he presenting himself as a expert? He is potentially helping people who don't know any better to bad decisions.

For example, I'm not going to tell you what douche you should buy to clean out the sand in your ******, because I'll happily admit I don't know much about douches or ******s.

[Hazard]

I don't give a damn, just stating the obvious here.

When someone explicitly tells you that their opinion on a subject is not to be trusted, don't trust their opinion.

Andgar has been a hopeless blind Apple stan for years on this site. That he used to be an equally blind Apple hater? Not surprising. Still nice of him to admit it though, but why does he presenting himself as a expert? He is potentially helping people who don't know any better to bad decision.
Well if you know better then feel free to share and correct his mistake. So far you have made a bunch of worthless posts cause you don't like the guy, or that's what it seems like. Not sure why I'm even responding to this crap... guess I'm bored and cant sleep.

For example, I'm not going to tell you what douche you should buy to clean out the sand in your ******, because I'll happily admit I don't know much about douches or ******s.
Well clearly you know more about douches than I do, I never knew they can be used to clean out sand. Thanks for the advice buddy. And the guy clearly said he owns an Apple, one would assume he would know a thing or two about something he owns, there goes your logic...

[LJJ]

Well if you know better then feel free to share and correct his mistake. So far you have made a bunch of worthless posts cause you don't like the guy, or that's what it seems like. Not sure why I'm even responding to this crap... guess I'm bored and cant sleep.

Well clearly you know more about douches than I do, I never knew they can be used to clean out sand. Thanks for the advice buddy. And the guy clearly said he owns an Apple, one would assume he would know a thing or two about something he owns, there goes your logic...

He used to own a PC and thought it was clearly far superior than a Mac. Now he owns a Mac and thinks it's clearly superior to a PC.

At least one of these opinions has to be completely false.

So by his own admission he can't give good advice on products he owns.

[Hazard]

He used to own a PC and thought it was clearly far superior than a Mac. Now he owns a Mac and thinks it's clearly superior to a PC.

At least one of these opinions has to be completely false.

So by his own admission he can't give good advice on products he owns.
The advantages and disadvantages of each system has been discussed heavily in this thread. He's giving advice because he had experience with an Apple computer which turned out to be a good one.

So for example if someone said they went to Brazil and said it was the best trip ever and then later on visited Nicaragua and said that it was even better than Brazil, you can no longer trust that person because their opinion changed? Your logic is ****ing idiotic.

[LJJ]

So for example if someone said they went to Brazil and said it was the best trip ever and then later on visited Nicaragua and said that it was even better than Brazil, you can no longer trust that person because their opinion changed? Your logic is ****ing idiotic.

It would be more akin to someone living in Argentina and saying it's the best thing ever and that Brazil is a huge piece of shit.

And then moving to Brazil and instantaneously saying that Brazil is the best thing ever and Argentina is a huge piece of shit.



People who change their opinions in this fashion are not to be trusted indeed.

[Hazard]

It would be more akin to someone living in Argentina and saying it's the best thing ever and that Brazil is a huge piece of shit.

And then moving to Brazil and instantaneously saying that Brazil is the best thing ever and Argentina is a huge piece of shit.



People who change their opinions in this fashion are not to be trusted indeed.
Well personally I would trust their opinion to someone living in the US pretending to know shit about any of the countries. Simple reason for that is I can ask the question "what do you like about it?" and sure enough the person that experienced both countries will have an actual answer while the person living in the US will make up reasons for why they shouldn't be trusted.

[LJJ]

Well personally I would trust their opinion to someone living in the US pretending to know shit about any of the countries. Simple reason for that is I can ask the question "what do you like about it?" and sure enough the person that experienced both countries will have an actual answer while the person living in the US will make up reasons for why they shouldn't be trusted.

So if you asked him twice, you would have gotten completely different, irreconcilable responses to the same questions. And you'd still call it good advice!

It's an idiot party over here whoooo.

[Hazard]

So if you asked him twice, you would have gotten completely different responses to the same questions. And you'd still call it good advice!

It's an idiot party over here whoooo.
No you would have gotten honest responses for why he thinks that way. Also I don't recall him saying that PC is a piece of shit, just that Apple is more to his liking.

[LJJ]

No you would have gotten honest responses for why he thinks that way. Also I don't recall him saying that PC is a piece of shit, just that Apple is more to his liking.

He did think Apple computers were shit though, and now he thinks they are the shit.

Like I said. Irreconcilable opinions.

It's an honest opinion sure, but if he gives irreconcilable opinions depending on when you ask him that makes his opinion completely unreliable.



At best he could say "I used to be a total idiotic crackpot when it comes to this, but trust me now". :confusedshrug:

[Hazard]

He did think Apple computers were shit though, and now he thinks they are the shit.

Like I said. Irreconcilable opinions.

It's an honest opinion sure, but if he gives irreconcilable opinions depending on when you ask him that makes his opinion completely unreliable.



At best he could say "I used to be a total idiotic crackpot when it comes to this, but trust me now". :confusedshrug:
Why would you take advice from someone about a product they never used but have an irrational hatred towards? That to me is more untrustworthy than someone who hated something then tried it and loved it. At least there you have advice coming from actual experience, and the fact that his opinion made a complete 180 and he actually admits his mistake would make him more trustworthy, no?

Two different opinions, one coming from irrationality and one coming from experience, which one would you trust?

[LJJ]

Why would you take advice from someone about a product they never used but have an irrational hatred towards? That to me is more untrustworthy than someone who hated something then tried it and loved it. At least there you have advice coming from actual experience, and the fact that his opinion made a complete 180 and he actually admits his mistake would make him more trustworthy, no?

