Which typ of Mac (laptop) is best for online business?

by DCM
44 replies
Hello,

I'm new to online marketing and right now i'm in the reading and researching stage, trying to determine which avenue i'm going to pursue as far as business goes.

I presently have an ipad, but think that i will need to trade in to get a full computer so i have the ability to do all of the tasks which are required when setting up and running an online business.

I want something versatile which will eventually be able to handle web-page design, blog/web page up keep, sufficient to handle my online store, and all the rest of other goodies which online money making requires.

I was hoping for the reccomendations from individuals who are experienced with online profitibaility and what sort of computing capacity is needed.

Thank you for any insite.

PS- can i get by with a Mac, or is a PC required?
#business #laptop #mac #online #typ
  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    Originally Posted by DCM View Post

    Hello,

    I'm new to online marketing and right now i'm in the reading and researching stage, trying to determine which avenue i'm going to pursue as far as business goes.

    I presently have an ipad, but think that i will need to trade in to get a full computer so i have the ability to do all of the tasks which are required when setting up and running an online business.

    I want something versatile which will eventually be able to handle web-page design, blog/web page up keep, sufficient to handle my online store, and all the rest of other goodies which online money making requires.

    I was hoping for the reccomendations from individuals who are experienced with online profitibaility and what sort of computing capacity is needed.

    Thank you for any insite.

    PS- can i get by with a Mac, or is a PC required?
    Let me get to the central issue at hand here. Of course you can get by with either a Mac or a PC, but just so you know, the majority of IM software on the market (some that come to mind off of the top of my head include Traffic Travis, Micro Niche Finder and SENuke) is PC only.

    With Macs, there is a way to get around that, but it's going to require some additional work and expense. You'd either have to purchase a copy of Windows 7 and install it via Apple Bootcamp, or additionally purchase some type of virtualization/emulation software like Parallels or VMWare Fusion to install your copy of Windows on (to run both operating systems simultaneously).

    If you're okay with the added expense of that and have a preference for Macs, then there'd be no problems whatsoever in using a Mac for IM purposes.

    What I'd recommend is that you try to pick or configure a Mac with at least 500GB of hard drive space, because in my experience I find that hard drives typically fill up very quickly when you're actively involved in IM, no doubt due to the surfeit of audios and videos that you'll be downloading (and most likely creating as well).

    Paul
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    • Profile picture of the author DCM
      Originally Posted by paulie888 View Post

      Let me get to the central issue at hand here. Of course you can get by with either a Mac or a PC, but just so you know, the majority of IM software on the market (some that come to mind off of the top of my head include Traffic Travis, Micro Niche Finder and SENuke) is PC only.

      With Macs, there is a way to get around that, but it's going to require additional work and expense. You'd either have to purchase a copy of Windows 7 and install it via Apple Bootcamp, or additionally purchase some type of virtualization/emulation software like Parallels or VMWare Fusion to install your copy of Windows on (to run both operating systems simultaneously).

      If you're okay with the added expense of that and have a preference for Macs, then there'd be no problems whatsoever in using a Mac for IM purposes.

      What I'd recommend is that you try to pick or configure a Mac with at least 500GB of hard drive space, because in my experience I find that hard drives typically fill up very quickly when you're actively involved in IM, no doubt due to the surfeit of audios and videos that you'll be downloading (and most likely creating as well).

      Paul
      Thanks for that Paul. I guess i tend to prefer Mac over Pc as i find that it crashes less, and runs more smoothly than a Pc, less hour-glass and re-booting.

      Ive used both. Im not a compter engineer or programmer and have minimal knowledgd of how to tweak computers - if i did i would likely go PC as ive heard you can use them more to your advantage. But for ease of use in my case, MAC has just tended to get along with a bit more of a simpleton computer user such as myself. If i can use a MAC and just spend a bit more to say get bootcamp- and that would give me full access to the benefits of both pc and mac then i think id go that route.

      Good to keep in mind about the programs requiring only PC though, thank you .
      Best,
      David
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      • Profile picture of the author paulie888
        Originally Posted by DCM View Post

        Thanks for that Paul. I guess i tend to prefer Mac over Pc as i find that it crashes less, and runs more smoothly than a Pc, less hour-glass and re-booting.

