Product:MacBook

I got an Apple MacBook (Core 2 Duo).

I like it a LOT, and I would strongly recommend any of the Apple laptops if you are in the market for a new system.

I got the MacBook (black, 2Gb of RAM, 160Gb hard drive) because I like small, lightweight systems -- I don't like the "land barge" MacBook Pros.

Here are my arguments for and against getting a Mac, with this context: all of my systems for the past 15+ years have been Windows-based laptops, Windows-based desktops, or Unix-based workstations. I have not had a Linux desktop (though I use a Linux server extensively for development), and the last Mac I owned was a Mac Plus.

Arguments for:

• No more Apple price premium. There used to be a significant price premium for Macs compared to comparable Windows systems. On the Apple's desktop line (in early 2007) that's still true to some extent, but has largely gone away with the laptops. I priced out comparable Dell and Lenovo/IBM systems, and worst case, I figure my MacBook cost 5-10% more than a similar Windows system.

• If you don't like it, boot Windows or Linux. If for some reason you don't like Mac OS X, then you can always install something else. Apple has done a great job with the switch to Intel processors, and it's now clear that the x86 architecture has won. You can install Windows or Linux on your MacBook, dual boot either one, or run Windows in a virtual machine using VMware or Parallels.

• Mac OS X generally just works. I didn't fully appreciate how much time I was spending on "fiddling" with obscure problems on Windows: strange behavior, driver upgrades, DLL hell, crashes, viruses, configuration problems, and other odd behavior. (Example: I just spent 3 hours debugging this problem on one of my Windows machines.) I got started with personal computers when it was a "hobby", but I'm at a stage now where I don't want a hobby: I just want things to work. I'm sure I'll run into my share of problems on the Mac, but so far (3 months), it's been great.

• Fast restore from suspend. My MacBook is up and running within a second or two of opening, and has usually reacquired a Wifi signal within a few more seconds. In contrast, my Windows laptops would get into a mode where they took forever to restore the system from a suspended state.

• Office runs fine. I depend a lot on Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and the Mac versions run just fine, though are a tad sluggish (I'm picky on UI responsiveness). I am waiting for Microsoft to ship native (Intel) versions, though.

Arguments against:

• There's more software for Windows. The two areas that will keep Windows on my desktop for a little while longer: games (e.g. 3d, first person, etc.) and Outlook. I have not yet ventured into Parallels + XP on the Mac, but I have friends that report that Outlook runs fine.

• The screen. (MacBook specific issue). When I first got my MacBook, I really disliked the screen (see below), but I've gotten used to it.

Net, net: before buying a Vista system, check out Apple.

The Screen Problem

I originally disliked the LCD screen enough that I wanted to return my Macbook, but it was "custom to order" (CTO) and therefore non-returnable. If you're buying a MacBook "CTO", beware of the non-return policy.

I've since gotten used to the screen.

The problem is an extremely limited vertical viewing angle. If you're viewing it too high or too low, the pixels and colors are distorted. Worse, it seems to be better with a shallow viewing angle, but (by design) you can't tip the screen back far enough to get a good angle (at least for someone as tall as I am, when I sit up straight). The horizontal viewing angle is not great either. Others have noticed this problem as well, see: [1] and [2].

One poster claims that the MacBook LCDs are of the "TN" variety, which have faster response times by more limited viewing angles. See: [3]

I don't mind the glossy screen, which has been an issue for some users. (A matte screen is an option on the "Pro" models, but not the 13" laptop.) Ironically, many laptop manufacturers are moving from anti-glare to to high-gloss, anti-reflective screens to improve viewing angles. See: [4]

On the plus side, the screen is very bright with vivid colors. This is especially useful in bright sunlight situations.

This is extremely disappointing for Apple, who has built a brand on superb design and premium products. The screen is far worse than screens on other laptops costing a third of the price.

Gotchas

Some things to watch out for:

• "Custom to Order" (CTO) systems are strictly non-returnable.
• The MacBook car/airline power adapter only "powers" the computer, it does not "charge".