Two different opinions, one coming from irrationality and one coming from experience, which one would you trust?

Exactly!


You just described andgar!

[andgar923]

Considering what your opinion used to be, and what your opinion is right now, do you really think you should be the one giving any type of computer advice at all to anyone? You yourself know for a fact and have admitted that your own opinions have been all over the place, unreliable, baseless and completely illogical.
My opinion was based on "ignorance' just as it appears to be for many of you.

I was also younger then, and my views and opinions on just about everything were different. I believed anarchy was great, I believed capitalism was evil, etc.etc. so I also used to believe that Apple users were nothing but sheep and idiots (just like many of you here), even tho my experience with an actual Apple device was minimal. I saw the iPods as nothing more than a fad with inferior specs to the Zen or other players, my custom built pc was naturally superior, and their OS (it wasn't OS X at the time) was for idiots and kids.

But guess what?

I matured and I actually got to use their products.

Not only did I mature as a person, I became more knowledgeable about electronic devices in general. And guess what? Apple products for the most part were/are still generally all around the best.

If said it before, I would have no problem using a different OS, phone, tablet, router, trackpad, etc.etc. if somebody else makes something that's better for me and my needs.

I still find it hilarious that some of you care so much what I think. If you don't like, trust, or care about what I think regarding Apple, then don't view my posts. I find it funny that some of you spend time attacking 'me' instead of what I actually post.

In this thread, i was mainly trying to help and inform, oh well.

[andgar923]

developer preview of mountain lion released today
but for the public, they released new messages app for os x.
replaces ichat, and has imessages integration.
was bound to happen, pretty good for anyone who uses iphone/ipad/mac computers

Here's the link:

http://www.apple.com/macosx/mountain-lion/features.html#video-mountainlion

The only feature I gives a shit about is Wireless Mirroring, everything else is meh to me. I can't wait to see the rest of the features they have planned tho.

[LJJ]

I was also younger then, and my views and opinions on just about everything were different. I believed anarchy was great, I believed capitalism was evil, etc.etc. so I also used to believe that Apple users were nothing but sheep and idiots (just like many of you here), even tho my experience with an actual Apple device was minimal. I saw the iPods as nothing more than a fad with inferior specs to the Zen or other players, my custom built pc was naturally superior, and their OS (it wasn't OS X at the time) was for idiots and kids.

But guess what?

I matured and I actually got to use their products.

In other words: "I used to be a total idiotic crackpot when it comes to this, but trust me now".

I cannot believe how some people are so totally lacking of any form of self reflection. It's one thing to make mistakes, it's an entirely different thing to make the same mistakes over and over.

[andgar923]

In other words: "I used to be a total idiotic crackpot when it comes to this, but trust me now".

I cannot believe how some people are so totally lacking of any form of self reflection. It's one thing to make mistakes, it's an entirely different thing to make the same mistakes over and over.


How am I making the same mistakes over and over

care to elaborate.

[rufuspaul]

Macs give you less for more. You pay a premium for a dictatorship so you can gawk about being virus free or have a pretty ui because you're too big of an idiot to have the same for less on a PC.

That's great for my mom or little brother but I don't want a fischer price computer with a nice paint job.

Power is freedom and choice; gimme a pc every day all day.

My PC will smoke any Mac you can throw at it for about half the cost.

My Mac is openly mocking your PC. I'm waiting for your PC to destroy it.

[DeuceWallaces]

Your Mac will be no match. Trying to kick my PC's ass in skinny jeans and Lennon glasses with Modest Mouse playing in the background? Good luck with that.

[andgar923]

I mean, one can easily run Linux, Windows, and OS X at the same time side by side perfectly on a Mac.

I understand that you can run OS X on a hacked pc, but again... it's HACKED. That shit won't work the same way, it will be a fractured version and one has to go through trial and error to install it. Even then, I doubt that you can run all 3 at the same time as easily.

[rufuspaul]

Your Mac will be no match. Trying to kick my PC's ass in skinny jeans and Lennon glasses with Modest Mouse playing in the background? Good luck with that.

Shit, you made me spill my ironic cheap beer!

[Rose]

Here's the link:

http://www.apple.com/macosx/mountain-lion/features.html#video-mountainlion

The only feature I gives a shit about is Wireless Mirroring, everything else is meh to me. I can't wait to see the rest of the features they have planned tho.
There's an app for wireless mirroring right now it's called airparrot

http://airparrot.com/

It's just really limited, and after mountain lion will be unimportant most likely.:lol

[andgar923]

There's an app for wireless mirroring right now it's called airparrot

http://airparrot.com/

It's just really limited, and after mountain lion will be unimportant most likely.:lol

I just read about it last night as well, but without a demo version to try out I didn't wanna spend money on it. I'll search the net for a crack and see how it works out.

And yeah I agree, Mountain Lion's version will make it obsolete. But I've wanted wireless mirroring for ages, glad that it's finally coming to OS X. And if it works anywhere as good as it works on their iOS, I'll be thrilled. Imagine streaming content to your tv without having to hook up an HDMI? or jail breaking Apple TV? I can't wait for this feature.

[Rose]

I just read about it last night as well, but without a demo version to try out I didn't wanna spend money on it. I'll search the net for a crack and see how it works out.

And yeah I agree, Mountain Lion's version will make it obsolete. But I've wanted wireless mirroring for ages, glad that it's finally coming to OS X. And if it works anywhere as good as it works on their iOS, I'll be thrilled. Imagine streaming content to your tv without having to hook up an HDMI? or jail breaking Apple TV? I can't wait for this feature.
Same.