        Ive used both. Im not a compter engineer or programmer and have minimal knowledgd of how to tweak computers - if i did i would likely go PC as ive heard you can use them more to your advantage. But for ease of use in my case, MAC has just tended to get along with a bit more of a simpleton computer user such as myself. If i can use a MAC and just spend a bit more to say get bootcamp- and that would give me full access to the benefits of both pc and mac then i think id go that route.

        Good to keep in mind about the programs requiring only PC though, thank you .
        Best,
        David
        You're welcome, David. By the way, Bootcamp comes standard on all the newer Mac laptops, so you wouldn't have to purchase that. The only thing you'd need to do is purchase the full version (not upgrade) of Windows 7 if you want to install it via Bootcamp.

        Paul
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        • Profile picture of the author QuickSurf
          Originally Posted by paulie888 View Post

          You're welcome, David. By the way, Bootcamp comes standard on all the newer Mac laptops, so you wouldn't have to purchase that. The only thing you'd need to do is purchase the full version (not upgrade) of Windows 7 if you want to install it via Bootcamp.

          Paul
          Bootcamp imo is pointless, it's only good for directly trying to play more complex games. Download Virtualbox for free and you can run the virtual machine right with os/x and flip back and forth. With bootcamp, you stuck in Windows and if you want to use os/x you have to restart the computer.
          Originally Posted by Zabrina View Post

          You beat me to the punch. VirtualBox is brilliant and free. I've tried several other virtualized environments, and it's by far my favourite.
          Agree, I don't know why people pay the $$$ for the other products, when Virtualbox does the samething and is free.
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    • Profile picture of the author QuickSurf
      Originally Posted by paulie888 View Post

      With Macs, there is a way to get around that, but it's going to require some additional work and expense. You'd either have to purchase a copy of Windows 7 and install it via Apple Bootcamp, or additionally purchase some type of virtualization/emulation software like Parallels or VMWare Fusion to install your copy of Windows on (to run both operating systems simultaneously).
      Paul
      There's a free option thats excellent, Virtualbox by Oracle.. it's what I use and better than paying for the expensive other virtual products.

      It's a love/hate with my Macbook Pro 13, I love the feel of the aluminum (sick of cheesy plastic laptops), and the backlit keyboard which is so good at night when chilling or whatever, and the battery life blows away a windows laptop. i watched 2 movies on the plane and still had battery life left, win laptop would be lucky to get an 1 hour if that playing a movie.

      But it took awhile to get used to finder and other folders, and never gotten used to using the "terminal". And I hate how certain programs just will not run or won't run to the capactity they do on windows, so I have Win 7 running as a virtual machine and can run os/x and Win 7 at the same time in parallel windows.

      The main thing though, the trackpad, handsdown the best, everytime I use a normal win laptop now I just can't get use to the clumsy feel and use of the trackpad, Apples trackpad is incredible. HP did a nice job too on their Envy line (which is the only win based laptop I would get now if I didn't want a Mac, aluminum build, and so many options you can have a powerhouse of a laptop that blows away some powerful desktops). And much of the Mac is 1 touch which is cool.

      I would go with a 15" though, the 13" is great for portability, but the 15" has way more powerful processors etc, and you can get anti-glare screen, whereas the 13" has the normal glass screen that glares like mofo.. so annoying at times.
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      • Profile picture of the author Zabrina
        Originally Posted by QuickSurf View Post

        There's a free option thats excellent, Virtualbox by Oracle.. it's what I use and better than paying for the expensive other virtual products.
        You beat me to the punch. VirtualBox is brilliant and free. I've tried several other virtualized environments, and it's by far my favourite.
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  • Profile picture of the author Thomas Michal
    What are you trying to do exactly?

    Most people will tell you to get a mac, especially because you can run all software now.

    I use a pc.
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    • Profile picture of the author DCM
      Originally Posted by Thomas Michal View Post

      What are you trying to do exactly?

      Most people will tell you to get a mac, especially because you can run all software now.

      I use a pc.

