off-topic - MacBook V PC Laptop

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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 )

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

interesting read

https://www.digitaltrends.com/comput...stead-of-2019/

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.

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.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by delmbox

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

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

first line say's it all. paying £300-£400 laptops you see in currys is the issue, designed to get you and last 2-3 years. no good. you need to look at high spec better made laptops.

People who tend to by MAC's dont have a clue how to use them or use them to thier potential, they just want the apple logo and a 'look at me' device.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blue matt

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

---

I use Macs & PCs every day for game development projects so have a fair bit of experience using this kit. The Macbook Pro 2015 is a really good laptop at the spec you've just mentioned and is priced about right at £440 with a 12 month warranty. It's an intel chip so will run Windows 10 via Bootcamp (which means you can run MacOS and Windows dual boot from the same machine) effectively giving you 2 laptops for the price of one (be aware that will half your SSD capacity though - but you can also boot from an external SSD via Thunderbolt 2 which means you can up-spec the machine if needed).

It'll run Big Sur (latest MacOS) really well which makes it as good as a current 2020-21 model.

It will even run an external eGPU (Radeon graphics card) if you needed to run 3D software in the future (though Apple will say it can't but if you need to I can explain how it's done).

I've still got a 2015 and it's a real workhorse. I run Macs until they drop and I've yet to have one give out. All PC laptops I've ever owned and used eventually give up - compare that to a 2009 Macbook Pro I have that's still running (admittedly it's now a basic laptop but it still works).

As someone else has mentioned, low-end PC laptops are a waste of time IMO. I'd go with the Macbook Pro 2015 before a new Windows laptop.

To the OP, sounds like you don't need that kind of power so I'd return it and buy a refurbished Macbook Pro/Air (for a third of the price) as suggested by NYCBlue. It'll come with 12 months warranty and you can find them on Amazon (so you get Amazon's return policy too - I've had a Graphics Card recently refunded that gave up just before its 12-month warranty - so they can be really helpful).

Another thing that's worth noting is if you've bought the new MBP with the Apple chip it WON'T be able to dual-boot into Windows 10 - only the older Macs with intel chips will do this. This is important.

To anyone else considering a Mac - buy anything from 2020 but no older than 2015 (for lots of reasons but I really can't write anymore).

Hope this helps. I'm happy to answer any Qs if needed so feel free to ask.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

---

I have always worked for software companies (even pre-Windows - I am THAT old) including Microsoft, and always used a Windows laptop until about 4 years ago.

I then switched to a Mac and wouldn't willingly go back. In fact all of our machines at home and all my boys' laptops are now Macs, having previously been Windows machines.

Stick with it, would be my recommendation. The advantages will become more and more apparent over time (I initially struggled).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SLUDGE FACTORY

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

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Safari isn’t a search engine, better than google is DuckDuckGo

Apple Mac’s and MacBooks are far superior to Windows any day of the week. And so much easier to use when you get used to them

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Citizen's Nephew

I use Macs & PCs every day for game development projects so have a fair bit of experience using this kit. The Macbook Pro 2015 is a really good laptop at the spec you've just mentioned and is priced about right at £440 with a 12 month warranty. It's an intel chip so will run Windows 10 via Bootcamp (which means you can run MacOS and Windows dual boot from the same machine) effectively giving you 2 laptops for the price of one (be aware that will half your SSD capacity though - but you can also boot from an external SSD via Thunderbolt 2 which means you can up-spec the machine if needed).

It'll run Big Sur (latest MacOS) really well which makes it as good as a current 2020-21 model.

It will even run an external eGPU (Radeon graphics card) if you needed to run 3D software in the future (though Apple will say it can't but if you need to I can explain how it's done).

I've still got a 2015 and it's a real workhorse. I run Macs until they drop and I've yet to have one give out. All PC laptops I've ever owned and used eventually give up - compare that to a 2009 Macbook Pro I have that's still running (admittedly it's now a basic laptop but it still works).

As someone else has mentioned, low-end PC laptops are a waste of time IMO. I'd go with the Macbook Pro 2015 before a new Windows laptop.