I've wanted so long to able to stream to my tv without an HDMI. I'm just hoping the next apple TV doesn't leave mine in the dust because I just bought mine right before christmas.

[andgar923]

Same.

I've wanted so long to able to stream to my tv without an HDMI. I'm just hoping the next apple TV doesn't leave mine in the dust because I just bought mine right before christmas.

Not if you jailbreak it.

[sundizz]

I should have known that making a thread asking for help with an Apple product with turn mindlessly into back and forth :oldlol: :oldlol:

Oh well...i think i'll just get a Macbook Pro for $800. I've used Macs a bit but can't seem to understand how they work. Been a PC guy my whole life so i think it'll take a month or two to get it down. That's what most of my logical friends say..they say it took them a bit but once they got comfortable, it was a better experience than PC's due to aesthetics, reliability and flow. And, coming from Silicon Valley i trust their opinions.

[andgar923]

I should have known that making a thread asking for help with an Apple product with turn mindlessly into back and forth :oldlol: :oldlol:

Oh well...i think i'll just get a Macbook Pro for $800. I've used Macs a bit but can't seem to understand how they work. Been a PC guy my whole life so i think it'll take a month or two to get it down. That's what most of my logical friends say..they say it took them a bit but once they got comfortable, it was a better experience than PC's due to aesthetics, reliability and flow. And, coming from Silicon Valley i trust their opinions.

Def a given.

Wait on that Macbook.

The newly announced Mountain Lion won't be compatible with older Mac models, so the model you're planning on getting may not be one of them. Besides, new MacBooks should be around the corner, and should be competitively priced as well. Unless you truly need it, then go for it, just find out how old the Macbook is, here's a list of now obsolete Mac models: http://9to5mac.com/2012/02/16/did-your-mac-make-the-mountain-lion-obsolescence-list/

[Rose]

Def a given.

Wait on that Macbook.

The newly announced Mountain Lion won't be compatible with older Mac models, so the model you're planning on getting may not be one of them. Besides, new MacBooks should be around the corner, and should be competitively priced as well. Unless you truly need it, then go for it, just find out how old the Macbook is, here's a list of now obsolete Mac models: http://9to5mac.com/2012/02/16/did-your-mac-make-the-mountain-lion-obsolescence-list/
"His" is the late 09 macbook pro. It's confirmed as mountain lion compatible.

[Rose]

Not if you jailbreak it.
How would I go about jailbreaking it? Is it possible or even....meaningful to jailbreak it? If you could link me to an article I'd be most grateful because I looked and didn't find anything really.

[andgar923]

"His" is the late 09 macbook pro. It's confirmed as mountain lion compatible.

Then he's good.

Jailbreaking is worth it for a number of key reasons:

!. You won't have to rely on streaming solely from iOS devices or iTunes. Which means you can stream from your external HD or other source.

2. Multiple file format playback. Yeah... torrented files, or files you ripped from your own video discs.

3. XBMC and Plex... these are 3rd party programs that let you add an array of channels, and stream stuff from the net. For instance, I watch NBA games without a season pass via a plugin called 'SportsDevil'. You don't have HBO? no problem! a program called Navi-X will have the latest Curb episode in as short as hour after it aired.

Those are just a few of the reasons, along with Last FM, on screen internet browser, 3rd party remote controls, etc.etc.

Here's a great site along with a link on how to install the latest crack:

http://www.appletvhacks.net/2012/01/03/how-to-jailbreak-apple-tv-4-4-4-using-seas0npass-untethered-tutorial/

Kinda easy and straight forward. Now... biggest problem some people face is the ATV not going into DFU mode. This is how I've solved it and it seems to work well (I've jailbroken 4 ATVs). When you plug in your ATV to your computer via microusb also plug in the power cord to the ATV. As soon as the program recognizes that it's in DFU mode, unplug the power cord from the ATV.

If you try it and you get iTunes error messages try again, there's also YouTube videos that show how to get around certain error messages. But you should be good if you follow what I mentioned. If your ATV bricks, no problem, just restore it and re-do the entire process from scratch, you'll eventually get it.

Another thing... I recommend you purchase an ATV Flash account http://firecore.com/atvflash-black

It's worth it imo, the cracks for the software don't work all the time, so save yourself some trouble and buy it.

Let me know if you try it and if you have any issues or if you've been successful so I can show you where to get plugins and how to install them.

Oh yeah.... pron plugins are available as well. :)

[Balla_Status]

If I were to buy a brand new macbook pro TODAY, I'd be good with the new Mountain Lion whatever software.

[Jameerthefear]

Macs are overrated, overpriced pieces of garbage.

[andgar923]

If I were to buy a brand new macbook pro TODAY, I'd be good with the new Mountain Lion whatever software.

Oh yeah, most def, unless you bought a 4 year old version today.

My Macbook won't be able to run Mtn Lion :cry: but I understand why.

My current Macbook is just squeaking by with Lion. It's usable, but not taking as great as it should be and running Mtn Lion will deteriorate its overall performance.

[Rose]

Thanks for the link. I'll definitely do this when I find my damn usb cord.:cheers:

[YAWN]

Oh well...i think i'll just get a Macbook Pro for $800. I've used Macs a bit but can't seem to understand how they work. Been a PC guy my whole life so i think it'll take a month or two to get it down. That's what most of my logical friends say..they say it took them a bit but once they got comfortable, it was a better experience than PC's due to aesthetics, reliability and flow. And, coming from Silicon Valley i trust their opinions.

