On the other hand, I have to remember all kinds of three and four fingers salutes for my Mac when I want (for example) to reset the battery EPROM, so that my fricking battery starts remembering again that it has some life in it. And I end up in the "reset rights hell" on my Mac.
Can you expand on this one??? I'm very interested! I've had my powerbook for several years with the original battery and the life of the battery really stinks now. Also, lately, the meter will say I have ~45 min left then all of the sudden, poof! No more!
Does this sound like the same thing?
Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. - Albert Einstein :bash
Can you expand on this one??? I'm very interested! I've had my powerbook for several years with the original battery and the life of the battery really stinks now. Also, lately, the meter will say I have ~45 min left then all of the sudden, poof! No more! Does this sound like the same thing?
That sounds remarkably like my four year old battery. I think our battery lifespan is simply over. Batteries like this don't last forever.
The battery PMU (why the heck did I write EPROM??) thing was worse: the battery no longer accepted any charging. It just thought it was dead. So there went my mobility, I had to use my notebook while hooked to a power source. So I googled and found something on Macfixit, which also has a link to an Apple support page on this issue.
You might want to try some tips reported on the Macfixit page though, may be it helps restoring the reliabilty of your battery meter.
That sounds remarkably like my four year old battery. I think our battery lifespan is simply over. Batteries like this don't last forever.
The battery PMU (why the heck did I write EPROM??) thing was worse: the battery no longer accepted any charging. It just thought it was dead. So there went my mobility, I had to use my notebook while hooked to a power source. So I googled and found something on Macfixit, which also has a link to an Apple support page on this issue.
You might want to try some tips reported on the Macfixit page though, may be it helps restoring the reliabilty of your battery meter.
Thanks. I think I just need to break down and buy a new battery!
Thanks for the link - great artical on the batteries - great site too. I've bookmarked it.
Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. - Albert Einstein :bash
Additional thoughts
Will you install boot camp, and windows? Do you intend to use this machine as a WOW box as well as for editing? Can you see yourself editing or even importing anywhere other than your home? Any PC Programs you can't leave behind?
(This isn't a Mac VS PC forum) I would recommend the portability. The Mac Mini is as difficult to upgrade as a laptop. It is a laptop - without a screen. Some people have said the MacBook isn't for editing... Why not? the graphics card is decent, same processor, same amount of RAM... Same hard drive - different case, and different screen, but so what? If your using a seperate moniter anyway, you can use your current 17" as a proof if the 13" on a macbook isn't good enough. The iMac is a good idea, but the portability is a sacrifice. It's about the same hardware as the macbook, but a better screen for about the same price... So Better screen vs portability.... - and two 17" screens vs. a portable 13, and a fixed 17"... I think MacBook - and I'd go core duo, because the core 2 duo is coming, and the core single is phasing out... You can look up the specs of the difference, but I think you need the core duo for editing purposes.
OH!!! and the iMac doesn't have the processer souldered into it - so it's replaceable. you can put the MEROM chip in an iMac, while you'll have to buy a new MacBook to get the MEROM into it... so the iMac is a little more upgradeable. iMac has a replaceable hard drive - up to 500 GB while the MacBooks are limited at 120.
Selling your PC will probably not result in much. I took my Dell XPS Gen 2 Laptop in for some quotes (Pentium M 2.13, 2 GB, 100 GB, nVidia 6800 256 MB, 17" WXVGA, DVD+-RW DL, etc.) and I was only offered 700 bucks. I laughed and laughed... E-Bay some have sold well - but re-selling computers is difficult. (At least I haven't had much luck)
What happened to your Guitar? Or your 17-40L...