      Hi Thomas,

      Im new to this all but im thinking along the lines of setting up an on-line store for dropshipping and/or e-book. These would be to get started with but ultumatley running a niche website as well for affiliated marketing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Juderter
    I would say a MacBook (not air) would be beautiful, especially on the go!
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    • Profile picture of the author DCM
      Originally Posted by Juderter View Post

      I would say a MacBook (not air) would be beautiful, especially on the go!
      Mmmm will look into this. Would you say i need a mac book Pro, or just a standard mac book would suffice. The Air, has lumited capacity i presume, even though would be great for traveling. I plan to be mobile with this device so that is somewhat of a factor but without the functionality=profitability there will be little travel so, funtionality is primary concern i guess

      They have different types of Mac Books these days, yes?

      With different capacity too...


      Thanks!
      David
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  • Profile picture of the author Kev3l173
    i would say mac since i became a mac user and they run so well
    but the down fall is you will need a virtual machine app. such as vmware or parallels and a copy of windows. this is so u can install windows and run windows apps.

    alot of marketing software is for windows.

    my micro niche finder and market samurai run on windows


    macbook pro 2.53 intel core 2
    4gb ram
    500 gb harddrive
    leopard


    hope this helps
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    • Profile picture of the author noxid101
      Yes I love my MacBook for most IM tasks, but I also keep a pc laptop handy because so many good IM programs run windows.

      Keep the iPad it is great for checking on things while on the go.
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      • Profile picture of the author Marty S
        Since you already have an iPad, I would not be so concerned about portability issues and suggest you look for a desktop Mac and keep your iPad. I do a lot of my writing and planning away from the desk using my iPad, only to transfer it later for further work.

        If you are planning on this being a real business, a desk and desktop computer should be your first option. When I travel, I can do most things on my laptop, but it is not a professional solution for all tasks in my opinion. You need to consider storage, hardware, RAM for software, headphones and cams, and also your physical ergonomics when working late hours. I have the most powerful MacBook with the i7 and anti-glare screen and use it a fraction of the time I am on my iMac desktop. In fact, I use it LESS than the iPad!

        You can also get more computer power and screen space of course if you buy an iMac. If cost is an issue, check the refurbished deals on the Apple website or slightly used iMacs on Craigslist (ONLY BUY LOCALLY). Also an often overlooked option is the Mac mini which is great if you already have an old PC monitor to hook it up to. I recently changed my wife's Dell PC to a Mac mini using her current keyboard, monitor and webcam. She didn't miss a beat.

        Here is the thing. You could load up and buy the very best laptop right now, but 6 months to a year from now, you will be looking to a desktop for your business solutions. If you are planning to do anything with video, you can cut that rethinking down to about 3 months before you realize what you really need.

        About Mac and IM software, the ones stated above are by no means industry standard. Market Samurai does work on AIR platform and I use it on my iMac all the time whenever I need to do keyword research. I also use SEOLinkvine, which is web-based.

        Now I do have two PCs in my office as well, so I am not saying one solution for you is better than the other, but just that a desktop should be your first option.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Tan
    If you would like to be portable and move around all the time, I would suggest using a Mac, as Mac battery last longer than most of the Windows Laptop out there. I'm personally using a Mac too. Macs are also more durable and have a more reliable OS. I would suggest you get a 15" macbook pro.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kev3l173
      Originally Posted by John Tan View Post

      If you would like to be portable and move around all the time, I would suggest using a Mac, as Mac battery last longer than most of the Windows Laptop out there. I'm personally using a Mac too. Macs are also more durable and have a more reliable OS. I would suggest you get a 15" macbook pro.
      agreed

      btw the 15 inch is good but if u want to go more portable go for the 13 then either way u can go wrong
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  • Profile picture of the author jasonmorgan
    Doesn't make a whole lot of difference. Seriously.

    Just about everything you want to do can be done on both. With a mac, you're going to have software limitations. Want to get passed those limitation you're going to have to tweak your system.

    Neither a mac or a pc has some secret sauce that makes it better than the other. Most IM tasks are so basic you could do them with an Atari1040st.

    What do you need...
    1. Internet access
    2. word processor or text editor

    That sums up 90% of Internet Marketers

    For the rest throw in...
    1. spreadsheet application for you excel types
    2. Photoshop or other graphics software
    3. Video Editing software
    4. Built in camera for recording yourself doing dumb stuff to put on youtube

    Just about any off the shelf computer can handle all of that except video editing.

    I am a PC user and always will be.

    I don't know what the rest of you are doing wrong but my stuff never crashes and never has any problems.
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  • Profile picture of the author cbrauer
    The only thing that sucks about a PC is Windows. It is not the computer that crashes and slows your machine down it is the software (Windows).