It will likely take you a couple months to adjust and really get used to all of the features and shortcuts/gestures that boost productivity. I was a PC guy until 2004 and have been using mac laptops ever since. I can't ever see myself voluntarily purchasing a windows machine again.

Feel free to PM me if you need some of the basic tips to get up to speed with the transition. Things like "right clicking" (tap pad with 2 fingers), dissolving all windows to see desktop (4 finger flick on pad), view all active windows (3 fingers upward), preview documents (tap space bar), are all extremely simple and used daily once you get used to them.

[ALBballer]

Quick question, why not build a custom PC and run hackintosh? I don't have much experience with hackintosh so I can't comment on it.

[Balla_Status]

So Best Buy isn't apple certified and can't sell them in store? How lame is Apple?

I have to go an hour north to buy one. I've got one set aside so hopefully I'll be able to get it by weeks end.

[ALBballer]

So Best Buy isn't apple certified and can't sell them in store? How lame is Apple?

I have to go an hour north to buy one. I've got one set aside so hopefully I'll be able to get it by weeks end.

Waitwut? So bestbuy only has them on display and you have to order them online or some sh*t? Doesn't bestbuy sell openbox apples?

[Balla_Status]

Waitwut? So bestbuy only has them on display and you have to order them online or some sh*t? Doesn't bestbuy sell openbox apples?

I went to Best Buy and asked if they had any macbook pros. They can't sell them in store but they can order them for me online.

Maybe it was just that single store. Who knows.

[joe]

How are macs for recording music and editing videos?

I've heard that's a speciality of macs. How much of an advantage do you get over a PC in that aspect?

[RidonKs]

Shit, you made me spill my ironic cheap beer!
:oldlol:

[jstern]

I sold my mac, and bought a Vaio laptop, and a slightly less powerful mac would have cost me 1,000 freaking dollars more. So when someone has a Mac it like instinctively makes me roll my eyes.

Also, before you get it, try something like Ubuntu, so that you can see how you might handle going to another OS. It could be challenging not being able to do things you were used to without thinking. If you're stressed and inpatient, it's not fun. Unless you do simple things in your computer.

[andgar923]

Quick question, why not build a custom PC and run hackintosh? I don't have much experience with hackintosh so I can't comment on it.

No.

Hackintoshes are full of issues and pain in the ass to maintain. There's drivers issues galore, the maintenance issues are annoying and time consuming, and even then, not everything runs like it should.

This is something most Hackintosh owners won't admit to.

[YAWN]

How are macs for recording music and editing videos?

I've heard that's a speciality of macs. How much of an advantage do you get over a PC in that aspect?
both have good programs for that stuff, so you can't really go wrong either way. On a mac you would probably use pro tools & final cut pro.

[YAWN]

So Best Buy isn't apple certified and can't sell them in store? How lame is Apple?

I have to go an hour north to buy one. I've got one set aside so hopefully I'll be able to get it by weeks end.
Thats odd, pretty sure I've seen people walk out of best buy with a macbook pro here in LA.

I buy mines at the local Apple stores though.

[ALBballer]

I got a mac mini for a good price. Figure I'd use it for a while to get the hang of the OS.

I'm also looking to get a new labtop next year. Maybe get the MBP

[andgar923]

I got a mac mini for a good price. Figure I'd use it for a while to get the hang of the OS.

I'm also looking to get a new labtop next year. Maybe get the MBP

IT'S LAPTOP!!!!!!!!






Sorry...... don't mean to be **** about it, just irritating to see.

Mac Mini is a great introduction to Macs. It was my first Mac and I never looked back. I bought the 1st generation Mini back in 05 and it's still going strong.

[Balla_Status]

Thats odd, pretty sure I've seen people walk out of best buy with a macbook pro here in LA.

I buy mines at the local Apple stores though.
Did some research and it's a store-by-store basis. Looks like I'm going to have to order one.

[WhySoInsecure?]

Okay. Thanks :cheers:

What year model would be 'good enough?' I'm planning to buy used.

For example, is a Macbook Pro 2009..
4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 RAM, 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 500 gig hard drive, OS X version 10.7, MS Office 2011, etc. for $800 a good deal?
BRB paying $800 for a 3 year old computer with specs that can't compete with most $500 laptops.

That's like buying an old bimmer with 100,000 miles on it.

[BankShot]

BRB paying $800 for a 3 year old computer with specs that can't compete with most $500 laptops.

That's like buying an old bimmer with 100,000 miles on it.

Why are you so insecure about the type of personal computer you prefer? :rolleyes:

[WhySoInsecure?]

Why are you so insecure about the type of personal computer you prefer? :rolleyes:
Because no beat up laptop is worth $800

[andgar923]

Because no beat up laptop is worth $800


My black macbook was 2 years old and used when I bought it, yet its outlasted new laptop winpcs, and can perform as well as some newer models.... and it's from 06.

Macs have a higher re-sell value because they maintain their worth for a longer time than their winpc counterparts, specially laptops.

[WhySoInsecure?]

My black macbook was 2 years old and used when I bought it, yet its outlasted new laptop winpcs, and can perform as well as some newer models.... and it's from 06.

Macs have a higher re-sell value because they maintain their worth for a longer time than their winpc counterparts, specially laptops.
Yeah because they make for great Facebook readers.


The thing that makes macs stand out is the fact that apple keeps their OS tied up to their hardware. They come out with 3 different models and the hardware doesn't change much. This allows them to have a stable product.

There are thousands of different windows computers and not all of them are up to par because not all manufacturers are created equal.

If you know anything about computers you can get an amazing laptop for the price of a mac.

I bought an ASUS 2 years ago for little over $900 and it outperforms macbook pros in every category. My battery still lasts 6-7 hours on a single charge and I haven't had a single virus.