Mine: Canon 20D, 50 f1.8 II, 28-105 II, 70-200 f2.8L, T 70-300 Macro, T 2X expander, 12-24 Sigma Hers: Sony SR10, (Soon Canon 5D MKII), 85 f1.8, 28-135 USM, Stroboframe, Manfrotto NeoTec Ours: Pair of 580 EX, Lensbaby, Studio Alien Bees, Son & TWO Daughters
got both, but this is my next planned purchase...
i'm just doing this so i can help set a goal to reach and then i'll confirm my options once i have the money... i'm a super-saver:D
In that case you will want to avoid the Mac Mini and the MacBook. As I've said before the built in graphics adapter cannot handle 3d stuff vrey well. Especially games at any kind of resolution.
How's your current rig work for WOW? Cause it's WAY better than the GMA chip that comes with the Mini and Mac Book.
So, iMac or MacBook Pro would be the way to go. You will defenitely want a real graphics card.
Are you sure you want a Mac? You could rebuild your current rig with new components to be a smoking PS and game machine for a third of the price of a Mac.
In that case you will want to avoid the Mac Mini and the MacBook. As I've said before the built in graphics adapter cannot handle 3d stuff vrey well. Especially games at any kind of resolution.
How's your current rig work for WOW? Cause it's WAY better than the GMA chip that comes with the Mini and Mac Book.
So, iMac or MacBook Pro would be the way to go. You will defenitely want a real graphics card.
Are you sure you want a Mac?
my main reason for wanting a mac is because i get tired of having McAffee scan my computer every other day because hackers keep making new viruses for P.C.... also my school next year uses only macs and i think its better that i stick to one system. i love the mac system and what it has to offer. i think i'll be running into alot more in the PP world and i think its better to make the switch early while i'm still willing to not be stubborn about P.C./mac debates and such.
is the graphics card in the iMac replaceable/upgradable? i mean its the same mb as my current one but i'd really like to have a 256 if possible...
my main reason for wanting a mac is because i get tired of having McAffee scan my computer every other day because hackers keep making new viruses for P.C.... also my school next year uses only macs and i think its better that i stick to one system. i love the mac system and what it has to offer.
YEAH! Good Answer, Good Answer!
Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. - Albert Einstein :bash
my main reason for wanting a mac is because i get tired of having McAffee scan my computer every other day because hackers keep making new viruses for P.C
haha, you're going to stick your head in the sand like DavidTO.
my main reason for wanting a mac is because i get tired of having McAffee scan my computer every other day because hackers keep making new viruses for P.C.... also my school next year uses only macs and i think its better that i stick to one system. i love the mac system and what it has to offer. i think i'll be running into alot more in the PP world and i think its better to make the switch early while i'm still willing to not be stubborn about P.C./mac debates and such.
is the graphics card in the iMac replaceable/upgradable? i mean its the same mb as my current one but i'd really like to have a 256 if possible...
All good reasons for going Mac. It's hard to be on a different system then everyone else. So if your school uses Macs then...
As for the graphics card in the iMac, I don't think it's replaceble since it (iMac) basically uses the MacBook Pro motherboard. I believe the chip is soldered on:cry
The iMac is availlable BTO with the 256mb version of the same card. The XT1600 is a capable card, just don't expect to run WOW at 1680x1050 with everything turned on full blast.
The iMac 20" is the one I would get if I could not get the new Intel powered tower. It's the best bang for the buck, and if you're going to be dorming in college then the compact size is nice. Add a TV tuner card (USB) and you have a really nice TV as well.
Good luck with school and all. It's a real breath of fresh air to see someone so young and so well grounded these days:):
is the graphics card in the iMac replaceable/upgradable? i mean its the same mb as my current one but i'd really like to have a 256 if possible...
I know the processor is replaceable only in the iMac. and I know that the iMac uses an upgradeable port for the video card, I just don't know if anybody makes a video card that would work as an upgrade for the iMac. If nobody makes one now, the trick would be finding one supported on Mac and PC. That kind of nightmare isn't one that I would wish on an enemy. If you are interested in that, I'd say the soonest it would be possible is when leapord comes out, and you get a broader support base for windows and Mac. - then check the blog world, and somebody will have done it.