    If you want a PC that runs as smooths as a Mac just change the software. There are over 200 free operating systems you can download and burn to a disk for install.

    OpenBSD, FreeBSD, Trillion, Fedora, Debian, Freespire, Mandriva, NetBSD, and tons more.
    Instead of buying Microsoft Office just download Open Office from openoffice.org it does the same thing FOR FREE.

    My inner Geek is starting to show so I will end this post.
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  • Profile picture of the author Hoodyy
    As an engineering student, Mac's are just terrible.

    That is for software compatibility.

    The product design students all use macs, and to be fair, the macs do look sexy.

    However, the 'X' on all of the windows is on the wrong side, therefore I can never buy a Mac

    I have a simple Acer Apsire 5732Z with Windows 7 and it is fantastic. Never had any problems with it. 4GB RAM, 15.6" LCD Monitor, 500GB HDD etc etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author Site87
    I use both a MacBook Pro and an HP Laptop. For the type of business that I do which is mainly affiliate marketing, I can get away with either or.

    Best of luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author King Shiloh
    Banned
    Get a Lenovo ThinkPad.

    Zabrina uses it.
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    • Profile picture of the author DireStraits
      Originally Posted by King Shiloh View Post

      Get a Lenovo ThinkPad.

      Zabrina uses it.
      So do I.

      I have a Lenovo Thinkpad X201, with various addons/upgrades. What a stonking beast it is for a 12 inch "ultraportable". Light as a feather, and the battery can last me all day. I just added an internal mobile broadband card and am going to be subscribing to a service soon so that I can work from anywhere - which should be crackin' during the summer (although that's a way off yet ... )!

      Thinkpad's are practically military-grade in comparison to regular consumer laptops - though the build-quality of Apple's is pretty good too. I just prefer PCs. I'll never buy anything other than a Thinkpad, now.
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    • Profile picture of the author Zabrina
      Originally Posted by King Shiloh View Post

      Get a Lenovo ThinkPad.

      Zabrina uses it.
      Sorry, you must have gotten me mixed up with someone else. I used to use one for work, and I liked it, but I'm a Mac girl at heart.

      If you let us know what you chose, we might be able to help you find a Boxing Week sale. Just sayin'.
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  • Profile picture of the author marketanalyzer
    i use PC. even though it is vulnerable to different securities issues. i don't like Virtualbox or Bootcamp. VMware does most of the things for me
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    • Profile picture of the author donhx
      This is the never-ending story....

      Get a Windows computer if you want low price and high functionality and unending amounts of software. While I did use a Mac for about 2 years back when because I had too, I have otherwise always used Windows computers. I have not had any of the problems Apple people like to talk about (blue screen of death, etc) since Windows 98. I'm an ultra heavy user too, lots of graphics and video, and I NEVER had the kind of problems they talk about.

      Get a Mac if you want a good looking case and don't mind paying extra to get decent RAM, HD space, and the ability to run Windows. I'm not a Mac basher like some because I have used them on a daily basis and they are okay, but I personally have never been able to see the value for money in them.

      Here are some Apple products at the peak of their artful beauty.
      http://news.cnet.com/2300-13579_3-10...html?tag=mncol
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      • Profile picture of the author Robert Oliver
        I use a MacBook 13" not the air model.

        2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

        500GB on hardrive space. I upgraded myself from the 160 gb

        4 GB DDR2 SDRAM. Came with 2. I upgraded myself.

        1.5 TB external hardrive partitioned into 2 drives for time machine
        and storage.

        22" flatscreen LG monitor for more work space.

        Parallels running side by side with Snow Leopard and WXP.

        Faster than greased lightning, boots up in seconds, shuts down
        in seconds.

        Nothing I cannot do in the IM arena.

        Less than $1600 in this setup.

        Hope this helps.

        Robert Oliver
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      • Profile picture of the author King Shiloh
        Banned
        Originally Posted by donhx View Post

        This is the never-ending story....

        Get a Windows computer if you want low price and high functionality and unending amounts of software. While I did use a Mac for about 2 years back when because I had too, I have otherwise always used Windows computers. I have not had any of the problems Apple people like to talk about (blue screen of death, etc) since Windows 98. I'm an ultra heavy user too, lots of graphics and video, and I NEVER had the kind of problems they talk about.