[andgar923]

Yeah because they make for great Facebook readers.


The thing that makes macs stand out is the fact that apple keeps their OS tied up to their hardware. They come out with 3 different models and the hardware doesn't change much. This allows them to have a stable product.

There are thousands of different windows computers and not all of them are up to par because not all manufacturers are created equal.

If you know anything about computers you can get an amazing laptop for the price of a mac.

I bought an ASUS 2 years ago for little over $900 and it outperforms macbook pros in every category. My battery still lasts 6-7 hours on a single charge and I haven't had a single virus.

Good for you

[ALBballer]

My black macbook was 2 years old and used when I bought it, yet its outlasted new laptop winpcs, and can perform as well as some newer models.... and it's from 06.

Macs have a higher re-sell value because they maintain their worth for a longer time than their winpc counterparts, specially laptops.

I think they have resale value because you know exactly what you are getting. There aren't that many things you can customize and most of the parts used in Apple are OEM (unless the user opened up the hardware.) Even then most of their products are a pain in the ass to customize. The guide of installing a SSD in the iMacs is kinda difficult for example. Such consistency make selling easier IMO. Also there are no sales for Apple and the sticker price is what it is. No real bargains unless you use some 3rd party (iecraigslist.)

I was going back and forth for almost a week between buying an iMac and Mac Mini and I was hesitant to buy right now because newer models should be coming. I figured I could go online and find a pretty good deal but I was amazed how high resale was for these products were. I knew it was good but it's ridiculous how the prices don't differ much. The refurbished prices on the official apple store (that come with a 1 year warranty) and the prices on ebay prices were similar. In fact, most ebay prices were higher.

I got the mac mini at a good price though (well relatively speaking for apple standards lol) so I figure I could almost break even when I sell it or be out of pocket a small amount.

Looking forward to mac. I bought the wireless keyboard and mouse on ebay as well and now I'm shopping for a monitor. I'm not going for the apple one, I'm not dropping $1,000 on a monitor (which isn't a bad price compared to its competitors) no matter how nice it is.

Idk why I'm so pumped but I just am. I used to hate apple with a passion and now I think i've become an apple fanboy before I even tried one out.

:(

[ALBballer]

I bought an ASUS 2 years ago for little over $900 and it outperforms macbook pros in every category. My battery still lasts 6-7 hours on a single charge and I haven't had a single virus.

Asus is a badass company and one of the few pc's I would recommend to anyone. My netbook that I bought almost 2 years ago still goes strong. My battery life is probably 75% what it used to be and my charger is still lasting. This cheap netbook (under $250) has lasted me longer then all of the shitty laptops I've had in the past (ie hp and dell.) My brother also has a labtop by Asus and it's still strong, and my other brother bought one as well.

I think they make parts for the macbook air.

[WhySoInsecure?]

I think they have resale value because you know exactly what you are getting. There aren't that many things you can customize and most of the parts used in Apple are OEM (unless the user opened up the hardware.) Even then most of their products are a pain in the ass to customize. The guide of installing a SSD in the iMacs is kinda difficult for example. Such consistency make selling easier IMO. Also there are no sales for Apple and the sticker price is what it is. No real bargains unless you use some 3rd party (iecraigslist.)

I was going back and forth for almost a week between buying an iMac and Mac Mini and I was hesitant to buy right now because newer models should be coming. I figured I could go online and find a pretty good deal but I was amazed how high resale was for these products were. I knew it was good but it's ridiculous how the prices don't differ much. The refurbished prices on the official apple store (that come with a 1 year warranty) and the prices on ebay prices were similar. In fact, most ebay prices were higher.

I got the mac mini at a good price though (well relatively speaking for apple standards lol) so I figure I could almost break even when I sell it or be out of pocket a small amount.

Looking forward to mac. I bought the wireless keyboard and mouse on ebay as well and now I'm shopping for a monitor. I'm not going for the apple one, I'm not dropping $1,000 on a monitor (which isn't a bad price compared to its competitors) no matter how nice it is.

Idk why I'm so pumped but I just am. I used to hate apple with a passion and now I think i've become an apple fanboy before I even tried one out.

:(
If you need a monitor http://www.newegg.com/Store/BrandSubCategory.aspx?Brand=1315&SubCategory=20&name=ASUS-LCD-Monitors&Order=RATING

[ALBballer]

If you need a monitor http://www.newegg.com/Store/BrandSubCategory.aspx?Brand=1315&SubCategory=20&name=ASUS-LCD-Monitors&Order=RATING

I love newegg no sales tax for now and their prices are some of the lowest I've seen. I check out their stuff frequently. They also have some good open box deals but the good deals go quick b/c of the people who resell them on ebay.

[YAWN]

Looking forward to mac. I bought the wireless keyboard and mouse on ebay as well and now I'm shopping for a monitor. I'm not going for the apple one, I'm not dropping $1,000 on a monitor (which isn't a bad price compared to its competitors) no matter how nice it is.


Yeah the monitor is way overpriced. I bought a nice Samsung for $200 and hook it up to my macbook pro.

[andgar923]

I think they have resale value because you know exactly what you are getting. There aren't that many things you can customize and most of the parts used in Apple are OEM (unless the user opened up the hardware.) Even then most of their products are a pain in the ass to customize. The guide of installing a SSD in the iMacs is kinda difficult for example. Such consistency make selling easier IMO. Also there are no sales for Apple and the sticker price is what it is. No real bargains unless you use some 3rd party (iecraigslist.)