Mine: Canon 20D, 50 f1.8 II, 28-105 II, 70-200 f2.8L, T 70-300 Macro, T 2X expander, 12-24 Sigma Hers: Sony SR10, (Soon Canon 5D MKII), 85 f1.8, 28-135 USM, Stroboframe, Manfrotto NeoTec Ours: Pair of 580 EX, Lensbaby, Studio Alien Bees, Son & TWO Daughters
The iMac is availlable BTO with the 256mb version of the same card. The XT1600 is a capable card, just don't expect to run WOW at 1680x1050 with everything turned on full blast.
how much extra is it for the 256 version?
The iMac 20" is the one I would get if I could not get the new Intel powered tower.
i think i'd rather have 2 17" than sacrifice the extra cash for the 20....
Apple's store is very easy to see the options for the different models.
It looks like the upgrade is only $75, but only available on the 20".
The dual monitor's is easy to set up on a mac, just plug it in and use the control panel to adjust the settings. The menu bar will be on one monitor and the other will have what you put on it, photoshop palettes for example.
Mini-DVI output port with support for DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite video connections via adapter.
The dual monitor's is easy to set up on a mac, just plug it in and use the control panel to adjust the settings. The menu bar will be on one monitor and the other will have what you put on it, photoshop palettes for example.
Mini-DVI output port with support for DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite video connections via adapter.
could i use 1 monitor for playing a game with it pulled up and the other for say, chatting with friends at the same time? would the mouse just travel from one to the other?
blast. that sets the price at 1,774... higher than my budget will allow, or i'd just have to save for another 4-5 months....
could i use 1 monitor for playing a game with it pulled up and the other for say, chatting with friends at the same time? would the mouse just travel from one to the other?
Macmall has a $100 rebate. I am not sure if you can have a BTO option with them on the imac. I know at times they do have some BTO options that I have seen with the Powerbooks. If there were a question you could call them.
The mouse does move from one screen to another, but I don't know when you are using a game. I have never done that. If it were full screen that might not work well, but if it were in a full screen window it might. Does the mouse control the game? That might cause problems too. I don't play games, so I don't know. I am sure a gaming forum could answer that question easily, or even someone at forums.macrumors.com/
The mouse does move from one screen to another, but I don't know when you are using a game. I have never done that. If it were full screen that might not work well, but if it were in a full screen window it might. Does the mouse control the game?
kinda, not really? lol depends how you have your settings. but i mainly play World of Warcraft and Medal of Honor: Allied Assault when i play games, sometimes Counter Strike.:gun2
kinda, not really? lol depends how you have your settings. but i mainly play World of Warcraft and Medal of Honor: Allied Assault when i play games, sometimes Counter Strike.:gun2
A gamer would be able to answer this much better. The closest I can think that would be similar would be watching a movie on one screen in full screen mode, if I click the mouse on the other screen it pulls the movie out of full screen mode and puts it in a window. I can maximize that window and move back and forth between screens, email/surfing on one, movie on the other in a window no problem. I would think you will get a similar result playing a game. Hopefully this helps.
A gamer would be able to answer this much better. The closest I can think that would be similar would be watching a movie on one screen in full screen mode, if I click the mouse on the other screen it pulls the movie out of full screen mode and puts it in a window. I can maximize that window and move back and forth between screens, email/surfing on one, movie on the other in a window no problem. I would think you will get a similar result playing a game. Hopefully this helps.
sweet. thanks man if i ordered a 17" iMac and took it to an apple store would they be able to put in a 256 or no...
The iMac is availlable BTO with the 256mb version of the same card. The XT1600 is a capable card, just don't expect to run WOW at 1680x1050 with everything turned on full blast.