        Get a Mac if you want a good looking case and don't mind paying extra to get decent RAM, HD space, and the ability to run Windows. I'm not a Mac basher like some because I have used them on a daily basis and they are okay, but I personally have never been able to see the value for money in them.

        Here are some Apple products at the peak of their artful beauty.
        Targeting image - Destroyed Apple products as art (photos) - CNET News
        Thanks for the guide.

        Every product created by man has its advantages and disadvantages.

        Also, there's a product for the rich and another for the poor. So, what you buy, including a laptop, depends on your budget apart from product specifications, quality and so on.

        To me, I hate spending my money on what will not give me the much desired value for money or satisfaction.
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    • Profile picture of the author QuickSurf
      Originally Posted by marketanalyzer View Post

      i use PC. even though it is vulnerable to different securities issues. i don't like Virtualbox or Bootcamp. VMware does most of the things for me
      Thats odd.. what didn't you like about Virtualbox? I've used VMware and Parallels and don't see why anyone would spend the money for them when Virtualbox does the samething and is free. I agree on bootcamp though, it's useless imo and only good if your trying to run games especially "heavy processor" games that the virtual systems are kinda iffy with.

      I still feel the best thing about the Mac is the backlit keyboard, it flat rocks at night time when you just want to chill/kick back with lights dim or off.

      Def go with a 15/17" with antiglare though, my pet peeve is that glass on my 13" Pro reflects to much, very annoying. There are antiglare skins you can use on the 13" but they make everything kinda blurry.
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  • Profile picture of the author caseycase
    My setup is similar to Robert's - 13 inch Macbook with Parallels. Works great for me! I rarely use Windows, but it is nice to have from time to time.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
    I use a 17" macbook pro.

    I suggest getting iwork if you are a product creator. Best PDF and video presentations EVER.
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  • Profile picture of the author vishalduggal
    I suggest you to buy an windows OS not an MAC. Because most of the software didn't work in Mac. Example Senuke,magic submitter etc etc.
    So it would be good if you buy an windows based OS first. Just my opinion.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daryl Lim
    Although I don't own a Mac (yet), I'm with it for sure.

    What I'm aiming for is a solid 11" MacBook Air... (law of attraction working)
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  • Profile picture of the author webapex
    A Macs strongest point these days may be it's relative immunity to pc viruses on the web. Probably any would do, bigger screens are nice for design, the graphics guys log around a 17".

    Most seo automation aids are pc only, there are a couple of add-ons that allow it to run windows, if it's a must. A few Adobe Air based tools like Market Samuri run on Macs.
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    • Profile picture of the author King Shiloh
      Banned
      Originally Posted by webapex View Post

      A Macs strongest point these days may be it's relative immunity to pc viruses on the web. Probably any would do, bigger screens are nice for design, the graphics guys log around a 17".

      Most seo automation aids are pc only, there are a couple of add-ons that allow it to run windows, if it's a must. A few Adobe Air based tools like Market Samuri run on Macs.
      That's a good point but are you sure it's 100% true considering the fact that it's a human device made to be used by man with flesh and blood.

      Totally immuned to virus?:confused: I'm not totally sure.
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    • Profile picture of the author DireStraits
      Originally Posted by webapex View Post

      A Macs strongest point these days may be it's relative immunity to pc viruses on the web.
      A lot of people cite this as being a major factor in their decision to buy a Mac. Honestly, though, I don't think viruses or anything else are that big a problem for properly maintained Windows-based PCs.

      I've only used AVG Free for years, I'm permanently connected to the 'net, download a lot of stuff, and I've had absolutely zero virus-related problems on either my desktop, or both my old and new laptops.

      I think people for whom virus-infections are a significant and constant problem are those who don't keep their virus-scanners, OS and/or other core software updated or else don't exercise caution when downloading stuff and/or opening up unexpected email attachments.

      In other words, all this business about Windows "sucking because it's insecure and there are too may viruses" is vastly overstated - usually by devout Mac-lovers or those who won't, don't or can't take any very basic security/maintenance measures.
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  • Profile picture of the author wolfmmiii
    I think there are too many basing their recommendations on personal preferences. At the end of the day, the PC (natively) supports far more applications than the Mac. That, by itself, makes it a better choice in my opinion. Why worry about buying a Mac and needing add-ons, new OS's, etc when a PC does it right out of the box?