I was going back and forth for almost a week between buying an iMac and Mac Mini and I was hesitant to buy right now because newer models should be coming. I figured I could go online and find a pretty good deal but I was amazed how high resale was for these products were. I knew it was good but it's ridiculous how the prices don't differ much. The refurbished prices on the official apple store (that come with a 1 year warranty) and the prices on ebay prices were similar. In fact, most ebay prices were higher.

I got the mac mini at a good price though (well relatively speaking for apple standards lol) so I figure I could almost break even when I sell it or be out of pocket a small amount.

Looking forward to mac. I bought the wireless keyboard and mouse on ebay as well and now I'm shopping for a monitor. I'm not going for the apple one, I'm not dropping $1,000 on a monitor (which isn't a bad price compared to its competitors) no matter how nice it is.

Idk why I'm so pumped but I just am. I used to hate apple with a passion and now I think i've become an apple fanboy before I even tried one out.

:(

You need to buy the Magic Trackpad, makes using the OS experience better.

Like I've stated, you should be patient with it and setup some of the features to take advantage of its full potential. Many people don't setup the dock, expose, hot corners, some of the multi touch features, etc.etc. And many more (even pros) go their entire usage without knowing simple shortcuts or unaware of small features that will help them.

Most people still don't know how to properly quit an app, so they have dozens of apps open, the same goes for people not deleting DMG files.

let me know when you get it, and I can walk you through and give you a list of apps that you'll need.

Btw... for all Mac users out there, if you don't have it installed yet, I really recommend 'PopClip (http://pilotmoon.com/popclip/)'. I can't live without this small simple app. I wish Apple incorporated this as a native feature, simple and very useful.

[blablabla]

do you guys have any problems with lion because my macbook freezes a lot when i use safari

[andgar923]

do you guys have any problems with lion because my macbook freezes a lot when i use safari

naw... Safari does suck tho.

Part of the issue is that it auto saves all the time, so that makes it sluggish, specially if you're surfing sites with flash. Safari sucks big time!!!!

I try not to use it, but Chrome isn't the same. I've tried using Chrome but I always go back to Safari with it's stupid bugs and freezing. There is a way to stop it from auto refreshing, but at times it can give you other issues.

Try this if you want:
http://osxdaily.com/2011/09/20/stop-safari-auto-refreshing-web-pages-in-mac-os-x-lion/

It should stop any freezing issues. The Auto refresh is a good idea, but just sucks... I hate it!

But I love it when I've closed Safari by accident :D

I must warn you tho.

Most plugins will stop working, and Safari may be prone to quitting unexpectedly.

Yeah... Safari sucks big time!!!!

[blablabla]

thanks man

[ALBballer]

You need to buy the Magic Trackpad, makes using the OS experience better.

Like I've stated, you should be patient with it and setup some of the features to take advantage of its full potential. Many people don't setup the dock, expose, hot corners, some of the multi touch features, etc.etc. And many more (even pros) go their entire usage without knowing simple shortcuts or unaware of small features that will help them.

Most people still don't know how to properly quit an app, so they have dozens of apps open, the same goes for people not deleting DMG files.

let me know when you get it, and I can walk you through and give you a list of apps that you'll need.

Btw... for all Mac users out there, if you don't have it installed yet, I really recommend 'PopClip (http://pilotmoon.com/popclip/)'. I can't live without this small simple app. I wish Apple incorporated this as a native feature, simple and very useful.

Hmm will do thanks. I've tried out the trackpad in stores and i thought it was pretty good. The older mouse (the mighty mouse) was terrible but I loved the way the magic mouse handled. I figure I will use it for now. Regardless I don't think I would be able to take advantage of the trackpad at this point because I don't understand the basic controls.

[Rose]

I recommend a magic mouse as well. They're beautiful. I'm actually tempted to get one for my macbook pro.

[Rose]

Then he's good.

Jailbreaking is worth it for a number of key reasons:

!. You won't have to rely on streaming solely from iOS devices or iTunes. Which means you can stream from your external HD or other source.

2. Multiple file format playback. Yeah... torrented files, or files you ripped from your own video discs.

3. XBMC and Plex... these are 3rd party programs that let you add an array of channels, and stream stuff from the net. For instance, I watch NBA games without a season pass via a plugin called 'SportsDevil'. You don't have HBO? no problem! a program called Navi-X will have the latest Curb episode in as short as hour after it aired.

Those are just a few of the reasons, along with Last FM, on screen internet browser, 3rd party remote controls, etc.etc.

Here's a great site along with a link on how to install the latest crack:

http://www.appletvhacks.net/2012/01/03/how-to-jailbreak-apple-tv-4-4-4-using-seas0npass-untethered-tutorial/

Kinda easy and straight forward. Now... biggest problem some people face is the ATV not going into DFU mode. This is how I've solved it and it seems to work well (I've jailbroken 4 ATVs). When you plug in your ATV to your computer via microusb also plug in the power cord to the ATV. As soon as the program recognizes that it's in DFU mode, unplug the power cord from the ATV.

If you try it and you get iTunes error messages try again, there's also YouTube videos that show how to get around certain error messages. But you should be good if you follow what I mentioned. If your ATV bricks, no problem, just restore it and re-do the entire process from scratch, you'll eventually get it.

Another thing... I recommend you purchase an ATV Flash account http://firecore.com/atvflash-black

It's worth it imo, the cracks for the software don't work all the time, so save yourself some trouble and buy it.

Let me know if you try it and if you have any issues or if you've been successful so I can show you where to get plugins and how to install them.

Oh yeah.... pron plugins are available as well. :)
Tried it keep getting the iTunes unknown error 1601


Just got it! Switched the usb ports and tried it again without the power cord and it worked. awesome.

