Time Out for a little Geeking
June 5th, 2006 . by mattDespite what I just wrote about working with computers, I confess to be as giddy as any fan-boy about the new tech coming down the various pipelines. Last week I got to configure Apple’s new Macbook for a client. She wanted an attractive laptop, very stylish, but due to having a Windows Exchange server at work, needed Windows. I suggested the Macbook on the day that it came out.
I have to say that this Mac is the best Windows machine I have ever used. When I first ran Boot Camp (the Apple-sanctioned utility that allows you to partition your hard drive to make room for a Windows installation) I admit that it was a strange and somewhat disconcerting sight to see an Apple product boot into Windows. I felt a little funny about it. But I went about my business, and found that this was one of the fastest machines I’ve ever gotten to work with; very responsive and well-put together. It’s due to the dual-core Intel chip in all the new Macs, and I’m sure that a similar, PC-branded, computer would run just as fast or faster. But since I doubt I’ll ever actually buy a Windows machine for myself or anyone else, I think that this is a fantastic workaround in situations such as this client’s.
It’s not a perfect solution, though, for someone that just needs a Windows PC. First and foremost, the keyboard mapping, at least on the notebooks, is a real problem. I found a way to hack the keyboard to get me “CTRL-ALT-DEL” on the Windows side, but it was a not-that-much-fun task in the installation process. And it’s sad that the iSight doesn’t work in Windows (yet?). I’m thinking that Apple will fix these little quirks, but until then if I were a full-time Windows person I wouldn’t make the switch.
My more Mac-Nazi friends don’t agree, but there are plenty of reasons why it’d be nice for to have a computer that ran Windows and Mac OS X at the same time. Personally, I could use it to check web-browser compatibility in design, to use audio programs still only for Windows. And in the two years I’ve been dabbling in networking and repair of computers, I have never once gotten a call from a Mac user here in Charleston. I still take my laptop to test networks and the like, and can network pretty much anything (albeit with some heavy swearing and gnashing of teeth), but I admit it’s just easier to get Windows to talk to Windows.
I’m excited about this opportunity Apple has given it’s followers, and love the results. I now spend about 80% of my computing time with Windows, and yet still prefer using my Mac, which speaks volumes, I think. I’d say that if you’re thinking of buying a better computer, and would consider switching, this Macbook is such a nice piece of work.
Wow. I love reading things I can’t possibly comprehend when they’re written by my friends. It’s good to know that there are still things to learn about them and corners that aren’t so well-lit.
On an unrelated note - from years of semi-stalkerdom, I know it’s your birthday. So happy birthday, Uncle Matt!
I just convinced my dad to buy a macbook as his new laptop since it had Bootcamp and it would work seamlessly on his business’s network that we set up a few years ago. He used to repair for Apple back when the hottest thing was the Apple II, but since had to switch since the homebuilding business is almost purely Windows based. But now that he is back in the mac end of things, we’re having this strange father-daughter bonding experience bragging about how our ‘puters don’t crash like the others in the office.
And, as skeptical as I was about Windows on a mac… it works wonderfully. Yeah, the little “issues” suck, but I’m hoping Mac/Windows will fix it. I agree with you, Matt, this new Macbook is a sweet machine… and… it comes in black. My dad and I agreed that it has the allure of a wicked cool leather motorcycle jacket.
Gosh, Matt. The geek-speak is always so at odds with your bad-boy rocker image, yet it just wouldn’t be you without it. Just one of those ‘je ne sais quoi’ things.
On another topic though, my friend and I just bought tickets to see Caberet Kiki for the 23nd! I can’t wait to see the ensuing madness.
You know, I was waiting until they came out with the Intel processors to get a Mac…and now that they’ve got ‘em, and I don’t have the money anyway, I’m going to wait until they come out with OS X Leopard and the final release of Boot Camp (and there’s rumors of built-in torrent software with Leopard? Crazy!). I managed to convince my parents and sister to convert to Macs, I just never convinced them to get one for me too…almost four years later, I’m still stuck on a PC.
I’m trying to get everyone I know to buy a MacBook. I switched to a PowerBook last summer and will never go back. For one of my webmastering gigs I have to use a PC, and it just cannot compare. Using an Intel iMac (which I’m on right now) at my other job is a dream. It’s just gorgeous to look at, not even taking into account the technical aspects.
as a mac user trying to convert her family, i’m just curious - whats the shortcut to get to CTRL-ATL-DEL on the macbooks?
I don’t understand what that blog just said….but I’m sure it was important. And I second what Makala said. The combination of rocker and geek is just adorable. O yes. And I am attending my very first Caberet Kiki experience on the 29th. 7+ hours in the car…..I’m definitely sure it will be worth it.
When I first ran Boot Camp
that’s when I went cross-eyed. hi matt.
That makes me fuzzy inside to find it’s that compatible. I was worried when I first heard what Mac was doing. First of all, never really been a fan of Intel, BUT I am impressed with the Dual-Core technology they have going now. Everything I run of course, then, uses AMDs. Athlon in my desktop, and a Sempron in my notebook.
Anyway, my point of replying was a curious thing I had about how compatible Macs were to a clean install of Linux, probably Fedora Core 5. I know OSX and Linux are both Unix based, but you bring up a very good point with the keyboard mapping. I can’t say I have much Mac experience, and what I do have, my 17 years of PC experience has made frustrating.
Just curious, if you can get back to me, cool, if not, that’s cool, too.
I’m about to make a complete ass of myself, I’m sure…I’m computer illiterate. My sister needs Windows XP on her MacBook. How does that work? Are there places to download the program or do you buy it? What’s the bootcamp thing? I saw something on it online, but don’t understand it.
Help?
-Stacey
p.s. How are you?