    What OP has to ask himself, though, is what apps he expects to be using. If the apps that he uses are all Mac-supported, then a Mac will suffice. However, the fact that you even need to think about it, in my opinion, makes the PC a better option since you know every app will run on it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Zabrina
      Originally Posted by wolfmmiii View Post

      However, the fact that you even need to think about it, in my opinion, makes the PC a better option since you know every app will run on it.
      The problem is that not every app will run on it. :p Some Mac only, or "Mac version outperforms PC version" apps that I'd never want to do without include...

      Adium, Breakaway, Budget, BusyCal, calibre, DeskShade, Flux (I think there's a PC version, but some have complained about it iirc), Growl, Little Snitch, Open Office (debatable, but I've noticed it running slower on the PC's of friends who have it), Name Mangler, Plain Clip (I use this so many times each day it's not funny), ScreenFlow, ScreenShade, Scrivener, TinyAlarm, Transmission, Writer, WriteRoom... etc.

      If PC's ran all these programs, I might consider them, but there are simply no PC equivalents for several of the most-used programs of these.
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      • Profile picture of the author wolfmmiii
        Originally Posted by Zabrina View Post

        The problem is that not every app will run on it. :p Some Mac only, or "Mac version outperforms PC version" apps that I'd never want to do without include...

        Adium, Breakaway, Budget, BusyCal, calibre, DeskShade, Flux (I think there's a PC version, but some have complained about it iirc), Growl, Little Snitch, Open Office (debatable, but I've noticed it running slower on the PC's of friends who have it), Name Mangler, Plain Clip (I use this so many times each day it's not funny), ScreenFlow, ScreenShade, Scrivener, TinyAlarm, Transmission, Writer, WriteRoom... etc.

        If PC's ran all these programs, I might consider them, but there are simply no PC equivalents for several of the most-used programs of these.
        How many of those are really "Mac-only" and how many other IMers use those apps?
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        • Profile picture of the author gibsonfan57
          I use a macbook pro, I personally like it because of how light and thin it is compared to other laptops which is great because I haul it around almost everywhere I go. As others have stated A LOT of IM software is for windows/PC, but this can issue can be resolved if you have your heart set on getting a mac.
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  • Profile picture of the author kaybanks
    I also have a 13-inch Macbook Pro running VMWare. Works great. Only problem is that VMWare seems to take some time to boot up sometimes, but once it's humming, it's great.
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  • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
    A lot of good advice has been posted. So I'll add my $0.02 .

    Disclaimer: I use a PC and am very happy with it as it does everything *I* want it to do. Having used Macs (rarely), I find them non-intuitive and difficult to work with.

    Having said that, you need to define *your* requirements, and then find what will fill them. If you are going to take advice about any computer or software, find someone who is knowledgeable and doing what *you* are doing.

    Personally, I can't see anyone having a computer without a C/C++/ASM compiler and a good editor besides Notepad .

    Marvin
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  • Profile picture of the author maxwarrior
    Learning a lot from all these posts, thanks for sharing. Quick question though,for Mac users who run SEnuke, do you recommend Boot camp, (or Virtualbox) OR Parallels? I heard bootcamp will make you operate faster vs, using parallels, is that true?
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    • Profile picture of the author paulie888
      Originally Posted by maxwarrior View Post

      Learning a lot from all these posts, thanks for sharing. Quick question though,for Mac users who run SEnuke, do you recommend Boot camp, (or Virtualbox) OR Parallels? I heard bootcamp will make you operate faster vs, using parallels, is that true?
      You're absolutely right. Parallels and others of its ilk are emulators, which means that it's doing double work translating Windows code into something that the MacOS can understand, whereas when you use Bootcamp you're running Windows natively on a separate partition on your hard drive.

      The obvious advantage to using Parallels is that you can run applications in both operating systems simultaneously.

      Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author smartalex4
    Since my Macbook Pro was stolen I have had to resort to a Macbook.
    While it doesn't run as fast the Pro, its decent enough to get the job done.
    Plus I have a dedicated Windows Server2003 machine which I have running all the time and connect via RDC....so its great having a Mac and a Windows machine running full speed whenever I need them.
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