And for the next question how do I install apps, and which ones would you recommend? I went to try and install SportsDevil but to be honest didn't know how to do it.

Got to here http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=100031

Clicked the download and saw a ton of links. Which do I click. Walk me through this teach the noob please :D

[andgar923]

Tried it keep getting the iTunes unknown error 1601


Just got it! Switched the usb ports and tried it again without the power cord and it worked. awesome.

And for the next question how do I install apps, and which ones would you recommend? I went to try and install SportsDevil but to be honest didn't know how to do it.

Got to here http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=100031

Clicked the download and saw a ton of links. Which do I click. Walk me through this teach the noob please :D

What have you installed?

Let me know what your setup is, don't wanna overwhelm you with tons of shit, so I need to know exacty what you have.

[Rose]

What have you installed?

Let me know what your setup is, don't wanna overwhelm you with tons of shit, so I need to know exacty what you have.
Absolutely nothing.

Just a basic apple tv 2 jailbroken by that site you told me too.

[andgar923]

Absolutely nothing.

Just a basic apple tv 2 jailbroken by that site you told me too.

Did you get an ATV Flash account?

http://firecore.com/atvflash-black

It's worth it imo. You can find a torrent, but they usually don't work, so save yourself the headaches and invest in it.

When you get that, you'll want to go through the 'Maintenance' and install basically everything but 'weather' and RSS feeds (unless you want those as well). And do not restart when you install them, restart the ATV when you finish installing the last extra. Otherwise you'll be there all night, so only click on restart after you install the last extra.

Let me know how that goes, then we'll go into getting your XBMC setup.

[Rose]

Did you get an ATV Flash account?

http://firecore.com/atvflash-black

It's worth it imo. You can find a torrent, but they usually don't work, so save yourself the headaches and invest in it.

When you get that, you'll want to go through the 'Maintenance' and install basically everything but 'weather' and RSS feeds (unless you want those as well). And do not restart when you install them, restart the ATV when you finish installing the last extra. Otherwise you'll be there all night, so only click on restart after you install the last extra.

Let me know how that goes, then we'll go into getting your XBMC setup.
Done. Installed everything I wanted. And saw what you meant by not restarting. I forgot about it when I went to start it. Then after installing last.fm was like **** this shit.:oldlol:

[andgar923]

Done. Installed everything I wanted. And saw what you meant by not restarting. I forgot about it when I went to start it. Then after installing last.fm was like **** this shit.:oldlol:

So what do you have?

Did you figure out how to install add-ons for XBMC through cyberduck?

[Rose]

So what do you have?

Did you figure out how to install add-ons for XBMC through cyberduck?
Everything but weather/rss feed.

http://cyberduck.ch/ that cyberduck? Hadn't looked at it yet. Downloading now.

[andgar923]

Everything but weather/rss feed.

http://cyberduck.ch/ that cyberduck? Hadn't looked at it yet. Downloading now.

So I'm assuming you installed XBMC, if so you'll want to maximize it by installing certain add-ons.

Here's some info that can help you...

http://support.firecore.com/entries/316002-connecting-via-ssh-and-sftp

You should be good, but in case you have any issues let me know.

Now... here's a list of add-ons to get:

http://website.navi-x.org/downloads.html

http://code.google.com/p/xbmc-development-with-passion/wiki/SportsDevil


http://code.google.com/p/anarchintosh-projects/downloads/detail?name=repository.googlecode.anarchintosh-projects.1.0.1.zip&can=2&q=

http://code.google.com/p/bluecop-xbmc-repo/downloads/detail?name=repository.bluecop.xbmc-plugins.zip&can=2&q=



Here's a list of other add-ons:
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Unofficial_add-on_repositories

And here's another:
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Category:Dharma_add-on_repository

NOTE: Make sure you right click on the file and download as a 'ZIP' file.

That's the only way you can install them, otherwise you'll get a folder with files and that won't work.

This is how to install them in XBMC once you've installed them via 'Cyberduck':

http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Add-ons

Scroll down to the 'Intall from ZIP' and you should be set.

When you finish installing close XBMC and open it again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9dtjmyD1I8

That's a video showing Navi X, although I go to 'Most Recently Updated' instead (shorter list to scroll through).

[andgar923]

I just bought 'Air Parrot (http://airparrot.com/)' and I recommend it!

I understand that Mtn Lion will have Wireless Mirroring built in, but Air Parrot has promised features that Apple won't have. We'll have to wait and see. I do must stress that this will run on more Macs and OS X flavors than on Apple's version (Apple's wireless mirroring will only run on newer Macs and Mtn Lion OS).

The developers also work fast.

When they released this app 2 weeks ago, they promised audio streaming and it didn't take them long. I can see this app get better with each version, and the developers adding more features in a short amount of time, def worth a purchase.

In any case, they're offering a free trial, give it a try.

[Rose]

Thanks for the help I got my appletv jailbroken, and everything that you recommended installed.


I also tried the airparrot I ****ing love it. :rockon:

[andgar923]

Thanks for the help I got my appletv jailbroken, and everything that you recommended installed.


I also tried the airparrot I ****ing love it. :rockon:
Cool.

Do you have your content streaming through it as well? i.e. shit from an external drive etc.etc.

[andgar923]

And yeah.... I like Air Parrot as well. I gave the trial mode a shot and ended up buying it. Although I don't think I'll use it much at the moment, I'm sure it'll come in handy a number of times.

I was surprised at how good the quality was, I was expecting something that really lagged and tons of frame issues with bad audio syncing, but all was well.

