Pretty simply question that I'd like to ask the computer know-it-all's:

What are the disadvantages (if there are any) to Apple Computers (more specifically laptops) / Macs (more specifically the MacBook) / Mac OS X? / [Etc.]?

Thanks.

There are no disadvantages to the MacBooks versus the Windows counterpart, because of Apple's "Boot Camp" software, you can dual-boot Windows XP and Mac OS X. So when you want to run all the cool Mac OS X applications that your Mac is famous for you can, and when you need to boot into Windows XP to run an application that's Windows only, you also have that option, and since the MacBook has the Intel processor there's no speed loss between XP and Mac OS X.

They aren't the best for gaming.

Are we talking about Mac OS X (operating system) or Apple Computer hardware?

In general, there is more software avaible to PCs than Macs.

Specifically to the MacBook:

Bad keyboard
Runs hot
Cheap plastic construction (like most PC laptops)
No DVD burner on the low end model, no DL capabilities on the higher end model
You'll pay $200 more for a black case
Oh, and memory is maxed out at 512mb unless you remove a perfectly good SODIMM to make room for a bigger one.

If you don't need the cool looks, and OSX, just go with a nice Toshiba or Dell.

What Thinkpad said PLUS

Shows discolouration and staining after as little as two weeked.

They aren't the best for gaming.

Ah, fortunately I'm not a gamer.

Are we talking about Mac OS X (operating system) or Apple Computer hardware?

Both.

Bad keyboard

What exactly do you mean by "bad"? I tried one out today and it was smooth and quiet -- personally, I sort of liked it compared to most other keyboards.

Runs hot

Hmm, more so than PC laptops?

You'll pay $200 more for a black case

Not getting black.

No DVD burner on the low end model

True, and although that might be bad for some, I don't need or want DVD burning capability.

Oh, and memory is maxed out at 512mb

Heh, I sort of like the idea of having 512MB, considering I've only owned comps with 256. Is there a problem with 512?

Shows discolouration and staining after as little as two weeked.

All macs? I know people who have owned them for years and I don't notice any discolouration or staining? Have you seen many like this?



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Anyways, I probobly should have mentioned in the opening post why I made this thread.

Basically, I need a laptop (not only does my current desktop SUCK (it's a two year old eMachines - the cheapest one), but also it's a faculty requirment for academics).

Additionally, to be honest, I'm sick of PCs -- I've owned them all my life and they never fail to let me down, even though I take incredibly good care of them. They barely last me two years, and I'm starting to find windows to be frusterating. This got me thinking about possibly getting something new -- a mac.

I started hearing good things about them, and tried them out (especially the MacBook) -- and I'm rather impressed by it. It seems efficient, powerful, fast, and reliable, and has everything I need and want at a *very* reasonable price ($1200 CDN). I like the software, especially seeing how I won't be missing Microsoft office. The operating system seems very simple and easy -- and the features the MacBook has to offer seem handy. It *seems* like it's the right laptop for me, but generally speaking, I don't know all there is to know about macs and apple. I can't see any disadvantages the would negatively effect me, but I'm just trying to find out if there's any reasons to not purchase this laptop.

Thanks for the replies by the way -- I appreciate the technological advice.

I was in the exact same situation except I had gotten a PowerMac instead of a Macbook at the time.

Macs are fun till they burn your balls off 30 seconds after you set them on your lap...

More programs are compatiable w/ PCs.
Macs cost more (so I've seen)
Thats about it. I used Apples when I was 4 - 12. I personally like PCs.

Macs are fun till they burn your balls off 30 seconds after you set them on your lap...

Yeah, I think I recall Aaron mentioning the heat factor with his MacBook Pro -- but is it just the MacBook 'Pro' that gets really hot, or does the regular MacBook do that as well?

The MacBook and the MacBook Pro have close to the same specs, but who knows. MacBook casing is made from a different material.

Even without the heat issues, I doubt I would use mine on my lap very often.

are we talking about Apple Mac OS X or Apple PC's or Apple Laptops(Macbooks)? :S

Well Mac's are shyte because if something goes wrong you won't be able to fix it, whereas with Windows-Based PC's you'll not have that problem.... laptops of course are bitches at repairs anyways.

Mac's are poorly made.

Mac's are good with their "straight out of the box" Style.

Not as much software works with Mac as it does with Windows

Mac's run very hot, not just the macbooks but the desktop ones too. My Acer Aspire laptop(Windows) runs very hot, might be why its in for repair now lol.

The main reason the laptops get hot is because Steve Jobs hates fans. Its true thats the main reason! lol. I have a old I-Book G4, and it can get hot, but it only really dose when I play bigs games like Worl of Warcraft, or X-Plane V-8.

the reason mac laptops get hot is this http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/06/apple-macbook-may-run-warm-because-rear-vent-is-blocked/

That only applies to a few MacBooks, but the primary reason is a poorly designed cooling solution.

if heat really is a problem couldnt you just purchase one of those things u set on the bottom of ur laptop that has fans on it?

Yeah, but that means you have to carry one of those around with you :p