To the OP, sounds like you don't need that kind of power so I'd return it and buy a refurbished Macbook Pro/Air (for a third of the price) as suggested by NYCBlue. It'll come with 12 months warranty and you can find them on Amazon (so you get Amazon's return policy too - I've had a Graphics Card recently refunded that gave up just before its 12-month warranty - so they can be really helpful).

Another thing that's worth noting is if you've bought the new MBP with the Apple chip it WON'T be able to dual-boot into Windows 10 - only the older Macs with intel chips will do this. This is important.

To anyone else considering a Mac - buy anything from 2020 but no older than 2015 (for lots of reasons but I really can't write anymore).

Hope this helps. I'm happy to answer any Qs if needed so feel free to ask.

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thanks

I love my Chromebook, its a great bit of kit, spending £1500 - £2300 on a new macbook pro just seems alot of money, imho the best option for my daughter ( going to uni ) looks like the 2015 macbook pro and maybe upgrade the SDD ( which i am comfortable with doing on a win Laptop, so i guess the MBP is similar ), she isnt really into having the " latest and greatest " tech stuff, she still has a iphone 7

Whats the score with External Screens ? ? ? ? as a nice 29" screen would be great to work with

Of course she could take her old Win10 HP stream laptop ( but it really does struggle with the 32 gig SDD and does slow right down when it updates win 10 ) , but thats not going to make doing course work / assignments much fun

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blue matt

thanks

I love my Chromebook, its a great bit of kit, spending £1500 - £2300 on a new macbook pro just seems alot of money, imho the best option for my daughter ( going to uni ) looks like the 2015 macbook pro and maybe upgrade the SDD ( which i am comfortable with doing on a win Laptop, so i guess the MBP is similar ), she isnt really into having the " latest and greatest " tech stuff, she still has a iphone 7

Whats the score with External Screens ? ? ? ? as a nice 29" screen would be great to work with

Of course she could take her old Win10 HP stream laptop ( but it really does struggle with the 32 gig SDD and does slow right down when it updates win 10 ) , but thats not going to make doing course work / assignments much fun

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Chromebooks are cheaper for a reason....

My son had one before his Mac and I replaced the screen twice. I currently work for a very large US software company who is 'intimate' with the Chromebook ( :tongue: ) and when you join they offer you the choice of Windows, Mac or Chromebook. So they don't even insist on you having to use a Chromebook :sherlock:

And most people choose Macs.....and they aren't £1,500 btw.

Macs take a lot of getting used to.
I have a high end DELL XPS at home...which is great.....but on my travels I bought the following:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am VERY pleased with it....and NO 'Bloatware' pre-installed either - unlike many laptops.

Another good model I have recommended is TECLAST - their only problem is lack of supply.

btw I paid the higher price!!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blue matt

thanks

I love my Chromebook, its a great bit of kit, spending £1500 - £2300 on a new macbook pro just seems alot of money, imho the best option for my daughter ( going to uni ) looks like the 2015 macbook pro and maybe upgrade the SDD ( which i am comfortable with doing on a win Laptop, so i guess the MBP is similar ), she isnt really into having the " latest and greatest " tech stuff, she still has a iphone 7

Whats the score with External Screens ? ? ? ? as a nice 29" screen would be great to work with

Of course she could take her old Win10 HP stream laptop ( but it really does struggle with the 32 gig SDD and does slow right down when it updates win 10 ) , but thats not going to make doing course work / assignments much fun

---

Just to be sure - the Macbook Pro 2015 is this one with the Retina display? Assuming it is, for now, the SSD is not the 2.5 SATA fitting it's this kind but don't let that put you off. My wife's got the same model and I upgraded no problem. I would suggest the kit because that way you can utilise the current SSD as an external drive (which would be impossible without the caddy).

You can't upgrade the RAM on this model.

The 2105 MBP has an HDMI port and a 29" monitor will be no problem. If it's the Retina model you can run a 4K monitor as a second screen no problem (though a 1080p is good too) both at 60Hz (I run DELLs).

If she's got an iPhone then she'll love the Mac alongside. But please check the MBP is the early 2015 13" Retina (the 15 inch would likely be much more than £400ish).