Can't wait to see what the developers add.

[Rose]

Cool.

Do you have your content streaming through it as well? i.e. shit from an external drive etc.etc.
Ah not yet. I don't have an external hard drive. Mostly because I keep all the movies and stuff I download on my old desktop. It's a bit of a hassle taking stuff and putting it on there at times but hey it's free and I'm a cheap bastard. I usually download stuff on my macbook watch it and then if I want to keep it I throw it on the old pc, since I can hook it into my tv directly anyways.

I'm tempted to buy airparrot but not sure how much I would actually use it. I doubt I'll upgrade my to mountain lion mostly because I don't like the move towards making os x more like iOS. In fact, as a dedicated apple fan boy I find it pretty upsetting they're basically changing it to get the windows crowd that uses iPads and iPhones. If I could I'd downgrade back to snow leopard. It was faster to boot, and I think better.

[andgar923]

Ah not yet. I don't have an external hard drive. Mostly because I keep all the movies and stuff I download on my old desktop. It's a bit of a hassle taking stuff and putting it on there at times but hey it's free and I'm a cheap bastard. I usually download stuff on my macbook watch it and then if I want to keep it I throw it on the old pc, since I can hook it into my tv directly anyways.

I'm tempted to buy airparrot but not sure how much I would actually use it. I doubt I'll upgrade my to mountain lion mostly because I don't like the move towards making os x more like iOS. In fact, as a dedicated apple fan boy I find it pretty upsetting they're basically changing it to get the windows crowd that uses iPads and iPhones. If I could I'd downgrade back to snow leopard. It was faster to boot, and I think better.

YOu can assign either XBMC or ATV Flash to stream from your Mac as well.

So you can download movies, and instead of watching them on your Macbook have them streamed to your ATV.

[Balla_Status]

First post on my macbook pro 15". Got a few questions.

How do I "find" a word on a webpage, word document or w/e. The crtl+f equivalent on a macbook.

And describe to me all the shortcuts on the mouse pad.

[andgar923]

First post on my macbook pro 15". Got a few questions.

How do I "find" a word on a webpage, word document or w/e. The crtl+f equivalent on a macbook.

And describe to me all the shortcuts on the mouse pad.

to find a word you type:

Apple + 'F'

The Apple key (command) is the equivalent to the Ctrl key, almost everything is the same. Either way, you can go to the System Preferences to see what the shortcuts are, and even customize them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywZLqa2zSaI

Hope that vid works.

But System Preferences has a video example explaining each gesture.

[andgar923]

There's a number of videos available, but here's a decent one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9nFQZMpzh0&feature=related

[Balla_Status]

Cool thanks andgar

[Balla_Status]

Anyway I can transfer music directly from my iPod to iTunes?

Looks like I can only do iTunes purchases unfortunately.

[andgar923]

Anyway I can transfer music directly from my iPod to iTunes?

Looks like I can only do iTunes purchases unfortunately.

there's apps that do that (Mac apps that is), I honestly can't recommend any since I've never used any. But here's a link that's very useful in finding Mac apps:

http://osx.iusethis.com/

Here's another site that's good for finding apps and tips:

http://mac.appstorm.net/

http://macapps.net/

http://www.ilovemacapps.com/

[Rose]

Actually if you still have a pc there's a much easier way where you show hidden files on your ipod.


http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/how-to-tech/how-to-transfer-songs-from-ipod-to-computer.htm Even though there's the mac equivalent of a walk through in this article going through terminal didn't work when I tried it a couple years ago.

But basically show your hidden files on there, and then set the ipod into usb mode and then it should pop up as a usb stick on your mac. And you can pull the files off easy. They'll just be in like 50 different folders. literally. and they'll all be coded like.

AAFR.mp3 KAKJ.mp3 etc

[Balla_Status]

For some reason, my iPod touch doesn't show up on my mac desktop so I can't do any of that hidden file crap.

[ImmortalNemesis]

Didn't read thread but WinAmp lets you transfer songs from an iPod to a computer.

[ImmortalNemesis]

And if you don't want a new media player just download 'Tansee iPod transfer'. I got it a few years ago. It allows you to transfer songs from an iPod to a pc as well. I don't know if it works on a mac. You'll have to buy the full version though. I downloaded the program from demonoid or pirate bay, can't remember.

[Balla_Status]

I finally got my iPod figured out and got all the music onto my iTunes. For some reason, I changed USB ports and it worked. I swear I tried that before too...

Anyways, just an update, I love this thing. It's so smooth. FaceTime is a pretty fun thing to use. I can call anybody that has an iPhone and web cam it up.

I love how I can use the mousepad to go from desktop to whatever and don't have to click anything to go back a webpage if I want. Just use the mousepad. Great innovation.

The autocorrect is definitely annoying though.

Great buy. Would recommend. Much better than windows. But windows isn't bad either.

[Rose]

I finally got my iPod figured out and got all the music onto my iTunes. For some reason, I changed USB ports and it worked. I swear I tried that before too...

Anyways, just an update, I love this thing. It's so smooth. FaceTime is a pretty fun thing to use. I can call anybody that has an iPhone and web cam it up.

I love how I can use the mousepad to go from desktop to whatever and don't have to click anything to go back a webpage if I want. Just use the mousepad. Great innovation.

The autocorrect is definitely annoying though.

Great buy. Would recommend. Much better than windows. But windows isn't bad either.
http://osxdaily.com/2011/07/28/turn-off-auto-correct-in-mac-os-x-lion/ Yeah I hated that too day one I changed it. To the best of my knowledge it changes it in every program, except Mail.