Why not? I do - Only problem I've run into is after 3 hours it seems to drop about every half hour. But if you turn on the VPU recovery program it glitches for like 5 seconds, and then jumps back - as it recovers. But that's after playing for 3 hours, and a restart of the machine fixes it. (MacBook Pro - Windows drivers 17" XT1600, at 1680x1050)
Kind of annoying - but definately managable. First 2-3 hours are problem free... Not that I ever play more than an hour without taking a break anyway right??? right? uh... or not.
Mine: Canon 20D, 50 f1.8 II, 28-105 II, 70-200 f2.8L, T 70-300 Macro, T 2X expander, 12-24 Sigma Hers: Sony SR10, (Soon Canon 5D MKII), 85 f1.8, 28-135 USM, Stroboframe, Manfrotto NeoTec Ours: Pair of 580 EX, Lensbaby, Studio Alien Bees, Son & TWO Daughters
could i use 1 monitor for playing a game with it pulled up and the other for say, chatting with friends at the same time? would the mouse just travel from one to the other?
Been there - (MacBook Pro - not iMac but it's the same) with two moniters. The game doesnt' allow you to jump screens in full screen gameplay mode. In any game, if you can window the game, and still chat (Most modern games) then you can use two monitors. On your gaming monitor, you just leave the game windowed, but taking up most of the screen - and on your secondary monitor you have whatever you want. So you just move the mouse over to what you need to be the active application, and presto chango - it's a true multitasking machine. But it doesn't work in most games if the game is set to full screen - cause there isn't a way to click outside the game. But in full screen mode you can still see the other monitor - just not select it, or switch programs...
I asked my local mac store about customizing the machine - they told me to order a better video card it would take 2 weeks for shipping (Worst case) and 1 week for install (Worst case) but if you know someone... i went to high school with the local guy at my store, and he usually can get me same day turn around on any hardware fixes.
student discount is 10% for most schools. (Roughly) I think they round to the nearest hundred or something...
Mine: Canon 20D, 50 f1.8 II, 28-105 II, 70-200 f2.8L, T 70-300 Macro, T 2X expander, 12-24 Sigma Hers: Sony SR10, (Soon Canon 5D MKII), 85 f1.8, 28-135 USM, Stroboframe, Manfrotto NeoTec Ours: Pair of 580 EX, Lensbaby, Studio Alien Bees, Son & TWO Daughters
<snip>
I asked my local mac store about customizing the machine - they told me to order a better video card it would take 2 weeks for shipping (Worst case) and 1 week for install (Worst case)<snip>
Been there - (MacBook Pro - not iMac but it's the same) with two moniters. The game doesnt' allow you to jump screens in full screen gameplay mode. In any game, if you can window the game, and still chat (Most modern games) then you can use two monitors. On your gaming monitor, you just leave the game windowed, but taking up most of the screen - and on your secondary monitor you have whatever you want. So you just move the mouse over to what you need to be the active application, and presto chango - it's a true multitasking machine. But it doesn't work in most games if the game is set to full screen - cause there isn't a way to click outside the game. But in full screen mode you can still see the other monitor - just not select it, or switch programs...
Comments
Can you expand on this one??? I'm very interested! I've had my powerbook for several years with the original battery and the life of the battery really stinks now. Also, lately, the meter will say I have ~45 min left then all of the sudden, poof! No more!
Does this sound like the same thing?
- Kevin
I'm surprised you're not attending the mac love-in (otherwise known as the dgrin shootout)
David
SmugMug API Developer
My Photos
SmugMug API Developer
My Photos
That sounds remarkably like my four year old battery. I think our battery lifespan is simply over. Batteries like this don't last forever.
The battery PMU (why the heck did I write EPROM??) thing was worse: the battery no longer accepted any charging. It just thought it was dead. So there went my mobility, I had to use my notebook while hooked to a power source. So I googled and found something on Macfixit, which also has a link to an Apple support page on this issue.
You might want to try some tips reported on the Macfixit page though, may be it helps restoring the reliabilty of your battery meter.
Set yourself a budget, and then ask your questions. We need to know how much you want to spend and what you want to do, what's important to you.