If it's the one I think it is then to me it's a no-brainer over anything else.....IMO :thumbup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Citizen's Nephew

The 2105 MBP

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2015! Obviously :facepalm:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NYCBlue

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

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My partner uses my old MBP which is a 2012 model. She uses it for the same things as the OP and it works flawlessly.

Whilst she MIGHT not be able to upgrade beyond Big Sur, I don’t see why it shouldn’t work for another 5-10 years. 15-20 years isn’t bad for a laptop.

It is upgraded to two ssd’s (one in optical drive) with 16gb. This is probably the biggest negative about new MBPs, they aren’t user upgradable .

The OS will takes a while to get used to but it is very intuitive once you know your way around.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bobby Dandruff

Chromebooks are cheaper for a reason....

My son had one before his Mac and I replaced the screen twice. I currently work for a very large US software company who is 'intimate' with the Chromebook ( :tongue: ) and when you join they offer you the choice of Windows, Mac or Chromebook. So they don't even insist on you having to use a Chromebook :sherlock:

And most people choose Macs.....and they aren't £1,500 btw.

---

I know CB's are not for everyone, but i love them, really quick bootup time, no virus's to worry about,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Citizen's Nephew

Just to be sure - the Macbook Pro 2015 is this one with the Retina display? Assuming it is, for now, the SSD is not the 2.5 SATA fitting it's this kind but don't let that put you off. My wife's got the same model and I upgraded no problem. I would suggest the kit because that way you can utilise the current SSD as an external drive (which would be impossible without the caddy).

You can't upgrade the RAM on this model.

The 2105 MBP has an HDMI port and a 29" monitor will be no problem. If it's the Retina model you can run a 4K monitor as a second screen no problem (though a 1080p is good too) both at 60Hz (I run DELLs).

If she's got an iPhone then she'll love the Mac alongside. But please check the MBP is the early 2015 13" Retina (the 15 inch would likely be much more than £400ish).

If it's the one I think it is then to me it's a no-brainer over anything else.....IMO :thumbup:

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yes its the MBP early 2015 Ive been looking at :thumbup:

the kit looks ideal

We hope to be in the US in Aug, so i might hold out and pick one up over there ( looking at the prices they are a little cheaper than the UK, so could go with a 15" )

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blue matt

I know CB's are not for everyone, but i love them, really quick bootup time, no virus's to worry about,




yes its the MBP early 2015 Ive been looking at :thumbup:

the kit looks ideal

We hope to be in the US in Aug, so i might hold out and pick one up over there ( looking at the prices they are a little cheaper than the UK, so could go with a 15" )

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Agreed about the CBs. And endless battery running too 👍👍

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bobby Dandruff

Agreed about the CBs. And endless battery running too ����

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:thumbup:

My daughters CB will do about 10 hours ( its 3 years old now ) Im afraid mine will do about 3, its much older and very long in the tooth now, but still does what i need it for

incase anyone else it thinking about a macbook pro ( like i was for my daughter and then myself )

You can find the odd bargain, since I got involved in this thread, i have been keeping a eye out on ebay, missed out on a few that were a little rough around the edges ( the odd dent etc etc in the case ) tonight i picked up a mint looking 13" mid 2014 retina, 2.6 i5, 8 gig ( cannot be UG'ed to 16 as soldered to the board :frown: ) with a 128 gig SDD for £255, comes with 2 chargers and a load of hard shell covers and keyboard protectors ( in various matching colours ), its running big sur :thumbup:

It looks fairly decent, so might give it to daughter for Uni ? ? ?

Just purchased MacBook Air M1, traded in my old MacBook at Apple Store Cardiff and got a very good price for it. Excellent purchase and actually worked out cheaper than buying a refurbished Mac.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blue matt

incase anyone else it thinking about a macbook pro ( like i was for my daughter and then myself )

You can find the odd bargain, since I got involved in this thread, i have been keeping a eye out on ebay, missed out on a few that were a little rough around the edges ( the odd dent etc etc in the case ) tonight i picked up a mint looking 13" mid 2014 retina, 2.6 i5, 8 gig ( cannot be UG'ed to 16 as soldered to the board :frown: ) with a 128 gig SDD for £255, comes with 2 chargers and a load of hard shell covers and keyboard protectors ( in various matching colours ), its running big sur :thumbup:

It looks fairly decent, so might give it to daughter for Uni ? ? ?

