I've heard Macs can handle video memory better than a normal PC, is that true?

Sokkiejjj wrote:

- Is a Mac really worth the money?

It really depends on what you want out of a computer. If you're happy with Windows or Linux and don't want or need a lot of the hardware extras that come standard on all Macs (Firewire, built-in webcam, wifi, bluetooth, digital audio I/O, IR remote, etc) then probably no. If, however, you want to run Mac OS X, you're interested in iLife to manage photos or create movies, or you want a powerful unix command-line along with supported commercial applications in the same system, then yes.

- If you've a Mac or a MacBook or anything from Apple aside iPods, what's your experience?

The author of my favorite email client once said, "All mail clients suck. This one just sucks less." That's exactly how I feel about Macs, substituting "computers" for "mail clients". They still have bugs and frustrations, but for me, those are less frequent than with Windows and Linux. And the great thing is that I can still run Windows and Linux on my Mac when I need them. It's truly the only computer where you can run all major Intel operating systems without major hackery. That's a huge, huge plus for me.

I'm a unix guy, so Mac OS X is like what "Linux on the desktop" has been trying to be for the last 10 years. I have my command line, which I still use extensively, and I have my native commercial applications (Photoshop Elements, MS Office, Quicken, etc). Best of both worlds without dual-boot.

For the foreseeable future, I don't see myself buying any computer other than a Mac.

More of my thoughts:
http://www.byond.com/members/ MikeH?command=view_post&post=12828
http://www.byond.com/members/ MikeH?command=view_post&post=29944

- Is a Mac recommend, if so; what's the best for a "Mac" beginner for me? Should I buy the iMac or a MacBook or a MacBook Pro?

Biggest question is whether you plan to play any intensive 3-d games, whether in OS X or Windows. If so, the iMac or MacBook Pro are better choices because both have dedicated 3-d cards. The MacBook has integrated Intel GMA X3100 which is quite respectable, but probably not up to the latest and greatest 3-d games.

For some perspective, I don't play 3-d games, and the 6.5 year old ATI Radeon 7500 in my PowerMac G4 seems plenty fast for me. The GMA 950 in my first-generation MacBook is more than I can possibly imagine needing.

If you don't need high end games, I think the MacBook is a better value than the MacBook Pro. CPU speed is roughly the same, and in my opinion the price difference doesn't justify the extras that you get with the Pro (backlit keyboard, Firewire 800, larger screen, LED backlight, dedicated video card). I wouldn't even consider it if I were buying a new laptop with my own money (but again, the games factor doesn't apply to me). I also like the smaller form factor of the MacBook. However many people feel the Pro features are more than worth the extra money, so you just have to figure out what you want.

For laptop vs. desktop, I won't buy another desktop as a primary (non-server) computer. After having a laptop of one kind or another for the last 5-6 years, I won't ever go back to being chained to a desk. I'm lying in bed writing this right now, much more comfortable than if I were sitting at a desk. I can sit outside if it's nice, lounge on the couch, or anywhere else in my house. And of course the laptop is portable and can be brought anywhere (just be careful and don't let it get stolen).

I've heard Macs can handle video memory better than a normal PC, is that true?

Without a more specific claim, I can't say that it is. Mac OS X does have some technologies like Core Animation and Core Video which utilize the video card to offload some of the display work, but I believe Vista also does similar things.

- Any more information I need to know before buying an Mac related product, please let me know...

Apple's World Wide Developer Conference is today, so they may be releasing some new products (though probably mostly iPhone related). Their website will probably be updated with new stuff in a few hours after the keynote speech (going on right now).

Finally, take anything a pro-Mac or anti-Mac zealot says with a grain of salt. The pro-Mac fanboys like to make ridiculous claims like Macs are bug free ("It just works") which is of course false; and by the same token, the anti-Mac crowd likes to paint them as useless, overpriced toys. The truth lies in between, and the ultimate value depends on your own needs.

Only thing different from the MacBook Black is a bigger HDD, right?

I'm considering the 2,4Ghz MacBook White with 160gb HDD, I think.

I think I'm either going for the 2,4-GHz MacBook
(MB403*/A) for 1.199 euros, or the 20-inch iMac(MB324*/A) for 1.299 euros. Both means I've to work for two more months to get the money.

Apple>Microsoft

When Apple releases something it has no bugs in its system.