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
mine's broken down :cry
gubbs.smugmug.com
Thanks. I think I just need to break down and buy a new battery!
Thanks for the link - great artical on the batteries - great site too. I've bookmarked it.
- Kevin
Will you install boot camp, and windows? Do you intend to use this machine as a WOW box as well as for editing? Can you see yourself editing or even importing anywhere other than your home? Any PC Programs you can't leave behind?
(This isn't a Mac VS PC forum) I would recommend the portability. The Mac Mini is as difficult to upgrade as a laptop. It is a laptop - without a screen. Some people have said the MacBook isn't for editing... Why not? the graphics card is decent, same processor, same amount of RAM... Same hard drive - different case, and different screen, but so what? If your using a seperate moniter anyway, you can use your current 17" as a proof if the 13" on a macbook isn't good enough. The iMac is a good idea, but the portability is a sacrifice. It's about the same hardware as the macbook, but a better screen for about the same price... So Better screen vs portability.... - and two 17" screens vs. a portable 13, and a fixed 17"... I think MacBook - and I'd go core duo, because the core 2 duo is coming, and the core single is phasing out... You can look up the specs of the difference, but I think you need the core duo for editing purposes.
OH!!! and the iMac doesn't have the processer souldered into it - so it's replaceable. you can put the MEROM chip in an iMac, while you'll have to buy a new MacBook to get the MEROM into it... so the iMac is a little more upgradeable. iMac has a replaceable hard drive - up to 500 GB while the MacBooks are limited at 120.
Selling your PC will probably not result in much. I took my Dell XPS Gen 2 Laptop in for some quotes (Pentium M 2.13, 2 GB, 100 GB, nVidia 6800 256 MB, 17" WXVGA, DVD+-RW DL, etc.) and I was only offered 700 bucks. I laughed and laughed... E-Bay some have sold well - but re-selling computers is difficult. (At least I haven't had much luck)
What happened to your Guitar? Or your 17-40L...
Hers: Sony SR10, (Soon Canon 5D MKII), 85 f1.8, 28-135 USM, Stroboframe, Manfrotto NeoTec
Ours: Pair of 580 EX, Lensbaby, Studio Alien Bees, Son & TWO Daughters
thanks for all the advice guys
got both, but this is my next planned purchase...
i'm just doing this so i can help set a goal to reach and then i'll confirm my options once i have the money... i'm a super-saver:D
smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com
i wish... but schools still goin on for me... i don't get out till the 31st
dad promised to take me next year though
smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com
In that case you will want to avoid the Mac Mini and the MacBook. As I've said before the built in graphics adapter cannot handle 3d stuff vrey well. Especially games at any kind of resolution.
How's your current rig work for WOW? Cause it's WAY better than the GMA chip that comes with the Mini and Mac Book.
So, iMac or MacBook Pro would be the way to go. You will defenitely want a real graphics card.
Are you sure you want a Mac?
Just a thought.:):
Gene
is the graphics card in the iMac replaceable/upgradable? i mean its the same mb as my current one but i'd really like to have a 256 if possible...
smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com
YEAH! Good Answer, Good Answer!
- Kevin
nice !!!
SmugMug API Developer
My Photos
All good reasons for going Mac. It's hard to be on a different system then everyone else. So if your school uses Macs then...
As for the graphics card in the iMac, I don't think it's replaceble since it (iMac) basically uses the MacBook Pro motherboard. I believe the chip is soldered on:cry
The iMac is availlable BTO with the 256mb version of the same card. The XT1600 is a capable card, just don't expect to run WOW at 1680x1050 with everything turned on full blast.
The iMac 20" is the one I would get if I could not get the new Intel powered tower. It's the best bang for the buck, and if you're going to be dorming in college then the compact size is nice. Add a TV tuner card (USB) and you have a really nice TV as well.
