off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

[chris lee]

So need some advice..

I have always had laptops my entire life, I move around a bit and often work abroad, so picking up and taking my laptop along is always what I have done.

I have grown frustrated recently with paying £500-£600 for a generic mid-range laptop, and after 3 years it starting to fail, it seems 'rot' with laptops is common (generally slowing and breaking down within the 3-5 year mark)

After speaking to a friend he swears by Macbook Laptops, said his is 7 years old and as good as it was on day one, other people have said similar about their longevity and build quality.

Now while I spend lots of time on my laptop 3-5 hours a day, I do not actually do much of anything of significance, mainly watch youtube videos, stream live sport on sky go, Cardiff games on city player, I use Microsoft Word a lot for work, and then generally just check my e-mails and post on here.

I have stayed away from chromebooks, because I do often plug my HDMI from laptop to my TV to stream movies or live sport, and I find you do need a fairly 'powerful' laptop to stream live tv constantly.

Anyway

Today I bought a MacBook Pro from apple in Cardiff, while it is 100% more powerful than I require for my needs, I have never been afraid to pay for quality, and if it lasts two cycles of my generic HP/Dell purchase then it pays for it's self.

However I am really not enjoying the operating system, I have no interest in all their pre-loaded apps, and it took me a while to figure out how to download chrome on it and it is not as simple as using it on Microsoft.

copying my old files and photos over does not seem like it is going to be simple, and I haven't even tried downloading word yet.

I have 14 days to return, and I am considering it after one day, should I stick it out, or have I made a mistake with this purchase?

thanks.

[Porth Pouncer]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

I found the Mac difficult to start nut have Parallels and Windows installed to run some work programs on MsAccess. Best of both. You really need 512 hard disk to do it though

[Fine Lines]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

Send it back mate. You’ve bought an Aston Martin to do the school run.

I’ve got pretty much everything Apple and whilst it is perfectly fine , I really don’t use it to its potential.

Have a look at the google chrome book go. You can get an adapter to plug hdmi Into. I believe you can get Word on there too.

[Cyclops]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

I'd simply replace the SSD hard drive on the old laptop.

[chris lee]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

Thanks for replies so far, I have spent more time with it this morning, and I have already become much more confident the the OS, I have downloaded all the apps and software I am familiar with and it had made the experience better.

I do agree with it being too much for my needs, and it is only going to get more pricey as I am looking to buy extras like monitor mouse and keyboard.

I still keep trying to justify it with the potential longevity, but when I can buy 3 laptops with the price I have spent to far! It makes it hard.

I think I will give myself 7 days and then decide

[delmbox]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

You don't need to take it back, you just need to get used to it. It'll last you forever

[Shrewsbury Blue]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

I bought a really cheap laptop, about £220 quid just to plug into my TV to watch sport mainly Cardiff matches on I follow and use my I pad for everything else. Suggest persevering with the Mac while still using the laptop for everything else.

[Rjk]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

I don't like Apple stuff, I find the interface too restrictive and frustrating.

If you don't get on with it then I would get rid as that's most of what you're paying for.

If you have everything apple it makes more sense but individual devices aren't worth it IMO.

There is an additional downside that if you do get used to it then you run the risk of becoming on of those tedious apple fanboys.

[blue matt]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

as a side note, most chromebooks have a mini HDMI port now, I often watch a stream on my daughters CB plugged into the TV, my own CB is so old it doesnt even have the google play / app store on it ( still does all i need it for, The net and my work doc's )

[blue matt]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

another point of note, and ive been looking at them as my oldest is going to Uni in Sept, Im not really into Macbook's, so please let me know you opinion on the below if you are

people say the macbook pro goes on forever, so here we have a 2015, 8 gig, 128 gig SDD, 12 months warranty for £440 ( the price of a just above entry level Win Laptop

so this macbook pro will go forever, so shouldnt that be the one to purchase

[blue matt]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

interesting read

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/why-buy-2015-macbook-pro-instead-of-2019/

[Fine Lines]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

They do last a long time that’s very true. I had a MacBook Pro last for 8 years and still sold it for a reasonable amount.

Currently have a 2018 MacBook Air which does everything I need.

[NYCBlue]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

I own three MacBooks. But I didn't buy any of them new and I never would. If you're a PC guy, there's no reason whatsoever to buy one. I'm typing this on a late 2013, 13 inch, running an OS from 2018. It really is on its last legs. If the battery runs out I have to take the back off the computer and reset it. I basically have to leave it plugged in all the time.

If you really want a MacBook, buy a refurbished one.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

whats the verdict on apple v android in general ?

My mate swears by apple

My other mate hates it and has android Samsung phone , tablet, chrome book etc

Says he prefers the way android chrome , Google etc work

I certainly prefer Google to Safari search

[NYCBlue]

Re: off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

You don't need to take it back, you just need to get used to it. It'll last you forever

No, it absolutely will not. Built-in obsolescence is part of Apple's business model.