MacBook Guide
Recently, here at Digit Geek, we started a section where you the viewers, could ask us your questions. The section is called “Ask Us” and we’ve gotten a few questions so far. Today I’m going to answer a question from Sumesh from Techzilo.
His question was:
“I’m thinking of buying a Macbook, the base model. I have 3 major doubts regarding the purchase:
- I’ve heard that the build quality of MB is poor. Is it true? I won’t be throwing my laptop around. Rather, I’ll be taking good care. So, would it really matter that the build quality is low?
- Installing Windows and Linux. I know that Windows is easy via Bootcamp. What about Ubuntu?
- Long-lasting. I want it to last 2 years, more so because I am a minimalist user. I have read of Powerbooks lasting 5 years, so would Macbook last 2?”
First, before launching into my thoughts on these questions, I’d like to thank Sumesh for voicing his concerns about the MacBook.
MacBook Quality
When Apple first launched the MacBook and the MacBook Pro there were a number of issues with the quality of the cases. Numerous cracks and chips were appearing on the cases and a lot of people were noticing other problems with the cases. While a few of the newer MacBooks have structural problems, Apple has, for the most part, eliminated all of these flaws from the cases.
Like most laptops, the MacBooks are fairly fragile. If you bump them around they will break so you need to take good care of them. My MacBook hasn`t had a single problem since I bought it two years ago, but I take care of it like my baby.
Windows and Linux
I personally haven’t used Bootcamp and I don’t really plan on it so I can’t tell you how easy or hard it is to install Ubuntu that way. I have however, installed both Windows and Ubuntu in a tri-boot. The process for installing Ubuntu is pretty much the same as installing Windows, except for a few minor details.
I never had a problem installing either operating systems, and I haven’t had a problem running either. I would assume that it’s just as easy to install it via Bootcamp.
Long-Last
The MacBook is a fairly long lasting laptop. I’ve had mine for two years and it’s still in fairly good shape. I would advise getting an Apple Plan just incase anything happens to it, that way it’ll last you for three years at least. My friends MacBook did have its LCD screen die out after 2 years but it was fine until the day it went.
After three years, most laptops will become obsolete.
Conclusions
The MacBook is a fairly versatile laptop. While it can be a little fragile, if you take care of it, it’ll last for a long time. It can also boot OSX, Windows and Ubuntu with ease and even do all three if you really want it too.
I would also suggest buying the middle model. It’s only $200 more and you get a much better processor, double the RAM, a hard drive that’s 40GB larger, and a super-drive instead of a combo-drive. It’s a much better deal for only $200 more.
Thanks for asking this question. If anyone else has any hardware related questions feel free to ask us.
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Posted by Adam McKerlie on March 15th, 2008 | Category: Ask us |
Sumesh
March 15, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Thanks for answering my concerns - I will almost certainly get a Macbook next week.
The reason why I do not want the middle model is because of the kind of work I do. As I said, I usually need only the browser, GIMP, a few productivity apps (Mac OSX rocks in this department), RSS reader etc. For these kinds of work, there is no real need for getting the better hardware. Besides, there is always the option of maxing out RAM to 4GB if I feel it is inadequate for my needs.
And no, it is not a better deal fo $200. You can get 2×1GB RAM for $150 or so, and the slightly better processor and larger hard drive gives negligible performance benefits (if you want performance, MBP is the way to go). Besides, I have a very powerful Windows PC for power uses like video conversion.
Adam McKerlie
March 15, 2008 at 8:21 pm
I’m really glad that this helped.
I totally understand that the base model suites your needs but in my opinion the middle MacBook model is a much better deal. Even if you upgrade the RAM for $150, the 0.3GHz upgrade in processor and 40GB hard drive is definitely worth the $50.
Also, Between the base model of the MBP and the middle model of the MB there’s a $700 price difference. All of the specs are the same except the MBP has 40GB more storage space and a decent graphics card. IMO the MBP is a fairly overprice laptop when you compare it to a MacBook.
Sumesh
March 23, 2008 at 12:59 am
Correction : I just checked Cruicial.com, and 4GB RAM sells for ~$100. As for storage, I have a large external hard disk, and more can be brought for $100-150 (160GB or above)
It is a big myth that .2GHz can improve performance vastly. In fact, it is partially due to the marketing efforts of Intel/AMD. Across same generation of processors, the performance increase is quite low between each consecutive models.
MBP is overpriced, but then, you get the pro tag and build, which are the hallmark of Apple pro products. The curse of Apple’s fanboyist marketing