Good luck with school and all. It's a real breath of fresh air to see someone so young and so well grounded these days:):
Gene
I know the processor is replaceable only in the iMac. and I know that the iMac uses an upgradeable port for the video card, I just don't know if anybody makes a video card that would work as an upgrade for the iMac. If nobody makes one now, the trick would be finding one supported on Mac and PC. That kind of nightmare isn't one that I would wish on an enemy. If you are interested in that, I'd say the soonest it would be possible is when leapord comes out, and you get a broader support base for windows and Mac. - then check the blog world, and somebody will have done it.
Hers: Sony SR10, (Soon Canon 5D MKII), 85 f1.8, 28-135 USM, Stroboframe, Manfrotto NeoTec
Ours: Pair of 580 EX, Lensbaby, Studio Alien Bees, Son & TWO Daughters
as for dual monitors, how does it work exactly?
how much extra is it for the 256 version?
i think i'd rather have 2 17" than sacrifice the extra cash for the 20....
smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com
Apple's store is very easy to see the options for the different models.
It looks like the upgrade is only $75, but only available on the 20".
The dual monitor's is easy to set up on a mac, just plug it in and use the control panel to adjust the settings. The menu bar will be on one monitor and the other will have what you put on it, photoshop palettes for example.
Mini-DVI output port with support for DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite video connections via adapter.
blast.
could i use 1 monitor for playing a game with it pulled up and the other for say, chatting with friends at the same time? would the mouse just travel from one to the other?
smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com
Macmall has a $100 rebate. I am not sure if you can have a BTO option with them on the imac. I know at times they do have some BTO options that I have seen with the Powerbooks. If there were a question you could call them.
The mouse does move from one screen to another, but I don't know when you are using a game. I have never done that. If it were full screen that might not work well, but if it were in a full screen window it might. Does the mouse control the game? That might cause problems too. I don't play games, so I don't know. I am sure a gaming forum could answer that question easily, or even someone at forums.macrumors.com/
kinda, not really?
smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com
A gamer would be able to answer this much better. The closest I can think that would be similar would be watching a movie on one screen in full screen mode, if I click the mouse on the other screen it pulls the movie out of full screen mode and puts it in a window. I can maximize that window and move back and forth between screens, email/surfing on one, movie on the other in a window no problem. I would think you will get a similar result playing a game. Hopefully this helps.
sweet. thanks man
P.S.- doesn't apple have a student discount?
smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com
Why not? I do - Only problem I've run into is after 3 hours it seems to drop about every half hour. But if you turn on the VPU recovery program it glitches for like 5 seconds, and then jumps back - as it recovers. But that's after playing for 3 hours, and a restart of the machine fixes it. (MacBook Pro - Windows drivers 17" XT1600, at 1680x1050)
Kind of annoying - but definately managable. First 2-3 hours are problem free... Not that I ever play more than an hour without taking a break anyway right??? right? uh... or not.
Hers: Sony SR10, (Soon Canon 5D MKII), 85 f1.8, 28-135 USM, Stroboframe, Manfrotto NeoTec
Ours: Pair of 580 EX, Lensbaby, Studio Alien Bees, Son & TWO Daughters
I asked my local mac store about customizing the machine - they told me to order a better video card it would take 2 weeks for shipping (Worst case) and 1 week for install (Worst case) but if you know someone... i went to high school with the local guy at my store, and he usually can get me same day turn around on any hardware fixes.
student discount is 10% for most schools. (Roughly) I think they round to the nearest hundred or something...
Hers: Sony SR10, (Soon Canon 5D MKII), 85 f1.8, 28-135 USM, Stroboframe, Manfrotto NeoTec
Ours: Pair of 580 EX, Lensbaby, Studio Alien Bees, Son & TWO Daughters
You are right they do and you can check the discount here.
shweet, that'd make a 17" iMac 1,199:D
smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com
did he say how much that'd cost?<img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/ne_nau.gif" border="0" alt="" >
smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com
thanks man
smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com