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Just to make you aware Apple do student discount, a base model Macbook Air M1 with the student discount could be a perfect option for her to take to university.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bobby Dandruff

Agreed about the CBs. And endless battery running too ����

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only problem i seem to come up against on a chromebook is scrolling up and down it seems to not work on times:sherlock:other than that after getting used to it im happy it has a auto renew date though:frown:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blue matt

interesting read

https://www.digitaltrends.com/comput...stead-of-2019/

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Apple hasn't stopped innovating as Apple never has invented much. It's been very good at gluing things together and then they went exponential with Jony Ive designs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Divine Wright

The OS will takes a while to get used to but it is very intuitive once you know your way around.

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Seems to be the main message. The non-intuitive way of working will become OK once you've learnt it.

It's an interesting thing though how all this has panned out. Apple\s big selling point forever is that everything works as a package. It's not surprising as (back a long time) you bought your Apple machine that connected to your apple printer through appletalk. It's the same now, everything works as it's all so tightly controlled by Apple. The downside is relative lack of openness and hence competition..
There used to be quality Windows machines that were dropped presumably because there were so many cheaper machines around that lasted the requisite amount of time before hardware advances made them anyway redundant. It'd be interesting to know what would happen if there cheap Mac clones around (as there were in that Apple 2 days). Hardware lifetime is one thing, laptop battery life is another. I don't know if Apple did batterygate on laptops or only 'phones.
We have a lot of scientists where I work and they like Macs as MacOS is essentially Unix and they can boot linux. It's rather typical of Apple that they take an existing product (BSD Unix) which is free, but importantly not open-source, add things and then it becomes their proprietary OS that nobody is allowed to access.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chris lee

Just to make you aware Apple do student discount, a base model Macbook Air M1 with the student discount could be a perfect option for her to take to university.

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thanks :thumbup:

She isnt getting much of a student loan ( we earn too much :frown: ) so she is watching what she spends at first, i think gin and cocktails might take priority for the 1st few weeks :hehe::hehe: )

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

---

I've a 2012 MacBook Pro (paid about £900 back then) which I've had to spend a couple of quid on in the last couple of years, new power pack, upgrade to SSD and a new screen as the backlights went. Cost me under £200 in parts off eBay and my old mans time (IT geek) to sort it all out for me. Runs as well as the day I bought it (if not slightly better with mods). My nearly teenage daughter uses it for school and loves it.

I have a desktop tower running Windows which I've had for two years which is mid-range and suffering no adverse performance (only play FM on it!) but I am tempted to get another MacBook Pro for when I want to play FM and be social by sitting in the living room, plus my wife occasionally requires a laptop, and I've experienced the 'disposable laptop syndrome' a few times with cheap netbooks for kids and my own laptop a few years back.

I know it's a fierce debate, but as an iPhone user I like the Apple interfaces and connectivity, I'm a simpleton so it just needs to work, and quick!

Just buy a flux capacitor.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by McClane

first line say's it all. paying £300-£400 laptops you see in currys is the issue, designed to get you and last 2-3 years. no good. you need to look at high spec better made laptops.

People who tend to by MAC's dont have a clue how to use them or use them to thier potential, they just want the apple logo and a 'look at me' device.

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What nonsense. I use a laptop every day for work but converted to Mac for home use about 6/7 years ago so feel in a decent position to compare - even though my opinion is obviously based on my user experience and needs.

The Mac is quicker, more reliable and intuitive ONCE you get over the transition period which for me was about 6 weeks. By that I mean the slightly different ways of doing things.

Its also lighter and has a better battery life. And once you have a few Apple devices, the common "ecosystem" between devices starts to make more sense

Yes there are compromises to make like the limited ports but how much of an issue this is varies between users

But to say people who buy Apple are simply IT illiterate brand snobs is a very lazy generalisation.